Switching to Raw Feeding Do Has Not Eaten in Days

Is your dog not eating well? Caroline, our natural canine behaviourist, outlines how to get a fussy dog to eat consistently using her "Natural feeding method".

We also explain why your dog won't eat, what to feed a fussy dog and why raw is the best food for fussy dogs.

Jump to a 'Dog not eating' section

If you would like to join Caroline's weekly 'dog not eating' consultation, where she explains her "Natural feeding method" and answers any questions you may have, sign up below.

Your fussy dog's eating habits

The advice in this dog not eating guide will help you to move towards a relaxed, natural feeding routine with your dog.

Dogs are highly intelligent social and emotional beings. They mirror our anxieties and frustrations. The most important thing you need to know is that your dog needs to feel safe when eating, with no prying eyes, in a relaxed mealtime environment.

When we react with worry to the first meal they refuse, your dog, depending on their character, will either then present with anxiety around mealtimes or learn to manipulate you, especially when we start to offer alternatives or extra treats to compensate.

There are many reasons your dog may stop eating, become 'fussy' or 'picky'. Further down this dog not eating guide, you will find various reasons for fussy dog behaviour. These will help you determine the root cause of your dog not eating their food consistently.

Your ultimate goal should be to feed your dog naturally, creating a stress-free routine that your canine friend can enjoy.

However, every dog is an individual and different approaches may help some. You will find some additional methods to try temporarily while moving towards the natural feeding method. Each plays a different role. Some will work better than others depending on your dog's personality.

These methods should be used temporarily and phased out until your dog follows the natural feeding method every mealtime.

You may find that dogs, especially anxious dogs, eat better in the evening. This is often because you are calm, the day is done, everyone is home and they feel more relaxed. Feeding your dog once a day is perfectly fine.

By the time you have finished reading, you should understand the reasons that a dog won't eat, different types of fussy dog food and the best ways to encourage dogs to eat more, all while bringing joy back into food.

If you are looking for food for fussy dogs, give raw dog food complete meals a go and see the difference in your dog's enthusiasm at mealtime! If you are new to raw, learn more in our beginners guide to BARF raw dog food and compare raw dog food vs kibble here

"Dogs are not born fussy, they eat to survive and thrive." Caroline Spencer

Dog not eating | 7 top tips to get you started

Before we look at the natural feeding method, and what to feed a fussy dog, read these 7 top tips to make the process as simple as possible.

When encouraging your fussy dog to eat on a regular basis, you must ensure that you and the environment around them is calm, relaxed and free from distractions.

It is important that your dog knows that meal time will be a relaxed event. If your fussy dog refuses to eat their meal, consider whether you are giving them food, like treats, outside of their normal meal time, perhaps stop this while you work on their mealtime routine. Discover the benefits of natural dog treats and how best to use them around your dog's diet.

Try to think of it as an event for your dog, not a monotonous task for you.

How you feel and what you think has a huge bearing on your dog's performance with anything you do together.

Be in the feeding room for 10 minutes or more (or however long it takes you to relax so your dog does likewise) before preparing their meal.

Avoid eye contact or communication throughout the entire process. Your eye contact can convey stress.

When your dog walks away from their food, pick it up immediately and wait until the next mealtime before feeding them again. Don't worry too much if your dog misses a meal, as fasting can be good for your dog.

Please note, while this is true for healthy dogs, some dogs, such as those with diabetes, may not benefit from fasting. Please confirm with your vet professional if you are unsure whether fasting is something your dog would benefit from.

If your dog present fussy behaviour, give your dog no additional food, treats, bones or chews until they eat their meals consistently.

The natural feeding method

The natural feeding method should be your starting point and ultimate goal for every mealtime.

This method is simple. It works for all healthy dogs, young and old. It takes into account your dog's natural canine language and allows them to eat as nature intended. Say goodbye to fussy dogs forever with this fussy dog food feeding technique!

