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Why is my dog not eating his food but will eat treats

Why is my dog not eating his food but will eat treats

Written by Milou | January 2, 2025

Does that sound familiar? Your dog refuses to eat their regular food but happily devours treats and biscuits. Why does your dog do this? Let us explain!

Why is my dog not eating?

There are several reasons why your dog might refuse to eat their food. The underlying cause often depends on your dog’s overall health. If your dog is otherwise healthy but simply isn’t eating their food, you can try a few strategies to stimulate their appetite.

If your dog isn’t eating and also seems less energetic or unwell, it’s best to visit your vet. A medical issue may be causing the loss of appetite.

Your Dog Is a Selective Eater

Your dog might be a selective eater, meaning they have a preference for a certain taste or texture in their food. If a bag of kibble is left open for too long, the smell and texture of the kibble can change, which may make it less appealing to your dog. Make sure to store kibble in an airtight, dark container, such as a food bin. Purchase a bag size that your dog can finish within 4-6 weeks.

Wet food can also lose its appeal after being opened. Don’t store wet food in the fridge for more than 24 hours, and avoid serving it too cold, as this can make it harder and less fragrant.

It’s also possible that your dog enjoys variety. In this case, try switching up the flavour of their food. Many types of dog food are available in smaller bags, making it easier to rotate flavours.

Your Dog Is Getting Too Many Treats

If you’re used to rewarding your dog with lots of treats and snacks, they may lose interest in their regular food. They may simply wait, knowing something tastier is coming.

Your dog might also be getting table scraps or pieces of fruit from you, which could discourage them from eating their own food.

To encourage your dog to eat their regular food again:

Limit treats to a maximum of 10% of their daily food allowance.
Avoid feeding your dog from the table.

Your Dog May Be Unwell

A medical issue could be behind your dog’s reduced appetite. For example, they may have a sore mouth or an upset stomach, making their regular food unappealing. However, treats may still be tempting enough for them to eat.

If your dog suddenly stops eating their food, visit your vet to rule out any health problems.

Stress May Be Affecting Your Dog’s Appetite

Changes in your dog’s environment, such as moving house, a change in the family dynamic, or a traumatic event, can cause stress, which may lead to a loss of appetite.

If you suspect stress is the issue, consider using supplements to support your dog.

There are also specialised foods that can help manage stress and related issues in dogs, such as Hill’s i/d Stress Mini – Digestive Care – Prescription Diet – Canine or Royal Canin Medium Relax Care – Dog Food.

Relevant products

What can I do to restore my dog's appetite?

There are several things you can try to encourage your dog to eat their regular food again.

Stick to a Regular Feeding Schedule

Offer your dog food multiple times a day, such as 2-3 times. Allow them 30 minutes to eat. If they don’t eat, remove the food and try again at the next mealtime.

Be consistent with this approach. It may take some time for your dog to adjust to the new routine. Unlike cats, dogs can go a few days with little or no food without immediate cause for concern. Don’t panic if your dog skips two meals.

Avoid the temptation to make up for missed meals with treats or other food. If your dog doesn’t eat their regular food, they should not receive any rewards either.

Once your dog settles into a routine, you can reintroduce occasional treats. Keep snacks limited to no more than 10% of their daily food intake.

Add Variety to Your Dog’s Food

If your dog is particularly picky, consider adding some variety to their meals. Switch up flavours or try wet food. You can also moisten dry kibble with vegetable cooking water or mix in a small amount of cooked chicken or white fish.

What Can Dogs Not Eat?

Dogs have sensitive digestive systems, and certain foods that are safe for humans can be harmful or even toxic to them. Common examples include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic, which can cause severe health issues like kidney failure or anaemia. Additionally, foods high in fat, such as bacon or fried snacks, can lead to pancreatitis. Xylitol, a sweetener often found in sugar-free gum and baked goods, is highly dangerous and can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, leading to seizures or liver failure. Always consult your vet if you’re unsure about feeding something to your dog.

My Older Dog Won’t Eat Their Food but Eats Treats

When an older dog refuses their regular food but still eats treats, a medical issue is more likely.

For example, your dog may have dental problems, such as inflammation, a loose tooth, or a broken tooth. Older dogs’ organs, such as the kidneys or liver, may also start to function less effectively, leading to nausea and a reduced appetite for regular food. Treats may still be appealing enough to eat.

It’s also possible that the kibble is too hard or too large for your dog to chew comfortably. In such cases, appetite often decreases gradually.

It’s important to rule out any medical causes with your vet. If your dog is otherwise healthy, consider switching to a senior-specific food, such as Royal Canin Medium Ageing 10+ – Dog Food or Hill’s Science Plan – Mature/Adult – Large Breed.

Special Dog Food for Picky Eaters

Many brands offer dog food tailored for picky eaters.

Royal Canin Mini Exigent – Dog Food and Royal Canin Exigent Wet – Dog Food: These have a crispy outer layer with a soft interior and an enhanced flavour.
Josera Sensiplus – Dog Food: Designed for selective dogs.
Biofood Sensitive Mini: Ideal for small, picky dogs.
Happy Dog Supreme – Sensible Montana: A grain-free option with easily digestible horse meat and potato for larger dogs.

Appetite Boosters for Your Dog

You can also try adding something to your dog’s current food to encourage eating.

Supplements: Products like Nutri-plus Gel provide extra energy and nutrients.
Probiotics: Supporting gut health with probiotics for 6-8 weeks, such as Dr. Ann’s Probiotics or Puur Probiotic, can help.
Stomach Support: Supplements like Puur Gastri may also be beneficial.

How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating?

Most healthy dogs can go without food for three to five days, provided they are drinking water. However, this timeframe can vary depending on factors like age, size, health condition, and activity level. Puppies and smaller breeds, for example, are more susceptible to low blood sugar and shouldn’t go without food for more than a day. Prolonged refusal to eat can signal underlying health problems, such as gastrointestinal issues, stress, or dental pain.