5 Common Reasons Your Dog Isn't Eating: Effective Solutions

August 25, 2025

“My dog won’t eat,” is a phrase no one wants to say at the vet or type into a search engine. But reduced appetite isn’t always a sign of a major health problem for your pup.

Any concerns about your pet’s health should be addressed with your vet right away. However, we first recommend researching some of the most common causes of appetite changes so that you can provide your vet with as much information as possible.

That’s the topic of this guide: We’re breaking down five reasons why your dog might be turning their nose up at their bowl to help you parse their palate and solve potential problems.

Overview of Canine Eating Behaviors

Just like a human picky eater, a cat or dog picky eater can cause frustration for their caretakers. However, picky eating can sometimes be a sign of problems beneath the surface—problems you may be able to help your vet identify.

The first step is to understand normal eating behaviors for dogs:

Dogs eat relative to portion size – Studies show that, as parent-provided portions increase, so does a dog’s food intake. In other words, dogs will typically eat more when they’re given more food—even if they don’t clean their plate at every meal.
Dogs understand routines – Dogs can become highly accustomed to routines, expressing a desire to eat at the same time each day.
Dogs have preferences – Dogs, like cats, may favor some foods over others—this might become apparent when you try to switch your dog to a new food.

Reason 1: Health Issues

With the above normal behaviors in mind, let’s explore some of the potential sources of abnormal eating behaviors in dogs—like underlying health issues. For example, dogs with gastrointestinal diseases or conditions may show signs of a reduced appetite.

If you suspect that your dog has an underlying health problem, observe factors related to other areas of their lifestyle and make note of any changes to:

Energy level or sociability
Water intake
Self-isolation habits
Sleep schedules
Anxiety level or overall disposition
Frequency or quality of bowel movements or urination

Even if you’re a pet health guru feeding your pup fresh dog food, minor illnesses or chronic conditions can still disrupt your pet’s appetite. If you suspect there might be more at play, take time to observe any other notable changes or symptoms and report these to your vet.

Reason 2: Dental Problems

If your dog is hesitant to crunch on their kibble, gnaw on their favorite bone, or take ultra-crispy liver treats during training, they might be facing dental problems.

Watch for signs of dental pain or symptoms, like:

Bad breath
Loose teeth
Gum bleeding or inflammation
Lesions inside dogs’ lips

If you see obvious signs of dental distress, make an appointment with your vet promptly. In the meantime, ask them for recommendations for keeping your dog fed and comfortable while you await an examination and dental care. Your vet may suggest soft foods, a liquid diet, or other alternatives to solid food.

Reason 3: Vaccinations or Medications

If your dog recently started a new medication or just received a routine vaccination at the vet, reduced appetite could be a side effect.

Today’s vets recommend core vaccines for:

Canine parvovirus (CPV)
Canine distemper virus (CDV)
Canine adenovirus (CAV)
Rabies
Leptospirosis

They also strongly suggest using a heartworm preventative.

While these medications are highly recommended and safe, side effects are possible. If your dog’s changes in appetite coincide with a recent medical treatment, ask your vet about any secondary impacts on diet or behavior.

Reason 4: Environmental Changes

Dogs are highly sensitive to stimuli—especially if they haven’t been exposed to a specific situation before.

Your dog may eat less than usual if:

You recently moved them to a new home
You’re traveling to a new place with your dog
You’re hosting visitors in your home
They can hear fireworks, thunder, or other frightening stimuli
They’re sharing a space with another dog

For permanent environmental changes, you can help dogs transition by:

Increasing time spent outside
Practicing trained behaviors (and reinforcing with treats)
Showing them affection
Keeping their favorite beds, blankets, toys, and treats available

If your dog only has to tolerate an environmental change temporarily, consider making their food more enticing by adding a treat or special topping (like liquid broth) to their bowl. If their behavior persists when they return to their normal environment, consider talking to your vet. For tips on transitioning your dog’s diet, see our blog on transitioning your dog to a raw diet.

Reason 5: Behavioral and Psychological Factors

Sensitivity to environmental change is just one kind of behavior or psychological factor that could impact your dog’s appetite. You may also notice your dog eating less if:

They’re stressed
They’re adjusting to a new routine
You’ve recently adopted them
A new pet recently moved into the home

Many kinds of stimulus changes can impact your dog’s behavior and appetite. Talk to your vet about training and comfort techniques you can use to help your dog adapt and develop normal eating habits.

Browse Darwin’s Dog Food Collection

If your dog isn’t eating as much as usual, they may be facing additional challenges—coping with change, dealing with a health issue, or simply expressing distaste for their food.

As dogs age, their dietary needs evolve, making it crucial to know what to feed old dogs for optimal health. Providing high-quality, nutrient-rich meals can help support their aging bodies and keep them active. Proper senior dog care also includes regular vet visits, joint support, and monitoring their food intake to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need.

If you’re looking to enhance your dog’s nutrition, provide the highest quality food, and cater to their ancestral needs, consider switching to raw dog food from Darwin’s Natural Pet Products. Our Natural Selections collection is made from free-range meats and organic vegetables—and, with our pet food delivery service, you can get complete nutrition delivered right to your door.

It all starts with a personalized subscription plan tailored to your dog’s unique needs. Get started now!

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