How it works

• Close all doors in the feeding room, as you don't want any distractions.
• Take a moment to breathe and get into a calm mental state.
• Take your dog's food from the fridge.
• Prepare the food on a flat board, as dogs need clear vision to be able to relax and enjoy their food in safety with 360 vision. Learn more about the benefits of flat boards .
• Place the food down.
• There is no need to ask your dog to sit first, this can stress your dog and make them fussy.
• If your dog moves their food to another location, consider popping their food there next time, as they are telling you they feel safer eating there.
• Step away and sit down with your back towards your dog. Occupy yourself by reading a book.
• Remove the food when your dog appears in front of you.

Why this method works

When it comes to mealtimes, your dog is wired to quietly survey the area. They want to make sure that they are safe whilst devouring their prized meal.

If another dog makes eye contact, they are sending out a challenge for that resource. Watching a dog whilst eating could result in them gulping their food as fast as possible, becoming aggressive/possessive, or it could make them back off and not eat.

To ensure your dog is happy (10 signs of a happy dog) and relaxed whilst eating, we give personal space and turn our backs. By doing this, we are showing behaviour that neither challenges or intimidates whilst eating a meal or chewing on a treat.

When a dog finishes a meal, they show others that it is okay to move in for the leftovers by walking away and not looking back. When we also behave like this, by placing the food down and turning away, our dog is reassured that the food is theirs.

Learn more about how to feed a dog here.

9 temporary methods to try

These 9 temporary methods are tailored to different personalities and may help you phase in the natural feeding method.

Only start with these if you have been trying the natural feeding method for 2 weeks.

The methods below should be used temporarily (no longer than 1 week) and phased out until your dog follows the natural feeding method every time.

As an added bonus to the natural feeding method, why not drizzle some warm bone broth onto your dog's food? It will be irresistible to your four-legged friend.

If you don't have bone broth, you can drizzle a little warm water over the meal, to bring out the aromas, while also benefiting dogs who like food a little warmer than room temperature.

If you have tried the natural feeding method above and you still have a fussy dog not eating, try this method next for a week, then move back to natural feeding.

Dog's are natural scavengers and opportunists with kitchen scraps. Your attitude has to be that of a messy cook, rather than thinking about feeding your dog. The idea is you will act like you do not realise you've dropped it and your dog will hoover it up. An incredible 90% of fussy dogs who try this see success.

Try these fussy dog food ideas for serving a delicious meal with the 'Scavenger' method, designed to tempt even the fussiest of dogs.

• Flash fry mini patties of Bella & Duke (Fry for no more than 3 seconds each side, to avoid cooking the bone)
• Leave them to cool slightly.
• Flick one patty onto the floor to your right.
• Turn your face away, leaving your dog to eat it.
• Flick another to your left.
• Face away.
• Continue until all the patties have been eaten or your dog walks away.

Phase this out over a few days when your dog devours the food every time.

Then, rather than flicking all the patties onto the floor, leave some on a plate, pop it down and face away.

You will get to a point where your dog will eat all of the patties from the cooling plate.

All you need to do from there is phase-out the flash frying and follow the natural feeding method.

• Start again by flash frying mini patties in a dry non stick pan (see video under the "dog not eating" scavenger 1-2-3 method).
• Call your dog to you.
• Reward with one of the flash fried morsels.
• Repeat a few times.
• Pop the last few on a plate for the big reward.
• You may find this works better in a different location (try a different room or garden).
• Phase in feeding as demonstrated in the natural feeding method above.

This method works particularly well for a new rescue dog, anxious dogs who struggle to eat their food and look worried, or those who feel safest in their beds and under tables.

A dog who hides in his bed and refuses to eat is one who just needs to take their world in at a slower pace right now. These are dogs who may have just come to a new home and are in a state of shut down, welded into a corner, their crate or bed.

• Flash fry mini burger shapes in a dry non stick pan (See video in the scavenger 1-2-3 method for fussy dogs).
• Sit on the floor at an arm's length with your back to your dog, concentrating on something else, like a book.
• Without looking, pop a flash fried morsel next to your dog.
• Ensure they don't need to move too much and it is placed less than a neck stretch distance away.
• Over the coming days, you will be able to pop a morsel a little further away from them, so they have to stretch their neck to reach it.
• Remember not to peek during this process.
• Try this method in an area where your dog is most relaxed, meaning they have a safe space.
• Your dog may grab and retreat back to where they feel safest. You're making progress and your dog will begin to trust you.
• Be patient and they will slowly but surely start blossoming.

