A leading animal behaviourist has shed light on why some dog breeds are fussier than others when it comes to food, revealing the rankings of the most picky eaters. The findings come from a poll conducted by dog food brand Forthglade, which analyzed breed-specific tendencies and online discussions.
Poodles Named the Fussiest Dog Breed
Poodles have topped the list as the fussiest dog breed, achieving a perfect score of 10 out of 10. The breed accumulated 82 mentions across relevant Reddit threads, with 20 being explicit references to picky eating habits. This secured their position at the summit, representing 6% of responses in Forthglade's poll. For those familiar with the breed, this high ranking might not be surprising, as Poodles are renowned for being intelligent and energetic dogs that typically show less enthusiasm for food.
Yorkshire Terriers Take Second Place
In second place, Yorkshire Terriers scored 9.1 out of 10. This tiny breed clearly has strong opinions on food, featuring in 12 direct references to fussy eating habits out of 29 overall mentions. Yorkies actually possess a diminished sense of smell compared to the average dog, meaning food may fail to tempt them unless there is a particularly powerful or distinctive aroma to capture their attention.
Chihuahuas Claim Third Spot
Claiming third spot with a score of 7.6, Chihuahuas received 77 mentions and have built a reputation amongst owners for being exceptionally choosy about texture and flavour. As a breed, they are particularly discerning when it comes to texture and taste, and they typically flourish on diversity. When mealtimes become monotonous or uninspiring, their unwillingness to eat is often their method of expressing dissatisfaction.
Cavapoo and Other Breeds in Top Five
Cavapoos narrowly missed the top three, achieving a score of 7.2. As the first Poodle crossbreed to appear in the top 10, their position strongly suggests their fussiness may be an inherited characteristic. While Cavapoos represented just 3% of responses in Forthglade's poll, Reddit users evidently found them considerably more challenging to feed. Labradors and Bichon Frises complete the top five, sharing identical scores of 7 out of 10. Labradors' elevated ranking might catch some owners off-guard, particularly given the breed's well-documented appetite, but with substantial total mentions and 17 comments specifically highlighting fussy eating habits, the evidence paints a different picture. Labradors also represented 6% of responses in Forthglade's customer poll. For Bichon Frise owners, this ranking is likely far less surprising. Bichon Frises thrive on variety in their diet and are particularly scent-driven, meaning lower-aroma meals may simply lack sufficient appeal.
Bernedoodles and Cockapoos in Top 10
Bernedoodles and Cockapoos also secured places in the top 10. Maintaining the emerging trend of Poodle crosses displaying fussy characteristics, Bernedoodles are recognised for becoming quickly bored with routines, suggesting their selectiveness may stem less from the food quality itself and more from a craving for variation. Cockapoos, however, are a decidedly different story, racking up 19 mentions across related Reddit threads and claiming a 21% share of all responses in Forthglade's poll, firmly establishing them as one of the most notorious fussy eaters uncovered in the research.
Expert Insights on Picky Eating
Caroline Wilkinson, in-house expert and animal behaviourist at Forthglade, shared: "Picky eating is an issue that owners can feel frustrated by, but it is far more common than people realise, and it is rarely about stubbornness. Dogs rarely choose not to eat to be difficult. Rather than viewing their behaviours as stubborn or fussy, it can be more helpful to ask what they are communicating. In most cases, there is an underlying reason why your dog might appear reluctant around food, whether it is a breed trait, sensitivity to a certain texture or aroma, or something as simple as the location of their food bowl. Working out the underlying issue and making some considered changes to overcome it is usually the first step towards making mealtimes easier."
Every dog has a different temperament, and sometimes behavioural tendencies depend on a dog's breed and genetics. Understanding these nuances can help owners better address their pet's needs and ensure a happy, healthy relationship with food.
