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My senior Lab won't eat. What human food can I give for nutrition?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 13 years old | 95 lbs

Hi I have a 13 yr old lab that's now not eating any dog food, canned or dry, I want him to eat so I'm thinking about giving him hamburger rice and eggs, just how much should I give him so that he gets what he needs for his nutrition? Thanks

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 17th, 2018

You can try giving Lucky a cup of boiled white meat chicken mixed with half a cup of rice. If you give him eggs, make sure they are fully cooked with no salt, pepper, or seasonings. Just the eggs only, and I would only give him one at a time. He really needs to see a vet as he may not be eating his dog food because he's sick. He could have dental problems, liver disease, kidney failure, an infection, systemic illness, or even cancer causing him to not eat. Please take him into a vet as soon as possible.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 25th, 2018
I am so sorry to hear about Cody! I would be very concerned based on your description about infected or abscessed teeth. Unfortunately this isn't something you are going to be able to treat at home, and he will likely need the teeth removed if that is the problem the vet finds on examination. I would make an appointment for him to be seen as soon as possible as it sounds like he could be in a good deal of pain. You can try offering him canned food since it is softer or making a gruel of canned food and water put into a blender, in case he is willing to lap this up.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 26th, 2017
Oatmeal is not recommended and most dogs do not like it anyway. I would recommend you try proteins like turkey or chicken.

Going off of his food at his age (even just a bit off) is concerning. It may be an early sign that some underlying disease process is going on. Remember at his age, he is over 100 years old in human years!

He should really be checked by your vet and at least have some bloodwork run to check his organs (mainly liver and kidneys) to be sure they are functioning correctly. Going off food can be one of the first subtle signs of a problem.

I hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on August 4th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would recommend that you switch her to a canned or wet diet that may be easier for her to eat. Also, if she appears to have a severe dental disease, an evaluation by a veterinarian is warranted. They may be able to evaluate her teeth and see if she would benefit from having a dental cleaning or perhaps having teeth extractions. Good luck and have a good night!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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