Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

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

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 11 months and 24 days old | 70 lbs

My dog has not been eating well for last week. He eats at night. If we feed him pedigree he will eat it but if we feed him his regular food he refuses.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2018

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!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Sponsored