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Should I get a new bowl for my anxious rescue dog who won't eat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

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

My dog will hardly eat from her bowl, which is a basic metal food bowl. But she will scarf down her food from my hands or from my roommate’s dog’s bowl, which is a black plastic, less reflective bowl. I’m worried about how much she eats in a day. Should I get her a different bowl? Or just wait till she’s more comfortable? I’ve only had her for about a month. She also tucks her tail and cowers the whole time she is eating. She is a rescue so I’m not sure what the history is there.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on November 5th, 2018

Considering that her history is not known and her being a rescue, she could have a nervous/anxious behaviour and anything (even a reflection) could actually disturb her meal. I would recommend to wait a bit longer until she gets used to the new environment and then, if nothing changes, buy a new bowl.

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