My dog suddenly refuses kibble but eats treats. What's wrong?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Ace. Not eating can be a sign of illness, but given this is the first time he's done it, I wouldn't get too worried just yet. Keep an eye on him for now, and if he doesn't eat breakfast in the morning, then I would be concerned and have him seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is possible that Ray either has a bit of an upset stomach or other illness that is mild at this point, or he could just be learning that if he begs for treats he will get them and not have to eat his dog food. I recommend monitoring him for now, if he gets worse (vomiting, diarrhea, painful, weak, not eating treats) then bring him to a vet. Other than that, you can try to decrease the amount of treats he gets and not give him treats when he is begging, and see if you can train him back to eating his kibble. Best of luck with Ray!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Norik is acting fine and this is the only meal he skipped then I would still try to offer him food in the middle of the day. You can try adding water to the food or a teaspoon of canned food. Dogs rarely will starve themselves. Don't stress and just offer more food later! If you have to go to work then put a small amount with him or offer food at his next normal feeding time. I hope this helps and good luck!

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!

It's hard to know the cause since Bheem can't talk. It's possible he doesn't feel good. It's also possible it's related to heat or that he is bored of the food. Certainly monitor him very closely to make sure you do no see signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or other signs of illness. You may try feeding him a bland diet for 48 hours to see if this helps. A bland diet can consist of 25% boiled plain white meat chicken and 75% plain boiled white rice. Try to make sure the house stays cool and offer him food at the cooler times of the day. It the behavior continues beyond 48 hours or if he gets worse, have him examined by his veterinarian. I hope Bheem starts feeling better quickly! Please feel free to post any additional questions!

Since Marshall will eat in general, and is only refusing his own food, I would not believe there is anything wrong with him at this time. I agree it is strange that Marshall would suddenly decide he doesn't like his food. 7 months old is often what can be described as the "teenager time" for a dog. This means he might be asserting his opinions more for a few months. I would suggest one of the following strategies; Try adding boiled boneless chicken breast or extra lean ground beef to his regular food. Over time reducing how much you add until you don't add any or only a small amount. Try a new brand or flavour of dog food. try mixing the new with the old to limit the drastic change, and potentially upsetting Marshall's gastrointestinal tract. Signs that something else may be going on and warrant a vet check; Vomiting Diarrhoea Lethargy Blood in vomit or fever I hope that this answer helps and that Marshall starts enjoying his own food or a new food soon.

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!