Why your dog won't eat: how to get a dog to eat

Updated 18/06/2024

It can be incredibly worrying for pet parents if their normally food-loving fur-ball is turning down their meals. 

A dog’s lack of appetite can be the side-effect of many causes from being unsettled in a new environment to more serious issues. It’s important to give your dog the care they need to get their appetite in full swing and solve any root causes of why your dog won't eat.

So if your pup’s tail isn’t wagging as high at meal time, fear not: we're diving nose-first into the topic of "why won't my dog eat”. Let's sniff out the root causes for your furry friend’s lack of appetite and fetch some solutions to turn those mealtime woes into a barking success!

6 tell-tail signs that indicate a loss of appetite in dogs

Noticed your fluffball is not finishing their meals or losing weight? It's important to recognize signs that indicate your dog might not be eating enough, as this can be an early warning of health issues and will help you address your pup’s needs as quickly as possible.

Refusal to eat

One of the most obvious signs of a loss of appetite is if your dog refuses to eat. If your pooch, who normally devours their meals with enthusiasm, suddenly becomes disinterested in their food, it's a clear red flag. This change can be gradual or sudden, but either way, it's important to pay attention to this shift in behavior.

Reduced eating

Some dogs might start picking at their food, eating only certain parts of their meal, or leaving their bowl mostly untouched. This selective eating can be just as concerning as a complete refusal to eat.

Weight loss

Weight loss is a common side effect of a decrease in eating, and it can happen quite rapidly so keep an eye on your dog's physique. 

Note that if your four-legged friend is losing weight but eating a similar amount as before, this may not be an appetite issue but another health condition. Vomiting or diarrhea can cause weight loss and may be symptoms of anything from allergies to more serious conditions such as cancer or kidney disease.

Decrease in energy levels 

If your precious pup is not eating enough, they might seem a bit sluggish or not as interested in their favorite games. They may be more reluctant to go for walks or sleep for longer periods. This could be due to a lack of the calorie or nutrition intake that usually makes them a bundle of energy.

Changes in behavior 

If your normally social canine suddenly becomes withdrawn or shows signs of irritability, this could be linked to a lack of nutrition. Similarly, if they're usually quite independent but become clingy or needy, this could signal that something's wrong.

Additional symptoms

Lastly, pay attention to other symptoms that might accompany a loss of appetite. These can include vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in drinking habits. If your pooch shows any of these symptoms, alongside not eating, it's important to mention these to your vet as soon as possible.

Remember, a loss of appetite in dogs can be caused by a variety of factors and it's always best to err on the side of caution and get your furry friend checked out by a professional if you notice any of these signs. Early detection and intervention can make a big difference in your dog's health and well-being.

Sniffing out answers: common medical reasons for a dog's loss of appetite

Does your dog feel unwell? No matter the severity, a range of illnesses can make your poor pooch experience a loss in appetite.

Here are some common medical reasons that could be causing your buddy’s lack of food intake:

Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., parvovirus, inflammatory bowel disease)

Dogs can experience various gastrointestinal problems that affect their appetite. Conditions like parvovirus, a highly contagious viral illness, can cause severe symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and a significant loss of appetite. 

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is another condition that leads to chronic irritation and inflammation of the intestinal tract, often resulting in a decreased appetite. Other gastrointestinal issues such as gastritis, intestinal worms, or obstructions can also lead to reduced eating.

Dental problems

Ever tried eating with a sore tooth? Ouch! No wonder dental problems may cause your pup to go off their food. Issues like periodontal disease or fractured teeth can make eating painful, leading to reduced eating.

Systemic illnesses

Various systemic illnesses can cause a decreased appetite in dogs. Kidney failure, for instance, often leads to a build-up of waste which can cause nausea and a lack of interest in food. 

Liver disease can also affect appetite, as the liver plays a crucial role in digestion and detoxification. 

Pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, often results in pain, vomiting, and reduced appetite.

Presence of tumors or cancer

Cancer and tumors can significantly impact a dog's eating habits. Depending on the location and type of tumor, it can physically obstruct the digestive tract or alter the body's metabolism, leading to a decreased appetite. Nausea and other effects cancer has on the body can result in a loss of appetite.

