Author: Rick Scholtes
Rick is co-owner of the wholesale Veganpets and the webshop Vega Vriend. Together with Lisette Kreischer he wrote the book Dog.Eat.Plant, which was released in December 2020. It is the scientifically based guide to safely switch your dog to a plant-based diet.
Table of contents
Why does my dog have no appetite?
How do I get my dog to eat again?
My dog doesn't want to eat – what to do if your four-legged friend ignores the food bowl?
It can be worrying if your four-legged friend suddenly no longer wants to eat. Whether it is a gradual change or happens overnight, it is important to determine the cause and take appropriate action. In this blog we explore possible causes and offer practical tips to restore your dog's appetite.
Why isn't my dog eating?
Dogs, like humans, have their own personal eating habits. This allows them to be naturally less hungry than other dogs. Some breeds, such as greyhounds, are known to often eat less than other dogs.
Before coming to this conclusion, it is advisable to rule out other causes. In addition, there are some tips in this blog to try out first.
1. Health problems
If a dog does not want to eat or wants to eat less, a health problem may be the cause of this. Common health problems that can reduce a dog's appetite include:
- Problems with the teeth
- Stomach and intestinal problems
- Infections
- Fever
- Kidney or liver problems
- Cancer
2. Stress and anxiety
A dog can also lose its appetite due to stress or anxiety. This can be caused by a change in the environment. For example, a move or the arrival of a new pet.
External factors can also play a role in this, such as noise or fireworks. It is also possible that when a dog is shocked while eating, he / she no longer wants to eat in that place.
3. Age
Age can also play a role in dogs' appetites. Just like humans, dogs have different eating habits and appetite decreases as a dog ages. In older dogs, a loss of appetite is often caused by changes in their metabolism and digestion. As a result, they use less energy and require less food.
4. Changes in routine
If dogs find changes in routine difficult, the solution is to introduce the new food gradually. You can gradually mix more and more new food with the old food. You will find a step-by-step plan for this here.
5. Feed related
A change of diet can also take away appetite. If you have switched to a new food and the dog is not eating well, he/she may simply not like the new food.
It sometimes happens that the dog gets the same food, but does not eat the food or eats it poorly. Sometimes there are production differences between bags of the same feed. It is also possible that the food is simply no longer good. Check the expiration date and see if the food is not moldy or spoiled.
Always store dry food in a cool dry place and open wet food in the refrigerator.
How do I get my dog to eat again?
Expert advice
If your dog has not eaten for more than 24 hours or is showing other symptoms such as lethargy or vomiting, it is important to consult a veterinarian. The first thing you should ask yourself is whether there are any health problems. If the loss of appetite has no clear cause, it is important to go to the vet. The vet can rule out or treat a health problem.
Stress and Anxiety
When a dog is afraid of fireworks, it may be that he / she does not want to eat. It is then a matter of waiting for the dog to calm down again. Sometimes you can help the dog with this, for example by taking the dog out of the stressful situation.
Some dogs are nervous about eating near another pet. Then feed him/her in a place where he/she can eat alone.
Changes in routine
For dogs that find changes in routine difficult, the solution is to make the change happen in small steps. If you switch to a different food, you can make the transition gradually by mixing more and more of the new food with the old food. You will find a step-by-step plan for this here.
Practical tips to get your dog eating again
Depending on the cause, there are different ways to get your dog's appetite back. If your dog is healthy but still won't eat, try these tips to entice him to eat again:
- Mix wet food with the chunks: Many dogs find wet food tastier than dry chunks. If a dog does not like the food, mix something into the food. Also keep in mind that a dog can get tired of a certain food. Then switch to a different type of kibble and see if your dog likes it. We sell starter packs with different flavors, so you can discover which food your dog likes best.
- Warm up the food: This can enhance the aroma of the food and make it more attractive.
- Regularity and rest: Provide a calm, stress-free eating environment and regular feeding times.
- Try different flavors: Just like humans, dogs can get tired of the same food. Switch flavors or brands occasionally.
- Make your own dog food: If you really want to spoil your dog, get started in the kitchen with fresh ingredients. Make sure you follow good recipes carefully and don't experiment yourself. In the book Dog.Eat.Plant. There are a number of recipes that are complete and therefore contain all the nutrients a dog needs.
Closing comments
While it can be frustrating when your dog won't eat, it is often something that can be resolved with a little attention and care. You can try to stimulate your dog's appetite with the above tips, but remember that your pet's health always comes first. A timely response to eating problems can make a world of difference to your dog's health and well-being.