As a pet owner, it can be worrisome when your dog refuses to eat their regular food but eagerly accepts treats. This behavior is more common than you might think, and there are several reasons why it might happen. if they refuse to eat it’s essential you take action and find out why animal wise helps you do so by revealing the possible reasons your dog isn’t eating and what we can do to solve the problem. You can usually identify why your dog is a picky eater with a little research. Here are the main reasons your dog might be avoiding his food bowl:
Understanding a Dog’s Eating Habits
Dogs, like humans, have their own preferences and quirks when it comes to food. Actually they are more like human child and shows similar behavior. However, their eating habits are also influenced by several factors including their health, environment, and diet. Here’s a closer look at why your dog might be turning up their nose at their regular food.
Common Reasons Why Dogs Refuse Food but Accept Treats
Picky Eating Behavior: Some dogs develop a preference for treats over regular food, often because treats are tastier. Dogs can be a lot like little children, especially when it comes to food. You may think your puppy’s kibble is tasty, but your dog may disagree and go on a hunger strike. He may just need to try a more tempting meal that focuses on meat or start using a delicious side dish.
He is sick: When you’re feeling down, you may not want to eat, and dogs are no different. Many illnesses can reduce your dog’s appetite, making him reluctant to eat kibble but willing to gobble up tastier morsels like people’s food. These ailments can range from something minor like an upset stomach to more serious conditions. Obviously, you should start by taking him to the vet for a full exam.
He has a toothache or other dental problems: Dental problems make eating a real pain, especially if your dog is on a kibble diet that is crunchy. Unfortunately, dental disease is common in dogs, especially older adults and small breeds. Cracked, decayed, or loose teeth are uncomfortable and can lead to serious infections. So if your dog isn’t eating and just wants treats, check his mouth for signs of injury or infection and schedule a vet appointment if necessary.
Dietary Changes: Switching dog food brands or types can sometimes cause dogs to refuse food. They might not like the taste or texture of the new food.
Spoiled Food: Dog food has a shelf life, and old food is rarely as tasty or safe as your dog would like. This can cause your dog to reject his dinner. Dog food can go bad if not stored properly. If your dog’s food smells off or is stale, they might refuse to eat it. Most dry dog food lasts about a year, but always check expiration dates. This information is usually found on the bottom of the bag. Also, be sure to watch for signs of spoilage, including off odors or strong color changes in the kibble.
Your dog is depressed: Just like us, dogs can suffer from bouts of sadness. These periods of depression are more common in older dogs but can be triggered in any dog by changes in routine or lack of attention. If your dog is depressed, he may just pick at his meals and seem uninterested in playing or doing much more than sleep. In these cases, you should always have your dog examined by a vet to rule out medical causes.
She is pregnant or in heat: Hormones affect your dog from nose to tail, and intact females go through a roller coaster of changes during the heat cycle or pregnancy. In addition to eating less, you may notice other symptoms such as urinating more often or feeling restless. Pregnant dogs tend to eat more than normal as the pregnancy progresses but may show food aversions or vomiting early on. Intact males may also be overly restless, which affects their appetite.
Overfeeding Treats: Giving too many treats can fill your dog up and reduce their appetite for regular meals. Treats should be given in moderation to avoid this issue.
Lack of Exercise: Dogs that don’t get enough physical activity may have lower appetites. Regular exercise is important for maintaining a healthy appetite.
Encouraging Your Dog to Eat – Helpful Tips and Techniques
So, you’re likely here because your dog’s meal habits are off, whether they’re skipping meals, being picky, or just not eating at all. I’ll share a list of human foods that can boost their appetite, along with some other helpful tips. But first, let’s talk about syringe feeding. Whether your dog is older, going through chemotherapy, or a toy breed puppy refusing to eat, knowing how to syringe feed can be a lifesaver. With a critical care diet from your vet, you can gently feed your dog through a syringe, ensuring they get the nutrition they need.
Now, onto the human foods. Before diving into that, as a veterinarian, I advocate for using dog foods. Mixing wet canned food with kibble can often entice them to eat. My dogs particularly enjoy stew-formulated diets. Now, here’s the list you’ve been waiting for:
1. Try adding warm water to their kibble. The warmth can make it more appealing.
2. Plain shredded boiled chicken or turkey can be a tasty addition.
3. Steamed white rice mixed into their kibble can work wonders.
4. Goat’s milk, poured over their food, can be enticing.
5. Chopped boiled eggs offer both scent and taste appeal.
6. Some owners place shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese at the bottom of the bowl, with kibble on top.
7. Low sodium chicken broth or bone broth, warmed up, can be poured over kibble.
8. While I’m cautious due to salt content, turkey deli meats can sometimes encourage eating, especially if your dog isn’t eating at all.
9. Opt for plain, non-sugar-added Greek yogurt for a bland yet tempting treat.
10. Baby foods, canned tuna, or chicken chunks can also pique their interest.
And don’t forget cooked fish options like salmon or Mahi, which can be a hit.
