Why is my dog not eating?

Dogs can go off their food for all sorts of reasons – from stress or fussiness to underlying medical issues. While a missed meal or two isn’t always cause for alarm, a sudden or prolonged loss of appetite is always worth investigating.

We explore the most common reasons why a dog might not be eating, what signs to look out for and how to help them get their appetite back.

If you’ve noticed your dog not eating their food, the first step is to try and understand what might be behind the change. Here are the most likely causes:

Loss of appetite can often be one of the first signs that something’s not quite right with your dog. This could be due to:

• Pain in the mouth: Dental problems such as cracked or broken teeth, infections and gum disease can make eating uncomfortable or painful.
  
• General illness or infections: Like humans, dogs can feel under the weather with a virus or infection. This can cause a temperature and they may not feel like eating.
  
• Stomach or digestive issues: Infections, viruses, worms or gut health problems can put dogs off their food. Many tummy upsets are also caused by scavenging food on walks.
  
• Pain or discomfort elsewhere in the body: If a dog is in pain, a loss of appetite can be a key sign.
  
• Organ problems: Illnesses affecting the liver, kidneys, pancreas, heart or lungs can all impact a dog’s appetite, particularly if they’re making your dog feel nauseous or tired.
  
• Side-effects of medication: Some medications can cause mild nausea or appetite changes as a side-effect. It’s always worth speaking to a vet if you suspect a new treatment has interfered with your pet’s appetite.

Dogs are emotional beings, and just like us, their appetite can be affected by stress. Common behavioural reasons why your dog won’t eat may include:

• Changes in their environment: Big or small changes, such as having guests, moving home, fireworks, storms or the arrival of a new pet can unsettle your dog.
  
• Disruptions to routine: Dogs are creatures of habit. Changes, such as a family member leaving home, another pet passing away, children returning to school or even a partner moving out can affect their behaviour.
  
• Separation anxiety: Some anxious dogs can really struggle when left alone. In some cases, they might not eat until their owner returns.

Sometimes, the cause of your dog’s refusal to eat can be found in their immediate surroundings. The good news is, these issues are often the easiest to fix.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Food and water bowl cleanliness: A dirty bowl can deter even the most food-loving pup. Make sure any food bowls are washed daily and free from leftover food residue or build-up.
  
• Feeding area: Noisy, high-traffic areas of the house or sudden interruptions during mealtime can put some dogs off their food. Try moving their bowl to a quiet, calm space.
  
• Temperature or weather changes: Just like us, ​​dogs can eat less when it’s hot. You might notice a drop in appetite during heatwaves or warmer days.
  
• Type of bowl: Some dogs are fussy about the material of their bowl. Metal bowls, for instance, can make sounds that startle noise-sensitive dogs. Try switching to a ceramic or plastic bowl to see if it helps.
  
• New food or treats: If you’ve recently changed your dog’s diet, they may simply be adjusting to the new flavour or texture. It’s always best to introduce new foods gradually over a few days to avoid stomach upset.

If your vet has ruled out medical concerns, there are lots of ways you can gently encourage your dog to start eating again.

• Stick to a routine: Try to feed them at the same time each day.
  
• Make meals more appealing: Try warming up their food slightly or adding a little warm low-salt broth to release the aroma and improve the taste.
  
• Limit treats between meals: Like humans, too many snacks can lower your dog’s appetite for actual meals.
  
• Try light exercise before meals: A short walk can help stimulate hunger.
  
• Be patient and positive: Avoid hovering or fussing during meals, which can create added pressure. Praise your dog when they do eat, but try not to make food a big deal.

If your dog refuses their food but shows an interest in your meals, or their favourite treats, then it may be that they just don’t like the food you’re dishing up.

To manage a fussy eater, avoid switching foods too often, as this can actually make the problem worse by reinforcing the idea that something better is always coming. Stick to regular mealtimes too, and if their food is left untouched after about 20 minutes, take it away and try again at the next scheduled time.

It’s also a good idea to limit treats or scraps from your own meals, as these can encourage selective eating habits. Instead, offer calm encouragement and plenty of praise when your dog does eat.

If your dog’s fussiness continues or seems to be getting worse, it’s worth having a chat with your vet. They can rule out any underlying issues and give customised advice on how to support your dog’s diet. If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can also access expert advice via our Pet Expert Chat – simply log into your My Petplan account to access.

If your dog hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours – or sooner if they’re also showing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness or dehydration – it’s important to speak with your vet. Owners know their dogs and their temperament best, so trust your instincts and don’t put off seeking advice if something doesn’t feel right.

A dog not eating can be unsettling for owners, but in lots of cases it’s only temporary or easily resolved. From fussy habits and routine changes to underlying health concerns, there are many reasons why your dog might go off their food.

The key is to keep a close eye on their behaviour, stay calm and reach out to your vet if you’re ever unsure.