What To Do When the Dog Doesn't Want to Eat?

For more than a week now, Capone seems to loose his appertize ! He usually eats twice a day, 1 1/2 cup of dried dog food each time, but now he is down to less than a cup a day. He doesn't seem like he wants to eat his dog food but has no problem with his treats once in a while.

I believe I spoiled him by adding boiled chicken pieces in his food and now he is expecting them. He is still normal, no signs of sickness or slowing down, and still well behaved. He only eats his dog food now whenever he wants as I just leave his food bowl out.

Should I be alarmed or worried about why he isn't eating?

 

I don't think there is a reason to worry. If Capone was sick, he wouldn't want to eat treats Maybe he just doesn't like his dog food anymore.
Homer sometimes doesn't eat anything for a day or two. He always does it when he's in love

 

Without doing any research I would say you shouldn't worry. Actually, I think I have a problem with my smaller dogs. I believe it's reached a stage where they want only human food. It's my fault I believe and I find that often the chow is being ignored.

 

They ARE easily spoiled. Ours are spoiled to meat scraps, and sometimes they don't want to eat their dry kibble unless something is added to it. If I don't have any scraps for them, I just let them ride it out until they decide to eat it. If your dog isn't losing weight and doesn't seem to be sick, it's probably nothing to worry about.

 

Thank you everyone your help in replying to my concern. Capone seems to do just fine and I think he is just waiting for us to "jazz" up his food. He is spoiled! He only eats his dog food when he can't hold out anymore I won't worry too much anymore about this either.

 

When a dog doesn't want to eat, it can be concerning. Here’s what to do:

Assess for Illness
Check for signs of illness. If your dog refuses food for more than 24 hours, contact your veterinarian.

Check the Food
Ensure the food is fresh and not spoiled. Return to the previous diet if you've recently switched foods.

Create a Routine
Feed your dog at the same times every day to establish a consistent routine.

Minimize Stress
Keep your dog's environment calm and avoid sudden changes or loud noises.

Exercise
Regular physical activity can stimulate appetite.

Try Different Foods
Offer different types of food, such as wet food, boiled chicken, or plain rice. Mixing wet and dry food can also help.

Hand-Feeding
Try hand-feeding to encourage eating, especially if your dog is anxious or unwell.

Limit Treats
Reduce treats to increase interest in regular meals.

Hydration
Ensure your dog drinks enough water and consider adding water to dry food.

Monitor Behavior
Watch for other behavioral changes that could indicate underlying issues.

Consult Your Vet
If refusal to eat continues or other illness signs appear, consult your vet for diagnosis and treatment.

These steps can help identify and resolve the issue of your dog not wanting to eat.