Why is my dog not eating his food but will eat chicken

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

When to Worry if Your Dog Isn't Eating (& What to Do)

Do you have a picky eater on your hands? A dog skipping meals is one of the most common issues that worries dog owners. Canine anorexia, the medical term for when a dog isn't eating, can be caused by a variety of health concerns, ranging from minor anxiety or stomach upset to much more serious conditions. Decode why your dog might not be eating, plus learn tricks to stimulate their appetite, and when it's time to call the vet.

Why Is My Dog Not Eating?

There are several reasons a dog might stop eating, including psychological issues like stress, and physical issues, including illness. It can be difficult to figure out which symptom - or combination of symptoms - is causing the issue. Keep in mind that evaluating your dog's appetite is complicated - there are so many factors to consider. Watch for changes in their eating habits, their body condition and weight, and any signs of illness.

1. Anxiety

Stress-related problems are among the many reasons a dog might stop eating. This is often the case with little dogs who are fussy eaters. Separation anxiety is a common cause of poor appetite in dogs. This can explain why some dogs only eat when you're around. Sometimes, an anxious dog won't eat while their owner is away, be it for an hour or a week. Others suffer anxiety with thunderstorms, fireworks, or other loud events that trigger an attack of nerves that can affect the appetite for days.

2. Pickiness

If your dog knows you just opened a new bag of treats or you have chicken in the oven, they might not eat their own dinner out of pickiness. Some dogs are also social eaters and only like to eat when other pets or people are around.

Quick Tip

Stick to a regular feeding schedule for your dog. This can help keep fussy eaters on track and eating consistently.

3. Travel

Dogs who have moved or are traveling with you may stop eating due to the stress of their new surroundings, but also because of physical issues surrounding these life changes, such as motion sickness. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication for the stomach upset and for anxiety, as well.

4. Digestion Issues

Indulging in too many treats can cause an upset stomach, which could make your dog too nauseous to eat. Rich foods can cause a serious condition in dogs called pancreatitis, so if your companion ate something very fatty, keep a close eye on them. Constipation can also severly reduce a dog's appetite. Take them to your vet right away if they show signs of a painful belly, vomiting, or diarrhea.

5. Worms

Intestinal worms are another common health issue that can cause a lack of appetite in dogs. A worm infestation can cause dogs to stop eating, and it's often accompanied by lethargy, weakness, and a bloated abdomen. If your dog has these symptoms, take them to your veterinarian to diagnose the particular parasite involved for effective treatment.

6. Depression

Depression in dogs follows much the same path as it does in humans, often heralded by lethargy, moodiness, and loss of appetite. Your dog's depression can be triggered by an event, such as the loss of a beloved family member, a move from one home to another, or, as in humans, a chemical imbalance can be to blame. If this is the case, treatment options are available that can help your furry friend recover their spunk.

Quick Tip

It can help to keep a food journal for your dog, writing down what and how much they eat every day, and any symptoms they may have. That way, you will notice problems early and can respond quickly.

7. Dietary Indiscretion

If your dog is fond of sneaking into the garbage, this can cause a condition commonly called "garbage gut" that can range in severity from a day or two of vomiting to a serious poisoning incident or an intestinal blockage that can be fatal. It's a good idea to call your vet if your dog stops eating after a midnight garbage raid. That way, you can be sure your faithful companion has not eaten something that could have disastrous effects.

8. Vaccinations

Some dogs can feel a little down in the dumps after getting vaccinations, which may lead to a low appetite for a short period. Usually, this lasts no more than a day or two, but if it goes on longer, or you notice any other signs of a vaccine reaction, contact your veterinarian.

9. Dental Disease

In addition to minor dental issues, such as a sore tooth, dogs can refuse to eat if they're suffering from major dental issues, including tooth root abscesses or a tumor in the mouth. Bring your dog in for a check-up right away if you notice any bleeding or growths in your dog's mouth.

10. Systemic Health Problems

Serious conditions that can cause a drop in appetite include thyroid problems, heart disease, pulmonary disease, kidney failure, and cancer, among many others. You may not notice accompanying symptoms in the beginning stages of many of these conditions, so take any decline in appetite with no obvious cause seriously.

