Why is my dog not eating his food but will eat treats? Reasons and solutions.

Pets Can Smile – 25 May 2024

Your dog rejects regular food… but happily accepts treats?

So you of course want to know why is my dog not eating his food but will eat treats?

No worries – we have the answers.

Your dog is not eating his food but will eat treats for one of the following reasons:

• Behavioral reasons (bored with normal food, doesn’t like its current food, pregnancy, and more)
• Medical reasons (dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, pain, and more)
• Other reasons (spoiled food, wrong bowl, getting old, and more)

But you also need to know:

• What you should do when your dog stops eating regular food?
• How to prevent your dog from rejecting normal food again?
• When should you call your vet?

This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to help your dog start eating regular dog food again. 

Why is my dog not eating his food but will eat treats? This is why.

There are three categories of main reasons why your dog is not eating regular food but will happily eat treats: 

• Behavioral
• Medical
• Other 

Dogs are emotional creatures, just like humans. 

Sometimes even small changes to their environment or routine may trigger eating issues in dogs – including both anorexia and partial anorexia. 

Here are the main behavioral reasons for dogs rejecting normal dog food but happily devouring treats and table scraps. 

Bored with regular food

That’s right, dogs can get bored with eating their regular food day after day.

Getting bored with food is especially likely if the food is bland or low quality. 

To help your dog get interested in regular food for pets, try different dog food brands or different proteins and ingredients.  

For example, you can change the flavor of kibble every week. Or you could try mixing fresh and frozen fruits and veggies.  

But pay attention to any food sensitivities or allergies of your dog. And avoid changing your dog’s diet too quickly. 

Your dog knows it can get treats if it refuses normal food for pets 

Dogs are intelligent animals and can quickly learn behaviors that bring treats.

For example, your dog can learn to skip its food if you consistently reward your clever pet with treats for eating normal food. So yes, only offer treats as a reward for good behavior or progress in training. 

Furthermore, if your dog receives treats when it ignores pet food, the doggy may quickly associate the refusal of normal food with getting treats. 

Your dog is a fussy eater

If your dog shows no interest in normal pet food but is eating treats, the chances are your pet is a fussy eater.  

Just like humans, a dog can show a clear preference for particular flavors, textures, and even dog food brands. 

But note that a dog is rarely born as a fussy eater. 

Instead, a dog can learn that by holding out long enough it’ll be rewarded with something way better in the shape of treats. As you know, treats often have stronger smells and more enticing flavors, making them more appealing compared to regular food for pets.   

Your dog just doesn’t like its food 

Your dog can simply hate the food you put on its plate. 

She is pregnant or in heat

Yes, hormones can affect your dog from its ears to tail. 

This is why intact female dogs often experience a rollercoaster of mood changes during a heat cycle or pregnancy. This can affect their appetite. 

To be sure, pregnant dogs typically eat more than usual during pregnancy. Still, dogs can experience food aversion and vomiting in the early stages of pregnancy. 

It’s worth noting that healthy dog males can also experience changes in appetite if they detect an in-season female. 

And how can you tell that your dog is pregnant or in heat? An in-heat female dog gets restless and urinates more frequently. A dog in heat has a bloody discharge. But remember that a pregnant dog may not show any symptoms for a good few weeks after mating. 

Take your dog to a vet the moment you suspect she is pregnant. Proper prenatal care is essential to avoid complications. 

Disruptions in a dog’s routine

Sudden changes to a dog’s routine can lead to a loss of appetite. This is usually temporary, as a dog adjusts to its new circumstances.  

Power dynamics with other household pets

If you have more than one pet at home, power dynamics may influence your dog’s eating habits, including appetite. 

For example, a dog that feels threatened by other household pets may stop eating. So get your dog out of unhelpful circumstances as the first step.  

Your dog may not be eating for health reasons.  

There are two types of medical conditions that can negatively affect your dog’s eating habits:  

• Physical
• Psychological 

PHYSICAL

Dental issues

Dental issues are a common reason for a dog’s refusal to eat. 

Toothache, ulcer, or infection in the mouth can make eating a real pain for a dog. Hard and crunchy meals like kibble make it especially hard. 

