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See your vet -

If your dog is not eating, it's always a good idea to go see your vet. There are just way too many conditions that can result in lack of appetite, so it's important to rule them out.

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See your vet -

Things such as allergies, parasites, or even arthritis or spine issues can have an impact on appetite. 

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Dental issues -

It may be that your dog is not eating because the poor thing has tooth or gum problems. Maybe it's just too painful for your pooch to eat. Get you pup checked out by a vet.

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Rule out possible gastrointestinal and digestive problems -

Is the food upsetting you dog's tummy? Maybe your pooch has a food intolerance or other digestive issues. Check with your vet to rule out any potential conditions.

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Changes of environment or increased stress -

If you've recently moved homes or if there were any other significant changes in the dog's environment, such as the arrival of a new baby, then it's natural that this affects your dog's appetite.

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Make the transition slowly -

If you've recently switched your dog's food, then it might take some time for your pup to adapt and eat it. The key is to make the transition slowly, mixing them and gradually increasing the proportion of the new food until it's 100% new food.

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Swap over to a tastier food -

Sometimes all you have to do is try a different brand or a different flavor. It might take some time for you to find the right food for your pooch, but it'll be worth it.

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Don't feed your pup until tomorrow -

This might sound mean, but don't worry, you pup won't die of hunger. If your dog doesn't eat the meal, remove it until the next day. Serve it for breakfast the following day. If the same thing happens, remove it again and skip one mealtime before serving it again.

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Mix in a food topper -

Sometimes all you need is a nice topper to make kibble more appetizing for your pup. Think a bit of wet food, bone broth, boiled vegetables, or ground beef.

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Maybe your dog needs a different bowl -

Flat-faced dogs such as pugs and French bulldogs can find it difficult to reach the bottom of deep bowls, hence leaving lots of food behind. They do this because because they really can't reach it. This one is an easy fix.

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Exercise -

Exercise is great to stimulate the appetite and a hungry dog will always eat, no matter how fussy. A play session or a vigorous, long walk before mealtime can really help.

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Warm up the food -

Heat will enhance flavor and make it smell nicer, so it's a winner if your dog is a fussy eater. Add a bit of water to dry kibble and pop it in the microwave and see how your dog reacts. Just make sure it's not too hot when you serve it!

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Check if the the food hasn't spoiled -

This is not as easy with kibble as it is with 'human' foods, such as milk. When exposed to air, dry food will go stale, and the same goes for wet food that goes dry.

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Check if the the food hasn't spoiled -

You might think it's okay, but your dog doesn't. This might result in your pet refusing to eat. Always serve your pooch fresh kibble.

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Add some variety -

Do you always eat the same food? Exactly. Some dogs might find it hard to adapt to new food, while others just need a bit more variety in their diets. It's definitely worth a try.

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Routine -

It's important to have a consistent routine when it comes to feeding your four-legged friend. This will help them know when it's time to eat, and they're more likely to do so.

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Go wet -

Wet food occasionally can do wonders. Most dogs will love it. So if your dog is having a hard time eating dry kibble, buy a few cans of wet food and see if it helps.

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Create a safe space -

It's important that your dog has a safe space where he can eat without any stressors. Sometimes children or other animals can be enough to distract and stress the dog, which will then have an impact on eating.

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Raise your senior dog's bowl -

Older dogs sometimes have trouble reaching for their bowls. This is especially true for larger breeds. The solution is to raise your dog's bowl accordingly.

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Show your dog that it can be much worse... -

Sometimes dogs don't have a term of comparison when it comes to food, so why not show him how bad it can be? Just serve your pup a food he doesn't like (this might require some trial and error). In the end, your pooch will appreciate his regular food a lot more!

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Skip the treats -

You're less hungry if you snack all the time, so this is a no-brainer. Plus, they might refuse to eat their food because they want the delicious treats instead. Cut off the treats and see if it makes a difference.

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Pretend to eat the same food -

Okay, this might sound a bit silly, but it can work! You dog always wants the food you're eating, right? So pretend to snack on your pup's kibble and see if your dog follows.

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Cut off table scraps -

Feeding your dog outside mealtimes won't help his appetite. Plus, who would eat dry kibble after snacking on delicious human food, right?

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Make your dog work for it -

Make food a reward and your dog might just get into it. Make you pup work for it by performing a trick or playing with him in other ways. The important thing is that the dog feels like he's being rewarded.

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Are you feeding the right amount? -

The correct portion size is key to understanding if your dog is actually not eating enough, or if you're just serving way too much food. Sometimes they're not fussy—they're just full!

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Turn feeding time into a game -

This is another way to make your dog work for it. Pups love to play games, so why not associate mealtime with playing? A stuffed feeding toy or a snuffle mat can do wonders.

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Sprinkle it on the floor -

This is particularly helpful for puppies. Sometimes eating out of a bowl is juts way too boring. Make it look like it's a game and your pup might just eat it up.

Sources: (DogLab) (The Honest Kitchen)

See also: The best and worst human foods to feed your dog

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