18 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Not Eating

A dog not eating food can be concerning when it is out of the ordinary. They can lose appetite due to reasons ranging from mild to serious. 

They may sometimes be bored with their food not feeling well and refuse to eat. Other times, it could be due to stress, change in environment, or other illnesses. 

Symptoms of Poor Appetite

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it is better to scroll down and learn its causes and solutions:

• Consuming less food than usual

• Refusing to eat treats

• A lack of enthusiasm for food

• Loss of weight

• Weakness / Lethargy

• Vomiting

Dental problems in dogs can be one of the main reasons why they may not want to eat. Sometimes things can happen below their gumline that can't be seen like tooth rot abscess. 

Your canine friend may not feel like eating if something is hurting their mouth. It is best to check your dog's mouth for anything stuck in their teeth or gums.

Another reason for decreased appetite in dogs is sickness. Loss of appetite in dogs does not indicate a serious issue. However, it is important to give proper attention as it can be a sign of various illnesses.

Bacterial infections and kidney problems can result in your dog refusing to eat. It is important to consult a vet if it is accompanied by temperature or vomiting to rule out the possibility of serious illness hampering your appetite.

Changes in the environment or routine can upset your dog sometimes and put them off their food-eating habits for a while. 

They will return to their normal eating habits when the initial anxiety surpasses. Dogs also do not eat while traveling in unfamiliar surroundings.

Just as human appetite suffers after any traumatic event, dogs also respond to changes in their living by not eating in proper quantity. Anticipating major changes to your dog's life and minimizing it can help them keep up to their normal routine.

Overfeeding can hurt the digestive system of a cat which causes bloating, gas, and discomfort. This may make your dog hesitant to eat again.

When a dog consistently consumes more calories than they need, it leads to a feeling of fullness for longer periods which suppresses their appetite for the next meal.

Stomach problems in dogs will also cause a reduced appetite. Infections from worms can also lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and gut pain, which may make your dog avoid food.

This problem can also be triggered by allergies or sensitivity to certain food ingredients.

A dog suffering from various pain or illness can have a disinterest in food. It may cause an infection or dental issue which can make eating food challenging for dogs.

Pain can also result from stomach issues caused by a virus or eating too many table scraps.

Sometimes a dog's refusal to eat is behavioral and related to their circumstances or surroundings. For example, feeding your dog around other dogs or in the same area as a food-aggressive dog may cause your dog anxiety and changes in behaviors. 

Some examples of behaviors that cause decreased appetite include stress, fear, anxiety, phobias, and cognitive decline in senior dogs.

Some dogs develop issues regarding the type or height of their food dishes. Some dogs prefer plastic bowls, while others prefer glass or metal bowls. 

It is important to tailor your dog's food dishes to their needs. An older dog with arthritis may be most comfortable eating from bowls on a raised platform. 

It is equally important to clean your dog's food bowls as any leftover food won't lend itself to an appetizing situation for your furry friend.

Healthy senior dogs have lower calorie requirements than the younger ones and require less appetite. Puppies up to 1 year old grow rapidly and require energy so they eat more frequently than adult dogs. 

Adult dogs reach their full size and their energy will decrease with their appetite. Feeding these adult dogs with appropriate portion sizes is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. 

The sense of smell and taste also diminishes with age which can make their food less appealing leading to a decreased appetite.

Some dogs will not touch their food while you are out but will start eating as soon as you walk back near to them in the door. Dogs are pack animals by nature and feel more comfortable eating when their human companions are home. 

The change in their routine due to your absence can disrupt their eating habits. They may also become bored when left alone for a long time and might lose interest in food.

Dogs are creatures of habit whose digestive tract is not designed for frequent changes. Changes to their food can lead to stress, diarrhea, or other complaints. 

Your dog may end up refusing certain varieties of food if you regularly change their food. Desired changes in food should always be tackled slowly and you should stick to one variety at a time.

If your dog is not eating only certain food, that is a good sign stating nothing is seriously wrong. This can mean that your dog is a picky eater that does not prefer some food items. 

This problem occurs more often in dogs who have been fed various food options. It does not mean your dog is sick but may suggest that they need time to adjust to food.

Vaccination can also cause mild lethargy or soreness and cause your dog's appetite to dip temporarily. This may last for about a day and your dog can eat their regular meal after that.

Puppies that have been recently put on a new medication may also not eat as it may upset their stomach. It may also temporarily affect their sense of taste which may make them refuse to eat food for some time.

The quality of food that you give to your dog is also important.  Natural ingredients in dog foods are more appealing to their sense of taste. 

They may stop eating food if it lacks appeal and quality. If your dog shows a lack of energy for walking or playing then it might be a sign that they are not getting energy from their food.

Dogs can become tired of eating the same food every day. Offering the same flavor and texture of food for a long time can make them uninterested.

A depressed dog may lose interest in activities that they once enjoyed. They may stop eating gradually over time or refuse to eat meals altogether.

It is important to recognize the signs of depression and seek help to help your dog recover from it.

Heat can also make your dog lose its appetite. This is mostly for dogs with thick coats.

In a hot climate, the dog's body is more focused on cooling down which can lead to a decreased appetite.

1. Rotate Through Several Alternative Dog Foods

Try a few different flavors or switch between dry and wet to see if another food appeals more to your dog. Ensure you make any changes slowly so that you don't upset their stomach.

2. Add Tasty Toppings

Mix in a little human food for dogs to see if this way does the trick or not. You can also mix plain chicken, fish, chicken broth, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin. 

3. Warm Up The Food Before Serving

You can add a tablespoon of warm water or warm their food briefly so that it is appealing to them. Make sure that the food is not too hot.

4. Go For A Walk Before Meals

Take your dog for a walk before the meal so that they are well-exercised and their appetite is also built. 

5. Feed Consistently

Feed your pup by dividing their meals into two or three and serving them at consistent times each day. Don't leave the food out for your dog to graze on. Offer meals for a short time so that they have no choice but to eat their food.