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My dog won't eat her dog food, but she'll eat any treat. Why?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year old | 50 lbs

My one year old has stopped eating her breakfast and now only picks at her dinner. She'll eat any treat you put in front of her though. She's pooping and it appears normal. Her behavior seems normal too. Is it possible she just doesn't like her food anymore?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2017

If you are giving Brogan treats and other food (table scraps etc) when she doesn't eat her food it is likely she is just not eating and trying to get something better. I would recomend feeding her dry food only and no treats for a few days. A young healthy dog will not starve themselves. If she is still not eating she may need an exam to make sure she isn't painful. But I suspect she's trying to "train" you into giving her other foods. Dry dog food is what she needs to be healthy with little to no treats.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on September 12th, 2019
If she has checked out healthy you may want to stop all the "extras" such as people food and treats to encourage Mini to eat her actual food. Dogs, just like people, can become picky eaters and if given the option of snacks and people food instead of healthy balanced meals, they will choose that. Giving her a few days where you set down only her food for 15 minutes, then pick it up and trying again a few hours later will encourage her to start trying her food again.

If she truly does not want to eat anything, or become more lethargic, and has obvious signs of illness such as vomiting, diarrhea, etc, then a more thorough workup from your vet is a good idea.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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