“Why Is My Dog Suddenly Picky?”

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— 5 Hidden Reasons Dogs Go Off Their Food (And What You Can Do About It)

If your dog’s suddenly turning their nose up at meals — even ones they used to love — you’re not alone.

We’ve been hearing from more and more customers lately who say things like:

“She’s never been fussy before, but now she sniffs her bowl and walks away.”

“He’s only eating treats, not his regular food.”

“Could it be the food? Or something else?”

At iwantpetfoods, we specialise in food for dogs with sensitive stomachs and pancreatitis, so we know how frustrating (and a bit worrying) it can be when your pup stops eating like their usual self.

Here are 5 lesser-known reasons dogs go off their food — and what you can do to gently get them back on track.

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1. Dental pain or discomfort

Even mild dental issues can make your dog reluctant to eat — especially hard kibble or chews. Gum irritation, broken teeth, or tartar build up

might be to blame.

Try this:

Soften their food with warm water or low-sodium bone broth.

Offer a soft single-ingredient treat (like our dehydrated sweet potato strips) as a gentle option while you get their mouth checked.

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2. Their sense of smell is off

Dogs rely heavily on smell to decide if something’s worth eating. If they’ve had a mild bug, allergy flare-up, or even seasonal changes, their nose might be less sharp — making food seem boring or unappetising.

Try this:

Warm up their food slightly to boost aroma. You can also mix in a natural topper like:

        •       A spoon of plain pumpkin purée

        •       A splash of goat’s milk or kefir

        •       A crumble of freeze-dried meat treats

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3. Mental boredom or stress

Dogs, especially the smart ones, can get bored with the same food over and over. Or they may be stressed from small changes in routine, new pets, visitors, or even fireworks.

Try this:

Make mealtimes more fun and engaging:

        •       Serve food in a puzzle feeder or lick mat

        •       Hand-feed a few bites to create a positive moment

        •       Rotate safe toppers every few days to add variety without upsetting their tummy

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4. They’re holding out for treats

If your dog knows that ignoring dinner = more treats later… well, who can blame them?

It’s easy to accidentally reinforce picky behaviour by offering “something better” when they skip meals.

Try this:

Stick to a routine. Offer food, and if they don’t eat within 15–20 minutes, take it away and try again at the next mealtime. They won’t starve themselves — and they’ll learn that dinner is dinner.

(Pro tip: Use super gentle treats like our Tummy Tamer Sweet Potato Bites between meals if needed — they’re easy to digest and won’t ruin dinner.)

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5. They’re just not feeling 100%

Dogs with sensitive stomachs often go off food when something’s not sitting right. It might be gas, nausea, or a mild digestive upset — especially in dogs with pancreatitis, IBD, or food allergies.

Try this:

Stick to bland, simple foods for a day or two. Offer single-ingredient options and avoid rich or fatty treats. Our customers have had great success with:

        •       Dehydrated sweet potato

        •       Boiled turkey or white fish

        •       Slippery elm powder (added to a small meal as a gentle gut soother)

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The Bottom Line:

Picky eating usually has a cause — and with a bit of patience, natural support, and some tasty (but tummy-safe) options, most dogs bounce back quickly.

If the picky phase lasts more than a few days, or if your dog is losing weight, always check with your vet.

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Got a picky eater? Let us help!

Comment below with your dog’s eating habits and we’ll recommend a natural topper or treat that’s gentle on the stomach and easy to love.

Or visit our shop to explore our range of single-ingredient treats for sensitive dogs.