Is your dog not eating his food but acting normally? If so, you might wonder, “What should I do if my dog won’t eat his food?”
This is especially concerning if their level of food consumption has dropped over a couple of days (especially if they are eating nothing, not even treats).
You may also wonder if your dog is sneaking into people food (which brings with it several potential issues).
In this post, we’ll list some reasons your dog might not be eating, even if he’s still drinking water. Then, we’ll discuss ways to work through this issue (and potentially prevent it from happening again).
Keep in mind that while we’ll refer to a dog in this post as “him,” these insights also apply to female dogs.
Top reasons your dog isn’t eating his food
There are two common reasons why your dog won’t eat his food.
Behavioral reasons: these can include separation anxiety, stress from guests or new pets, fears (like an aversion to thunderstorms), stress, or recent changes in their environment. As a pet parent, you are most likely able to tell whether this is the case most of the time or if there’s something more at play.
Medical reasons: these can include dental issues, a variety of injuries, diseases (like cancer, pancreatitis, or kidney disease), other illnesses, or difficulty adjusting to medication. An underlying condition can be harder to detect but straightforward to treat with the help of a veterinarian.
How to Get Your Dog Eating Again
The first key is knowing that your dog’s life can be more complicated than expected. Dogs can be affected by a myriad of issues, just like humans. Knowing this will improve your ability to recognize the root cause of their difficulty eating.
Determining whether it’s a physical, psychological, or medical reason can help you know what to do next.
Let’s go over a few recommended tips for those next steps.
Introduce variety in food
Like humans, dogs can become tired of eating the same thing daily.
To address this, try introducing some variety into your dog’s diet. Does your dog prefer wet food, dry food, or a mix? Do they return for seconds or shy away from a particular texture or flavor?
Consider rotating between different flavors of dog food, or even try adding some healthy and safe human food options as occasional treats or mix-ins.
Just be mindful that any changes in your dog’s diet should be done gradually to avoid upsetting his stomach. You may also want to consult a veterinarian if he has any underlying health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Create a calm eating environment
Creating a calm eating environment can make a big difference in your dog’s appetite if he’s sensitive to his surroundings.
If you notice he’s feeling anxious or distracted during mealtime, try the following.
- Find a quiet spot: Choose a location in your home where your dog can eat undisturbed. Avoid high-traffic areas or places with loud noises that distract him from his meal.
- Eliminate stressors: Identify any potential stressors affecting your dog’s appetite. This can include loud noises, other pets, or even certain household routines. If possible, try to minimize or reduce these stressors during mealtime.
- Stick to a routine: Dogs thrive on routine, so establishing a consistent feeding schedule can help them feel secure and more inclined to eat. Try to feed your dog at the same times each day and create a structured routine around mealtime.
- Stay calm and positive: Dogs can pick up on their owner’s emotions, so it’s important to remain calm and positive during mealtime. Show enthusiasm and encouragement while feeding your dog, and avoid appearing anxious or worried if he isn’t eating. This positive energy can create a more enjoyable
Make meals more appealing
You might need to try a few ways of feeding to build positive experiences for mealtimes again:
- Make it interesting: Adding a small amount of a tasty dog food topper can add flavor and excitement to your dog’s meal. Consider using wet food, bone broth, a sprinkle of grated cheese, or a dollop of plain yogurt. Try puzzle feeders or interactive toys to engage your dog’s mind and make mealtime more stimulating. Try feeding your dog in a different location.
- Hand-feeding: Some dogs may feel more comfortable having their meals hand-fed. This can provide a sense of security and create a positive association with their food. Offer small portions of food from your hand and gradually transition back to the bowl when your dog’s appetite improves.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals: If your dog seems overwhelmed by a large portion of food, try breaking it into smaller, more manageable portions. Feeding your dog multiple times a day can also help stimulate their appetite and prevent them from becoming too full or disinterested in their meals. Just be sure to adjust the overall amount of food to avoid overfeeding.
Cut back on treats
While tasty treats can be a great way to reward your dog, excessive treat consumption can decrease appetite for regular meals. If your dog is not eating his food (even a normal meal for him), cut back on the number of treats given throughout the day, use treats as meal toppers, stick to a treat schedule, introduce healthier treat options, and/or make him work for his treats by using puzzle feeders.
Focus on the food bowl
It may seem like a small detail, but inspecting your dog’s food bowl or changing it out can significantly impact your dog’s eating habits. Focus on the following elements.
- Cleanliness: Sometimes, strong odors or the presence of old food can deter dogs from eating. Likewise, old dog food can attract ants. Wash the bowl thoroughly with hot, soapy water and rinse it well before each meal. Consider using stainless steel bowls, which are easier to clean and less likely to harbor bacteria.
- Size and shape: If the bowl is too deep or narrow, it may be difficult for your dog to access the food comfortably. Consider using a shallow and wide bowl that allows your dog’s snout to easily reach the food. Additionally, some dogs may prefer bowls with sloped or elevated designs, as they can help reduce strain on their neck and spine while eating.
- Material: The material of the food bowl can also play a role in your dog’s eating habits. Some dogs may have an aversion to certain materials, such as plastic or ceramic. If you suspect this might be the case for your dog, try experimenting with different bowl materials to see if it makes a difference. Stainless steel bowls are popular as they are durable, easy to clean, and less likely to cause allergic reactions. Alternatively, you can also try using glass or silicone bowls to see if your dog prefers those.
Consult with a veterinarian
If you’ve tried all the previous suggestions and your dog still isn’t eating his food, it may be time to consult with a veterinarian. There could be underlying health issues that are affecting your dog’s appetite. This is particularly important because these are more difficult to observe daily.
Final thoughts
Loss of appetite in dogs is no laughing matter. Whether your dog is a picky eater or experiencing something more concerning, like a medical condition, it’s important to evaluate potential reasons and take appropriate steps to address the issue.
By considering factors such as food quality, feeding routine, treats, and the food bowl, you can help create a more appealing and enjoyable dining experience for your pup. Even the most fussy eaters can be appeased with some of these tips.
However, if your efforts as a pet parent prove unsuccessful and your dog’s lack of appetite persists (especially if your dog goes days without food), it’s best to seek guidance from a veterinarian to rule out any serious underlying issues.
Remember, every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s important to observe and understand your dog’s individual needs and preferences when it comes to mealtime. You can help your furry friend maintain a healthy and balanced diet with patience and persistence.