Cracked, loose, or decaying tooth not only makes it a real pain to eat but also increases the risk of serious infections. 

Dental diseases can also spread harmful bacteria to other parts of a dog’s body, including the heart and kidneys. 

So if your dog is not eating, check its mouth for signs of dental problems. And don’t forget to brush your dog’s teeth regularly.

Unfortunately, dental problems are common in dogs, with senior and smaller breeds suffering from dental issues the most. 

If you think dental problems are the reason for your dog not eating, contact your vet. Meantime, feed your dog wet food so it gets proper nutrition. 

Gastrointestinal disease 

A bacterial or viral infection of any part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can also lead to loss of appetite in dogs. 

Infections can also include parasitic infections from worms such as roundworms, whipworms, or hookworms. 

Other GI problems, such as tumors, ulcers, food allergies, and inflammatory diseases can also ruin a dog’s appetite. 

So it’s critical that you always check the expiration dates of your dog’s food. 

And never feed your dog human food. This is because some foods we enjoy so much are actually toxic to dogs. 

Foods that are toxic to dogs include: 

• Grapes
• Raisins
• Chocolate
• Garlic
• Onions
• Tropical fruits and nuts, such as Macadamia nuts, cashews, papayas, and mangoes 
• The artificial sweetener xylitol (used in sugar-free candy and gum)

Oh, and don’t forget to clean your dog’s bowl after every use!   

Pancreatitis 

Problems with the pancreas can also negatively affect your dog’s appetite.  

The pancreas is a very important organ. It produces insulin and digestive enzymes. Insulin controls blood sugar, while digestive enzymes help break down food in the small intestine. 

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) can cause loss of appetite as well as vomiting and diarrhea in more serious cases. 

Pancreatic cancer can also cause loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy.     

Liver diseases 

When the dog’s liver isn’t working properly, waste and toxins will build up in your pet’s system. This will cause nausea and loss of appetite (inappetence).  

Liver diseases include cirrhosis, hepatitis, toxic reactions from drug therapies, liver cancer, and congenital problems, such as a Portosystemic Shunt.

Kidney diseases

Kidney failure can also cause loss of appetite in your dog. Dogs with kidney problems also drink more (polydipsia) and urinate more (polyuria). 

Furthermore, a dog with kidney issues may also suffer from foul-smelling breath. You may also spot ulcers in your pet’s mouth. 

Dogs with kidney problems are often lethargic. 

Respiratory diseases

Any disease that affects the airway tubes and the lungs will usually affect a dog’s appetite. This is because respiratory diseases negatively affect the taste and smell of food. 

Also, dogs struggling to breathe may avoid eating, as it can be difficult to eat and breathe at the same time. 

Neurological diseases

Neurological diseases are diseases that negatively affect the nerves, brain, and spinal cord. 

Examples of neurological diseases include epilepsy, brain tumors, intervertebral disc disease, vestibular disease, and Wobbler syndrome. All these conditions will often lead to loss of appetite. 

A disease of the blood 

Diseases such as leukemia and anemia can also trigger a loss of appetite in dogs. 

Side effects from medication 

Certain medications can upset a dog’s stomach, make it nauseous, and cause a loss of appetite. This is especially a problem in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Luckily, there are already dog food manufacturers that make high-quality food for dogs with sensitive stomachs. One such brand is Hill’s, whose food we recently rated as the best dog food for Poodles with sensitive stomach.

Pain

Dogs are usually very good at hiding their pain. But strong or prolonged pain may cause them to stop eating.  

So always check if your dog is not suffering from some kind of fracture, eye pain, arthritis, and more. 

PSYCHOLOGICAL

Stressed out or anxious

Stress and anxiety can negatively affect your dog’s appetite.

Here are the most common triggers of stress and anxiety in dogs: 

Depression 

Dogs can suffer from depression just like humans. 

Depression is most common in older dogs but can be triggered in any dog by changes in routine or environment. A lack of attention or mental stimulation can also cause depression in dogs. 

A depressed dog may only pick at meals and may display little interest in doing much besides sleeping. Always contact a vet if you suspect that your dog suffers from depression. 

