Why Your Dog Has Stopped Eating

Quick Summary

A dog’s loss of appetite often stems from medical issues, psychological stress, or dietary boredom. Common triggers include dental pain, underlying illness, and sudden environmental changes that cause anxiety. To encourage eating, owners can try warming raw food to enhance its aroma or adding natural toppers like bone broth to increase palatability. It is essential to monitor for symptoms such as lethargy or vomiting, which indicate a need for veterinary intervention. Transitioning to high-quality raw ingredients can often reignite interest in food by providing the natural, species-appropriate flavours that processed kibble lacks.

• Over feeding – Adult dogs only need 2-3% of their body weight in food.
• The weather – Hot weather slows metabolism & digestion, meaning dogs may eat less in summer months.
• Feeding extra foods – Feeding raw, treats and human food is simply too much. We suggest feeding just raw to promote healthy gut microflora. Treats should be factored into daily allowance.
• Dogs are good self regulators – Dogs closest ancestors (wolves) often live by feast or famine. Therefore dogs going without food for a few days is fine.
• Food being left out – Raw food is fresh and shouldn’t be at room temperature for more than 20 mins. If not eaten in this time, put back in fridge for the next meal.

• Remember a healthy dog wont starve itself.

Seek advice from your vet if concerned.