Additional Causes for Canine Anorexia

In addition to the causes mentioned above, other issues that can make a dog stop eating include:

Excessively warm weather
Pain, usually from an injury or joint condition like arthritis
Viruses or infections, such as parvo
Pancreatitis
Bloat, also known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus
Ulcers
Breeding activity
Chemotherapy or radiation treatments

Is My Dog Just Picky, Or Is It Serious?

Dogs sometimes skip a meal or even two, and they might turn up their nose at their food if you give them the same thing every day. This is fairly normal behavior, and waiting a few hours will probably resolve the issue once they figure out that they're hungry. However, if you see a sudden change in your dog's eating habits, and they flatly refuse to eat, something may be up. Follow these tips to help evaluate your dog's lack of appetite:

Note your dog's age and health: If they're older, have digestive issues, or other health conditions, eliminate these as causes first.
Watch your dog's behavior: Look closely for signs of anxiety, stress, or any changes in eating habits.
Consider external factors: Life changes, such as a move or the arrival of a new pet or baby, or one-time events, such as vaccination, could be affecting their appetite.

Sudden changes are the red flag here. Take these three factors into consideration as you evaluate your dog. Eliminate potential health issues first. Next, address the behavioral component, and any events that may have impacted your dog's appetite. If you've looked at all of these things, spoken with your veterinarian, and your dog seems fine otherwise but is still turning their nose up to food, you might have a picky eater on your hands.

Tricks to Stimulate Your Dog's Appetite

If your dog seems to be acting normally with no other symptoms, there's no need to panic. Some dogs skip a meal but are enthusiastic eaters the next time. However, you don't want your dog to go too long without food, so there are a few things you can do to encourage them to eat.

Warm their food. Warming the food before serving can entice a picky eater to eat. Zap it in the microwave for only a few seconds at a time to make sure it's not too hot for your dog - luke warm is the goal.
Offer chicken or baby food. A few bites of a tasty yet bland food, such as boiled chicken or chicken baby food, can whet a dog's appetite. Make sure it doesn't contain any harmful additives like onion.
Add some broth. The addition of warmed chicken or beef broth can stimulate your dog to eat their food. Use low-sodium broth or stock without any seasonings or additives.
Try hand-feeding. Get down on the floor with your dog and offer them food from their bowl directly up to their mouth. If they're stressed, this can help them feel safe and calm enough to eat. However, only attempt this if your dog isn't food aggressive and there's no risk of them biting you.
Withhold food. Some experts recommend withholding food for 12 hours to give the dog's digestive system a bit of time to recover. This can also allow your dog to become hungry and see if that encourages them to eat. However, never withhold food from puppies.
Go for a walk. Getting in some movement could make your dog hungry, but it can also stimulate a bowel movement, which can help make your dog feel better if they're not eating because they're constipated.
Make sure they have water. Never deny your dog water. Keep plenty of fresh water available for your dog at all times. A thirsty dog may not want to eat.
Talk to your vet. Whether your dog is a notoriously picky eater or this is the first meal they've ever skipped, it's never a bad idea to check in with your vet. They can provide personalized guidance or may even feel the need to prescribe an appetite stimulant.

Fast Fact

A dog should go no more than 24 hours without eating.

Consider a Switch to a New Food

Sometimes, dogs get tired of the same old thing. If your dog is just acting picky, and you're pretty sure they don't have an underlying medical condition after you consult with your veterinarian, it may be time to look at new dietary options. Poor nutrition and boredom can both play a role in a dog being fussy about their food.

You might want to try a raw diet, or you may just decide to start making their food at home. It's also possible to supplement with raw, or try a food topper by adding nutritional yeast to their diet. Talk to your vet about what your dog might be missing nutritionally, and if you decide to make the switch, go slowly to keep your dog from experiencing digestive upset. As long as you're careful, rotating your dog's diet and making changes can help revive your picky eater's appetite.

When to See a Vet if Your Dog Is Not Eating

Many dogs will occasionally skip a meal, and some will even skip two meals. You should contact your vet if your dog has gone more than 24 hours without eating. You should also see your vet immediately if your pet displays other symptoms, including:

Fever
Constipation
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Low energy
Refusing to drink water
Showing obvious sign of pain or discomfort, such as limping, difficulty moving, restlessness
Panting or labored breathing
Drinking more water than usual (polydipsia)
Unusual behavior for your dog such as hiding, shyness, trembling, confusion, or anything that seems "unlike" them

Puppies Who Aren't Eating

Puppies who will not eat are a particular source of concern, as they are in their initial growth stages, where eating and putting on weight are essential to their development. Puppies can also become dehydrated and develop low blood sugar very quickly if they don't eat. If you have a puppy who is 6 months or younger, bring them to your veterinarian if they have not eaten in eight to 12 hours.