The food has gone bad

An old or stale pet food is usually no longer tasty to dogs. No wonder, dogs turn their nose away from spoiled food.  

Note that most dry foods for dogs will last for about a year. But to be safe, always check expiration dates before buying pet food. 

Furthermore, watch for signs of food spoilage, including dramatic changes in color and foul smell. 

By the way, if you think your dog ingested spoiled food, always call your vet.  

There’s something wrong with the dog’s bowl

The bowl’s behavior may be putting your dog off its food. 

For example, the bowl is sliding across the floor when your pet is trying to eat. Or the bowl is making metallic sounds as the bowl moves.  

Furthermore, some dogs may have a nickel allergy. So try a plastic bowl. 

Auto-feeders can also stress out some dogs.

The wrong height or location of the bowl can also negatively affect your dog’s eating habits. 

Then there’s the hygiene. Some dogs will refuse to eat from a dirty bowl. So make sure to clean your dog’s bowl regularly. Some warm water with dish soap will do the trick nicely. 

Treat overload 

Overfeeding a dog with treats throughout the day is another common reason for dogs refusing to eat their regular meals. 

Yes, dogs love treats. But dogs are rarely the best at regulating their appetites. This is where you step in, right? 

I know, we’re all suckers for those wagging tails and puppy dog eyes. But treats should only be served to reward a dog’s good behavior and progress in training.  

A dog doesn’t like the food

A dog can acquire a preference for certain types of food. And so it won’t touch the food that you prefer.  

That’s right, your dog can passionately dislike the taste and texture of the food you’re currently serving. 

So try different pet food brands. 

Or try adding to kibble a small amount of wet food. Or add low-sodium broth as a topper. 

Your dog is aging

As dogs get older, their appetites can slow down. This is because an aging dog is no longer burning as many calories as during the good young days.  

While eating less is not necessarily harmful in itself, it’s always a good idea to contact your vet to rule out any underlying health issues. 

You should also adjust your dog’s food and care routines to ensure they suit an aging dog. 

Note that there aren’t many effective ways to increase an aging dog’s appetite. Still, you can always try adding a tasty topper. This usually works wonders.   

VIDEO: Why your dog stopped eating

What you should do – how to encourage your dog to eat?

Persuading your dog to start eating can often prove a bit of a challenge. 

But always show patience, love, and consistency. 

Your dog needs your help in this difficult period. 

But worry not. 

With some knowledge and patience, you should be able to help your doggy eat again. 

Here are some of the most effective ways of encouraging your dog to eat its food. 

Stop handing out treats and human food

Yes, stopping or limiting treats is usually the first and most important step. 

And yes, resisting that waggling tail and those puppy dog eyes won’t be easy. 

Still, you need to teach your pup that it’ll only get treats after the regular pet food disappears from the bowl. 

Also, table scraps should become totally off-limits. 

So make sure to keep all human food out of reach for your dog. 

Once your doggy realizes that neither treats nor table scraps are coming, the dog will very likely turn its attention toward its normal food for dogs.  

And sometimes you will need to be cruel to be kind. 

This is how: 

• Fill your dog’s bowl with regular food for dogs
• If the dog doesn’t eat it within the next 10 minutes, take the bowl away
• Offer the food to your dog again at the next scheduled mealtime, with no treats in between

Once your dog realizes that no treats are coming in exchange for the regular food for dogs, the dog should have no problems with eating the regular meal. 

Try out a new food

As mentioned earlier in this article, your dog may simply not like what’s on the menu. Sometimes, a dog would refuse to eat its food because it doesn’t like the size, taste, appearance, or smell. 

So serve your dog something new. 

But make sure your pet’s bowl is thoroughly cleaned so it no longer smells of the old food. 

And remember to start with the newly introduced food gradually to avoid any digestive issues. For best results, slowly start the newly introduced food over 10 to 14 days by mixing it with your dog’s current foods. 

Choose one food and stick to it 

This advice slightly contradicts the one above (try out a new food), but hear me out. 

