By Royal Canin Scientific Communications

Printable Version

A common problem pet owners face is the refusal of their pet to eat. There are two major reasons why this may occur. First, it may be due to pathological reasons. This would include any problem that affects the pet's body, smell, taste or other senses. For example, should the pet become ill with a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, the animal may immediately go off feed. In this case, it is best to take the pet to the veterinarian. It is important that the pet does not remain off feed for any length of time, and the veterinarian can set up a forced-feeding program to avoid any problems associated with a decreased feed intake.

Secondly, a pet may refuse to eat due to behavioral problems. Behavioral problems may be due to snacking between meals, being fed table scraps, or by allowing the pet to have access to food all day long. In many cases, if the pet does not consume its food, the owner will provide the pet with table scraps or top-dress the pet's food with some type of supplement such as gravy, oils or milk. This can create even more serious problems. Not only will the pet continue to refuse to consume its diet, an imbalance of nutrients can occur causing the pet to become ill or even malnourished.

To help prevent problems of the pet's refusal to eat there are several tips that can be followed. First, provide the pet with regular veterinarian check-ups. This will ensure optimal overall health and prevent most pathological problems associated with decreased feed intake. Secondly, feed a highly palatable, complete and balanced diet to the pet. When feeding the pet, it is advisable to offer the food to the pet two to three times daily. Give the food at the same time every day and allow the food to remain with the pet for 10 – 15 minute intervals. This will allow the pet a standard eating time and make this daily activity more regular. Do not give the pet any snacks between their meals and never allow the pet to consume table scraps. This will lead to finicky pets as well as cause imbalances in the diet that can result in severe health problems. Begin teaching this feeding behavior to the pet when the pet is at a very young age and most problems associated with the pet's refusal to eat can be avoided.