Avoid greasy or fatty foods, as they can lead to pancreatitis. If your dog is still refusing food or getting sick, consult your vet. Hand feeding can be time-consuming but comforting for your dog, especially during illness or recovery. And in desperate situations, your vet can prescribe appetite stimulants like Mirtazapine or entice liquid. Steroids like prednisone are not ideal due to side effects.
APPROPRIATE RAW FOOD FOR DOGS
A raw food diet is a great option for all healthy dogs, but if your dog has a medical condition, it could be even more beneficial. Just be sure to speak with your vet for professional guidance. Now, when it comes to raw feeding, you can either purchase pre-made meals from companies such as We Feed Raw, or you can go ahead and source the meat yourself. If you do decide to choose the latter option, keep in mind it will be more time-consuming and there’s no guarantee that your dog will get all the essential nutrients he or she needs from their diet.
If you’re going to try feeding raw food yourself, you’ll need to learn what the essential foods are for your dog’s diet and make sure to include those. You can’t just feed them a bunch of raw chicken every day and expect them to be healthy; it might even hurt them if you’re irresponsible about it. If you have the time to source raw meat on your own and decide to go down that route, research and balance are important, but there’s no need to over think it. It’s easy to fall into the trap of wondering if your dog has enough selenium in their meal or if they are getting enough thiamine. These things are important to consider, but over time your dog will get what he or she needs if they are fed a diet that contains the fundamentals.
Although not as easily digested as raw meat, a homemade cooked diet can be a great alternative to commercial pet foods. When providing a cooked meal, it’s beneficial to include a digestive enzyme to aid in breaking down the short-chain amino acids, which result from cooking the meat.
10 Human Foods That Are Safe, Healthy, and Affordable to Improve the Quality of Your Dog’s Kibble
The first three ingredients are about improving the quality of the animal protein.
Number one, sardine fillets. Sardines are high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They are cost-effective, with a can costing $2.10. For one cup of kibble, just add one sardine two or three times a week. What do you think, little poodle?
Number two, chicken livers. The entire container costs $3.12. Chicken liver is high in protein, iron, zinc, and copper. Nutrients like Vitamin A concentrate in the liver, so ensure that it makes up less than five percent of your dog’s diet. Feed this liver two or three times a week, suggesting half a chicken liver per cup of kibble. Here’s one cup of kibble and half a chicken liver. Let’s see if the poodle likes the liver. Oh, she likes liver!
Number three, eggs. Eggs are an inexpensive source of animal protein and a great way to improve the quality of your dog’s kibble. Egg white is considered the most complete balanced protein. They are a good source of vitamin D and B12. Hard-boil the eggs and keep them in the fridge. Add half a cooked egg per cup of kibble daily.
Ingredient four is olive oil. Olive oil has a great balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, important for skin health. While fish oils and krill oil are better, they are more expensive. Olive oil is a great way to add omega-3s cost-effectively. Add half a teaspoon of olive oil per cup of kibble, and she will go for that.
The next couple of ingredients are great sources of fiber for intestinal health.
Number five, ground flax. Ground flax is a great source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Ground flax contains lignans, which are beneficial against cancer. The standard amount is one teaspoon per cup of kibble, fed daily.
Number six, 100% pure canned pumpkin. Canned pumpkin is a great source of fiber, important for animals with constipation, and rich in vitamins A, C, and E. It can improve the quality of your dog’s kibble and is reasonably priced. Add one teaspoon per cup of kibble daily for dogs prone to constipation.
Number seven, probiotics found in yogurt. Probiotics are linked to many health benefits for dogs, from intestinal health to immune support and cognitive function. If you can afford a good quality probiotic supplement, natural yogurt is a great option. Add one heaping teaspoon per cup of kibble.
Eight, sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin A, and potassium. Cook them on the stove for about 20 minutes with the skin on. Add a quarter cup of sweet potato per cup of kibble, two or three times a week.
The last two ingredients are healthy veggies.
Number nine, carrots. Carrots are high in vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, and rich in beta-carotene, important for eye health, and a good source of calcium and potassium. Add a quarter cup of carrots per cup of kibble. Feed raw or cook and steam them.
Number ten, kale. Kale is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins A, C, and K. Steam the kale until soft and add about a quarter cup of steamed kale per cup of kibble, two or three times a week.
Here’s a summary of steps you can take to encourage your dog to eat their regular food:
Establish a Feeding Routine: Consistency is key. Feed your dog at the same times each day.
Limit Treats: Reduce the number of treats and use them sparingly.
Visit the Vet: If you suspect health issues, consult your vet for a thorough check-up.
Create a Calm Environment: Ensure the feeding area is stress-free and quiet.
Gradual Dietary Changes: Introduce new food gradually to avoid rejection.
Proper Food Storage: Store food correctly to prevent spoilage.
Increase Exercise: Ensure your dog gets enough physical activity to maintain a healthy appetite.
By taking these steps, you can help your dog develop better eating habits and ensure they receive the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy. Remember, if you have any concerns about your dog’s eating habits or health, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice and solutions tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