Yes, it may be tempting to switch to a new food every time your dog refuses to eat its meal. But note that this may teach your dog to be fussy. So, once you’re sure that a particular food is good for your dog, try to stick to it for a few weeks to let your dog know that this is the food on offer and nothing else.  

Stick to a feeding schedule

Feed your dog at the same time each day. 

If your dog knows that there will always be food available – and at specific times – the dog should lose the urgency to fill up whenever it can. 

So leave your dog’s bowl for breakfast for about 10-15 minutes and take it away until the next meal. This will ensure your dog will be hungry by the time the next meal is served. 

Adjust your dog’s surroundings

Your dog may be eating less, or nothing at all, because of another pet in the household. Resource guarding and intimidation tactics may be at play. 

Your dog can also stop eating temporarily because of loud noises, including thunderstorms and fireworks.  

Generally, it’s always a good idea to ensure your dog’s feeding area is as quiet as possible and free from distractions. 

Change the food bowl

If your dog has suddenly stopped eating, it may be the bowl’s fault. 

Your dog may dislike the bowl for a number of reasons, including: 

• The bowl is moving too much during meals
• The bowl is making metallic sounds when it slides across the floor
• Your dog has an allergy to nickel (so try a plastic bowl)
• Auto-feeders may be unsettling your dog
• The bowl may be of the wrong height 
• The bowl may smell of old food 

Make dog meals more appealing 

If your dog isn’t eating, try the following: 

• Warm up your dog’s food to enhance the scent and flavor – but note that canned food can become hot very quickly, so stir it and test it before serving it to your hungry doggy
• Microwave wet food or add a bit of hot water to dry food – sometimes a stronger aroma is all your dog needs to fall in love with normal pet food
• Add a bit of low-sodium broth or wet food to your pet’s regular meals 
• Mix a broth of chicken or beef with your dog’s dry food
• Add food toppers such as fish oil, boiled veggies, or minced meat

Multiple feedings

Feed your dog 2 to 3 small meals per day. Multiple feedings are better for your dog’s appetite than providing your pet with one large meal a day or allowing your pooch to graze all day long.

Provide your dog with plenty of exercise

You can sharpen your dog’s appetite with exercise. 

For most dogs, daily walks around the neighborhood or fun games in the yard should suffice. For more demanding dogs, you may need to introduce longer walks or energetic jogs. 

Turn mealtime into playtime 

Most dogs love to play. This makes it easy to turn mealtime into playtime. 

Here is how to make your dog eat kibble:

• Start by throwing a few dry kibbles in front of your dog. Your dog will most likely pick them up. 
• Next, throw another set of kibbles a bit further. 
• You can even throw some kibble in the sky. Your dog will very likely try to catch it. If not, show how it’s done (only kidding).  

There is a high chance that all that throwing and catching will quickly become a fun game for your dog. And in the process, your dog will get its fill of kibble.   

Make your dog work for its food

That’s right, you can make your dog work for its food. 

For example, puzzle feeders will present your dog with meal obstacles. These obstacles will make your dog work around some clever dividers to reach the food. 

Your dog may stop being so fussy about food when it realizes that it has to earn its next meal. 

Pretend it’s food meant for humans

Get your dog’s attention and start pretending to eat your dog’s food. The dog may think you’re serving it food meant for humans after you put the food in the bowl. 

Take care of emotions

Ensure your dog has plenty of mental stimulation. An extra play session with you or a new toy should lift your dog’s mood.  

Ensure proper dental hygiene

Dental issues can kill your dog’s appetite.

So brush your dog’s teeth regularly. 

And yes, brushing your pup’s teeth can take some patience and practice. So try using tasty toothpaste to help your dog through the brushing “ordeal”.

Spay or neuter your dog

If you don’t intend to breed your doggy, spaying or neutering can curb spikes in hormones that may cause spikes in appetite.

Mix some treats with dog food

Add some of your dog’s favorite treats to its normal food for dogs. Your pet may start associating its food with something extra yummy. 

But remember that treats can add extra calories to your dog’s diet. 

I sometimes sprinkle some treat crumbs over my dog’s food. But I only use a tiny amount. And I only pick healthy snacks that are low in salt and sugar. 

