Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why isn't my dog excited to eat his food anymore? Is he bored?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 4 years old | 80 lbs

Hi. My dog for some reason hasn’t been excited to eat his food lately. He used to run to his food when I put it out . He’s been eating it all but today he left about a cup left. I usually feed him 3 cups per meal. Wondering if I have to change the food or is there something else wrong. He’s been acting normal like always.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on February 22nd, 2019

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Given he has not been showing any other signs of illness, this may just be that he needs a diet change. Sometimes dogs can get bored of their diets periodically. You can try a new diet or possibly mix his current diet with canned food to see if that helps. Best of luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 20th, 2017
This could be him being fussy because you are giving him other options, but it could also be a sign that something is wrong, maybe an upset stomach. try insisting with the dog food, if he doesn't eat it- take him to the vet to get it checked.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 22nd, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Have you offered multiple types of food brands? Sometimes changing the texture can peak interest in food. I would offer canned dog food and dry dog food to see if this makes a difference. Switch to a different flavor food to see if he is picky about the food flavor. If he still shows no I retest in food, then i would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at him and run diagnostic testing such as blood work. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Susan England-Foster
Veterinarian
Published on June 28th, 2017
Rocky is very smart! He has realized that if he holds out from eating his food you will supplement the food with something yummy like a treat. I recommend doing a little tough love with him and not add anything into his food for a few days. Most likely he will realize the treat is not coming and start eating. Dogs will not starve themselves. Supplementing him with a few treats is not harmful but if he is refusing to eat until treats are given this will start a bad behavior. At any time he is losing weight not eating anything, vomiting or acting ill I would recommend taking him to a vet for an exam
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

My dog stopped eating her food. Should I change her food or brand?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sometimes dogs will just get bored of the same diet and just need to be switched to a completely new diet. I would recommend you consider a different diet though it could be from the same brand. Remember to introduce her to the new diet slowly as follows: feed 25% of the new and 75% of the old diet on day 1. Then feed 50% of each the second day and 75% of the new and 25% of the old on day 3. On day 4, you should be able to feed her the new diet entirely. Good luck and have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog won't eat his food anymore. What should I do or feed him?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Bufford is having a problem with his diet. This happens occasionally due to a few reasons including boredom with the same diet, loss of satisfaction from the food, oral discomfort, jaw pain, among others. Your veterinarian can perform a physical exam and then advise some diet recommendations or advise some testing to evaluate his health (fecal exam, blood tests, x-rays, etc). Unless you can find an appropriate diet they he likes I would let your vet take a look at him and go from there. Good luck with Bufford.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog isn't eating his Freshpet wet food. Is he bored or sick?

Some dogs vary the amount they eat depending on their exercise level. Also as he’s maturing he may not be needing as many calories since he’s not growing as fast. As long as he’s eating I would not switch the food. Generally they will self regulate the amount of food and maintain a normal weight. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jules.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog won't eat new dry food after switching from wet. Help!

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are a few things you can do to make his food more palatable while he gets used to it. For example, you may add low sodium chicken broth, veterinary approved gravy which you can get at your pet store or pieces of boiled chicken to it. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Are my dogs bored? They stopped eating food but still love treats!

I would say that they are probably bored with the food, especially if they are not vomiting or having diarrhea. Try switching things up to another brand such as Royal Canin, Eukanuba, or even Viktor. I would recommend doing a slow transition over the course of a week to avoid any stomach upset and then trying on of the foods above or one you've found during your research. I hope that you can find a food that your fur babies like soon! Best of luck and take care.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog won't eat her food. Is she bored? Can I change flavors?

Switching flavors of food, even within the same brand, can cause GI upset in the form of vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs do not get bored with the same food, they can eat the same flavor every day and be fine. There may be a medical reasons as to why she appears bored, such as a dental issue. I'd have her checked out with the vet to be safe. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My dog won't eat his food, only Pedigree. Is he a picky eater?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Causes of a decrease in appetite are: intestinal parasites, viral or bacterial infection, he ate something gross that is upsetting his stomach, he ate something that is stuck, food allergy/intolerance, Inflammatory Bowel disease, Addison's disease, new treat/food/table food. Sometimes this can be behavioral as well, he is waiting for something better like the Pedigree. If there is not other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy then that is likely the problem. If you recently got a new bag of his food the company may have changed the formula or there is a issue with that bag of food. If you really don't want to feed him Pedigree then hold your ground. Offer his normal food, you can add water to it to make it more tempting, and if he doesn't eat it then pick it up. Do not offer treats or any other food and then he is not fed again until his next meal time. You can also consider feeding him once daily. If he is otherwise sick, please repost with his symptoms and we will provide advice. I hope this helps and I wish you and Puku the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share