What To Do When Your Dog Wont Eat Dog Food But Will Eat Human Food
Any time your dogs appetite changes, there is a chance that it is due to an illness. So, its worth investigating the cause when your dog turns her nose up at her dog food.
A lack of appetite can come from a bacterial or viral infection. Parvovirus is a common, potentially deadly illness that results in reduced appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may be bloody. Even vaccinated dogs can get parvo. Worms can also kill your dogs appetite. A fecal sample test from your vet is the best way to check your dog for an underlying illness that could be affecting her appetite.
When your dog is sick, she may refuse dog food, but may accept certain human foods like bland cereals or rice, or especially tempting foods like meat, eggs or fish. So, even if your dog is eating human food, she may have a reduced appetite because she is feeling sick. Always check with your vet if your dogs appetite changes.
Make The Transition Slowly
Note: Skip to the next section if you have not switched to a new food
Have you swapped over to a new brand of dog food? Dogs often dont react positively to a change in their routine. When presented with a new type of food, many dogs will refuse to eat it.
My Golden Retriever is the perfect example of this. He will gladly eat a wide range of disgusting things. Cat poop? Delicious! Vomit? Yeah sure, hell lick that right up
But a new kibble? Thats where he draws the line he instantly becomes selective with what he eats.
If you are transitioning your dog to a new food, its best to do it slooooooowly.
Fortunately, if done right, switching to a new food is a simple process
All you need is your dogs current food, and the new food want your dog to eat.
Now, what you are going to do is combine the two foods. Over ten days, your goal is to decrease the amount of old food and increase the amount of new food.
- Days 1 3 75% current food. 25% New food
- Days 4 6 50% current food. 50% New food
- Days 7 9 25% current food. 75% New food
- Day 10 100% New food
It may be slow, but your dog will be more likely to eat his new food if you follow this process.
Now, you may be unable to obtain your dogs previous food to mix in with his new food.
Lets say your dogs favorite food is discontinued. Or you ran out of food and after a mad dash to Walmart, grabbed whatever was on the shelf?
What then?
How Do You Fix A Picky Eater Dog
Klein recommends creating a consistent feeding routine:
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Theres Something Wrong With Her Bowl
The problem may not be your pooch or her food at all: It could be her bowl. Dogs can be finicky creatures, and it can be surprising how sensitive some pooches are to the bowls we try to use.
For example, K9 of Mine Editor Bens dog J.B. is petrified of the noises metal stainless steel dog bowls make, while my pooch Maya requires plastic or ceramic dog bowls because of a nickel allergy.
Auto-feeders, which cause a bit of a commotion when filling up the bowl, can also be a source of anxiety at times. Hygiene is also important for your hounds appetite. If your dogs bowl is grimy, she may refuse to eat out of it. So, be sure to clean your dogs bowl regularly to avoid bacterial growth.
Washing your dogs bowl in warm water with dish soap will suffice , but remember to rinse thoroughly and let it dry before the next feeding.
How Do I Get My Dog To Stop Eating People Food
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to stop your dog from eating people food may vary depending on the individual dogs personality and behavior. However, some tips to help stop your dog from eating people food may include consistently feeding them their own food in a designated spot, not providing people food as a reward, and keeping people food out of reach. If your dog continues to eat people food despite your efforts, you may want to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to find additional solutions.
Dogs are notorious scavengers, and their ancestors were deeply involved in this trait. There are several ways to train your dog not to eat human food, but it can be difficult at times. Leaving it or your own version of it is the most basic command you can teach your dog to obey. It takes a few weeks to train your dog to obey this command, as it does with many other commands. Make sure to provide him with plenty of his favorite treats so he can feel rewarded. If you are not already feeding your puppy the best possible diet, you may need to buy a supply of high-quality dog food.
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What To Do When Your Dog Wont Eat
If your dog is lethargic, vomiting, or having diarrhea in addition to not eating, see your veterinarian right away. If you dont see any of these, here are some ways to try to entice your dog to eat:
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Add water or no-sodium chicken broth to the dog food and let it soak for several minutes to soften it.
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Heat canned food for a few seconds in the microwave . Canned food can become scorching hot quickly, so feel the food first to avoid any burned tongues.