Add food toppers

Adding a tasty topper can make food for dogs more enticing. I sometimes use yogurt, eggs, cheese, peanut butter, or canned food for this. When adding toppers, always make sure they are safe for dogs to eat. And only use a small amount. 

You can also try natural food enhancers, such as turmeric, parsley, mint, or oregano. These herbs will improve the food’s taste and smell. 

In addition to enhancing the food’s flavor and smell, all those food toppers will add extra nutrients and vitamins. 

Change the food’s texture

I found that experimenting with different dog food textures will often entice my dog to eat its meals more willingly. 

For example, I found plenty of success by mixing different food textures. For example, kibble with wet treats or kibble with canned meat. 
 
And remember that some dogs like their food to be crunchy, while others like their food to be soft. 

Changing the texture of food can also help a dog to chew better. This can prove especially helpful for a dog with dental problems.   

Change the shape of dog food

Yes, even changing the food’s shape can persuade your dog to eat it more willingly. 

For example, I sometimes soak kibble in warm broth, which allows me to make the pieces larger and softer. 

I also occasionally use an ice cube tray to freeze some wet food into different shapes. I serve the thawing food to my dog as cool treats. My dog loves them!

Feed your dog with a spoon

Some dogs love being fed with a spoon. I guess, it makes them feel even more loved and special. So if your dog is not eating, try the spoon. 

As an alternative, you can give your doggy a few pieces of food from your hand. Then fill the bowl with the remaining food.  

Praise your dog for eating 

Praising your dog for eating is a great way of motivating your pup to eat. 

Show your doggy your appreciation with kind motivational words like “good boy”. You can also pet your dog or offer it a small treat after it finishes its meal. 

Your positive feedback will let your dog know you’re happy with its eating behavior. Your dog will surely want to please you again.  

When should you seek help if your dog isn’t eating?

If your dog stops eating but then starts eating again a few days later, your dog is most likely fine. 

But if your dog consistently refuses to eat or starts vomiting or gets diarrhea, you should definitely contact your vet. 

Also, contact the vet if your dog: 

• Is not drinking in addition to not eating
• Is losing weight 
• Seems unusually lethargic or tired
• Is constipated or is straining to poo
• Has signs of dental issues, such as red or bleeding gums, pain in the mouth, excessive dribble, or the dog placing its paws on its mouth

Frequently asked questions

Why is my dog not eating his food but will consume treats?

There may be various reasons why your dog might not eat its food but will devour treats. These reasons can include: 

• Behavioral reasons (bored with normal pet food, doesn’t like its current food, pregnancy, and more)
• Medical reasons (dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, pain, and more)
• Other reasons (spoiled food, wrong bowl, getting old, and more)

Is it common for a dog not to eat its food but eat treats? 

Yes, it’s quite common for a dog to reject normal food for dogs but happily devour treats or table scraps. Such dogs often suffer from partial anorexia. But with some knowledge and patience, you should soon be able to persuade your dog to start eating normal food. 

Why is my dog eating non-food items?

Some dogs may consume non-food items. This is a disorder called Pica. 

Eating non-food items is often a sign that your dog is trying to obtain nutrients that may be missing from its diet. 

As you can imagine, ingesting non-food items, such as socks or toys, can be very dangerous to your dog. For example, it can cause digestive obstructions.  

Interesting fact: Some dogs that refuse to eat their food will still indulge in Pica. 

Will my dog starve if it’s not eating?

Not usually. This is because survival instincts will override picky eating behavior. 

Still, if your dog is refusing to eat for more than 24 hours, this could indicate an underlying health issue. In this case, contact your vet.  

Should I force-feed my dog if it’s not eating? 

No, never force a dog to eat. 

And don’t get visibly annoyed with your dog for not eating either. 

Your dog will not understand your actions and it may get frightened. 

Instead, re-read this article and we’re sure you’ll find a better solution. 

Why a dog won’t eat his food but its stomach is gurgling?

If your dog isn’t eating but its stomach is gurgling, the poor pet may have an upset stomach. The gurgling nose is made by gas moving around your dog’s gut. 

