Why Will My Dog Eat Treats But Not Food

We all know the feeling of excitement when our dogs see us pull out a treat. They jump up and down, wagging their tails furiously and licking their lips in anticipation! But why is it that they seem to go crazy for treats but not their regular food? Many dogs are food motivated, so it's hard to figure out why they crave their treats more than their regular food! In this blog, we’re going to discuss the science and psychology behind canine hunger and cravings - from the physical responses dogs experience to the mental associations they create with certain types of foods... Let's take a look at some possible explanations as to why dogs want to eat treats but not food.

Why my dog is eating only treats but not food?

They're sick:

If your beloved pup isn’t eating their usual kibble, it could be a sign of something more serious. A common change in behavior like loss of appetite can point to the possibility that your dog is ill. Always see your vetenarian when you notice a change in their behavior.

They're depressed:

It can be heartbreaking to see your dog going off their food. Not only is it a worrying sign, but it could also mean that they are struggling with depression. Poor nutrition and prolonged bouts of sadness in dogs can lead to long-term health issues, so it’s important that you take action quickly if your dog stops eating their food. They may still be eating their treats, but having them eating their regular food is much more important!

They have dental issues:

Your dog dismissing their regular food and not their treats can be a sign that they may be suffering from dental issues. As pet parents, it's important that we are aware of such problems since they can cause serious health complications. Your first action should always be to take them to the vet for a checkup, however, in the meantime, there are measures you can take to ensure that your pup still gets the nutrients and vitamins they need. You can always try grinding their food up into smaller pieces so that it's easier for them to chew and swallow. If your dog is still unwilling to eat this way, pureeing or blending wet food often works as well!

They are stressed or anxious:

Dogs can get anxious just like people, so it is important to recognize any changes in behavior that may be signs of stress and intervene before they escalate. Early recognition is key to helping your dog overcome an anxious episode, allowing them to live a happy and healthy life. Check for common signs such as excessive barking, pacing, loss of appetite or poor grooming habits - these may all be indicators of an underlying issue. If your suspect that your dog is eating their treats, but not their food due to anxiety or stress, then contact your veterinarian about measures you can take. Figuring out what is stressing them out is essential!

They don't like their food:

If your dog is eating treats but not their food, the problem could be as simple as they just don't enjoy the flavor! It's important for pet owners to pay close attention to their dog's eating habits so they can determine if any changes need to be made to ensure your pup is getting the nutrition they need. Try switching up the brand or the flavor and see if that improves their eating habit.

Behavioral and emotional problems:

Dogs who don't receive proper socialization or have had traumatic experiences in the past may become anxious and refuse to eat. Dogs with behavioral issues often require extensive patience, commitment and dedication from their owners in order to diagnose and treat the underlying issue. It's important to stay patient with your dog and find out exactly what the problem is if they're eating their treats but not their food. So as we mentioned, consult with their vet when you notice a change in their eating.

How can I make my dog eat again?

Try out a new food:

Consider switching to a different flavor of food or try adding some cooked meats or vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Offer different textures like crunchy kibble, canned food, and raw meals as options throughout the week. To help your pup get used to the new flavors, try feeding them new foods by mixing the old food in with it before eventually transitioning to all-new eats. In the beginning, they may not be used to the new food and may experience vomiting and diarrhea, so start off slow.

Stop the treats:

Let's be honest, as pet owners, sometimes we spoil our furry friends a little too much! (It's hard not to!) If your dog stopped eating their food, then try limiting the amount of treats you're giving them throughout the day. They may just prefer the flavor of the treats and would rather have that flavor instead of their food!

Be consistent:

Inconsistency in meal times and food offerings can be very confusing for your dog, so to help them get back on track with eating regularly, it is important to be consistent. Having a consistent schedule for meals will help create structure which is good for dogs and will make their eating habits more predictable. Maintaining the same quality and variety of food day after day is also essential. By making sure the food you give your pup is appetizing while still keeping to the same routine, you can reinforce positive behavior and nutrition that will have your dog enjoying mealtimes again in no time!

Be patient:

Making a dog eat again can seem like an overwhelming task, especially when we want to help them regain their appetite quickly. However, patience is key in this process. Instead of trying to make your dog eat large meals or rushing them through meal time, take it slow. Eventually, small rewards will usually lead to bigger meals being eaten again. Patience is a virtue that can be seen in actions, and soon enough these little steps can lead our furry friends back to healthy eating habits.

Will a dog starve itself if it doesn’t like its food?

It is possible for a dog to starve themselves if they don't like their food, as dogs are known to be picky eaters and will not consume anything they do not find palatable. Dogs that can't find their preferred food or variety may go without eating until something more appetising appears. This is especially common in older dogs or those that have been ill and can no longer tolerate certain textures or flavors of food. However, if owners ensure nutritious and tasty meals for their dogs, starvation should seldomly be an issue. With a little love and care, many pet owners will recognize any issues their pup may have with their existing feedings and make the necessary changes needed to ensure optimal canine health.

Conclusion of Why Will My Dog Eat Treats But Not Food 

Overall, there are tons of possibilities as to why your dog is eating their treats but not their food. Dogs are complex, adorable creatures, and it can sometimes be hard to figure out why they behave the way they do! The allure of tasty snacks results in them wanting those more than their regular feed food, so it's up to owners to ensure they're being sufficiently disciplined with meal times and types of foods they give.

Here at Lord Jameson, we offer high-quality organic dog treats... Once your pup tries some of our treats, we won't be able to blame them for wanting more! We've worked hard to formulate a tasty, healthy treat that's suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages. Shop our organic treats for dogs by visiting our website!

Thank you so much for reading our blog and best of luck with your adorable pup! We hope you can get your dog to eat!