Why Won’t My Dog Eat? 5 Potential Causes & What to Do

Kerry Chrapliwy • July 25, 2024

You fill up Fido’s bowl only to find it still overflowing with kibble hours later – despite your best efforts, you can’t seem to get your pup to be interested. If you’re like many dog owners, this scenario and the question, “Why won’t my dog eat?” are nothing new. But what causes dogs to not eat, exactly, and what can you do to change it? 


Why Won’t My Dog Eat? 5 Potential Reasons

If your pooch is turning their nose at the food they used to scarf down, there are a few common issues that may be at play.


1. Picky Eaters

Some dogs are just picky eaters, plain and simple. Likewise, you might find that your dog won’t eat because they’re uncomfortable with some element of their feeding situation.

How to Address It

First, conduct a small investigation. Did you get the same food as usual? Is it the right flavor? Is it expired, wet, or moldy?  Some dogs also respond well to specific types of food. You might find that trying to switch food causes your pet to eat less or stop eating altogether. In other cases–if your dog won’t eat kibble, for example–trying a new food, like a wet formula, might be beneficial. 


2. Underlying Medical Issues & Pain

A decrease in appetite is a common sign of illness, pain, and many medical conditions our dogs can experience. Medical problems may be particularly likely to be behind appetite changes if your dog shows other symptoms, too, like vomiting or nausea. 

Similarly, if your dog is over the age of three, they likely have some form of periodontal disease, just like 80-90% of adult dogs.

How to Address It

If you think your dog may be in pain, sick, or injured, the first step you should take is to call your veterinarian. When dental issues are at play, visit your vet and have your pet checked for tooth issues, gum disease, abscesses, or tumors. In other cases, you may be able to encourage your dog to eat more by doing things like:

  • Adding dog-friendly broth (no onions or garlic, low sodium, etc.) or warm water to their food
  • Preparing meals of boiled chicken and rice to soothe the stomach
  • Heating their food in the microwave


3. Behavioral Issues

Dogs experience emotions and stress, just like us humans. That means that behavioral challenges like anxiety, depression, and fear can lead to changes in our furry friends’ behavior. It’s also possible for aging and senior dogs to experience changes in eating patterns and behavior.

How to Address It

If you can identify an obvious trigger for your dog’s behavioral challenges, do your best to avoid it near mealtime. It also helps to set your dog’s eating area up in a safe room of their own when stressors (like visitors or other dogs) are present. 

Meanwhile, if your old dog won’t eat, you can try to feed them by hand. You can also place a nonslip mat down near their bowls to help them stand securely. 


4. Changes in Environment or Routine

Whether it’s due to motion sickness, stress, or even time differences, decreased appetite in dogs can easily follow changes in routine. 

How to Address It

Try to keep your dog on as consistent a schedule as possible each day, particularly when it comes to feeding times. Create and stick to a mealtime routine that helps your pup understand when it’s time to focus on chowing down. 


5. Overfeeding

It’s not as difficult to overfeed your pet as you might think. In fact, many dogs don’t eat the full amount stated on the packaging of their food products. If your dog is carrying some extra weight yet seems unwilling to eat at mealtimes, it may be because they’re getting too many calories elsewhere. 

How to Address It

Reduce the amount you feed your dog, and cut back on the treats. Make sure your pup gets plenty of exercise each day to keep them healthy and happy. 


When Dogs Not Eating Becomes an Emergency

In some cases, the answer to the question “Why won’t my dog eat?” is simple. But in others, a refusal to eat may be a sign your dog needs emergency vet care. 

If not eating is the only symptom you notice in your dog, you may not have an emergency on your hands. Most adult dogs can go a few days without eating as long as they continue drinking water. However, if your dog won’t eat or drink anything, it’s time to contact your vet. 

If your dog is very young, has an existing health condition, or is showing symptoms like those below, it’s time to contact an emergency vet:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy and unresponsiveness
  • A tense or distended abdomen: your dog may yelp when their abdomen is touched



Visit a provider like Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists for quick, effective, and compassionate care that helps your pooch get back on their paws. 


We are your go-to Austin emergency vet clinic, proudly serving the furry friends of our community. When you need an emergency vet in Austin or specialty veterinarian services, look no further than our team of experts to offer the care your pet deserves. And, when your dog won’t eat, don’t hesitate to act – whether that means addressing the problem at home or taking your pet to see a pro. Call us today at (512) 284-2877 for 24/7 emergency care.



Visit a provider like Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists for quick, effective, and compassionate care that helps your pooch get back on their paws. 


We are your go-to Austin emergency vet clinic, proudly serving the furry friends of our community. When you need an emergency vet in Austin or specialty veterinarian services, look no further than our team of experts to offer the care your pet deserves. And, when your dog won’t eat, don’t hesitate to act – whether that means addressing the problem at home or taking your pet to see a pro. Call us today at (512) 284-2877 for 24/7 emergency care.


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