If your dog is like most canines, he has a healthy appetite and never turns down a meal, which is why it can be so concerning when your pup randomly stops eating. A healthy diet is crucial for nourishing the health and well-being of your furry friend. So why is your dog refusing to eat?
Below you’ll find a guide for everything you need to know about why your dog isn’t eating. We’ll discuss common and uncommon causes, as well as things you can do to encourage your pup to get back to chomping and chewing.
There’s also a guide to the 18 best probiotic supplements for canines. Probiotics play a key role in gut and digestive health, as well as immune function.
- Pupper Digest Canine Digestive Soft Chew
- Wholistic Pet Organics Digest-All Plus
- Petlab Co. Digestive Support Bites
- Ultimate Pet Nutra Thrive
- Four Leaf Rover Gut Guard
- Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs
- Pawlife Pro Pup 3-in-1 Canine Digestive Support
- Dr. Bill's Pet Nutrition Canine Digestive Support
- Ultimate Pet Nutrition Canine Restore
- Dr Woow Digestion Soft Chews
- Reggie Pumpkin Probiotic Powder
- Wellness Belly Digestive Health Support Chews
- Pet Honesty Digestive Probiotics
- Wooof Doggie Greens
- Pawfy Probiotic
- PetNC Natural Care Pre & Probiotic Soft Chews
- Arkus Daily
- Pupgrade Digestive Chews
With this guide you’ll be able to pinpoint why your pup isn’t eating as well as supplements you can give him to nourish his digestive system from the inside out.
Why isn’t my dog eating?
There are many reasons why your dog may not have any interest in food. Here are some of the most common reasons, as well as some lesser known reasons, why your pup isn’t eating like he usually does.
Illness - Dogs and humans are very similar in this aspect. When you’re sick, you don’t feel like eating. Instead, you’d rather lay down, take a nap, and just wait for the illness to pass. Dogs are the same way. When they’re sick, they don’t have much of an appetite, but usually within days, they are back to normal and ready to eat again.
Stress and anxiety - Major changes can cause a once relaxed dog to become stressed and anxious. Things like moving to a new home, changing your work schedule, or introducing a new pet into the home can affect their hunger.
Food preferences - Have you switched your dog’s food recently? If so, your pup may simply not like the new kind you’re trying to feed him. Some canines prefer certain proteins and some foods just smell better than others. Picky palettes can be frustrating to deal with, but it’s important to give your dog a food that’s nutritious and tasty.
Medications - If your dog is taking a new medication, it may be causing an upset stomach. Common prescriptions, such as antibiotics, are known to cause nausea and digestive discomfort. If this is the case, talk to your vet to see what you can do to minimize these tummy troubles.
Pack mentality - Have you noticed that your dog rarely eats or drinks when you aren’t home, but eats the second you walk in the door? Naturally, dogs are pack animals. When you’re gone, a part of the pack is missing. Some dogs wait for the pack to be together again before they feel comfortable eating.
Tips to encourage your dog to eat
In most cases, a dog’s refusal to eat doesn’t last more than a few days. Keep a close eye on your pup and look for any signs of dehydration, lethargy, or other digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to try to get your pup’s appetite going again, including:
- Adding broth or tuna water to his food to make it more appealing
- Warming up the food in the microwave for just a few seconds
- Making the food softer by adding warm water
- Switching food types (ie. switch to wet if you feed dry kibble and vice versa)
- Hand feeding
If none of these tips work, try again in a few hours or the next day. If your pup still hasn’t regained his appetite within a matter of days, be sure to reach out to your vet.
18 best digestive supplements for your pup
A proactive way to support your dog’s digestive tract and gut health is to add a digestive supplement to his daily routine. Below you’ll find a guide to the 18 best products available on the market today. With a stronger and healthier gut, your dog is less likely to get sick or experience any type of digestive issues, whether it’s refusal to eat, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Keep reading to find the best product to nourish your furry friend’s tummy.
1. Pupper Digest Canine Digestive Soft Chew
Treat your dog to a healthier, stronger digestive system with Pupper Digest Canine Digestive Soft Chew. These chicken and rice flavored chews promote a healthy gut microbiome while also protecting gut barrier integrity.
Each chew is enriched with nine probiotic strains along with other wholesome ingredients like turmeric, ginger, basil, papaya, and licorice root. Pupper Digest Canine Digestive Soft Chew are pup and pet owner approved.
2. Wholistic Pet Organics Digest-All Plus
Wholistic Pet Organics Digest-All Plus is a plant-based powdered supplement that's formulated with prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to support your dog's gut health. From eliminating gas and loose stools to balancing normal gut flora, this supplement provides everything your dog needs to feel his best from the inside out.
Wholistic Pet Organics Digest-All Plus can be sprinkled on top of your dog's food or made into a gravy for a delicious, nutritious topper.
3. Petlab Co. Digestive Support Bites
A strong gut is key to providing your dog a healthy, happy life. Petlab Co. Digestive Support Bites are turkey flavored soft chews that support gut and digestive health with a blend of 100% functional ingredients. These bites contain pumpkin, turkey meat, organic apple cider vinegar, and rosemary extract, along with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Despite being good for him, your pup is sure to love Petlab Co. Digestive Support Bites.
4. Ultimate Pet Nutra Thrive
Transform your dog’s meals instantly with Ultimate Pet Nutrition Nutra Thrive. This powdered supplement provides 40 essential nutrients, including probiotics, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, all meticulously chosen to enhance your pup’s digestion and immune function while also supporting coat health.
