Why isn't my dog excited to eat his food anymore? Is he bored?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 4 years old | 80 lbs
Hi. My dog for some reason hasn’t been excited to eat his food lately. He used to run to his food when I put it out . He’s been eating it all but today he left about a cup left. I usually feed him 3 cups per meal. Wondering if I have to change the food or is there something else wrong. He’s been acting normal like always.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 22nd, 2019
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Given he has not been showing any other signs of illness, this may just be that he needs a diet change. Sometimes dogs can get bored of their diets periodically. You can try a new diet or possibly mix his current diet with canned food to see if that helps. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 20th, 2017
This could be him being fussy because you are giving him other options, but it could also be a sign that something is wrong, maybe an upset stomach. try insisting with the dog food, if he doesn't eat it- take him to the vet to get it checked.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on October 22nd, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Have you offered multiple types of food brands? Sometimes changing the texture can peak interest in food. I would offer canned dog food and dry dog food to see if this makes a difference. Switch to a different flavor food to see if he is picky about the food flavor. If he still shows no I retest in food, then i would recommend having a veterinarian take a look at him and run diagnostic testing such as blood work. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 28th, 2017
Rocky is very smart! He has realized that if he holds out from eating his food you will supplement the food with something yummy like a treat. I recommend doing a little tough love with him and not add anything into his food for a few days. Most likely he will realize the treat is not coming and start eating. Dogs will not starve themselves. Supplementing him with a few treats is not harmful but if he is refusing to eat until treats are given this will start a bad behavior. At any time he is losing weight not eating anything, vomiting or acting ill I would recommend taking him to a vet for an exam
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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