Is your dog not eating food? Learn why...

A dog not eating food can be a minor issue or a serious problem. This article explores dog behavior problems, dogs eating too much, and dogs not eating.

Dog Eating Behavior Problems

Dogs enjoy eating. It is a hobby but it is also necessary for survival. There are a number of food behavior problems besides your dog not eating food, such as guarding food. Your dog might growl and bite around food. Obviously this isn’t good.

Some dog eating behavior problems are caused by health issues. For example, if your dog isn’t feeling well, they might not want to eat. In some cases, eating will increase significantly. If you suspect health problems, definitely contact your veterinary immediately. It could be quite serious. Health issues can also increase the chances of a dog bite, so be careful.

As a general rule, it is important to pay attention to the eating habits of your dog to reinforce good behavior and look for problems. Physical and also emotional changes in your dog’s eating habits should be handled before they become serious.

Dog Eating Too Much Food

Before we examine the case of a dog not eating food, we'll briefly discuss the problem of a dog eating too much. Many dogs "wolf" down their food. That is, they swallow their food without proper chewing. Some dogs eat so quickly and vigorously that they choke.

If you're trying to slow down your dog, try the following:

Use Puzzle Toys. Stuff your dog's food into food dispensing puzzle toys. Make you’re your dog work to release the food. This burns extra calories, it is fun, and it will slow your dog.

Moisten Dry Food. Many dogs can eat dry food very quickly, which is more likely to cause choking than wet food. Soak dry food in some water before feeding, which reduces chances of getting caught, even if it does get rapidly consumed.

Place a Large Object in the Food Dish. Take a rock or some other large object and place it into the middle of your dog's food dish. This makes it much harder for your dog to quickly consume food because the dog must eat around the large object. This also means spreading out your dog's meals, which is a good idea.

Freeze Food. Provide your dog with food that has been frozen because that will slow your dog down. You can also combine this trick with the puzzle toy trick. Fill the puzzle toy with wet food then freeze it. It’ll take some time for your dog to eat.

Dog Not Eating Food? What’s Going On?

A dog not eating food is rare, but it can happen for several reasons. While most dogs like to eat, as we explored above, sometimes there are for a dog not eating food.

The first reason is that your dog is not feeling well. Instead of trying to force your dog to eat, pull the dish away and let your dog skip the meal. Don't try to coax your dog with special treats, gravy, or anything else. Once again, we strongly recommend that you contact your vet if you suspect a medical issue.

The second possible cause of a dog not eating food is how you have trained your dog. Picky eaters are trained, not born. If you enjoy pampering your dog, then this isn't a problem. Keep the meals balanced and healthy and your dog will be fine. However, if you feel it is an issue, you do have options. For example, you can provide your dog with premium dog food. This is usually better than offering your dog human food.

The third reason for a dog not eating food is that your dog has found another source of food. Dogs will eat garbage, cat stools, compost bin scraps, and more. Perhaps your dog has started eating the cat's food or he's been getting food from your counter. Also, some neighbors might start feeding your dog. The best advice to resolve this issue is to know what your dog is doing and where they are going.

Wrap Up

Dog behavior problems, dogs eating too much, and dogs not eating are often related. Be sure you clearly understand your dog's habits and activities. Also, if you suspect medical problems associated with your dog not eating food, get medical advice immediately.

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