Lately, my dog has been having what I call fits. He gets excited for mealtime and does his food dance but then won’t touch his bowl for two or three days. When I take the bowl away, he cries or makes himself throw up. He gets fed twice a day with a scoop of dry food and a scoop of wet food. I’ve changed food brands three times and can’t afford to waste more money. He refuses to eat his meals but begs for scraps or treats. I’m really frustrated and need help.
The way your dog behaves could point to behavioral problems or underlying medical conditions. To rule out medical disorders like digestion or dental difficulties, see a veterinarian. To address fussy eating habits or anxiety connected to food, think about speaking with a professional behaviorist or dog trainer. The keys to tackling this problem are perseverance and consistency.
Hi Royale… I’m sorry to hear that you’re having such a tough time with your dog’s eating habits. As a dog expert, i can help. Here are a few steps you can take to address this issue:
Health Check
Vet Visit: The first and most crucial step is to take your dog to the vet to rule out any underlying health issues. Sometimes, a loss of appetite can be due to dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, or other medical conditions.
Feeding Strategies
Regular Feeding Schedule: Maintain a consistent feeding schedule, offering food at the same times each day. Leave the food out for 15-20 minutes and then take it away, regardless of whether your dog eats or not. This can help establish a routine.
Limit Treats and Scraps: Reduce or eliminate treats and table scraps. If your dog knows that not eating his meal might lead to getting tastier scraps, he might hold out for those instead of eating his regular food.
Mix It Up: Since you’ve tried different food brands, consider mixing a small amount of warm water or low-sodium chicken broth into the dry food to make it more enticing. Some dogs prefer a softer texture or a stronger aroma.
Interactive Feeders: Use puzzle feeders or food-dispensing toys to make mealtime more engaging and fun for your dog. This can also help stimulate his appetite.
Behavioral Considerations
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with praise and affection when he eats his food. Avoid giving in to his demands for treats or scraps when he refuses his regular meals.
Reduce Stress: Ensure that mealtime is a calm and stress-free environment. Avoid loud noises or other distractions that might make your dog anxious.
Observations
Monitor Behavior: Keep a journal of your dog’s eating habits, noting what foods he prefers, times he eats, and any other relevant behaviors. This can help you and your vet identify patterns or triggers.
Patience and Consistency
Stay Patient: Changing a dog’s eating habits can take time. Stay consistent with your approach and avoid giving in to his begging for treats or table scraps.
Consider a Second Opinion
Consult a Specialist: If your vet rules out medical issues and the problem persists, consider consulting a veterinary nutritionist or a pet behaviorist for more tailored advice.
By systematically addressing both potential medical and behavioral causes, you can better understand and hopefully resolve your dog’s eating issues.
Ok, so my dog has always been super food-motivated, except when he was teething. I’m not sure if these tips will work for your dog, but here are a few suggestions:
Will she eat her breakfast or dinner from your hand if it’s kibble? Sometimes making the kibble seem like treats by putting it in an interactive slow feeder, like a large Kong you can unscrew to fill, or a treat ball, can help.
Although not a doodle, my mom’s dog sometimes refuses to eat, and she finds that adding a bit of water or broth (as long as it’s not onion-based) can create a kibble gravy or cereal-like consistency that entices him.
This might sound silly, but have you tried “cooking” the food? By prepping her bowl on the kitchen counter and pretending to add ingredients from the fridge or putting it in the oven, you might make the food seem more appealing.
Lastly, have you tried adding a little bit of shredded cheese or some meaty treats to her food? Sometimes that extra bit of flavor can make a big difference.
I went through this with my own dog. A vet check provided peace of mind, and a trainer helped establish a routine and address some anxiety around mealtime. Consistency was key
My dog went through something similar. I had to switch his food every 3 days so he wouldn’t starve. He ate treats on walks just fine and even high-value treats. Every blood test came back normal until we did an ultrasound and then an endoscopy. Sometimes, even the ultrasounds come back normal for these issues.
He was diagnosed with IBD, and his only symptom was not wanting to eat. It comes and goes randomly, especially when he’s stressed. As he’s gotten older, the problem happens more often, and now he’s on medication all the time to manage it.
It’s unlikely that your dog is completely healthy if they are showing these signs.