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Try mixing some plain, boneless, skinless boiled chicken and rice with their kibble to encourage them to eat.
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Add a probiotic such as Purina Fortiflora or Advita on top of the food. Not only can this make the food more palatable, but it can also help any inflamed or irritated intestine heal by rebalancing a healthy gastrointestinal flora.
If you have tried these tricks and your dog continues to refuse his food, he should be seen by his veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Unless explicitly prescribed by your veterinarian, your dog should not be given any over-the-counter gastrointestinal medications like Imodium or Pepto Bismol, as these could cause serious side effects or even interact with medications that your veterinarian may want to give. It is best to consult with your veterinarian before attempting to treat symptoms at home.
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She is also putting on weight, no doubt due to the people food.
How do we get her to start eating dog food again?
Farah
Dear Farah,
When you regularly feed a dog people food, it becomes a bit of a Pandoras box. And as you noticed, our food is so rich it often causes dogs to put on additional weight.
The good news is you can change this behavior. It just takes a commitment from all the humans in the home.
First off, everyone in the house needs to understand that from now on, the dog gets no people food with no exceptions. Your dog isn’t eating now, as it’s holding out for something better. If she continues to get it, she will continue to hold out.
The next step is to start feeding her in a structured way. Dogs that live in a group eat in the order of their rank. If you let your dog eat before you do, you are telling her she has more status or authority.
Because the humans need to be seen as the top dog, whoever is feeding her should eat first. If that person is eating elsewhere, simply eat a few potato chips or crackers in front of the dog before feeding her.
Some dogs will go up to three days without eating, depending on how stubborn they are. Hunger will eventually kick in and when it does, she will be happy to eat her dog food.
One last tip: I like to rotate the flavors of the food I feed. Pick a brand and then each time you get a new bag, get a different flavor from the same brand. This way your dog gets some variety.
David
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Warning: Loss Of Appetite In Dogs
A loss of appetite in your dog could be a sign of a bacterial or viral infection. Parvovirus is one such infection that causes decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you suspect your dog could have an underlying illness, its important to reach out to your dogs veterinarian as soon as possible.
Sick dogs often have a decreased appetite, but may accept certain human foods that they view as treats.
If your dogs eating habits are a recent or sudden change, take your dog to the veterinarian to get evaluated. Always talk to your dogs veterinarian about any changes in their diet.
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Did You Switch Dog Foods
Transitioning from one dog food to another too quickly can cause stomach upset, which may mean that your dog doesnt feel like eating. Its important to transition foods gradually over 7-10 days in order to avoid stomach upset. This also allows your dog to get used to the new food over time, rather than making a sudden switch.
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Did Your Dog Just Have Surgery
It is not unusual for your dog to skip a meal or two after a surgery. The medications used for sedation and anesthesia commonly cause nausea and a decreased appetite, and medications that they may go home on, such as pain medications and/or antibiotics can also suppress the appetite.
You may try tempting your dog to eat with a spoonful of canned food or boneless, skinless, boiled chicken on top of their kibble. Better yet, ask your veterinarian for a few cans of a prescription gastrointestinal diet to feed for the first few days after surgery. These foods are highly palatable, are easily digestible, and can help counteract some of the gastrointestinal upset that can happen after surgery and anesthesia.
If your dog had oral or facial surgery, your veterinarian may recommend feeding only canned food for two or more weeks. This also means that your dog should not receive hard treats or chew on hard toys until they are declared healed at their recheck appointment. If your dog is refusing to eat the prescribed canned food, reach out to your veterinarian in case there are any post-operative complications.
Bad Memories May Be Linked To His Food
Your dog might refuse to eat his food if he had bad or traumatic experiences in the past with his food. Dogs are capable of having flashbacks besides being emotional creatures.
If your pooch previously ate a food that gave off a rancid flavor or one that upset their digestive tract, you shouldnt be surprised when he becomes hesitant to eat the same food again.
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Be Consistent With The Food Choices
It may be time to show your dog some tough love by only giving him one type of food and sticking to it at all times. You should not give the dog any treats or tasty add-ins during this time. Whether it is regular kibbles or other types of dry dog food, you should offer it to your dog two or three times a day. If they dont respond to the food within ten minutes then take it away.