Why is my dog not eating dry food?

A dog can suddenly stop eating dry food if the poor thing develops dental problems. 

Infection in the mouth, ulcer, or toothache can make eating hard meals such as dry food a real pain for your dog. 

Why my dog will eat from my hand but won’t eat from its bowl?

Your dog may refuse to eat food from its bowl for a number of reasons. The bowl may be sliding along the floor when your dog tries to eat. Or the bowl may be making metallic sounds when it moves on the floor. 

Your dog may also dislike the bowl’s height or location in the house. The bowl may also be too dirty. And so on. 

And yes, eating from your hand may prove more interesting and engaging to some dogs. But check this article for more tips and tricks on how to persuade your dog to eat from its bowl.

My dog isn’t eating but is acting normally – what should I do?

If your dog isn’t eating but seems otherwise healthy, try several approaches discussed in this article that should help you persuade your pet to eat. 

But if your dog is still not eating after 24 hours, contact your vet. 

What food to give a sick dog that won’t eat?

A sick dog may not want to eat. 

You can try feeding your sick doggy boiled chicken breast and cooked rice. This may help to settle an upset tummy. But note that such food is only good for a day or two – it doesn’t contain enough nutrients. 

Why is my older dog not eating?

An older dog may not eat for a number of reasons, including poor eyesight, pain from joint problems, and dental issues. 

Older dogs can also lose appetite due to decreased sense of smell that is typical to aging dogs. 

To help your senior dog with eating, serve its food at the same time each day. 

Also, make sure your dog’s bowl is not moving on the floor. This is especially important for older dogs with poor eyesight. 

Furthermore, senior dogs with arthritis or joint problems may find it difficult to stand on slippery surfaces, such as wooden floors or tiles. A non-slip rug or mat should help your dog stand steadily during meals. 

Why is my new puppy not eating?

It’s not uncommon for a puppy who has just moved to a new home to eat less. This is usually because a newly arrived puppy may be nervous about the new environment and new people. 

If a newly arrived puppy is not eating for more than 12 hours, contact your vet. 

Also, make sure you feed your puppy dog food specifically designed for puppies. Fortunately, there are dog food brands that make excellent food specifically designed for puppies. For example, we recently rated Open Farm as the best dog food for Dalmatian puppies.

Why my new dog is not eating? 

A new dog may not eat for the same reasons a puppy will eat less after arriving in a new home – nervous about a new environment and new people. 

To help your new dog eat, serve it a similar food the dog consumed in the previous location. Also, feed the newly arrived dog in a quiet place free of people and other pets. This should give your new dog time to adjust to new circumstances.  

Can a dog survive on just treats? 

No, a dog won’t survive eating only treats. This is because treats won’t provide a dog with all the essential nutrients. 

What to feed a pregnant dog that won’t feed?

If a pregnant dog isn’t eating, feed the dog its favorite food. But make sure the portions are small. And feed the dog more often than usual.  

And remember that dogs in the early stages of pregnancy may stop eating. This can also happen to dogs in the later parts of pregnancy. In both cases, feed the dog smaller portions and more often than usual. 

Furthermore, make sure to feed a pregnant dog nutrient-rich foods during the last, third stage of pregnancy. Such a growth-type diet will ensure that the dog receives enough nutrients and calories, all packed in smaller portions. 

If a pregnant dog isn’t eating anything for 24 hours or is losing weight, consider contacting your vet. 

Final word

You wanted to know: Why is my dog not eating his food but will eat treats?

As you learned in this article, your dog may be rejecting regular food but will consume treats for a number of reasons, including: 

• Behavioral reasons (bored with regular food, doesn’t like its current food, pregnancy, and more)
• Medical reasons (dental problems, gastrointestinal issues, pain, and more)
• Other reasons (spoiled food, wrong bowl, getting old, and more)

But this article tells you even more. 

Now you know that persuading your dog to start eating can sometimes prove a challenge.

But you also now know that a bit of patience and knowledge will usually be enough to get your doggy eating again. 

But note that if your dog is refusing to eat for more than 24 hours, your dog may be unwell.  In this case, contact your vet.