Why does my dog leave its food?
There are numerous reasons why dogs leave their food. Sometimes it can be
as simple as owners over-feeding their dog or your dog is not hungry at the time and is saving it for later. It is important to rule out any medical reasons for your dog not eating such as; dental disease, undiagnosed pain, stress and anxiety, upset stomach, infectious diseases such as worms or influenza, or cognitive dysfunction. Always seek the opinion of your vet.
What if my dog doesn't like their food?
This problem will be resolved easily by trying your dog on a different recipe or
variety of dog food. Any changes to your dog's food should be done incrementally. Start by mixing some of the new food with the old food and gradually wean them onto their new food. Transitioning any changes to your dog's diet can prevent stomach upsets such as diarrhea and flatulence.
Palatability is subjective and will differ widely amongst different breeds.
What if my dog has no appetite?
Appetite is driven by hormones in humans and dogs. Hormones tell our dogs when to eat and will signal when they are full.
Exercise can help to stimulate these hormones. Walking your dog regularly will also improve their overall wellbeing. You can vary the type of exercise depending on the age, breed and fitness level of your dog. If you can't get out to walk, try throwing a tennis ball in the backyard with your dog or encouraging a natural behaviour such as digging in a sandpit.
However, some dogs can be picky, or their refusal to eat may be caused by feeding them in situations where they aren’t comfortable, such as having another dog eating at the same time or from a bowl at an uncomfortable height. If you own 2 or more dogs it is important to feed them in order of their pack hierarchy, always feed the dominant dog first.
How can I encourage my dog to eat?
There are a few tricks that we recommend to entice your dog to eat, give these tips a try:
- Feed twice a day at the same time.
- Mix feed. Try adding some wet dog food with their dry food.
- Warm their food to stimulate their senses! Dogs rely heavily on olfactory senses, sniffing before eating and enjoying multiple senses.
- Add some warm bone broth. It is well known among dog food manufacturers that a dog’s palatability increases with higher moisture levels as these turn on their olfactive neurons!
- Don't feed your dog table scraps as this will interfere with their appetite and nutrition.
- Keep their food fresh. Check expiry dates and make sure that your dog food is stored in an airtight container. Fresh food should always be refrigerated.
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Make sure you read the feeding guide for your dog food & are
not over-feeding your dog.
- Make mealtimes fun! Try using a lickimat, food dispensing toy or slowfeeder bowl. Bowls that require your dog to lick release endorphins in a dog's brain. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that make dogs (and us!) feel calmer and more relaxed.
For further information, call in & see us in the store, or email us: admin@weknowpets.com.au
4/72-76 Station St Bowral NSW 2576
PH: 024862 1175
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