Home remedies to whet your dog's appetite

Author: Laura McKinney
Date Of Creation: 10 August 2021
Update Date: 12 May 2024
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Healthy Foods to Feed Your Dog
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One dog without appetite it can have many causes, from illnesses to the use of poor quality food to feed the dog. Regardless of the reason it is something that cannot be ignored as your furry friend's health will soon deteriorate.

Veterinary care is essential in these cases, especially in case of illness. Here at PeritoAnimal we are going to present some rhomemade remedies to whet a dog's appetite as complementary treatments that you can add to those prescribed by the professional.

Causes of dog with no appetite

Before knowing what are the home remedies to whet your dog's appetite you need to determine the cause that is causing this behavior. Lack of appetite is normal in dogs, so pay attention to the following reasons that may explain why your dog doesn't want to eat anything.


Stress

Stress can be a trigger for the dog to stop eating, in addition to causing various diseases or destructive behaviors. The causes that cause it are varied, from changes in routine (a change of house, the adoption of another pet, the arrival of a baby, among others) to the anxiety of boredom or lack of exercise.

Indigestion

Indigestion is another reason that your furry friend's appetite can be reduced, either because discomfort prevents him from eating or because he prefers to deprive himself of food for a prudential period (one day at most) to get better.

Other stomach problems, such as constipation, gas or diarrhea, can also reduce your dog's desire to eat.

Respiratory diseases

From a simple flu to more serious respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis, can cause a loss of appetite in dogs. Mucus prevents the dog from correctly perceiving the odor of the food and therefore it does not attract him.


parasites

A dog infected with intestinal parasites will also refuse to eat, in addition to showing signs of general malaise, vomiting, worms in the stool, among others, depending on the type of parasite causing the problem.

drug consumption

One more cause for a dog without appetite it can be the treatment for some illness as it is possible that one of the side effects of the medication is to decrease the appetite. Do not freak out! Ask your veterinarian what you should do according to the medication being administered.

Traumas

Pain from hits, falls, and wounds can cause you to have a dog with a poor appetite. In the event of any injury that causes a change in behavior, it is necessary to go to the veterinarian immediately.

Old age

Older dogs generally eat less. This is because they do less physical activity, so they save energy and don't need to replenish it as quickly.


Problems in the oral duct

At cavities, tumorsin the mouth andobstructions (an object stuck in the gums or throat) doesn't dampen the dog's appetite, but the pain or discomfort caused by these problems prevents him from chewing his food.

Ration

It is very common for dogs to stop accepting the feed, especially when they are receiving low quality food. This doesn't mean they're tired of the food, but if it doesn't cover their nutritional needs, if you've got them used to eating the same food as you, or if you're feeding them a diet based only on dry food, it's very possible that at some point the dog might reject it.

Other reasons

Other possible reasons that can cause the lack of appetite in dogs are the following:

  • Pancreatitis;
  • Tumors;
  • Renal insufficiency;
  • Vaccines.

If your dog goes more than 24 hours without eating you should take him to the vet to determine the cause.

Home remedies to whet your dog's appetite

Having a sick dog at home implies several cares and attentions, including ensuring that it does not stop eating. Food is important for recovery as a dog that does not eat has less energy and feels weak, which is counterproductive during any illness.

“How to whet a sick dog's appetite?” is a frequent question in these cases, but you don't need to despair. There are several options and home remedies to stimulate appetite in dogs that you can use in these cases. However, remember that none of these remedies are a substitute for veterinary care. These are alternative methods you can use along with those recommended by the professional, as long as he approves. Likewise, these recommendations are equally applicable to healthy dogs that do not wish to eat. Certainly, in these cases, it is important to determine whether the problem is with an incorrect or poor quality diet, as the best remedy for these dogs is none other than to provide an adequate diet.

appetizing food

Offer your puppy a different meal that gets his attention. You can serve your favorite food in the bowl or experiment with warm pieces of chicken or turkey. Another option is to wet the feed with chicken broth or add some ioghurt.

Broth and meat should be warmed up and offered to the dog when they are hot as hot food gives off more intense smells that attract its attention. Also, if the dog has a cold or mucus, this will help the phlegm to soften and expel it.

