You brought home a rescue dog with hope and love—and now the food bowl sits untouched. You worry, you coax, you try every brand on the shelf, but nothing seems to work. This book is written for exactly that moment. Drawing on reward-based, force-free principles, it walks you through the real reasons a rescue dog may refuse food: anxiety, unfamiliarity, past trauma, or a medical issue that needs attention first. You will learn how to create a calm feeding routine, choose the right textures and toppers, use hand feeding to build trust, and introduce enrichment that makes mealtime feel safe again. There are no quick fixes or empty promises—only honest, step-by-step guidance that respects your dog’s history and your own exhaustion. Whether your dog is newly adopted or has been home for weeks, this book will help you move from worry to understanding, and from frustration to small, meaningful victories. Part of The Dog Owner's Library.
About the author
Elspeth Dunkeld Hepburn writes for The Dog Owner's Library.
