If your dog came out of the holidays suddenly picky, side eying the bowl, and holding out for the "good stuff", you are not alone.
January is one of the most common times pet parents notice appetite changes, especially if their dog was on the picky side before the holidays.
Here's where most advice misses the mark:
It's not about removing toppers entirely or endlessly adding things to the bowl.
It is about feeding your dog food that they genuinely want to eat and the right way to get there.
What the Holidays Actually Changed for Picky Dogs
The holidays disrupt what dogs rely on and this is what changes:
- Regular feeding times
- Walks and activity
- New people, noises, and overstimulation
- Strong food smells from holiday cooking
- "Add-ins" and table scraps to encourage eating
For picky dogs, this combination doesn't just affect appetite, it changes expectations.
Dogs are smart, they learn patterns quickly. If meals became richer, smell better or are topped with table scraps during the holidays, your dog is going to learn to wait for upgrades.
That doesn't mean your dog is stubborn, they are just smart enough to know what is coming.
Why Extreme Advice Usually Makes Picky Eating Worse
After the holidays, pet parents often hear one of two extremes:
- "Stop all toppers because they are spoiled."
- "Just keep adding things until they eat."
Neither actually fixes the real issue.
Removing everything can make meals less appealing. Adding random extras can train dogs to hold out even longer.
The goal isn't to force eating. It is to improve the quality of the bowl so they want to eat.
The Most Important Question to Ask Right Now
Instead of asking:
"Should I use a topper?"
Ask:
"Does my dog actually enjoy what's in their bowl?"
If your dog:
- Only eats when something extra is added
- Eats inconsistently
- Walks away and checks back later
- Has never been excited about meals
The issue isn't behavior.
It may be that the food itself isn't meeting their needs for smell, texture, or digestibility.
When a Boost is Enough vs When the Food Itself is the Issue
Not all picky dogs need the same solution.
Some dogs just need a boost
These dogs mostly like their food but need:
- Their food to smell better
- More interest during routine disruptions
- A consistent enhancement, not daily changes
Some dogs need a better base.
These dogs:
- Never loved their food
- Have always needed extra convincing
- Eat only when "extras" are involved
For them, continuing to dress up food they don't enjoy won't solve the problem.
What to Look for in Food That Helps Picky Dogs Reset
Whether you are topping, transitioning, or switching entirely the food should do more than just smell good.
A functional option should:
- Be highly palatable without relying on salt or artificial flavoring
- Provide real nutrition, not empty calories
- Support digestion especially after all the "extras"
- Be safe for daily use, not occasional bribing
This is where many quick fixes fall short.
Where NAAVI Fits (No Matter How You Feed)
NAAVI was designed for picky dogs and busy pet parents who want flexibility, not food rules.
It can be used:
- As a topper to improved meals your dog mostly enjoys
- As a transition food while improving the overall bowl
- As a complete meal for dogs who finally want to eat what's in front of them
Because NAAV is:
- Highly Palatable
- Nutrient dense
- Made with probiotics and prebiotic fiber to support digestion.
NAAVI improves the meal itself, not just a quick fix in the moment.
The goal isn't to convince your dog to eat.
It is to give them good they want to come back to.
How to Reset Picky Eating After the Holidays
A successful reset focuses on quality and consistency, not pressure.
- Re-establish feeding routines
- Stop rotating flavor only add ins
- Improve the food experience itself
- Give your dog time to adjust expectations
Some dogs bounce back quickly.
Others need a short reset period.
Both are normal. If it takes longer than a week or two, their behavior is off, or they are lethargic this may be a vet issue not a food issue and you should go get your pup checked out. There may be nothing wrong, and they have a strong hold out game, but it is better to know for sure than to guess.
The Takeaway
This isn't about topping versus not topping.
It's about:
- Feeding food your dog actually enjoys
- Choosing function over quick fixes
- Improving the bowl instead of guessing
Whether NAAVI ends up on top of the bowl or becomes the bowl, the goal is the same:
A dog that is excited to eat again, even after the holidays.
Ready to Improve the Bowl?
If the holidays left your dog unsure about meals, it may be time to stop guessing and start feeding food they actually want to eat.
Whether you are topping or switching completely NAAVI is designed to support picky dogs with real nutrition, probiotics to support digestion, and a taste that dogs love.
Explore NAAVI and find the right fit for your dog
FAQ
Why is my dog suddenly picky after the holidays?
The holidays often disrupt routines. Feeding times change, activity levels drop, and dogs are exposed to richer smells and extra add ins. For picky dogs, this can change expectations around meals and make regular food less appealing.
Should I stop using toppers is my dog is picky?
Not necessarily. The goal is not to remove toppers entirely. The goal is to improve the overall quality of the bowl. Some dogs benefit from a functional topper, while other dogs my need a better base food or a mix between the two.
How do I know if my dog actually dislikes their food?
If your dog only eats when something extra is added, eats inconsistently, or has never been excited about meals, the food itself may be part of the problem. If that's what it is, you are better off changing the food than relying on add ins.
Is it ok to switch dog food after the holidays?
Yes, if the food your dog is eating is not working for them. Switching needs to be intentional, not reactive. If your dog has truly never loved their food, choosing a better tasting and more nutritious option may fix their appetite long term.
How long does it take to reset picky eating?
Some dogs adjust within a few days, others may take a couple of weeks. You have to be consistent. Focus on routine, food quality, and patience than frequent changes. If you are concerned or they have any other symptoms it is time to talk to the vet.