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Why won't my dog eat her food unless I add human food or oil?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 3 months old | 45 lbs

My dog has not been eating lately. We out coconut oil in her food. Peanut butter. Olive oil. Chicken (which she only eats and leaves the dog food). We have switched many times and she will eventually eat but only when mixed with one of these above. Anything i can do to help stop this? She’s 45 lbs and only eats once a day

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 20th, 2018

It sounds like Bella is being picky about her food. First off, have a health check with the vet to make everything is ok health wise. If she is healthy, then I would say it's time to get tough with her. Give her the bowl of dog food in the morning and leave it down for 15-20 minutes. Make sure it is just dog food, no peanut butter, chicken, coconut oil, etc. After this time period, take her food away even if she hasn't eaten. This next part is very important. Do NOT give her any other food at all until her next meal time at dinner. NOTHING. No treats, human food, etc. She needs to learn she only gets dog food to eat. At dinner time, put down her bowl with dog food only in it and leave it for 15-20 minutes. Again pick it up after that time even if she hasn't eaten. Again no more food until breakfast the next morning. You are teaching her that she has to eat when given her dog food or else she gets nothing. She will get hungry enough that she will eat her dog food. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I'm worried that Bella has had a change in her eating behaviors! I would recommend making an appointment to see your veterinarian for a physical exam. If Bella is also losing weight, or has any signs of gastrointestinal disease like vomiting or diarrhea it is possible that she has a medical condition causing her weight loss. Your vet might recommend checking blood work and/or a fecal analysis to start. If Bella's exam is normal it is possible she's just being picky and you and your vet can discuss strategies to make sure she is eating enough to maintain her weight.

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