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My picky dog won't eat kibble. Is it okay if she doesn't eat for days?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 17 lbs

She is a very picky eater and doesn't eat kibbles. She only has chicken and rice. If i give her chicken mixed with kibbles, she just eats the chicken and leaves the kibbles alone. So now I crush the kibbles and mix it with chicken, but she's not eating. I've been advised to just leave whole kibbles for 20 mins everyday and feed her nothing else for a couple of days. What should i do.? What if she doesn't eat for 3-4 days??

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 22nd, 2018

She won't starve if she doesn't eat for a few days. That is the only way to train her get back on dog food. You can always add chicken broth or warm water to the kibble . Let it sit about 5 minutes until the kibble soaks up the liquid and try that. Often times that will enhance the flavor/smell of the food. Feeding human food only to dogs is not a good idea. Our food is not balanced for dogs and eventually she will end up with nutritional deficiencies. It is best to try and get to eat dog food only. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 22nd, 2018

    It sounds like Jessi is a bit of a picky eater, especially if you have to feed her with your hands. It's time to get tough with her. Put down her dog food first thing in the morning, and make sure it's kibble only! No chicken or rice. Leave it down for 15-20 minutes, and pick it up after that time even if she hasn't eaten any. This next step is very important. Do NOT give her any other food. No treats, chicken, nothing all day. At dinnertime, again put her bowl of dog food only down, leaving it for 15-20 minutes, and picking it up after that time. Again, NO other food until it's time to feed her the dog food in the morning. By doing this, you are showing her she only gets dog food to eat, and she has to eat when it's given to her, or she gets nothing else. She will get hungry to eat. If you give her any other food, it ruins this message, and you will continue to have the same problems you are having. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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