You Know Your Dog Best

No one knows your dog's eating habits and other behaviors as well as you do, so use that knowledge to help your pet. If you know your dog is a picky eater, there might not be an immediate cause for alarm. But if you know they are normally a hearty eater, this sudden change in behavior may be a cause for concern. Don't hesitate to call your vet for advice if you're unsure to gain peace of mind.

Reasons why my dog wont eat their food

If your dog wont eat their food anymore, its not always easy to know why or what you can put in their bowl to encourage them to feed. Many dogs go off their food at some point in their life. To help you understand why your dog may not be eating, weve written this article to answer all your questions, give you tips on how to help them and tell you when to speak to your vet for advice.

Why wont my dog eat?

Your dog may not eat for many reasons: if theyre in pain; are feeling anxious or stressed; if theyre unwell; feel nauseous; if they have side effects from medication; and sometimes simply because they dont like the food youve given them. Suddenly being off their food is often a sign that something is wrong, either with them, how they feel or their food. If you notice a change in your dogs appetite, and theres no clear explanation, such as food thats gone off because of a breach in a tin, then its best to contact your vet.

My dog wont eat or drink, what should I do?

If your dog isnt eating and is also not drinking, call your vet straight away. Your dog needs to stay hydrated and can quickly become unwell if they dont drink. Try to encourage them to drink by ensuring their water bowl is clean and youre giving them fresh cool water. You can add a little bit of juice from a can of tuna to their water (making sure to avoid tuna in brine or oil) or give them ice cubes to lick or chew on (read our hints and(read our hints and tips on giving ice to a dog). The cooled water from poaching a chicken can also be really tasty (dont use stock cubes as they contain a lot of salt).

Medical reasons your dog may be off their food

Being off their food can be one of the first signs that your dog is ill, especially if its sudden. There are many illnesses that can make your dog not want to eat, varying from tooth pain, stomach bugs or more serious illnesses like pancreatitis or cancer. Possible causes include:

Pain in the mouth this could be caused by tooth decay, infections, gum disease or a broken tooth
Stomach/tummy problems this could be caused by viruses, infections, inflammation, something getting stuck in their gut, worms or eating too much. Most commonly, tummy upsets are caused by scavenging, such as picking up something they shouldnt have on their walk for example. Sudden changes in diet may also cause tummy upset.
Pain dogs are very good at hiding their pain, but it might cause them to be off their food
Organ issues problems with their heart, lungs, liver, pancreas or kidneys could all make your dog feel unwell and not want to eat
General illness if your dog has an infection or a virus then, just as we do, they may feel generally unwell and off their food
Side effects of medication some drugs and medicines may make your dog feel unwell, although this is uncommon. Always check with your vet whether this is a possibility

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Behavioural reasons your dog may not eat

Like us, our dogs are emotional creatures. Some dogs may not want to eat if theyre feeling anxious, stressed or scared. Many dogs thrive on routine and knowing what to expect, so you may find that even small changes to their environment or routine can be difficult for them to cope with. Possible behavioural reasons for being off their food include:

Changes in environment, such as having builders in, moving home, fireworks, storms or new pets
Changes in routine, such as a death in the family, death of a pet, a breakup, starting a new job, children returning to school
Separation anxiety, such as when youre out of the house for a long time, when you go to work or if theyve been in kennels while youve been away. Some dogs may not want to eat until their owner is home, even though their food is available to them during the day

Usually, if dogs arent eating because of stress or anxiety, their normal feeding patterns should return after a few days of the stressor being stopped. Some dogs may need extra support to help them cope with their anxieties and you may need to talk to your vet or a dog behaviourist about how to help them.

Is your dog a fussy eater?

