A temporary change in appetite can happen for many reasons, but refusing food can also be a sign that your dog is unwell. Before trying to encourage eating at home, consider what else has changed in your dog's behavior, digestion, energy level, or routine.
Our guide to loss of appetite in dogs explains common reasons dogs stop eating and when it may be time to contact your veterinarian.
While it’s always important to rule out serious issues with your vet, the good news is that many common cases of a temporary appetite dip can be solved right at home using simple, gentle remedies to get their tummies rumbling again.
If your dog's appetite changed after an illness, procedure, or medication, read our guide to feeding a dog after illness or surgery for additional recovery-feeding considerations.
Below are the best home remedies for getting a sick dog to eat, along with other tips for helping the dog feel better.
Offer Foods With an Appealing Aroma and Texture
Some dogs show more interest in foods with a stronger aroma or softer texture when their appetite is reduced. Depending on the cause of the appetite change and your veterinarian's recommendations, adding moisture or warming an appropriate food slightly may make meals more appealing.
If you're deciding between different feeding formats, our wet vs. dry dog food guide explains how texture, moisture and feeding routine can affect which option works best for your dog.
Here are some examples:
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Boiled chicken and rice: This is a classic home remedy for getting a sick dog to eat. Boil boneless, skinless chicken breast and white rice, then mix them together for a bland, easy-to-digest meal.
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Meat with high-protein convenient packets: When comparing commercial options, check the actual ingredient list, protein source, nutritional adequacy and intended use rather than relying only on marketing terms. You can also learn more about what human-grade pet food means when evaluating food quality.
- Canned tuna or salmon: The strong smell and taste of canned tuna or salmon can be enticing to a sick dog.
Use bone broth or chicken stock
Bone broth and chicken stock are both excellent wet food options for getting a sick dog to eat. They're easy to make at home or can be purchased at your local pet store. Here are some benefits of bone broth and chicken stock:
- Provides nutrients: Bone broth and chicken stock are rich in nutrients and can help replenish your dog's energy.
- Easy to digest: The nutrients in bone broth and chicken stock are easily absorbed by a sick dog's digestive system.
- Stimulates appetite: The smell and taste of bone broth and chicken stock can be enticing to a sick dog.
Add Cooked White Rice or Sweet Potatoes
Plain cooked rice or sweet potato may be appropriate for some dogs in small amounts, depending on the cause of their stomach upset and their veterinarian's advice. Avoid seasonings, butter, sauces, onions, garlic, or other ingredients that may be unsafe for dogs.
Mix cooked white rice or sweet potatoes with boiled chicken or canned pumpkin for a nutritious, easy-to-digest meal.
If Your Dog Won’t Eat, Avoid Force-Feeding Without Veterinary Advice
If your dog is refusing food, do not automatically use a syringe or dropper. Dogs that are weak, nauseated, having trouble swallowing, or recovering from certain illnesses may be at risk of choking or accidentally inhaling food or liquid into the lungs.
Only use syringe-assisted feeding if your veterinarian has specifically recommended it and shown you how to do it safely.
Instead, you can try gentler ways to encourage eating:
- Offer small portions: Give your dog a small amount of food at a time rather than a full meal, especially if their appetite is reduced.
- Try a soft or moist texture: Some dogs may find softer food easier and more appealing, depending on their condition and your veterinarian’s advice.
- Warm the food slightly: Gently warming appropriate food can enhance its aroma and may make it more appealing. Make sure it is not hot before serving.
- Keep fresh water available: Encourage normal drinking, but do not force water by syringe unless your veterinarian instructs you to do so.
- Watch for swallowing difficulty: If your dog coughs, gags, drools excessively, seems unable to swallow, or repeatedly refuses food and water, contact your veterinarian.
If your veterinarian has prescribed a specific recovery or therapeutic diet, follow those instructions rather than introducing a new food during recovery.
Ask Your Veterinarian Before Giving Any Medication
If your dog is not eating or seems to have an upset stomach, do not give human over-the-counter medication unless your veterinarian specifically recommends it. Loss of appetite can have many causes, and treating the symptom without knowing the underlying problem may delay appropriate care.
Some medications that are also available for people may occasionally be used in veterinary medicine, but that does not mean they are safe or appropriate for every dog. The correct medication and dose can depend on your dog’s weight, age, medical history, current medications, and the cause of the symptoms.
Before giving any medication:
- Contact your veterinarian and describe your dog’s symptoms.
- Follow the exact medication and dosage instructions provided by your vet.
- Do not use leftover prescriptions or medications previously given to another pet.
- Avoid guessing the dose based on human instructions or information found online.
- Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, significant weakness, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or continues refusing food and water.
If your veterinarian recommends a medication such as an acid-reducing drug, use it only at the dose and frequency they prescribe for your dog.
Other Tips for Helping a Sick Dog
In addition to home remedies for getting a sick dog to eat, there are other tips you can follow to help your dog feel better.
Keep your dog hydrated: It's important to make sure your dog stays hydrated, especially when they're not eating. Offer fresh water frequently or add a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth to your dog’s water bowl. You can also use a syringe or dropper to give small amounts of water throughout the day.
Monitor your dog's temperature: Monitoring your dog's temperature using a rectal thermometer is an important aspect of pet care that every dog owner should be familiar with. A dog's normal body temperature ranges between 100.5°F and 102.5°F. Any temperature reading that falls outside of this range could be indicative of an underlying health issue or infection. If a dog's temperature is consistently high or low, or if they are exhibiting other signs of illness, consult with a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Encourage rest and relaxation: Encouraging rest and relaxation is crucial for a sick dog's recovery. You can provide a comfortable space for your furry friend by providing a warm and comfortable bed that will help them rest properly. Keep the room quiet and free from distractions that may cause stress or anxiety. Using a soft and calming voice can also help to soothe your dog and create a relaxing atmosphere.
Keep the environment clean: Keeping your dog's environment clean helps prevent illness and promote healing. To maintain a clean environment, washing their bedding frequently and cleaning their food and water bowls daily is crucial to prevent the buildup of bacteria or other harmful contaminants. Using a pet-safe disinfectant to clean surfaces that your dog comes into contact with, such as floors or toys, can also help maintain a clean environment.
Returning to Your Dog's Regular Feeding Routine
Once your veterinarian says your dog can return to its regular diet, choose foods and proteins your dog already knows and tolerates well. You can explore Paleo Pet Meat Pouches to compare chicken, pork and beef options. If your dog has a medical condition or has been prescribed a therapeutic diet, continue following your veterinarian's feeding instructions.
Prefer a familiar protein? Explore Chicken Meat Pouches, Pork Meat Pouches, or Beef Meat Pouches once your dog is ready to return to its regular feeding routine.