I know this goes against the grain of lots of parents, but have you tried offering him a plate of various bits and pieces in a place that's not at the table? Maybe on his own little table, or on a picnic blanket outside for example? Might be 'funner' (), less threatening.

I used to be so desperate for DS to eat I'd leave random plates of food everywhere in the hope he'd try them. Obviously you can't do that with pets around, but just offering some empathy.