A loss of appetite in dogs can be a side effect of several medical issues that extend further than what is covered above. As with any pet medical concerns, always consult your veterinarian right away and never diagnose a dog at home.

Environmental and lifestyle changes affecting your pooch's eating habits

Environmental and lifestyle changes can significantly affect your furball’s eating habits. Understanding how these factors play a role in your pooch's appetite can help you identify and address any issues that might arise. We’ve created a list of possible changes that can affect your dog’s eating behavior:

The impact of stress and anxiety

Pups, like their fellow humans, can experience stress and anxiety, which can lead to a loss of appetite. This could be because of: 

• Changes in their daily routine
• Separation from their owners
• Sensing stress in their human family members 
• Loud noises
• Unfamiliar environments
• The presence of strangers or other animals

If you’re wondering “how to get a stressed dog to eat”, start by checking if anything has changed and try to solve any issues that might be making your canine feel unsettled. If change is necessary, try to introduce it as gradually as possible.

The role of environmental changes

Changes in your four-legged friend’s environment or routine can disrupt their sense of security and lead to altered eating habits. This includes: 

• Moving to a new home
• Renovations
• Changes in the household dynamic, such as the arrival of a new pet or baby 
• Alterations to daily routine
• Traveling
• Changes in their pet parent’s work schedule

Consistency is key for many tail-waggers and these changes can make a dog feel unsettled or insecure, impacting their desire to eat.

Dietary changes and their effects

Sudden changes in a pup’s diet can lead to a decreased appetite. For example, dogs can be sensitive to changes in the type or brand of food they eat. Gradually introducing new food over several days or weeks can help prevent gastrointestinal upset and make them more accepting of the change.

How fear and phobias can lead to appetite loss

Specific fears or phobias can trigger a stress response in dogs, leading to a loss of appetite. For instance, if your four-legged friend has a phobia of loud noises they may refuse to eat during thunderstorms or fireworks. Addressing the root cause of the fear or phobia, possibly with the help of a veterinarian or animal behaviorist, can help reduce this issue.

The impact of aging on eating patterns in senior dogs

As our furry friends grow older, their eating patterns may transform. Senior dogs often have a reduced appetite due to decreased activity levels, changes in their sense of smell and taste, or age-related health issues. It’s important to keep an eye on these changes and alter their diet accordingly to make sure they get the right nutrients.

In all these cases, patience and understanding are key. If your snuggle-buddy is experiencing a significant or prolonged change in appetite, consulting with a vet can help rule out any underlying medical issues and provide help on how to best support your pup’s health and well-being during moments of change or stress.

Getting a dog to eat: home remedies and tips to encourage eating

Encouraging a pooch to eat can sometimes be a challenge, especially with picky eaters or during times of stress or illness. If your dog’s lack of eating is not caused by any serious underlying conditions (and you’ve had this confirmed by your vet), there are many ways to get a dog to eat including foods to stimulate your dog's appetite or ways to calm an anxious pup. 

Here are some home remedies and tips to get your furry friend back to their usually food-enthusiastic self, depending on their potential issue:

How to get a fussy dog to eat: safe appetite stimulation techniques

It seems like most dogs will eat anything they set their eyes on, but if your pooch is a picky eater or has gone off their usual meals and you are wondering “how to get a fussy dog to eat”, we recommend:

• Warming the food: Warming your dog’s food can enhance its aroma and make it more appealing. Make sure it's just warm, not hot, to avoid burning your pup’s mouth.
• Adding broth: Mixing a small amount of chicken broth into their food can make it more flavorful and enticing. Ensure the broth does not have extra salt or ingredients such as garlic or onions added.
• Changing up the food: Dogs enjoy a range of food too, just like their pet parents. Changing up your cutie's meals could encourage them to eat and not get bored of their meals. This could include trying out different textures such as wet food or dry kibble.
• Reduce treat intake: Giving your pup too many treats may make them lose interest in their regular, more nutritionally balanced meals. 
• Add tasty toppings: Sprinkle some low-sodium broth, a small amount of grated cheese, or a spoonful of wet food for dogs on top of your dog's regular kibble.
• Interactive feeders: Interactive feeders are a great way to slow down feeding (and therefore aid digestion), reduce mealtime boredom, and stimulate their natural foraging instincts. 
• Change bowl: Changing your dog’s bowl can make mealtime more interesting, but also could help dogs eat due to physiological issues such as dogs with short snouts. 

