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My Dog Is A Picky Eater. Or Is Something Wrong?

Writer's picture: Renée at Bravo DogRenée at Bravo Dog


If your dog isn’t gobbling up their food at mealtime, it’s easy to assume they’re just being fussy. Maybe they’re tired of the same old kibble, or they’re waiting for something tastier. But what if it’s not about the food at all? While some dogs might genuinely have preferences, a loss of appetite can often be a sign of something deeper, like anxiety, pain, or even gastrointestinal issues. I commonly work with clients that report that their dog has "always been a picky eater". In fact, their dog has always suffered from fearful and anxious behaviour impacting their appetite!


Almost all animals, much like us, have a healthy appetite when they’re feeling good. So, when your dog isn’t showing interest in food, it’s important to take a step back and consider their overall behavioural and physical health. Let’s dive into why your dog might be skipping meals and what signs to look out for.


Anxiety and Appetite: The Hidden Link

Just like us, dogs can lose their appetite when they’re stressed or anxious. It’s one of those things that often gets overlooked because we might assume dogs will eat if they’re hungry enough. But the truth is, anxiety can mess with a dog’s entire system, including their desire to eat. Whether it’s changes in their environment, loud noises, or the presence of other animals, anxiety can cause a dog to feel too overwhelmed to focus on food.


For dogs that are reactive—those who become stressed around other dogs, people, or certain situations—eating outside or in new environments might feel impossible. You might notice that your dog turns their nose up at treats during walks or ignores food in stressful situations. This isn't pickiness; it's a sign that their anxiety is overriding their appetite. When a dog is feeling tense or overwhelmed, food takes a back seat to survival instincts.


Could Pain Be the Culprit?

Pain is another common reason dogs might lose interest in food. Since they can’t tell us when something hurts, they communicate through their behaviours—skipping meals being one of them.

For example, dogs dealing with dental issues, joint pain, or gastrointestinal problems might avoid food because they associate eating with discomfort. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is one digestive issue that can affect dogs, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and pain. If you have a brachycephalic breed please do investigate further if your dog is showing symptoms of GERD. Dogs with GERD might develop behaviours such as reluctance to eat, irritability, or restlessness, especially after meals. They may also become more anxious or reactive due to the constant discomfort, which can further affect their appetite. If your dog seems unsettled or unwilling to eat after meals, GERD could be a hidden factor.


Brachycephalic breeds often suffer from GERD.

Signs of Underlying Health Issues

If your dog is consistently avoiding food, it’s crucial to watch for other signs that could point to an underlying health issue. Some symptoms to look out for include:

  • Loose stools or diarrhea

  • Vomiting or signs of nausea

  • Bloating or visible discomfort after meals

  • Gurgling stomach sounds (borborygmi)

  • Weight loss despite not eating much

  • Lethargy or seeming more tired than usual

  • Excessive gas or flatulence

These signs often suggest that your dog’s loss of appetite isn’t just about being picky. If you’re noticing any of these symptoms alongside a lack of interest in food, it’s time to consult with your veterinarian.


It’s Not Just Pickiness

We often brush off a dog’s disinterest in food as them being finicky, but there’s usually more going on. When dogs feel anxious, are in pain, or are dealing with gastrointestinal issues like GERD or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), they may start avoiding food. This isn’t about being picky—it’s a sign that something’s off. Many of my clients have reported that once their dog's anxiety and stress levels were treated medically, their appetite greatly increased.


If your dog is refusing food regularly and showing other symptoms like vomiting, loose stools, or acting differently, it’s essential to have them checked by a vet. Addressing the underlying issue, whether it’s anxiety, pain, or digestive discomfort, can make a huge difference in their overall well-being.


Some Dogs DO Prefer Variety

"Kibble... again?"

Yes, it's true. I have seen many clients in which their dog becomes disinterested in certain treats or food because they prefer novelty and variety. Once they mix up what they are using for treats and add fresh fruits, vegetables or toppers to their dogs kibble, they are happy as a clam. This is not abnormal and if you think about it, makes sense. Why would you want to eat the same boring thing, day after day? I see a variety of advice to just withhold anything other than what you are providing until they absolutely have to eat. I personally don't agree with this approach. Our dogs are family members, what harm is done by providing them some variety if it makes them happy?


I Have The Opposite Problem! My Dog Eats Everything!

Pica in dogs is a compulsive condition where they consistently eat non-food items like rocks, dirt, fabric, or plastic. It’s different from a dog that occasionally chews up a sock or sneaks a bite of something they shouldn’t. With pica, the behaviour is persistent and goes beyond curiosity or typical puppy mischief. Dogs with pica often eat these items compulsively, which can be linked to underlying issues like anxiety, stress, or even nutritional deficiencies. It's crucial to see a vet behaviourist if your dog is showing signs of pica. They can help determine whether the behaviour is driven by anxiety or a compulsive disorder, or if there’s an underlying medical condition, such as a gastrointestinal problem, contributing to it. A vet behaviourist can create a tailored treatment plan, addressing both the behaviour and any potential health concerns to keep your dog safe and healthy.


When to Take Action

If your dog skips a meal once in a while but otherwise seems fine, it’s probably not a cause for concern. But if they’re consistently refusing food, seem uncomfortable, or have additional symptoms like loose stool or lethargy, it’s time to get professional advice. Loss of appetite can often be linked to anxiety, pain, or health conditions like GERD or IBD. Identifying the root cause early on can prevent further health complications and get your dog feeling better, sooner.


If your dog suffers from any reactive behaviours, I highly recommend working with someone who will investigate the severity of the behaviours and whether you need to see a Veterinary Behaviourist or a Vet that specializes in behaviour disorders.


Wrapping It Up

A healthy dog should have a healthy appetite—just like we do when we’re feeling good. If your dog isn’t eating or seems to be refusing food regularly, it’s worth taking a closer look at their overall health and behaviour. Anxiety, pain, and digestive issues can all play a role in how a dog approaches mealtime. Specifically if you are seeing reactivity with your dog ensure you're working with someone who is qualified and experienced enough to understand that we must peel back the layers; physical health and behavioural health is never isolated!

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