Why is my dog not eating but acting normal?

At the Natural Dog Food Company, we understand how worrying it can be when your furry friend suddenly stops eating their food—even if they seem otherwise perfectly happy and healthy. If you’re asking yourself, “why is my dog not eating his food but acting normal?”, you’re certainly not alone. It’s one of the most common concerns we hear from dog owners, and thankfully, it’s usually something you can resolve quickly.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the key reasons behind your dog’s eating habits and offer straightforward solutions to encourage a healthier appetite.

Why is my dog not eating their food?

There are various reasons why your dog might refuse dog food, even when appearing normal in other ways. Generally, these can be divided into two categories: medical issues and behavioural factors.

Medical reasons

Your dog might be experiencing mild discomfort or hidden health issues that impact their desire to eat. Common culprits include dental problems, stomach upsets, infections, or even side effects from medications. Dogs are excellent at masking discomfort, so even subtle pain might cause food aversion.

If your dog’s appetite doesn’t return to normal within 48 hours, or you notice additional symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, or lethargy, it’s important to consult your veterinarian promptly.

Behavioural reasons

If medical reasons have been ruled out, behavioural factors could be at play. Stress, anxiety, or changes in their environment—such as moving house or introducing a new family member—can cause your dog to temporarily lose interest in food.

Moreover, picky eating habits can develop if dogs are frequently offered treats or table scraps. Dogs may start holding out for tastier alternatives if they learn there’s something else to eat.

My dog won’t eat or drink, what should I do?

A dog refusing both food and water requires immediate attention. Check for symptoms like lethargy, excessive drooling, or obvious discomfort. If these accompany your dog’s refusal to eat or drink, contact your veterinarian urgently.

In less serious cases, keep a close eye on how much they’re drinking, making sure they have plenty of fresh water available. Adding warm water to their food can encourage both hydration and appetite temporarily. Learn more about encouraging your dog to drink here.

How to get my dog to eat

Feeding schedule

Consistency can greatly impact your dog’s eating habits. Try feeding your dog at regular intervals and remove any uneaten food after around 20 minutes. This method teaches your dog that mealtime is limited, helping create a routine they’ll naturally adjust to.

Treats or human food

We all love spoiling our dogs, but treats and table scraps can significantly diminish their appetite for regular food. If your dog is regularly snacking, they may simply not feel hungry at mealtimes. Try reducing treats, or select healthier options like our tasty Salmon, White Fish, and Trout Treats.

Removing competition

Dogs can feel overwhelmed by distractions or competition at mealtimes. If you have multiple pets, consider feeding them separately in a quiet area. A calm, stress-free environment can significantly improve their appetite.

Why has my dog stopped eating dry food?

How to get my dog to eat kibble

Choose a high-quality and meat rich diet. Our range of natural dry dog foods offers complete nutrition and delicious flavours that dogs genuinely enjoy. Slightly warming their meals with a little warm water can also make it smell better and easier to eat.

Is my dog just a picky eater?

First, figure out if your dog is truly picky or if there’s a health issue. Some dogs are just naturally fussier – especially small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas, or working breeds like German Shepherds. If it’s just pickiness, try mixing up their food options, stick to regular meal times, and cut back on treats.

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

Dogs often prefer treats due to their richer taste as they are often very high protein content and association with reward. Breaking this dependency involves cutting back on treats and focusing on quality nutrition. Treats should ideally form no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories, primarily as rewards during training or special occasions.

Why won’t my new dog eat?

If you’ve recently brought home a new dog home, it’s normal for them to feel unsettled initially. Stress and environmental changes can significantly impact their eating habits. Give them time, patience, and consistency.

Why is my older dog not eating?

Older dogs may naturally experience reduced appetite due to dental issues, medication side effects, or simply ageing. Our specialised Senior dog food range is made specifically for the nutritional needs and appetite changes of older dogs. Try softening it with a bit of warm water if they have dental issues or have trouble chewing.

Why is my puppy not eating?

Just like adult dogs, puppies get stressed in new homes and may go off their food at first. Stress and environmental changes can significantly impact their eating habits. Give them time, patience, and consistency. Slowly introduce high-quality, delicious foods, like our Puppy Chicken recipe, to help ease their transition. Our Puppy Starter Pack has everything you need to get going, we also have helpful information on our guide to becoming a puppy owner.

When you should be concerned about your dog not eating

A brief loss of appetite isn’t uncommon, but watch closely. If your dog hasn’t eaten in more than 48 hours, or if appetite loss is accompanied by other symptoms, seek veterinary advice. Prompt attention ensures your dog stays healthy and happy.

If you’re worried because your dog isn’t eating but acting normal otherwise, remember you’re not alone—and most cases resolve with simple adjustments. Establish regular mealtimes, minimise treats, and maintain a calm feeding environment.

At the Natural Dog Food Company, we’re committed to helping your dog thrive through high-quality nutrition and expert advice. Explore our full range of wholesome foods and treats in our natural dog food shop, and learn more about our commitment to quality here. We also have a blog full of helpful articles, so check it out. 

When in doubt, always talk to your vet first. Your dog’s wellbeing is what matters most, and we’re with you every step of the way.

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