Many dogs like to work harder for their food. Dogs see the world through their noses and this approach requires fabulous nose and brain work. Find out more about enrichment for dogs.

• Take your flash-fried patties of food into the garden or out with you on a walk.
• Drop a nugget and walk on a few paces.
• Call your dog to you.
• Walk back and encourage your dog to find the food.
• You'll be cracking two behaviours in one go; your dog being fussy and recall.
• Keep this as a very relaxed, fun eating experience. Do this on many walks and during play times out and about and in your garden for 1 week.
• Increase the amount you drop until they have a whole meal to devour.

This is another method for dogs who love to work for their food. Ensure your dog finds this enriching as opposed to frustrating, by avoiding making it too difficult.

• Hide a toy stuffed with their food and encourage your dog to hunt for it. Once they have found the toy, leave your fussy dog to eat.
  
• Stuff a hollow buffalo horn with some of their meal. (For a longer, special mealtime in hotter weather, freeze the stuffed horn for a few hours).
• Make a snuffle mat and sprinkle our natural treats onto the mat.
• You may also like to roll food nuggets into a towel or place them in a maze of boxes. Your dog will love working out how to unravel it, with a delicious reward at the end.

Do stay in the same area. Sit down in your garden or kitchen with a nice cup of tea and read the paper while they do this, taking your attention away from the dog and their activity.

This is super for some anxious dogs who lack trust and those who can be aggressive or possessive around food.

Rule of thumb is to always give and never remove, otherwise there is a huge possibility you will make your dog possessive with food.

• As always, ensure you and your dog is relaxed and you have plenty of time.
• Shut the door, pop on some music then make yourself a cuppa.
• Split your dog's meal into 3 portions.
• Pop each portion on its own plate.
• Pop one plate down, step away and face away.
• When your dog appears in front of you, pop another down in another area of the room and pick up the previous plate.
• Continue until all plates of food are eaten.
• Remove the last plate when the dog has left the room.

New food can be a stress for some dogs. Dogs learn what to eat by watching their parents and peers.

To reduce the anxiety, move over to raw over a 5-day period, adding in raw and reducing their original food as each day goes by.

The golden rule, as always, is not to watch, but simply turn your back and let them eat with no audience. Remember, watching dogs eat can cause stress and result in them not eating.

Each day, the proportion of raw food will increase and their previous food will decrease. For example:

• Mix ⅛ daily ration of raw into usual food on day one meals.
• Increase to ¼ meal to raw on day 2.
• Increase to ½ of meal to raw on day 3.
• Increase to ¾ of meal to raw on day 4.
• Feed a full raw meal on day 5.

Remember to use the natural feeding method for a dog not eating their food to ensure your dog feels confident to eat, as well as being relaxed and happy.

Many small dogs prefer to eat smaller dollops of food and some do take some back to their special place they like to eat.

This method allows dogs to eat in small amounts in a place they are comfortable.

• If your dog takes food and treats to their bed or under a table, pop the board of food down there.
• Take the amount of room temperature food that your dog requires and place a few dollops (4 to 6) randomly around the board.
• Step back and face away.
• To make the food extra tempting, you can drizzle bone broth over it too.
• Turn away and make zero fuss, so your fussy dog can investigate and eat at their own pace.
• When your dog walks away, remove the board of food and do exactly the same next feeding time.

Extra considerations for mealtimes

It is easier for some dogs to just eat a meal in the evening. The day is done, the family has reassembled and your minds are calmer and in the moment.

All is as it should be in your dog's world. The buzz of the day is over and everyone is settled.

Feed in a quiet room, for instance the kitchen. All doors should be shut, so there are fewer distractions.

Place the plate under a table or by the dog's bed. They also enjoy dens, having a space of their own where they know they will be uninterrupted.

Flat bamboo boards are great and suit all dogs. These hygienic surfaces are antibacterial, they create zero noise on the floor and have no metallic surfaces for clanking ID disks.

Dogs love having 360 degree vision and the ability to eat naturally for quick and easy eating, without scooping around the sides of a bowl.

