Fussy Dog? Why Texture Might Be the Problem (and the Fix)

Why dogs can be texture-sensitive

We tend to think of dogs as garbage disposals who’ll eat anything, but many have strong preferences — and texture is often the culprit. Just like people who don’t like mushy peas or overly chewy steak, some dogs dislike certain sensations in their mouths. For example:

• Puppies may need somethinh hard to sooth whilst teething.

• Seniors might avoid hard treats due to worn teeth or sensitive gums.

• Some breeds are naturally delicate eaters who refuse bulky or hairy chews.

Understanding that fussiness can be about feel, not flavour, helps you choose treats that work for your dog.

Soft vs crunchy vs chewy vs furry

Different textures serve different purposes:

• Soft treats – Easy to chew, great for training or older dogs.

• Crunchy treats – Satisfying for most dogs and help with mild plaque removal.

• Chewy treats – Longer-lasting, perfect for mental stimulation and jaw exercise.

• Fur-on treats – Add “flossing” action and fibre, excellent for digestion and dental care.

Instead of assuming your dog doesn’t like a protein, consider whether they simply don’t like how it feels in their mouth.

Matching textures to chewing style or age

Every dog has their own chewing personality. Some are enthusiastic crunchers, others are gentle nibblers, and a few are full-on shredders. Matching treat texture to chewing style makes all the difference:

• Gentle nibblers – Try rabbit ears, lamb lung or rabbit jerky

• Power chewers – Deer antlers, goat horns, or achilles tendons work best.

• Puppies – Teething puppies need long lasting chews - cow hooves are ideal.

• Seniors – Stick to softer ears or crispy jerky to avoid tooth strain.

The key is balance — offering variety keeps chewing interesting while catering to your dog’s comfort.

How to trial new textures without waste

No one wants to buy a bulk bag of chews only for their dog to sniff and walk away. Here are some tips to experiment smartly:

• Start small. Buy small packs to check that your pup loves it.

• Mix and match. Try a variety pack to see what sticks.

• Watch the chew. Take note of how long they spend on it — do they crunch eagerly, carry it around, or abandon it?

• Re-try later. Preferences can change with age, so what’s a “no” today might be a “yes” down the track.

Bonza’s textural variety (and best bets for picky eaters)

We’ve built our range to suit every chewing style, so even the fussiest dog can find their match:

• For soft snackers: Lamb lung.

• For crunch lovers: Flathead fishy fingers, crocodile jerky.

• For chewy dogs: Beef trachea, beef achilles tendons tendons, wallaby tail skin.

• For adventurous eaters: Venison ears with fur, wallaby skin or crocodile feet.

With the widest range of novel proteins in Australia, we make it easy to find something both tasty and texturally right for your dog, even if they are sensitive souls.

The takeaway

If your dog seems fussy, don’t assume they’re picky about flavour. More often than not, it’s the texture that makes or breaks the treat experience. By exploring different chew styles — soft, crunchy, chewy, or furry — you’ll not only keep your dog happy but also support their dental health, digestion, and enrichment.