Why Is My Dog Not Eating?
10/1/24
Reviewed by: Dr. Tori
Why Is My Dog Not Eating? Possible Reasons Explored
Within the changes in your daily life, one thing seems constant: your dog’s appetite.
As soon as they hear the clink of their food bowl, they come running. Eyes wide, tail wagging. It’s nearly automatic.
So when your dog suddenly loses interest in wet or dry food, it’s easy to find yourself worrying, “Why won’t my dog eat?” While a vanished appetite can point to health troubles, there’s no reason to panic. Let’s talk about the top reasons dogs reject food, and how to address them.
Common Reasons Your Dog May Not Be Eating
Your dog’s disinterest in food often raises concerning questions. Luckily, pet experts have the answers. To solve the case of your dog’s missing appetite, let’s look at the most common causes:
Health-Related Issues
When a pup starts ignoring food out of the blue, it could be a medical issue. These can come in several forms, each with their own symptoms.
Stomach Bug
Remember your most recent bout with the flu? You probably didn’t feel like chowing down. An upset stomach can lead dogs to pass on mealtimes too. Fortunately, most cases of stomach flu in dogs resolve themselves within a few days. 1
A stomach bug is the likely culprit If you notice a loss of appetite accompanied by any of the following:
- Vomiting
- Loose stool
- Whimpering or signs of stomach pain
Keep them hydrated and offer them a bland diet—they should recover soon. If symptoms don’t improve after a few days, or their condition worsens, bring them to a vet right away.
Dental Pain
If you find yourself wondering “Why is my dog not eating?” but your dog doesn’t appear ill, they may have a toothache. Even ravenous pups won’t risk a jolt of pain with every bite.
Some signs of a lurking dental issue are:2
- Smelly breath
- Constant drooling
- Chewing on one side of the mouth only
- Mouth bleeding
- Swelling under the eye
If you spot these red flags, you should schedule an oral exam with your vet. Tooth troubles aren’t usually difficult to resolve, but they won’t improve without treatment.
Vaccination Side Effects
Some pet owners choose to vaccinate their dogs against infectious diseases. Temporary appetite loss is a common reaction post-vaccination.3
If your dog loses interest in food immediately following immunization, there’s probably no deeper issue at work. Keep offering them food and water and try not to worry. After a day or so, their dinnertime zest should resume.
Depression
Though dogs are usually lively and joyful, they can experience sadness as well. As with humans, loss of appetite is one of the top symptoms of canine depression. If your pup begins to ignore food while exhibiting any of the following signs, their mental health may be in a trough:4
- Excessive sleeping – Most dogs relish their shuteye. But if you notice a sudden uptick in slumber time, something may be amiss.
- Paw licking – When they’re down in the dumps, pups might engage in unusual or self-soothing habits, like paw licking, to boost their spirits.
- Loss of enthusiasm – Depression saps a pup’s zest for life. This can manifest as a loss of interest in once-loved activities like playing fetch or taking walks.
- Unexplained aggression – Grouchy dogs have shorter fuses. A friendly pup that suddenly starts snapping or growling for no reason may be feeling morose.
Treating puppy depression is usually a matter of showering them with attention, bringing them outside, or introducing them to new playmates.
Behavioral Factors
Occasionally, even when your dog is in excellent mental and physical health, they may still refuse to eat their freshly served meal. This scenario is a bit more perplexing.
Subtle behavioral issues can sometimes influence a dog’s appetite. As a human, these can be tough to detect. Some possible factors might be:
- Distracting environment – A crowded, noisy space may prove too distracting for your pup to focus on his food. It may also be due to changes in dog training.
- Aggressive dogs nearby – The presence of other dogs, especially territorial or combative ones, may trigger anxiety in your pup.
Fortunately, these situations are easy to remedy. Serve your pup’s food in a consistent spot, free from distractions and away from other dogs. Chances are they’ll dive into their dinner with gusto.
Bowl size and positioning can also play a role. For example, older, arthritic dogs may have trouble bending to reach a bowl on the floor. Setting it on a raised platform allows them to partake without pain. Take stock of your pup’s feeding area and evaluate whether it fully meets their needs.
Environmental Changes
Just like with humans, stress can diminish a dog’s desire for food. Many dogs are creatures of habit, so a sudden change in surroundings can trigger anxiety (and loss of appetite).
If you’re currently traveling, and your dog displayed normal eating habits before the trip, the unfamiliar environment may have them on edge. They may also be too distracted by the bevy of fresh sights and smells to pay attention to their meals.
Usually, these jitters are temporary. Once they pass, their normal appetite should return.
Poor Eating Habits
When your dog stops eating, there’s not always a dog health problem to blame. Sometimes, it’s simply a case of your dog’s unhealthy eating habits like:
- Overfeeding – If you consistently go heavy on serving size, your pup may simply be full and uninterested in eating more food.
