How to Get Your Dog to Eat
We surround ourselves with animals that enrich our lives by serving as companions, and we thrive because of them. A dog is playful, obedient, loving, and protective and fits into most families very well.
Even if your dog seems healthy and has a safe environment, it sometimes does not eat. It can be a challenge to ensure it gets the nutrition it needs. This is more common than you think, and pet owners are scrambling for solutions.
Does your dog seem disinterested in feeding? The good news is that there are ways to overcome this. Here’s how to get your dog to eat.
Mix Things Up
Dogs often don’t eat because you introduce unfamiliar food to them. They long for the familiar and turn their noses to the new stuff. You can work around this by adding a little old food mixed in.
Your dog will fall for this sleight of hand, but you are not mean to them. Instead, you use the familiar to entice them to continue eating, and they will acclimate to the new food over time. They are creatures of habit, so this is how they transition to another food.
Change the Food
The solution can be as easy as switching things up for dogs that are on the same food but suddenly stop eating. There is no shortage of variety in dog food. This is the perfect opportunity to find a healthier option to tantalize their taste buds.
Ask your local pet store a few questions. They have staff who know dogs and can make helpful recommendations for a new type of food. There are even raw and organic food options. See if they resume eating.
Restrict the Treats
We love our dogs and spoil them regularly. While trainers reward their dogs with a small snack for performing tricks and being obedient, most of us have a snack bag we dig into regularly for them.
These treats are flavourful, and dogs will want them to the point of not eating anything else. They often skip the regular dog food and wait until you bring the snacks so if you want your dogs to eat their food, restrict the treats. They will quickly realize that the snacks have dried up and get hungry enough to return to their bowl.
Stick to a Consistent Food Schedule
Animals quickly learn your patterns, and whether it’s bedtime or returning from work, they have an internal sense of time that is quite remarkable. This also holds true for feeding, so you must be consistent with giving them food.
If they are grazers, fill their bowl up in the morning or have a set mealtime to give them a few portions at the same time each day.
Have Patience
Sometimes, dogs take a break between meals. Be patient with them as they refrain from eating for a bit. You should let them go outside and see if they eat any grass. They do this if they feel ill, so allow them some time on the lawn.
They also get energy from the ground, a way to recharge. Don’t scold them or push food on them. Just make sure there is dog food in their bowl. They will get back to it soon.
See Your Vet
If it has been several days and your dog is still not eating, going to the vet may be worth it. This is more precautionary than anything else, and your vet will examine your dog for any significant concerns.
Why They Aren’t Eating
Dogs are sensitive creatures, and any disruption in their home life can cause stress. It could be moving to another residence, your children returning to school after summer break, getting home from the kennels after your vacation or even the death of a family member.
A medication could affect the dog. Some medicines can cause a dog to stop eating in response to the treatment. Likewise, a dog will usually avoid eating if they are in pain, especially if chewing is causing discomfort. Either way, talk to your vet about it.
This is how to get your dog to eat. Watch for any symptoms of pain or discomfort and allow them time to adjust to your dog’s food or a new situation. They will usually come around and return to eating normally, so you can enjoy their company without worry.
