Why is My Dog Not Eating His Food But Will Eat Treats

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Have you ever asked yourself “Why is my dog not eating his food but will eat treats?” It’s difficult to figure out why your dog isn’t eating or what to put in their dish to get them to eat again.

In their lives, many dogs stop eating. We’ve answered all of your questions and provided suggestions on how to treat your dog.

We’ve also shown you when you should see your veterinarian to help you understand why your dog might not be eating.

Medical Reasons Your Dog May Be Off their Food

One of the first indications that your dog is sick can be that they have stopped eating, especially if it happens suddenly.

Your dog may refuse to eat due to a variety of ailments, from stomach problems or dental discomfort to more serious conditions like cancer or pancreatitis. Some such reasons are:

1. Mouth pain: This could be brought on by infections, gum disease, tooth decay, or a fractured tooth.

2. Problems with the stomach or intestines: They can be brought on by worms, viruses, infections, inflammation, or an object being lodged in the stomach.

Scavenging, like picking up something they shouldn’t have on their walk, is the most prevalent cause of unsettled stomachs. Unexpected dietary changes can also irritate their stomach. Dogs are excellent at masking their discomfort, but it may make them stop eating.

3. Organ Problems: Problems with any of their organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas, or kidneys, might cause your dog to feel ill and refuse food.

4. General illness: Your dog may feel generally sick and stop eating if they have a virus or infection, just like people do.

5. Medication side effects: Although it’s rare, some medications and drugs may make your dog feel ill. Always ask your veterinarian if this is an option.

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What are the Behavioural Reasons Your Dog May Not Eat?

Our pets are emotional beings, just like us. In times of anxiety, stress, or fear, some dogs may refuse to eat.

Dogs often depend on habit and predictability, so even slight alterations to their surroundings or daily schedule may be hard for them to adjust to. Among the behavioral explanations for abstaining from food are:

1. Environmental changes, such as new construction, moving, fireworks, storms, or pets

2. Regularity shifts brought about by events like a family member passing away, a pet passing away, a breakup, starting a new career, or kids going back to school

3. Anxiety related to separation, such as when you leave the house for an extended period of time, go to work, or if your pet has been kept in a kennel during your absence.

Even though food is accessible to them during the day, some dogs might wait to eat until their owner gets home.

Dogs who aren’t eating due to stress or worry should often resume their regular feeding schedules a few days after the stressor is removed.

To help them manage their fears, certain dogs might require further assistance. To find out how to support your dog, consult a dog behaviorist or your veterinarian.

How Do You Get Your Dog to Start Eating?

You can attempt the following to get your dog to start eating:

Feed them a fresh batch of their preferred dog food to start. If the meal is in a can, try heating it up to release the aroma. To make the food look more appetizing, consider adding a tiny bit of water or chicken broth if it’s dry.

Treat-feeding them is an option if that fails. Crumble goodies into your dog’s food if they are a treat lover to encourage consumption.

Consider giving them a bland diet consisting of half and half rice and cooked chicken or hamburger. You can prepare this dish at home or purchase it commercially. See this dish for a bland diet.

Try introducing different canned food choices to your dog to see what piques his interest.

These are some excellent home care ideas for pets who are unappetizing. Some tips in this article can help you get your dog to start eating.

How Can You Stop this from Happening Again?

“How can I avoid having a dog that won’t eat or will only eat their treats?” is a question that many pet owners have. Avoiding underlying causes and keeping an eye on your pet’s nutrition are the solutions.

It is advised to make sure your dog doesn’t have access to the trash can, for instance, if they aren’t eating because they got into the trash, ate some damaged food, or are experiencing stomach problems.

Another example would be to work with your veterinarian to manage and avoid pain if your dog is not eating because of arthritis.

When Should I Worry About My Dog Not Eating?

If your dog has eaten nothing in the past 24 hours, get in touch with your vet. The following are also causes to worry:

Has eaten nothing in the previous twelve hours and is ill or experiencing diarrhea

Is neither eating nor drinking

Is shedding pounds

Looks abnormally worn out

Appears ill in other respects to stuttering, coughing, or having constipation

Demonstrates symptoms of dental problems
, such as oral pain, bleeding or red gums, frequent dribbling, and pawing at the mouth or face.

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Bottom Line

Make your dog’s food more exciting and tempting if he refuses to eat it but will still take treats. You and your dog will enjoy mealtimes more if you use these tips. Moreover, he will receive the necessary nourishment.

Never forget that you should attempt to identify the underlying reason for your dog’s pickiness first. Please with your veterinarian before giving your pet a new diet or anything else if there are any health concerns.

Additionally, resist the urge to bow to your pet’s intransigent demands! Maintain a consistent eating schedule and regimen. You may encourage your dog to eat healthily and to take greater pleasure in his meals. You want your dog to be healthy and happy, after all.