Dogs are carnivores and their teeth structure clearly shows that they are built for a meat-rich diet. Dogs have strong jaw muscles and sharp teeth, which make them perfect for tearing meat and bones apart.
But it’s a common sight to see dogs not eating the food that is given to them. Many dog owners even suspect that their pet might be vegetarian by nature and not an omnivorous animal, as so many other canines seem to be these days.
Well, we certainly don’t think you own a vegetarian dog by nature. However, dogs could prefer veggies over other things because of various reasons. So if your pet refuses to eat his food, let us check out some of the most common reasons why it happens –
Your Dog is Overweight
If your dog is overweight, he will have a hard time chewing and will not enjoy his food. He will not be as hungry as he should be because he will be too full, simply because he is too fat and his stomach is stretched out.
Not to mention that it’s harder for overweight dogs to run or play as much since their bodies are too heavy, so they burn less calories and need more food to keep themselves going.
So if your pet is overweight, then you should try to lose some weight. This can be done by feeding him less and exercising him more. You should also make sure that you stick to high-quality dog food.
He Has Dental Problems
Another common reason for your dog not eating is that he has a dental problem. This can be a broken tooth, periodontal disease or even a bad breath caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth.
This could be one of the reasons why your dog doesn’t want to eat his kibble, just like the ones below. If your pet has a dental problem, then the best thing to do is to go see a vet. They will be able to give you the proper treatment, depending on the severity of the problem.
He Has a Loss of Smell and Taste
This is actually a sign of old age. As dogs get older, they start losing their sense of smell and taste, so even if you’re giving them top-quality food, they may not want to eat it simply because they can’t taste it!
If this is the case, then you should feed them the same food, but you should grind it up or use a blender to make it into a smoother consistency.
He’s Suffering From Illness or Pain
Another reason why dogs might not be eating their food is if they are sick or in pain. In this case, it’s best to feed your pet a bland diet if he is not able to eat any other food. A bland diet is a diet that has very little in it that is not spicy or rich.
You should also make sure to feed your dog more often and offer him lots of water. In this way, you can make sure that he gets all the nutrients and minerals he needs.
You’re Feeding Him the Wrong Food
This could be another reason why your canine companion is not eating his food. Maybe you’ve bought dog food that is not appropriate for him. If you’re not sure what kind of food you should feed your dog, then you should get in touch with a veterinarian.
There are many things you should consider when choosing a dog food. You should always choose high-quality food, not just the cheapest one. Also, you should make sure the food you’re about to feed your dog contains all the nutrients he needs.
Conclusion
Like people, each dog has their own preferences when it comes to food, so some may enjoy a certain food while others may hate it. Sometimes, you may find that your dog refuses an entire food type. While it is important to maintain your dog’s proper nutrition, it is even more important to rule out potential medical issues before assuming your dog is being picky.
If your dog refuses to eat, it is important to stay calm and not get stressed out. Assess the situation to see if something could be causing your pet stress. Then, try substituting different food types or adding something to the meal to entice him to eat. In most cases, your dog will eat again once the situation has been resolved.
