How To Get A Sick Dog To Eat

Has your dog suddenly lost their appetite or started refusing food? Sharing all my best tips for how to get a sick dog to eat.

For better or for worse, Dane and I have quite a bit of experience when it comes to sick dogs. Whether it’s cancer or something less serious, nothing is more upsetting when you have a dog that is refusing to eat, especially if you have Labs like we do, who are normally bottomless pits. A friend of mine texted me over the weekend that her pup was refusing his dog food and asked me for tips, and I realized I should probably write a blog post with all the things that have helped us.

Watching your dog refuse to eat can be worrying. Whether it’s a sudden change in appetite or a gradual decline, it leaves you feeling helpless and concerned for your furry friend’s well-being. Today I wanted to share some practical tips and advice on what foods to offer your dog when they’re not interested in their usual meals. From simple home remedies to specialized dog foods, these suggestions are to help you get your dog back on track to eating normally and are what has worked for us in the past.

How To Get A Sick Dog To Eat

DISCLAIMER: It should go without saying that if your dog has refused to eat for more than 24-48 hours, you should always consult with your veterinarian.

Offer Appealing Foods

Sometimes, all it takes is offering more tempting options to get your dog interested in food again. When trying these foods, introduce them gradually and in small amounts to ensure your dog doesn’t have any adverse reactions. 

Boiled chicken

Plain white rice

Scrambled eggs

Canned pumpkin (unsweetened)

Bone broth (unsalted or low sodium)

Meat flavored baby food (no onions or garlic in flavoring)

Plain yogurt

Cottage cheese

Sweet potatoes (cooked and mashed)

Carrots (cooked and mashed)

Apples (without seeds or core)

Peanut butter (xylitol-free)

Wet dog food

Tuna (in water, not oil)

Salmon (cooked, no bones)

Green beans (cooked and plain)

Blueberries

Watermelon (without seeds or rind)

Cooked ground turkey

Breakfast sausage (grease drained)

Steak morsels

High value fast food (we always opt for plain burgers from McDonald’s)

Bananas

Chicken liver (cooked)

Beef broth (low sodium)

Canned sardines (in water, no added salt)

Broccoli (cooked and plain)

Zucchini (cooked and plain)

Cheese (in small amounts, like cheddar or mozzarella)

Button or portobello mushrooms cooked in broth (must be cooked)

Warm Up Their Food

Warming up your dog’s food can make it smell more appealing and easier to eat. Try microwaving their food for a few seconds to enhance its aroma and softness. Be sure to check the temperature before offering it to your dog to avoid burns.

Hand-Feed Your Dog

Hand-feeding can provide comfort and encouragement. Sit with your dog and offer small pieces of food directly from your hand. This extra attention can sometimes make all the difference.

Create a Calm Eating Environment

A quiet, stress-free environment can help your dog feel more comfortable eating. Ensure there are no loud noises or disturbances around their feeding area. Sometimes, moving their bowl to a different, quieter location can help.

Offer Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Instead of offering one or two large meals, try giving smaller portions throughout the day. This can be less overwhelming for a sick dog and may encourage them to eat more frequently.

What to Do If Your Dog Is Not Eating

Monitor Their Behavior: Keep an eye on other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or changes in drinking habits. This information can help your vet diagnose the problem.

Hydration is Key: Ensure your dog stays hydrated. Offer water frequently and consider adding low-sodium broth to their water bowl to encourage drinking.

Follow the Vet’s Advice: If your vet prescribes medications or a specific feeding regimen, follow it closely. Sometimes, medical treatment is necessary to resolve the underlying issue affecting your dog’s appetite.

Be Patient and Supportive: Recovery takes time. Be patient and provide your dog with the care and comfort they need during this period.

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy 32 Resources For Pets With Cancer or Easy Ice Cream For Dogs Recipe