Simply sprinkle the suggested portion of Ultimate Pet Nutrition Nutra Thrive onto your dog's food and you’ll see a difference within weeks.
5. Four Leaf Rover Gut Guard
Crafted with utmost care by veterinary professionals, Four Leaf Rover Gut Guard is the perfect fusion of potent probiotics and nourishing herbs to keep your pup’s digestive system working like it should.
This supplement actively promotes your dog's immune system and gut health while regulating his inflammatory response. By using all-natural ingredients, this powdered supplement nourishes your pup so that you can enjoy more happy days together.
6. Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs
Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs are advanced chews that are made with six powerful probiotics to best support your pup's gut health. These soft chews are also formulated with flaxseed, pumpkin, papaya, and rosemary extract to soothe and nourish your canine's belly.
Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs are available in chicken and pumpkin flavors, both of which your furry pal is sure to love.
7. Pawlife Pro Pup 3-in-1 Canine Digestive Support
If your pup isn't eating or has diarrhea, gas, and/or an upset stomach, Pawlife Pro Pup 3-in-1 Canine Digestive Support is just what he needs. These chicken flavored soft chews contain 2 billion CFUs of prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Together these compounds promote a balanced GI tract and balanced gut microbiome.
8. Dr. Bill's Pet Nutrition Canine Digestive Support
Improve your pup's digestion, boost nutrient absorption, and support his microflora health with Dr. Bill's Pet Nutrition Canine Digestive Support. This powdered supplement contains a concentrated dose of nine essential elements along with digestive enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, ginger root, and lemon balm.
Dr. Bill's Pet Nutrition Canine Digestive Support can be sprinkled on your dog’s food or mixed with any liquid to create a yummy, nutritious gravy.
9. Ultimate Pet Nutrition Canine Restore
Support a healthy balance of good and bad bacteria in your dog's gut and digestive tract with Ultimate Pet Nutrition Canine Restore. This nutritious powder contains four probiotic strains, along with prebiotics and postbiotics to restore microflora balance.
Ultimate Pet Nutrition Canine Restore doesn't contain any artificial preservatives or fillers, and it's proudly formulated by a team of trusted vets.
10. Dr Woow Digestion Soft Chews
Dr Woow Digestion Soft Chews are made with a functional formula of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to support a healthy gut, regularity, and solid poops. These duck and pumpkin flavored bites are great for relieving gas, constipation, bloating, and other common digestive issues.
Dr Woow Digestion Soft Chews taste and smell like a normal treat, so your pup won't know that he's actually eating a health supplement!
11. Reggie Pumpkin Probiotic Powder
With probiotics to support digestion and a healthy gut, you and your furry pal are sure to love Reggie Pumpkin Probiotic Powder. This tasty powder is made with all natural ingredients, including seven strains of probiotics to support your dog's gut flora.
Reggie Pumpkin Probiotic Powder also regulates bowel movements and even boosts your pup's immune system.
12. Wellness Belly Digestive Health Support Chews
Support your dog's digestive health with Wellness Belly Digestive Health Support Chews. This scientifically formulated soft chews offer a delicious pumpkin patch flavor that your pup will go wild for. Each bite contains active ingredients like prebiotics, probiotics, and ginger root to support intestinal bacteria, healthy gut flora, and immune function.
13. Pet Honesty Digestive Probiotics
Boost your dog's digestive health with Pet Honesty Digestive Probiotics. These delicious duck flavored chews not only support a healthy gut, but they also improve nutrient absorption and support immune health so that your pup can feel his best every day of the week.
Pet Honesty Digestive Probiotics are made with simple yet effective ingredients, including probiotics, digestive enzymes, and chicory root.
14. Wooof Doggie Greens
Support every aspect of your dog's health with Wooof Doggie Greens. These soft chews are formulated to support gut, immunity, and skin health while also giving your pup a natural dose of daily energy. They're formulated with probiotics as well as powerful superfoods, including spirulina, broccoli, kale, organic kelp, spinach, and green tea.
15. Pawfy Probiotic
Support your canine’s gut and digestive health with Pawfy Probiotic. These delectable probiotic chews go beyond providing beneficial bacteria. They’re also infused with a potent combination of multivitamins, essential nutrients, yucca, and organic turmeric, all of which support your dog’s well-being.
With a delicious chicken, your dog is sure to be excited for his daily dose of Pawfy Probiotic.
16. PetNC Natural Care Pre & Probiotic Soft Chews
Boost your canine’s digestive well-being with PetNC Natural Care Pre & Probiotic Soft Chews. These delectable liver-flavored treats are packed with the goodness of one billion CFUs per dose, along with prebiotic inulin to nourish your pup's gut microbiome.
Indulge your furry friend with these savory bites that not only taste great but are also great for them.
17. Arkus Daily
Support and nourish your furry friend's delicate digestive system with Arkus Daily. This probiotic supplement provides daily nourishment to transform your dog’s gut, digestive, and overall health. Carefully curated, each batch of Arkus Daily consists of only five ingredients, including probiotics and inulin. The addition of nutritional yeast flakes provides a drool-worthy flavor that your beloved pup is guaranteed to adore.
18. Pupgrade Digestive Chews
Pupgrade Digestive Chews are made with a powerful blend of prebiotics, probiotics, mineral oil, and pumpkin powder to nourish your pup's digestive health with delicious soft bites. These veterinarian flavored chews not only taste good, they provide relief from all sorts of digestive issues, including diarrhea, indigestion, and gas.
