Why is my dog not eating? Tips for Fussy Eaters
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It can be worrying when your dog refuses to eat, whether they have a small appetite, pick at their food, or completely ignore their favourite meal. We understand the stress this can cause. In this blog, we’ll explore the many possible reasons behind your dog's eating habits. You'll find vet-recommended tips to help boost their appetite, as well as advice on the best dog food options for fussy eaters.
Table of contents
Why is my dog not eating their dog food?
Before making any diet changes it is important to rule out some of the many medical and behavioural reasons why your dog might be picking at their meals.
We always recommend that you speak to your vet if you are concerned, especially if your dog is showing any other signs of ill health. This will help to rule out some of the following issues highlighted by The Kennel Club.
Medical Reasons
These could include:
- Gastrointestinal upset – Vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain can put your dog off their food.
- Mouth pain – A sore mouth caused by dental issues, trauma, cancer or severe dental disease could stop your dog from eating properly.
- A fever – A dog will not eat as much as usual if they have a high body temperature due to an underlying infection or inflammation.
- Organ malfunction – Examples include liver, kidney or heart disease, which can all cause your dog to lose their appetite.
- Medication side effects – Certain drugs could make your dog seem fussy with their food e.g. Chemotherapy medication.
Behavioural Reasons
Stress and anxiety can have big effects on your dog’s appetite. Here are some common triggers:
- A change in environment – A house move or building work can cause upset.
- Owner absence – Some dogs won’t eat if their owner is away.
- Noise phobias – Fireworks, loud traffic or thunderstorms can cause anxiety for some noise-phobic dogs.
- A new family member – A new pet in the house or family member can cause tension.
- Partial anorexia - This isn’t uncommon and occurs when a dog may have learned that they get more valuable food items from their owners if they don’t eat their normal food e.g. treats and table scraps. Full anorexia would be if your dog isn’t eating anything at all.
Dog breeds that are commonly picky eaters
Some dogs are fussier than others, and their breed genetics can have quite a lot to do with their eating habits. Breeds that are notorious for being picky eaters include:
- Small or Toy breeds e.g. Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs & Pugs often have more delicate appetites. Their smaller stomachs and unique dietary preferences can make them more selective about what they eat.
- Poodles and Poodle Mixes e.g. Cavapoos and Cockapoos may also be fussy eaters. These breeds are known for their intelligence, which can sometimes translate to stubbornness around food.
- Larger Working Breeds e.g. German Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels, and Border Collies may be less motivated by food, especially when compared to other dogs. Their high energy levels and working backgrounds often make them more interested in mental stimulation than mealtime.
Whereas breeds such as Labrador Retrievers , Beagles and Rottweilers are typically more enthusiastic eaters and tend to be easier to feed as a result.
Is my dog a fussy eater?
Signs that you have a fussy dog include a long-standing habit of picking out their favourite bits, skipping meals altogether, going up to the food bowl but then walking away and eating treats in preference to their main meals.
If it is just fussiness, then your dog will not be showing any other signs of ill health and will usually have good energy levels.
How to get my fussy dog to eat?
It can be challenging to know how to get a fussy dog to eat. Our Vet, Dr Becky has provided some top tips to get your picky eater back to enjoying mealtimes.
- A regular feeding schedule – Feeding your pet at regular times and taking up any uneaten food at the end of a mealtime are good habits to get into. While it can be tempting to leave food down all the time, this will not help your pet in the long run.
- Create a calm environment – If there is too much noise and distraction your pet will struggle to concentrate on eating.
- Remove competition – Feed different animals separately to avoid any anxiety or clashes at mealtimes.
- Try warming the food – Gently warming your dog’s food can help to release odours making it smell more palatable
- Try adding a food topper – Sprinkled on top of their normal food, we’d recommend foods such as plain chicken, chicken or beef broth (preferably low in sodium), sweet potatoes or butternut squash. Each of these are great options as they will add additional flavours and nutrients to their meal.
- Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise – Exercise burns energy and increases appetite
- Avoid feeding too many treats or table scraps – If your dog is eating too many other things they won’t be hungry for their food, leading to an unbalanced diet
Food for fussy dogs and picky eaters
If you have ruled out health and behavioural reasons, and you have tried our top tips to encourage your dog to eat, then it's time to look more closely at their diet.
When considering what to feed a fussy dog that is not eating, first ensure that you are offering a high-quality complete dog food, that is appropriate for their age and size. The diet should contain prime protein sources, as well as the correct balance of carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
At Years, we pride ourselves on our highly nutritious and delicious recipes. In fact, 99.8% of dogs surveyed agreed (well their parents did whilst they wolfed down their Years meals!). Each of our steam-cooked dog meals are customised to suit your dog’s breed, freshly prepared with whole food ingredients, and perfect for even the pickiest eaters! We also include a superfood supplement that can be sprinkled on top for added gut-friendly goodness and probiotic support.
If you’re ready to change your dog’s diet, then we’d always recommend transitioning them slowly to avoid any tummy or digestion issues. For a full breakdown of how to transition your dog to new food like Years, take a look at this article.
When should I worry about my dog not eating?
You must always speak to a vet if your dog is acting out of character. Four possible reasons could include:
- Your dog has gone more than 24 hours without eating
- Your dog seems lethargic or weak
- Severe vomiting and/or diarrhoea
- Weight loss
Summary
There are many reasons why your fussy dog is not eating. It is important to rule out medical and behavioural reasons first, but a change of diet can be the right answer for some fussy dogs. If you’ve had a similar experience with a fussy eater and want to give Years a try or have any further questions, then don’t hesitate to contact us – we’re here to help!
About the author
Dr. Becky
Rebecca MacMillan – BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
Rebecca is a companion animal vet who graduated from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009. Since then, she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever, George!
