Complete dry food is a high-energy and healthy meal for dogs. Many pet owners base their dog’s diet primarily on dry food. However, it sometimes happens that a dog suddenly loses interest in the food it previously ate with gusto. After a visit to the veterinarian and ruling out health problems, it is worth considering other reasons for the lack of appetite. Check why your dog doesn’t want to eat dry food and how to remedy this.
A dog doesn’t want to eat dry food – what could be the reason?
When a dog doesn’t want to eat the food it used to enjoy, the first thing to do is to rule out health issues. A veterinarian should examine the dog. Possible causes include dental and gum diseases, mouth ulcers, and gastrointestinal irritation. If the veterinarian rules out a health condition, the reason why the dog doesn’t want to eat dry food may be feeding mistakes or simply a change in preferences.
- The food is poorly stored
Dogs have a heightened sense of smell, so well-stored dry food that still smells good generates more interest than stale food. During prolonged storage, dry food undergoes oxidation processes that affect not only its smell and taste but also its nutritional value. The action of moisture alters the structure of the food and increases the risk of bacterial growth. Eating dry food that has been poorly stored for too long can cause gastrointestinal disturbances in dogs.
- The dog is receiving too large portions of food
Not only wet food but also dry food becomes stale when left in the bowl for too long. After a few hours, it becomes unappetizing and is a breeding ground for bacteria. If a dog eats spoiled food several times, leading to stomach pain, it will develop a lasting aversion to it.
- The dog doesn’t eat dry food because it is receiving too many treats
Dog treats are an interesting diet variation. They work well during training – as encouragement and reward. However, an excess can lead to overweight, obesity, and fussiness during main meals.
- The dog has grown tired of the current food flavor
Although dogs are not as picky eaters as cats, it occasionally happens that the dry food they have been receiving for a long time stops being attractive to them in terms of taste, smell, or texture.
How to train your dog to eat dry food?
- Store the food under proper conditions
It is best to buy food in packages that are sized according to the pet’s size so that it can be consumed within a few weeks, not months. Ideally, the packaging should have a zip closure, allowing for a tight seal after opening. Otherwise, you should use a clip or a rubber band or transfer the dry food into a large container. Store the food in a dark, dry, and cool place.
- Adjust the portions of food to your dog’s needs
Each time, fill your dog’s bowl with exactly the amount of food that it needs. If the dog does not eat the dry food within 15-20 minutes, empty and wash the bowl.
- Control the number of treats given
The golden rule we should follow is that treats should account for a maximum of 10% of the daily calorie intake. We should consider the caloric value of treats in the daily caloric balance, subtracting the appropriate portion from the main meal.
- Change the flavor of the food
If you think your dog is being picky because it has grown tired of the food flavor, look for a product with similar properties, similar analytical composition, meaning similar amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, but with a different flavor. It is best to choose a product from the same brand. With every change of food, remember to introduce it gradually, especially if you decide to give food from a different manufacturer. A sudden diet change can cause digestive problems in your dog.
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