Discover our chomping board

The most important thing to remember is to never watch your dog eating, turning your attention away, however you should stay in the room.

Why is my dog not eating? | 11 common reasons

There is always a reason behind your dog not eating their food, are they anxious? Could they be pregnant? Is the weather too hot?

Here are 11 possible reasons for a dog not eating at mealtimes. If your dog is not eating, but is acting normal, this list should help you work out the solution.

Working out the reasons why a dog stops eating is essential to know how to get a fussy dog to eat, as there are a range of potential causes.

Fussy dog reasons explained

1. Self-regulation
2. Anxious or stressed dog
3. Us watching and fussing
4. A rushed and busy environment
5. Feeling vulnerable
6. Health
7. Age (reaching adolescence)
8. Holding out for treats
9. Unfamiliar food source
10. Female in season. This will also have an effect on local males.
11. Changes in weather, especially when it gets hot

1. Dogs' health

If your dog has always eaten well and suddenly stops eating, you should seek medical advice.

It may be as simple as something stuck in their teeth or gums, but you should get it checked as it also may be an indication of a more complicated illness.

2. Age (growing up / finding their feet )

For puppies between 4 months to 18 months old , adolescence, raging hormones and personality have a lot to do with not eating.

If your younger dog begins to walk away from their food without touching it, remove the food and present it at the next designated mealtime. You are the one that chooses the food.

Teenagers test and teenagers try to train you. It's nature. They need a reliable guide in their lives and they test you in all areas of their lives in order to survive and thrive .

Teams test each other periodically and there are some dogs that will test throughout their lives. Be the calm, consistent parent that they can learn from.

3. Holding out for a treat

Like children, your dog will try to manipulate you for foods they want, but are not necessarily great for them. Sugar, carbohydrates and salt have a lot to answer for!

If they refuse their main meal and you offer them a delicious alternative, they will remember that and use it to their advantage.

Stay strong, as you know what's best for them. Your dog needs to reap the consequences of their actions.

They will be hungry if they refuse their meals. Good eating habits result in great health and behaviour.

4. When circumstances change

This could be a new home, new partner, new baby, or even a new carpet or decorated room, which can cause anxiety.

One tell-tale sign of anxiety is that dogs go off their food. Help your dog through this by remaining consistent and avoid pandering to their anxiety, instead be their strong, stable parent.

5. New unfamiliar food can create anxiety

Raw food is different to other foods, so it has a new texture and smell. Your dog will be more used to the smell of human cooking, or pungent ultra-processed food with its high sugar content.

They will be naturally concerned that what's new may not be safe.

For dogs that are cautious of this, we have enjoyed a huge success rate using both the Scavenger method and Natural feeding methods above.

6. A controlled sit at meals

Mealtimes need to be relaxed. Some characters and personalities will become anxious when controlled and others push against it.

Refrain from asking your dog to sit before food. Instead, a relaxed dog, pottering about or standing at your feet is the ideal start to great eating habits.

Again, it's natural to learn and give respect to personal space, as opposed to enforcing some unnatural act.

7. Separation anxiety

If your dog is an avid follower of you about the home or suffers with obvious separation anxiety, stay with them whilst they eat.

Being with you is their priority, so leaving may make them leave their food to stay by your side. Find out how to solve separation anxiety here .

8. Coming into season or about to whelp

It is usual for females to stop eating 12 to 24 hours before giving birth. Those in season will be feeling off colour. Try not to fuss, as it's not a problem.

Simply lift the food away, as they will eat when they want to. Males dogs will also go off their food at this time with the distracting scent that reaches their nostrils from miles away.

9. Sensitive dogs who only eat in the evening

Fussy eating is only one symptom of a dog's inability to understand our world or feel relaxed and stress-free within it.

Remember, if your dogs are stressed, they will not be in the right frame of mind to eat. Many prefer to eat in the evening as all threats to safety or worries about separation have come and gone, meaning they are more relaxed to eat.

10. Our stress, wellness & mood

Our dogs know us well and the more sensitive ones will be more inclined to mirror you.

If you feel poorly, they will know. Help them out by being strong and positive and they will be less likely to go off their food.