Comforting an anxious pup

Fearing your pup may not be eating due to anxiety or stress? Here’s a few tips on how to soothe an anxious dog when it comes to feeding:

• Hand-feeding your dog: Sometimes, the personal touch of hand-feeding your dog can encourage a dog to eat, especially if they're feeling insecure or unwell.
• Create a quiet, calm environment: Choose a quiet and calm place for your dog to eat and minimize noise and distractions during mealtime to create a relaxed atmosphere. 
• Lots of kindness and patience: Change can make a dog feel anxious, however some changes are unavoidable. Be kind to your pup and try to see to their needs, while also accepting that things get difficult for dogs too like humans and they may soon go back to their normal bouncy selves. 

Addressing allergies and intolerances

If your snuffle-pup has developed an allergy, it’s likely that they’ll go off the food that contains these ingredients. If you’re worried your dog has an allergy, we recommend you take them to the vet where they’ll run tests. They may recommend cutting out certain foods or using specialist dog’s foods for example if they have a sensitive stomach or have certain allergies and require hypoallergenic dog food.

If you're switching up your pup’s food, introduce new food gradually to avoid gastrointestinal upset. We also recommend mixing the new food with the old and slowly increasing the proportion over several days.

A dehydrated doggo: the importance of clean and accessible water

Make sure your furbaby has constant access to clean, fresh water. Sometimes, appetite issues can be linked to dehydration due to lack of water or dirty water bowls. Water is extremely important as it aids digestion, helps them regulate their temperature, boosts their metabolism, and aids kidney function.

If your dog won’t eat but drinks water it could mean that your dog is struggling to eat or digest food. This could be caused by digestive issues, dental problems, foreign objects, illness, or infection. It could also be a sign that they’re too hot or are experiencing stress or anxiety. Increased thirst combined with decreased appetite may also be a symptom of an underlying issue. A trip to the vet will allow your precious pup to be checked over to make sure any health problems, big or small, can be addressed.

Preventative measures and long-term care for our furry friends

Taking measures to make sure your pup always has a healthy appetite and preventing any appetite issues is always the best option. 

Regular health check-ups

Regular health check-ups for your furry companion help to nip in the bud any potential hiccups that might affect your dog's appetite. Make sure you ask your vet if you are worried in any way about your pet’s health. They’re there to address your worries, provide reassurance, and offer the best possible care for your canine companion. 

Importance of a balanced diet and exercise

A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential components to maintaining a dog's overall health, and they play a crucial role in influencing a dog's appetite. Always consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your dog's diet and exercise routine are appropriate for their individual needs. 

Monitoring and adapting to your dog’s changing needs

As dogs age or their lifestyle changes, their dietary needs can shift. Keep a close watch on their eating habits and adjust as necessary.

When to consult a vet about your dog's eating habits

We always encourage you to seek the advice of a vet if you are in any way worried about your pet. But it’s especially important to take your pup to the vet about their eating habits as a matter of urgency if:

• They haven’t eaten anything in the last 24 hours
• They haven’t eaten anything in the last 12 hours and are sick, have diarrhea, are coughing, vomiting, or are constipated
• You’ve noticed they’ve lost weight
• They’re not drinking water
• They have noticeably reduced energy levels
• They have sore teeth or gums e.g. bleeding or red gums, a sore mouth, or are dribbling a lot

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Remember, most of the tips in this article are for pooches with minor eating issues. If your dog's appetite loss is severe, prolonged, or accompanied by other symptoms, it's important to consult a veterinarian immediately. Their professional advice is crucial in determining whether there’s an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.