In most cases, the dog will eventually give in and start eating the dog food within two or three days. It might not seem right as you are starving the dog but in some situations, this might be necessary to let your dog know that there is no point in waiting it out for better-tasting food.
Human Food For Dogs That Will Not Harm
Have you been wondering Is human food bad for dogs? Although we humans try to keep our dogs on their canine diets, we sometimes just cant resist slipping them an occasional human morsel. If youve been wondering what human food is safe for dogs, you certainly do not want to miss this article.
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My Dog Is A Picky Eater: What Can I Do
Many dogs refuse to eat if they are not feeling well, particularly if they have dental or intestinal issues. If your dog refuses to eat dry food or eats other types of food , he may be considered picky. Infections, bowel obstruction, liver failure, and other conditions can all cause a lack of appetite. A vaccine-related allergic reaction could also be the source of the problem. The majority of the time, dental issues are a cause of concern, particularly for dogs who refuse to eat crunchy kibble. Semi-moist dog food typically contains a lot of sugar, making it unsuitable as a primary diet for your dog. If your dog is picky, you can feed him wet food or mix some wet food with the dry food he prefers.
Ways To Make Your Dogs Food More Appealing
If your dog refuses to eat his food, there are a few things you can do to make it more appealing. You can, for example, add chicken broth, beef broth, clam juice, or tuna water to improve the flavor of your food. Pouring warm water over dry food will also make it softer. Hand-feeding your dog is a good option if he only eats wet food. If your dog is a picky eater, you may be able to convince him to try new foods. He may not be eating or losing weight in an abnormal way, and if this happens, he should consult a doctor. If your dogs eating habits have started to change in the last few weeks, it is best to consult with your veterinarian first.
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Did Anything Change In Your Household
Some dogs may be sensitive enough that a change in their environment may cause inappetence. Examples include a new addition to the family , construction, having people over, or even a change in the location of the food and water bowls.
While noise phobias arent specific to your household necessarily, things like thunderstorms and fireworks can also cause enough anxiety to discourage your dog from eating.
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Throw It On The Floor
Do you have a fussy puppy? You can take advantage of his playful nature to get him to eat his food.
Sit by your puppy and sprinkle dried dog food on the ground, a little at a time. As your puppy eats a piece, add another one further away.
Because your playful pup thinks this is a game, he will be more likely to take to his food.
It may take quite a few sessions, but once he has a taste for his food, you can transition to a bowl.
This method can be a little messy, so its best to do it outside. If you want to feed inside, grab a good broom and sweep up after mealtime is over there is nothing worse than feeling pieces of kibble crunch underfoot.
How Do I Get My Dog To Stop Eating Human Food
If youre someone whos been feeding your dog human food only for a while now, its going to be difficult to wean them off of this diet and back onto a dog food-based diet. Still, its certainly doable and wise to do.
Essentially, you want to move slowly. Dont expect your dog to start eating dog food only overnight. The method I usually recommend is the waiting game.
For one to two meals a day, put a bowl of dog food down on the ground and leave it there for one hour . During this period, you will hope that your dogs eats their food. If they dont eat it after the set period of time, however, take the bowl away. Over time, your dog will get the idea and eventually start taking advantage of the time during which their food is on the ground. Dogs certainly wont starve themselves, after all.
Some dog owners who try this method still continue to give their dogs a few human foods here and there. They may give them one homemade meal or small scraps when they have them. As long as there are no dangerous-to-dog foods included, this shouldnt be a problem for most dogs.
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Is It Cruel To Feed A Dog Once A Day
Feeding adult dogs twice a day is recommended by most veterinarians. Some people only feed their dogs once a day, but dogs that are only fed once a day can get hungry, and sometimes can be prone to bilious diarrhea. If you are feeding your dog a high-protein diet, it is important to make sure that the dog is getting enough protein in his or her diet.
This is especially important if you have a dog that has been on a very high protein diet for a long period of time, such as a puppy or adult dog. It is not uncommon for dogs to become very malnourished if they are fed a diet that is too high in protein, and this can lead to a number of health problems.