If your dog turns their nose up at their food but shows an interest in what youre eating, or their favourite treats, then it may be that theyre just being picky about what they eat. Your dog probably wasnt born a fussy eater. Instead, their picky eating habits may suggest that theyre a very smart dog. By holding out long enough, your dog has realised that if they ignore their average daily meals, theyre more likely to get attention and, most importantly, more likely to be offered an alternative. Often, they will gobble down the new food offered, but this doesnt mean that they like it any better than what they had before. Neophilia is a liking for new tastes and can be reinforced by continually offering different foods. They will initially eat a new food very well and quickly, but then as they get used to it, they settle down to eat normal amounts and may appear to be going off it. Find out more about how to feed a fussy eater.Find out more about how to feed a fussy eater.

The impact of overfeeding

Sometimes, dogs may refuse to eat a meal because theyve had too many snacks, treats or titbits throughout the day. When feeding your dog, its important that you stick to their daily calorie intake. Treats and snacks should make up no more than 10% of the daily calorie needs, otherwise, they will have an unbalanced diet. They may begin to put on weight, which can cause lots of health issues, as well as shorten their life. Make sure that other people in your household arent also feeding your dog or giving them treats, as this could double the trouble!

Problems with the Food

Your dog may not eat because of the food itself. It could be:

Old or stale try throwing out the food and giving them something fresh. Make sure any food containers are airtight to prevent the food from spoiling. Cans and pouches should be put into the fridge if not completely used up in one meal and the rest used within 24 hours
Out of date check the sell-by date and throw anything away thats past it
Spoiled sometimes dogs can smell that something isnt right, even if we cant. Store your food in a cool dry place. With dry food, once opened, make sure you use up the food within a reasonable length of time. About a month is right for most products. Buy products in a size of bag that is suitable for your pet.
A new improved formula that your dog doesnt like. Some pets take time to adapt to new tastes in food. If your dog is a fussy eater, try to allow time to transition from the previous product to the new one usually 7-10 days

What to feed a dog that wont eat

If your dog wont eat, try offering small amounts of food at a time. Warming the food gently to body temperature will increase its aromas and make it more tempting. Just remember to stir it thoroughly so there are no hot air pockets. Hand feeding can also tempt some pets. Some pets will be tempted to eat by adding Pro Plan FortiFlora, which is a tasty probiotic and helps with balancing the gut. Contact your vet if youre concerned or if your dog just isnt eating.

How to make a dogs food more enticing

If your dog isnt eating, you could try to make their food tastier by:

Adding a small amount of lukewarm water to their kibble and let it soak for a few minutes to soften
Give their usual canned dog food a gentle warm (to body temperature) in the microwave. By warming it up, it makes it smell stronger and becomes more appealing. Canned food can become hot quickly, so make sure to stir it and test it with a finger first
Try mixing some cooled boiled chicken in with their food to encourage them to eat. Make sure the chicken is boneless and without skin

Should I force-feed a dog that wont eat?

No, if your dogs not feeding, never force them to eat. You could try giving them something more appetising or encouraging them to try their food. If theyve stopped eating, and youre concerned about them, contact your vet for advice.

When should I worry about my dog not eating?

Contact your vet if your dog:

Hasnt eaten anything in the last 24 hours
Hasnt eaten anything in the last 12 hours and is sick or has diarrhoea
Isnt eating and is also not drinking
Is losing weight
Seems unusually tired
Seems unwell in other ways g. coughing, constipated or straining to poo
Has signs of dental issues (pain in the mouth, bleeding or red gums, dribbles a lot, paws at their mouth/face)

Why is my dogs stomach gurgling and they wont eat?

If your dog isnt eating, but their stomach is gurgling, it could be a sign that they have an upset stomach.The gurgling noise is made by your dogs stomach is made by gas moving around in their gut. If your dog is unwell or hasnt eaten in a day, then contact your vet for advice

Why is my dog not eating their food but will eat treats?

Your dog may refuse to eat their food because they really dont like it or because theyve been holding out for their favourite snacks. Also, if a dogs not feeling well, they may not eat much but may make an exception to a treat. If your dogs appetite suddenly changes, make sure to speak to your vet for advice. If you suspect that your dog is just being picky, you can find out more about feeding a fussy eater.

Why wont my dog eat their dry food?

