Why Dogs Need to Eat
All living creatures have a biological need for nutrients and energy in order to survive. Without proper sustenance, the body begins to shut down vital functions and the animal will eventually die from starvation. For dogs, eating food provides the proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water needed to maintain bodily health.
If a dog goes too long without food, it will start to utilize its fat and muscle stores for energy. However, this is only a short-term solution. Once these reserves are depleted, the dog’s organs will start to shut down. The digestive tract will shrink, the immune system will weaken, the heart and lungs will labor excessively to pump blood and oxygen, and the kidneys and liver will fail. If the starvation continues, the dog will eventually die.
Eating appropriate amounts of nutritious food sustains the dog’s body, provides energy, and supports essential bodily functions. Proper nutrition enables the dog to maintain a healthy weight, keep its immune system working properly, and gives the dog the fuel it needs to be active and energetic.
Signs a Dog is Hungry
Dogs exhibit some telltale signs when they’re hungry and want to be fed. One of the most obvious signs is increased activity and begging behaviors. Hungry dogs may follow their owners around the house, nudging them insistently and gazing longingly at their food bowls. You might notice a hungry dog pawing at or whining near their empty bowl in an appeal for food.
Chewing on non-food items is another sign of hunger in dogs. Dogs that aren’t getting enough to eat may seek out shoes, furniture, or other household objects to gnaw on. Along with destructive chewing, a hungry dog may also vocalize more with whines, whimpers or insistent barking.
Paying attention to these behaviors can help prevent a dog from going too long without eating. If you notice multiple signs of hunger in your dog, it’s probably time to feed them. Satisfying their appetite will likely stop the begging, chewing and other hunger behaviors.
How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating?
The amount of time a dog can go without eating depends on several factors, including their age, health status, and metabolism. On average, most healthy adult dogs can go 2-3 days without eating before their health begins being compromised. However, puppies and young dogs have higher caloric needs and cannot go as long without food before becoming ill.
Puppies under 6 months of age should never go more than 24 hours without eating. Missing even one meal can quickly lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Older puppies from 6-12 months old should not go longer than 48 hours without food before health risks become a major concern.
For adult dogs, a healthy dog with normal activity levels can go 2-3 days without eating before it becomes a medical emergency. Obese or senior dogs may only be able to go 1-2 days. Small dogs have faster metabolisms and cannot go as long without food as larger breeds. Over 3 days without food, dogs can develop fatty liver syndrome, kidney disease, and become at risk for multiple organ failure.
While adult dogs can survive longer without food, this does not mean prolonged fasting is safe. Owners should never intentionally let their dog go days without eating unless medically advised by a veterinarian. If a dog is refusing food for over 48 hours, seek veterinary advice to rule out underlying illness and provide supportive care.
What Happens When a Dog Doesn’t Eat
Dogs need proper nutrition from quality food on a regular basis to stay healthy. When a dog stops eating for an extended period, it can lead to some serious health consequences.
One of the first signs that a dog hasn’t been eating is fatigue and lethargy. Without proper nutrients from food, a dog will not have enough energy and may appear more sleepy and inactive. As time goes on, a non-eating dog will start to lose weight as the body begins metabolizing fat and muscle for energy.
If a dog goes too long without food, it can cause damage to important organs including the liver, kidneys, and digestive tract. The body essentially starts shutting down non-vital functions and processes to conserve energy for staying alive. Immune system function also declines when a dog is deprived of nutrients, making them more susceptible to illness.
In extreme cases of starvation, dogs can suffer from organ failure. If a dog goes days or weeks without eating, its body will eventually shut down from lack of energy and nutrient intake. This can lead to coma and eventual death if the dog cannot get vet care to treat the underlying issue causing loss of appetite.
Reasons a Dog May Refuse Food
There are several potential reasons why a dog may refuse to eat including illness, stress, dental problems, decreased sense of smell, and simply being a picky eater. Understanding the cause can help you address the underlying issue and get your dog eating properly again.
Illness or disease is one of the most common reasons a dog’s appetite decreases. Conditions like cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes and more can lead to nausea, discomfort, or a lack of interest in food. If your dog is refusing food and seems under the weather, it’s important to get them checked by a vet.
Stress and anxiety can also suppress a dog’s appetite. Changes to their routine, a new home, tension with other pets, or loud noises like fireworks can all trigger stress that makes them turn away from their food. Try to minimize stressors and make mealtimes relaxing.
Some dogs are just picky eaters by nature. They may reject dry kibble while holding out for tastier foods like canned wet food or table scraps. Sticking to scheduled feedings instead of free-feeding can help discourage pickiness. Topping food with broths or light gravy can also entice picky dogs to eat.
Underlying dental disease like gum infection, tooth decay, or oral pain can make eating irritation or unappealing for dogs. Have your vet examine your dog’s teeth regularly and address any dental problems. Switching to wet food or soaking kibble in water can make eating less painful.
