Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
Every dog parent has been there.
You put down a fresh bowl of food, expecting your pup to dive in, only to watch them sniff, turn up their nose, and walk away like you just served them cardboard.
Suddenly, you’re Googling, “Why isn’t my dog eating?” and spiraling into worry.
Before you start imagining the worst, let’s break down the most common reasons your dog might be skipping meals—and what you can do about it.
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1. Is Your Dog Actually Sick?
Let’s get this one out of the way first. A sudden loss of appetite can be a sign of illness, especially if it comes with other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or weight loss. If your dog is acting off, it’s time to call the vet.
Some possible health-related causes:
- Upset stomach – Maybe they ate something they shouldn’t have (again).
- Dental problems – A cracked tooth or sore gums can make eating painful.
- Food allergies – Itchy skin, ear infections, and a refusal to eat? A diet change might be in order.
- Underlying illness – From infections to organ issues, appetite loss is a red flag for many conditions.
What to do: If your dog hasn’t eaten in over 24 hours and seems unwell, don’t wait—get them checked out.
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2. Your Dog Might Just Be Picky
If your pup is perfectly fine but still giving you the “Are you kidding me?” look at mealtime, they might just be holding out for something better.
Why? Because it worked before. If you’ve ever caved and given them treats or table scraps when they refused their kibble, congrats—you’ve been trained.
What to do:
- Stick to a schedule. Offer food at set times, and if they don’t eat in 15-20 minutes, take it away.
- No bribing. Adding toppers (like shredded chicken) can help, but don’t start a habit where they only eat if the meal is “fancy” enough.
- Check the food itself. Is it stale? Has the formula changed? Some dogs notice everything.
3. Stress, Anxiety, or Environmental Changes
Dogs are creatures of habit, and even small changes can throw them off. Moving to a new house, a different feeding spot, or even a new food bowl can make them uneasy.
Other stress triggers:
- New pets or family members
- Loud noises (construction, fireworks, thunderstorms)
- Being left alone more often
What to do:
- Keep mealtime consistent—same place, same time.
- Make sure they have a quiet, stress-free space to eat.
- If anxiety is an issue, try calming supplements or a slow feeder bowl to make eating more engaging.
4. Aging and Appetite Changes
Older dogs tend to eat less, either due to a slower metabolism, arthritis making it uncomfortable to stand while eating, or declining senses (food just doesn’t smell as appealing anymore).
What to do:
- Warm up their food to enhance the smell.
- Try a softer diet if chewing is difficult.
- Consider supplements if they need extra nutrients.
5. The Food Just Isn’t Right
Would you want to eat the same thing every day for years? Probably not. While dogs can eat the same diet long-term, some will get bored and start turning their noses up at their usual food.
Or, the problem could be:
- Food texture – Some dogs prefer wet food over kibble (or vice versa).
- Portion size – Maybe you’re offering too much, and they’re just not hungry.
- Feeding frequency – Some dogs do better with smaller meals throughout the day instead of one or two big ones.
What to do:
- Experiment with different textures (wet, dry, raw, lightly cooked).
- Add a homemade topper like bone broth or pumpkin puree.
- Try puzzle feeders to make mealtime more exciting.
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6. Food-Related Medical Issues
Some dogs experience digestive enzyme deficiencies, meaning they struggle to break down and absorb nutrients properly. Others might have food intolerances that make eating unpleasant.
If your dog also has excessive gas, bloating, or diarrhea, their diet might be the culprit.
What to do:
- Try a limited-ingredient diet to rule out intolerances.
- Look into digestive enzymes or probiotics.
- Work with a vet to pinpoint any underlying issues.
7. Could It Be Behavioral?
Some dogs turn mealtime into a power struggle, especially if they know they can get your attention by refusing to eat. Others may have developed food aggression or resource-guarding behaviors that make eating stressful.
What to do:
- Stay calm and neutral—don’t beg or hover over them.
- If they’re food-aggressive, work on training techniques to make them feel safe.
- Try hand-feeding if they’re nervous eaters.
When to Worry
While occasional picky eating is normal, a complete refusal to eat for over 24 hours (or 12 hours for puppies) is concerning. If your dog is also vomiting, lethargic, or showing other signs of distress, it’s time for a vet visit.
Signs it’s serious:
- Sudden weight loss
- Lethargy or weakness
- Signs of pain (whining, avoiding touch)
- Severe diarrhea or vomiting
Final Thoughts
A dog skipping a meal here and there? Not a big deal. But if they’re consistently turning away from food, it’s worth investigating. Whether it’s a health issue, a behavioral quirk, or just a case of a spoiled pup holding out for better options, understanding why they’re not eating is the first step to fixing it.
And hey, if they’re just being picky? Stay strong. The second they realize you’re not budging, that food will start looking a whole lot more appealing.
