Wow, he won't eat!

[k9krazee]

Micki is refusing to eat his food, and its been about 4 days. Should I be worried??? We usually buy Nutro Lamb and Rice, but when I went to the store on Saturday all they had left was the Large Breed Adult, so I got that. Hes acting normally besides refusing to eat, and I know dogs won't starve themselves, so should I just wait it out? He'll go up to it, sniff it and turn around. :rolleyes: This is probaly a pointless thread :o but its soo frustrating!

[Glacier]

Is he drinking normally? I'd be more concerned if he was refusing water too. If he's not drinking, I'd call your vet asap.

How's the weather where you live? Some dogs won't eat when it's really warm out.

Is he free choice fed or on a schedule? Is he eating treats?

If his behavior is otherwise normal, I wouldn't panic yet. If he continues to refuse to eat for a couple more days or his behavior changes, I'd get him to the vet.

[k9krazee]

Yup, hes drinking normally and eating treats. He's fed on a schedule - morning and at night. Its been really rainy and icky out, and hes been a bit sore so I'm sure that could be a reason. Thanks, I'm definately keeping an eye on him!

[mruffruff]

Try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder (not garlic salt) or a spoonful of plain yogurt. Sometimes a little nudge will get their appetite back on track.

[Bronx'sBower]

I had to switch to adult food too when they were out of puppy food and I thought he may act that way, but surprising it didn't make much difference. However, its so hot and humid here that lately he hasn't been eating very much. He also seems to go through these growths spurts and beforehand he doesn't eat much either; it'll be interesting considering he weighed 18 lbs at 3 months and is now 60 plus lbs at 7 months :). It may have something to do with your weather but either way I am sure he is fine but good luck to you and I hope he starts eating soon :)

ps-someone once told me to put a little bacon grease/fat on the food if they need a little enticing. I haven't done it because I am not sure it's alright but I wonder if anyone here knows?

[mruffruff]

A little won't hurt. The operative word is little. They have a tendency to lick it off the kibble and still not eat, whereas the garlic powder sifts down to the lower kernels and entices them to eat to get to it. Yogurt is good for almost all dogs. It calms their tummys. I give it to mine to control gas. Without it, Samson can clear a room instantly.

[hmccrum]

We just recently adopted a basset hound from SPCA. He did not eat for a few days except for a couple (literally) of bites :( . My husband suggested drippings off meat when I cook dinner. I was afraid this would create a spoiled dog or harm his health; but which is worse? a tsp of drippings or a dog that won't eat?
Well, after about 3 days of him NOT EATING AT ALL; I placed about a tsp of drippings into his bowl this evening...guess what? His food... :p ALL GONE! We will probably try different foods before this becomes out of control, but I saved more drippings for future feedings.


I had to switch to adult food too when they were out of puppy food and I thought he may act that way, but surprising it didn't make much difference. However, its so hot and humid here that lately he hasn't been eating very much. He also seems to go through these growths spurts and beforehand he doesn't eat much either; it'll be interesting considering he weighed 18 lbs at 3 months and is now 60 plus lbs at 7 months :). It may have something to do with your weather but either way I am sure he is fine but good luck to you and I hope he starts eating soon :)

ps-someone once told me to put a little bacon grease/fat on the food if they need a little enticing. I haven't done it because I am not sure it's alright but I wonder if anyone here knows?

[MajesticCollies]

The best thing for your pet is if he liked the drippings just add a 1/4 cup of low sodium chicken broth to his diet. Its high in Omegas which are good for him. I always add 1/2 cup of real meat like Salmon or chicken. Its great for thier health. I also add 1000mg of Vit C and 1000mg of Garlic to thier diets