As dogs age, their sense of smell can diminish. Since scent is closely tied to taste, a decreased ability to smell food can cause appetite issues. Warming food to bring out its aroma or switching to a stronger smelling protein like fish can help make meals more enticing.
How to Get a Dog to Eat
If your dog is refusing food for an extended period, the first step should always be to rule out any potential medical issues. Take your dog to the vet for a full check-up to identify any underlying health problems causing loss of appetite. Conditions like dental disease, gastrointestinal issues, or kidney disease can lead to inappetence. Treating the condition may resolve the eating problems.
If your vet gives your dog a clean bill of health, you can try some different approaches to entice your dog to eat again:
- Offer different food textures and temperatures – Try wet food instead of dry, or warm up cold food to bring out the aroma.
- Use meal toppers like broth, cheese, or canned food to make the meal more appealing.
- Hand feed your dog portion by portion or place food on an interactive puzzle feeder to spark interest.
- Engage your dog in vigorous exercise before meals to increase hunger.
- Try puzzle feeders and treat dispensers that stimulate your dog’s natural foraging instincts.
With patience and creativity, you can usually find something tempting enough to get your dog eating again. Just be sure to rule out medical issues first before trying these tips.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
It’s normal for dogs to occasionally skip a meal, but not eating for an extended period can be a cause for concern. You should contact your veterinarian if your dog hasn’t eaten for over 24 hours. Prolonged fasting can lead to potentially dangerous health issues.
There are certain signs that warrant urgent veterinary care. If your dog is vomiting, appears nauseous, lethargic, or weak, seek help right away. These can be signs of an underlying illness or blockage. Rapid weight loss also requires prompt veterinary attention.
Behavioral changes associated with loss of appetite also justify a trip to the vet. If your dog seems more depressed, anxious, or irritable when not eating, it could indicate a health problem. Sudden disinterest in food after previously being an eager eater is always abnormal.
While it’s normal for appetite to fluctuate day-to-day, an otherwise healthy dog should not go more than a day without eating. When in doubt about your dog’s appetite issues, consult your veterinarian to identify any medical causes.
Treating Underlying Conditions
If a dog is refusing to eat due to an underlying medical issue, the first step is to identify the cause through diagnostic testing. The vet may run bloodwork, take x-rays, perform an ultrasound, or conduct other tests to look for potential problems. They will also thoroughly examine the dog for signs of injury, oral disease, organ dysfunction, and other abnormalities.
Once the underlying issue is identified, the vet will put together a tailored treatment plan. This may include medications like appetite stimulants, antibiotics, or steroids to reduce inflammation. The treatment plan may also involve switching to a prescription dietary formula better suited to the dog’s needs.
In cases of dental disease or oral pain, the dog may need professional dental cleaning and extraction of infected teeth. For dogs with nausea or gastrointestinal issues, the vet may prescribe anti-nausea medication, probiotics, or special bland diets. If a food allergy or intolerance is suspected, an elimination diet trial may be recommended.
The key is addressing the primary health problem causing the appetite decline. With appropriate treatment of the underlying condition, the dog’s appetite and eating habits usually improve. It’s important to follow up with the vet until the dog is back to eating normally.
Ensuring Proper Nutrition
One of the key aspects of getting a dog to start eating again is providing proper nutrition. When a dog has stopped eating for a period of time, their digestive system can become upset or intolerant of food. It’s important to gradually reintroduce eating in a way that won’t overwhelm their system.
To start, feed the dog a bland, easily digestible diet such as boiled chicken and rice. Introduce small portions at first, a few tablespoons at a time, and allow the dog’s system to adjust. Over several days, gradually increase the amount while keeping the food bland and consistent.
It’s also helpful to provide the food in small, frequent meals rather than one or two large meals. This prevents the dog’s stomach from being overloaded. Give the dog frequent access to fresh water as well.
Pay close attention to any reactions the dog has to different foods. If vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms occur, you may need to modify the diet, such as switching proteins or carbohydrates. Work closely with your veterinarian to ensure the dog is receiving adequate nutrition during this recovery period.
Preventing Eating Issues
There are several ways pet owners can help prevent eating issues in dogs:
Feed an Age-Appropriate Diet
Puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs all have different nutritional needs. It’s important to feed a diet tailored to your dog’s life stage to provide complete and balanced nutrition.
Provide Mentally Stimulating Activities
Dogs need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Make sure your dog gets plenty of playtime, walks, training sessions, puzzle toys, etc. to prevent boredom and disinterest in food.
Maintain a Routine and Minimize Stress
Dogs thrive on routine and consistency. Try to stick to regular feeding schedules and minimize major lifestyle changes that could cause stress and affect your dog’s appetite.
Regular Vet Checkups
Your vet can monitor your dog’s weight, body condition, and overall health at annual wellness exams. Bring up any concerns about changes in eating habits.
Monitor Weight and Food Intake
Weigh your dog regularly and track how much food he/she eats at each meal. Notify your vet if you notice significant weight loss/gain or decreased food intake.