If you’ve tried all the tin food and kibble available and cooked up a storm in the kitchen, but still can’t figure out how to get a fussy puppy to eat, it’s only normal to feel some stress and nervousness. Much like toddlers, puppies need food to support healthy development — so they can grow into floppy-eared goofs who have enough energy for darting games of zoomies and exploring their new home.

When adopting a new four-legged family member, you’re bringing home a fluff ball of energy who needs constant food and care to support their growth and curiosity. While it’s normal for everyone to lose their appetite on occasion, if you find that your puppy won’t eat in the morning or for the whole day, and it’s out of character, there may be other issues you need to consider.

Read on to discover the most common reasons why your puppy is not eating and how you can help them live their best life full of love and attention.

• Because they are not understanding hunger cues or due to general fussinessIf you’ve noticed that your pup doesn’t stick to a routine and is constantly grazing throughout the day or on the hunt for food, your doggo may not be able to identify their body’s natural hunger signals. Every dog owner has had a fussy dog not eating at some point. Fussy eating can present itself in a number of ways — these include:
  • Old favourites that suddenly fall out of favour — often when you have just restocked your supplies with Kgs of new dog food.
  • Overly sorting their kibble onto the ground and eating select pieces or colours.
  • Taking bites of food in their mouth to eat in other areas of the room or house.
  • Only eating the gravy of tinned food.
  • Eating over an extended period.
  • Requiring constant coaxing to their food bowl.
• As a response to stress or changes in their livesThe way your puppy approaches food is a prime indicator of how your puppy feels and its general well-being. With so many variables in life, food is one of the few elements they can control and an easy-to-spot signal on their part that they might need some extra care and attention. If you have a loveable but fussy dog not eating, there are various possible reasons why:
  • New home and environment — If you have recently brought a new puppy home, you’ve moved houses, or they’ve come back home from boarding, your lil’ pup might be overwhelmed by the change in their territory. Some anxiety and stress are common while they are getting accustomed to a new environment or settling back in after some time spent away.
  • Change in routines — Puppies and dogs are creatures of habit and feel secure in an environment they are familiar with. If you have recently returned to the office after working from home or there is a new pet they are wary of, they could be experiencing stress acclimatising to the new routine.
• Due to health issuesAbstaining from food is a serious issue all dog and pet owners need to be aware of and constantly observe. If your 8-week old puppy is not eating, it doesn’t always mean they are being fussy — it could be a sign your new fur baby is experiencing some kind of pain or illness that is repressing their appetite. From something minor, such as having eaten something that has upset their stomach or cause constipation, to more serious health issues such as cancer, dental pain or problems with their gastrointestinal system, kidneys or liver, you definitely want to consult a vet if you can’t get your new puppy to eat for days.Anorexia in puppies and dogs can also be triggered by viruses like parvovirus, distemper or intestinal parasites such as ringworm. If their appetite hasn’t returned to normal within one or two meals after having started on prescribed medications, seek the care of your local veterinarian again, as they might decide to prescribe medication to stimulate their appetite.

  If you find your new puppy won’t eat and sleeps a lot, it could signify that their food, and therefore their bodies, are low in iron, causing lethargy. Young puppies have smaller fat reserves, and big changes in appetite may affect their blood sugar levels. Other signs that signal an underlined health ailment are diarrhoea, regurgitating food and vomiting. For all of these problems, the best course of action is consulting with your vet, as they’ll be able to diagnose the root issue and get a puppy not eating back to their usual, healthy self in no time.

Tips on how to get a fussy puppy to eat

If you have ruled out health ailments, there are several methods you can try to get a new puppy to eat, such as:

• Giblets and treats — Simply add some livers, kidneys and hearts to their regular dog food, or try mixing in some peanut butter to tempt them with more flavours and nutrients.
• Don’t give in to treats— No matter how many times your puppy gives you their trademark teary-eyed look, refrain from indulging them with treats and snacks throughout the day, so they know the only food they will get is breakfast and dinner.
• Switch to a new brand of dog food — Nobody likes eating the same flavours all the time, and your puppy is the same. Keep their food exciting by trying new flavours each week.
• Get them excited for mealtime — Make dinner a celebration by yelling dinner time or tapping a spoon to the bowl’s rim and giving them some positive reinforcement.
• Adjust the temperature — Your furry friend may find cold food unpalatable, easily remedy this by warming their meals in the microwave.
• Moisten dry food — Food too dry or oversized bits of kibble may be too difficult for them to consume; try adding some water or chicken and beef stock
• Fortify their meals — A commercial dog food topper or some Greek yoghurt will help settle their tummies with a probiotic.
• Maintain a strict routine — Create a habit of eating at defined meal times and remove their food bowls after a while to stop grazing.
• Take your dog out for a walk — Before dinner is ready, a short stroll around the block may stimulate their hunger cues.

Stop rumbling tummies with MfM Australia

While dogs are usually a glutton for food, it can be frustrating when dealing with puppies not eating. As a constant source of companionship, loyalty and love, it’s understandable why you would be fretting with worry and concern.

At MfM Australia, we’re proud to offer a vast range of dog food and supplements that are nutritiously balanced to power their bodies and playtime. Shop online to spark their interest and appetites with a delicious selection of flavours — you’re sure to find a new favourite within our collection.