Dogs can suddenly go off hard food if they have pain in their mouth, such as problems with their gums, or teeth. Dogs that are feeling unwell, may also prefer to eat canned or wet food because the smell is more appetising. To help your dog, you could try adding a little bit of warm water to their kibble or you could mix in a small amount of wet food to make it more appealing. If your dog suddenly refuses to eat dry food, speak to your vet so that they can examine your dog.

My dog wont eat from their bowl but will eat from my hand

Your dog may not eat from their bowl because its placed somewhere thats too noisy or busy or they may find the bowl difficult to eat from (does it slide along the floor when they eat?), they may not be hungry, or they may dislike their food. Whatever the reason, feeding straight from their owners hand is always going to be much more interesting and engaging than their bowl. To help your dog, you could try using a different bowl, cutting out all snacks and treats or try mixing in a little bit of another food in with theirs to see if anything changes. If these methods dont work, make sure to check that they dont seem to be in any pain when they eat.

My dog isn't eating but is acting normally, what should I do?

If your dog isnt eating but seems fine in themselves, try to encourage them to eat. If theyre still not eating after a day, contact your vet for advice. Dogs can go off their food for many reasons but if their appetite doesnt return then its important for you and your vet to find out why.

What to feed a pregnant dog that wont feed?

If your pregnant dog isnt eating, try giving her some of her favourite food, but little and often. Dogs in the early parts of pregnancy can go off their food, and so can dogs in the later parts of pregnancy, as they have less room for their stomach to expand. Feeding smaller and more palatable meals can help them get the energy and nutrients they need during pregnancy. During the last third of pregnancy, a growth-type diet will be more concentrated in energy and nutrients and allow them to eat more calories in a smaller amount of food. If a pregnant dog doesnt eat anything for 24 hours or is losing weight, contact your vet for advice.

Why wont my new dog eat?

If youve recently rescued a dog, they may feel too anxious or stressed to eat at first. It may take them a little while to feel at home but once they do their appetite should return in a day or so. Offer them a similar food to what theyve been used to previously. Make sure they eat somewhere quiet and calm, without people or other pets interrupting them, and theyll get there in the end.

What to give a sick dog that wont eat?

If your dog is ill, they may not want to eat. In the short term for a day or so, boiled chicken breast and cooked white rice can help to settle any upset tummy, but this wont be balanced for the longer term. Gastrointestinal diets, available from your vet, are very digestible but also contain other nutrients, such as prebiotics, that can help the tummy to recover. Make sure to give them only a small amount of food but try giving it often. As they start to feel better, their appetite should return. If your dog is sick or has diarrhoea and is not eating, then contact your vet for advice.

How to feed a stressed dog

If your dog is not eating because theyre stressed, try feeding them somewhere they feel comfortable and calm, giving them plenty of reassurance. If theyre still not eating, try giving them some of their favourite food. Dogs may not want to eat during fireworks, thunderstorms or unusual loud noises. Even if a stressed dog isnt eating, make sure that they have access to clean fresh water. Dogs pant when theyre stressed, which means that being anxious can be incredibly thirsty work.

Why is my older dog not eating?

Changes in appetite in older dogs could be due to illness, tooth pain, poor eyesight, pain from joint problems or it could be a sign of canine dementia. Their sense of smell can also decrease as a pet gets older, which might make food less appetising. If your dog hasnt eaten for a day, if theyre losing weight or if youre concerned about their eating habits, contact your vet for advice. For older dogs, its important that you keep to a routine and feed them at the same time every day. Its also important not to move their bowl, especially for older dogs that have poor eyesight. Some older dogs with arthritis or joint problems may find it more difficult to stand on slightly slippery surfaces, such as tiles or wooden floors. To help your dog, try putting down a non-slip rug or mat for them to stand on while they eat.

Why is my puppy not eating?

Puppies that have just moved to a new home may not want to eat much because theyre nervous about a new environment or about being around new people. Its important that puppies feed regularly, so if they havent eaten at all in the last 12 hours or if theyre unwell, contact your vet for advice to have them checked over.

Think your dog may be affected?

If you're worried about your dog's health, always contact your vetimmediately!

We are not a veterinary organisation and so we can't give veterinary advice, but if you're worried about any of the issues raised in this article, please contact your local vet practice for further information

Find a vet near you

If you're looking for a vet practice near you, why not visit the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons'Find a vetpage.