- Pickiness – When your dog devours certain foods but looks askance at others, there’s a solid chance they are just a picky eater. Try feeding them their favorites or adding fresh dog food to your menu.
Luckily, this is the simplest situation to correct as a pet owner. If you suspect you’ve been overfeeding your dog, dial back the portion size. If your pup has become too choosy with their food, remove treats and human scraps from the menu for a while.
Do you have other pets, and you’re wondering, “Why is my cat not eating?” The reason may also be the same as your dogs.
When to Worry About Your Dog's Loss of Appetite
Most of the time, a pup’s refusal to eat is a passing phase that has no long-term impact on their health. If your dog continues to refuse food for more than 2 days,5 or displays additional symptoms, consider performing a closer inspection, especially if you’ve ruled out behavioral issues like pickiness.
Symptoms That Require a Vet Visit
While you can capably treat mild illnesses at home, other issues require a vet’s expertise. If you notice these red flags, schedule an appointment without delay:6
- Refusing food for longer than 48 hours
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Lethargy
- Distended abdomen
- Extreme drooling
- Coughing blood
- Pawing or scratching at their mouth
These symptoms indicate that something deeper is amiss, such as gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, or an ingested foreign object. With prompt attention, a vet can neutralize these issues. You can also try our pet nutrition consulting from Darwin’s.
How to Encourage Eating
If you don’t notice severe symptoms, you can tackle the issue on your own. Tempting a dog to eat is a complex process, and no two pups will respond the same way. Experiment with a few approaches and zero in on what works best for your dog.
To help you get started, let’s explore some pet care tips:
Jazz Up the Menu
Injecting a little excitement or variety into your pup’s next meal is an excellent way to entice them into eating again. This works well if your pup is feeling picky or depressed. Try:
- Adding some treats or unusual items to grab their attention
- Heating their meal before serving
- Pouring a dash of warm water into their food
- Drizzling a little chicken or beef broth over their normal meal to spice up the flavor
If your dog is simply in low spirits, a little hand-feeding can also show them you care. You can also try exploring fish oil benefits for dogs.
Adjust Your Dog’s Diet
Sometimes it takes more than a temporary spark to pique your dog’s interest. After all, a diet loaded with artificial ingredients and fillers isn’t the most appetizing fare. Dogs are natural hunters, born to feast on raw food.
Try rejuvenating your pup’s diet by infusing it with natural ingredients that fall in line with their ancestral diet, such as:
- Free-range and minimally processed meats
- Organic veggies (yes, even carrots are good for dogs)
- Vitamins and minerals
Aside from reviving their appetite, raw dog food delivers enormous benefits, like:7
- Elevated energy – Superior nutrition equals higher energy.
- Sleek coat – Food allergies are a frequent offender when it comes to poor fur health.
- Weight management – Raw food contains fewer calories.
- Alleviate chronic conditions – Problems like arthritis may subside.
- Smoother digestion – A raw diet reduces constipation and produces less smelly poops.
While it calls for a bit more dedication as a dog owner, making the switch to a raw diet will do wonders for your pet’s longevity and happiness—and that’s what matters most.
Darwin’s: Healthy Fuel for Hungry Pets
It can be unsettling to watch your dog lose interest in its beloved food. While this is always cause for concern, treatment is usually simple. Pay close attention to your dog’s behavior and symptoms and know when it’s time to call the vet.
Most dogs have an insatiable appetite, and for good reason: Their ancestors needed lots of fuel for hunting, foraging, and seeking shelter. Help your dog tap into their primal roots by serving them a diet that’s in tune with their inner wild. For that, choose Darwin’s pet food delivery.
Our expertly crafted recipes, such as our Natural Selections formula, feature free-range meats and raw vegetables carefully tailored to support your pup’s health. Next mealtime, rest easy knowing you’re helping your dog maintain a strong body and bright spirits.
Sources:
1Blue Cross. Gastroenteritis in dogs. https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/gastroenteritis-in-dogs#:~:text=Your%20dog%20may%20also%20be,should%20contact%20your%20vet%20immediately
2Veterinary Partner. Clinical Signs of Oral or Dental Disease in Pets. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102898&id=4952516
3San Roque Pet Hospital. Dog Behavior Change After Vaccination. https://www.sanroquepethospital.com/site/blog/2023/07/15/dog-behavior-change-vaccination
4Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach. Dealing With Doggie Depression: What You Should Know. https://www.petmedicalcenterverobeach.com/dealing-with-doggie-depression-what-you-should-know
5Wag! Loss of Appetite in Dogs. https://wagwalking.com/condition/loss-of-appetite
6AKC Pet Insurance. Signs Your Dog Ate Something Bad. https://www.akcpetinsurance.com/blog/top-7-signs-your-dog-is-sick-from-something-they-ate-in-the-yard
7Feed Real Institute. The Science Behind Fresh Dog Food. https://www.feedreal.com/articles/the-science-behind-fresh-dog-food