Choose your food well

A sick dog needs different foods that provide the extra energy he needs to recover. Therefore, you must offer foods according to each problem. For dogs with constipation problems, for example, offer high fiber meals. You dogs with diarrhea they need protein and hydration, so chicken broth is ideal for them, while phosphorus-rich foods are recommended for puppies with respiratory diseases.

Smells are very important to puppies. The addition of novelties in food will catch the attention of the dog who has lost his appetite. Add to the usual food a few leaves or pieces of mint, alfalfa, dill, fennel or ginger, as these new scents will be pleasant.

You can also add peppermint and ginger to the water to keep your dog hydrated, another essential during recovery.

Home remedies to whet the appetite of dogs that don't want to eat dog food

Dog without appetite? Once you've ruled out any illness, trauma, or dental problem, it's time to review the food you give your dog so you know what to do if your dog doesn't eat chow.

Buy a quality feed

The quality of the food you feed your dog is very important. It's not just about buying the flavor he likes the most, but buying quality brands that provide all the nutrients he needs and in the right amounts.

Any changes in food should be made gradually, never suddenly switch from one brand of feed to another.

try wet food

Another option is to alternate dry dog ​​food with wet dog food. Moist foods provide more intense odors and can give your dog something extra. Never mix wet and dry food in the same portion, it is best to alternate them during the week.

If your dog doesn't like canned food, try moistening the kibble with chicken broth or salmon oil. He will love this extra flavor!

vary the ingredients

To whet your dog's appetite you can offer other foods. To do this, we recommend adding lean meats, like chicken and turkey, pieces of Ham without salt, carrot, low-fat yogurt and fruits on your furry friend's diet. Not only will you be providing him with extra nutrients, he will also enjoy trying new things.

Follow a homemade diet

On the other hand, and in relation to the previous point, a natural diet not only does it guarantee the quality of the products you offer your dog, it also allows for a variety of the menu, which increases the richness of your diet. Likewise, homemade food, as long as the menu is well established, promotes digestion, regulates intestinal transit, improves the condition of the skin, hair and general health.

So if your dog doesn't want to eat and you don't know what to do, or none of the above works, try this type of diet and see if your appetite returns. Again, remember to make the change gradually as sudden changes in eating can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. As for the best type of homemade dog food, you have two options. The first is to follow a BARF diet based on raw foods or cook the products. Both are valid, it all depends on the origin of the food, the time you have and the specific needs of each dog. Below, in our YouTube video we share how to make natural dog food:

What to do with a puppy without an appetite

There are several reasons why a puppy might refuse to eat, from illness to the transition process between breast milk or powdered milk and dry foods, or even a recent dose of vaccine. Anyway, don't forget to consult your veterinarian first. After doing this, try some of these home remedies for puppies who do not want to eat.

Exercise

A tired dog will have more appetite, that's why we recommend that you take your dog for a walk and play with him to use up all the energy. Balls, racing and tracking games are some of the most fun. Also, this might be a good time to start training.

different rations

If your puppy is starting to try dry foods, it's possible that he doesn't like the brand you bought or it isn't right for him. Remember to buy only formulated puppy rations, you can buy pound bags of several different flavors until you find what your furry friend likes.

wet food

For some puppies, the transition between milk and dry feed is often complicated, so try offering puppies cans of food. The flavor is more intense and striking, and the soft texture may be just what your puppy needs. Furthermore, moisten the feed with water or chicken broth can also help the puppy want to eat.

Homemade food

Homemade food is another option if your puppy is unable to eat chow. For this, as we said in the previous section, there are different diets, such as BARF that are based on the addition of ingredients from different food groups until you find a balance that provides your puppy with all the nutrients he needs and, at the same time, is delicious. Ask your veterinarian about the best way to feed your puppy a homemade diet.

How to fatten up a dog?

If the problem is that your dog eats well but does not gain weight or is too thin, it is necessary visit the veterinarian to determine why he is not gaining weight. After the specialist is visited, if the dog is completely healthy, check the amount of daily food you give and increase to see if that is why the dog does not gain weight. Also, check the calories he eats and the calories he expends because consuming less than he should or expending more than he eats can also be what is making the dog too thin.

On the other hand, a very effective remedy for dogs that don't want to eat or don't get fat is increase the number of daily meals. That is, offering small amounts of food several times a day. This will make the dog want to eat more, also improving digestion and nutrient metabolism. For more tips, our article on how to fatten up a dog.