11. Warm weather

Like us, our dogs may lose their appetite in the warmer weather. Conversely, their appetite might improve when it gets colder.

Adjust your dog's meals accordingly, as they may need less or more. They will tell you by not eating, or you will notice a difference in their weight.

Why dogs eat less in summer

12. Medication

Certain medications can also reduce or increase your dog's appetite. Keep an eye on any changes to their eating habits, keep an eye on their body composition and contact your vet if you have any concerns.

13. The chemical residue after washing

Rinse your dog's plate thoroughly under hot water to remove all washing chemicals from the surface.

Dogs are very sensitive to smell and our chemicals are extremely strong, so they will pick up the smallest molecule. Instinct tells them it's potentially poisonous which can put them off their food.

How we influence our dog's eating habits

Whether you feed in the morning or evening or both, use a relaxed approach. Meals need to be a relaxed affair, so don't just see food times as a thing you do. Instead, make sure it is not rushed and take your time to be with your dog.

1. Give yourself ample time to calm your dog down before feeding. If you're stressed, your dog will wonder what's wrong.
2. Concentrate on being in the moment, as opposed to thinking about the tasks ahead, approaching feeding time without any bother or stress.
3. Have zero expectations for your dog to eat. Expectation creates a stressed environment.
4. Pop the radio on and sit down, relax and have a cuppa.
5. Say nothing and avert eye contact to allow your dog to reflect and settle down for food.
   
6. Direct your face away. Dogs, like us, feel intimidated or fussed over when watched.
7. A no fuss, relaxed approach makes the impossible possible.

Why raw is the best food for fussy dogs

If you are wondering what to feed a fussy dog, consider raw dog food, raw puppy food or raw senior dog food. Raw dog food is designed to match what your canine companion has evolved to eat, high quality meat, calcium rich bone, select veg and berries for their antioxidant benefits and healthy fats.

The best food for fussy dogs will be free from fillers and unnecessary ingredients which your best friend cannot digest.

A wide variety of protein options will keep your fussy dog interested and the tantalising smell of meat will be too much for your dog to resist! Like beef, lamb, duck, turkey, chicken, salmon and white fish.

Fussy dog not eating FAQs

It's important to know that a fussy dog won't starve itself. If your dog won't eat, it is important to address the reason for this. Patience is key, as well as making sure you are calm and that mealtimes are enjoyable.

By taking your time and giving your dog the space it needs to learn to enjoy eating, you are able to improve dogs' appetites. Try the 10 methods to encourage eating mentioned in this article to make mealtimes simple.

A fussy dog not eating is a sign of something that they are uncomfortable with in some way. This article looks at the best ways to get a fussy dog to eat, as well as the potential answers to the question 'why is my dog a fussy eater? or 'why is my dog not eating food?'

If you find yourself asking 'why won't my dog eat?' then read this article to explore the reasons and solutions.

A commonly asked question is 'What can I feed my fussy dog?' The best dog food for fussy eaters is one that they are able to enjoy and get high nutritional value from.

Knowing what to feed a fussy dog can be tricky, however with the right techniques and methods to make a dog eat more happily, you can solve the challenge of a fussy dog not eating.

When choosing a dog food for fussy eaters, it's important to make sure it smells and tastes delicious, so when they do have a taste, it encourages them to eat more.

The best type of food depends on their individual preferences and dietary requirements, however a raw dog food diet can be highly nutritious.

As well as knowing what to feed a fussy dog, it's important to consider why a dog won't eat, trying methods to make them feel comfortable while they enjoy their food.

Extra dog not eating support

Our Natural Canine Behaviourist, Caroline Spencer, hosts a free online group consultation at 5:30pm every Wednesday.

Caroline reveals why dogs can become fussy and how to encourage the best eating habits with her natural feeding method.

Once you have signed up, we will email you a Zoom invitation to this fun and informative session. You will never look at your dog's mealtimes the same way again.

Alternatively you could email fussydog@bellaandduke.com to receive 1-2-1 advice.

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Source: https://www.bellaandduke.com/learn/dog-behaviour/dog-not-eating-10-methods-to-try/

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