When your beloved canine companion suddenly loses interest in food, it’s a clear signal that something might be amiss. A dog refusing to eat can be a sign of underlying physical, mental, or emotional distress. Various factors can influence a dog’s appetite, including dental issues, chronic pain, stress, gastrointestinal upset, parasitic infections, or even serious diseases like influenza. It is crucial to consult your veterinarian for a thorough examination to pinpoint the exact cause of your dog’s anorexia. While addressing the root problem is paramount, your vet might also suggest appetite stimulants to support your dog’s recovery and encourage them to eat.
If you’re unsure whether your dog’s lack of appetite warrants a vet visit, our vet-created Symptom Checker can help you identify potential causes and the best course of action.
What Are Appetite Stimulants for Dogs?
Appetite stimulants are substances or techniques designed to encourage a dog to eat more or to increase their appetite. While treating the underlying medical condition is the priority, these stimulants can play a supportive role in the treatment plan.
When Do Dogs Need Appetite Stimulants?
Dogs may benefit from appetite stimulants in several situations:
- When they have consistently refused to eat for a period that negatively impacts their health.
- When they are not consuming enough calories to maintain a healthy weight.
- If they are undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, which are known to decrease appetite.
- During recovery from illness or surgery, when nutritional support is vital.
5 Appetite Stimulants for Dogs That Veterinarians Recommend
1. Boiled Chicken or Other Special Treats
A simple yet effective way to entice a dog to eat is by offering their favorite treats or preparing a special meal, such as plain boiled chicken. For dogs who are ill or elderly and have become finicky eaters, tempting them with chicken can be a great first step. When preparing chicken for your dog, ensure it is skinless, boneless, and free of any seasonings or spices.
Adding palatable options like chicken or other food toppers to your dog’s regular food can make it more appealing. Sometimes, a simple switch from dry kibble to wet or canned food can significantly improve a dog’s appetite. Other gentle strategies include hand-feeding your dog to encourage them to eat or slightly warming their food to enhance its aroma. Be extremely cautious when microwaving food, as it can heat unevenly, creating hot spots. Always test the temperature with your hand before serving.
2. Acupuncture
While acupuncture does not cure underlying conditions, it is recognized for its ability to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and ease nausea. Dogs experiencing decreased appetites due to medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney or liver failure, pancreatitis, or hormonal imbalances like Addison’s disease have shown significant improvement and increased appetite following acupuncture sessions. Studies suggest that acupuncture can indeed lead to an increase in appetite for affected dogs.
3. Mirtazapine
For decreased appetites stemming from medical conditions, veterinarians often prescribe medication. Mirtazapine is a commonly recommended drug for dogs experiencing reduced appetite due to conditions causing nausea, such as kidney disease or cancer, or as a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy. Initially developed as an antidepressant for humans, Mirtazapine was observed to cause weight gain and increased appetite as side effects, leading to its use as an appetite stimulant in veterinary medicine.
4. Maropitant (Cerenia®)
Maropitant, sold under the brand name Cerenia®, is primarily an anti-nausea medication. However, by addressing nausea, it can indirectly help improve a dog’s appetite. Many dogs that refuse to eat may be experiencing nausea even without visible vomiting. Anti-nausea medications can be highly effective in helping them eat more consistently. Other anti-nausea medications your vet might consider include ondansetron and meclizine.
5. Entyce® (Capromorelin)
Entyce® is a ghrelin receptor agonist. Ghrelin is a hormone that signals hunger to the brain. By acting on the ghrelin receptor, Entyce® stimulates the production of growth hormone, which in turn increases the feeling of hunger in dogs. This medication directly targets the physiological mechanisms that drive appetite.
Can CBD Help a Dog’s Appetite?
Before considering CBD for your dog’s appetite issues, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian. According to The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to conclusively state that CBD can help improve appetite in dogs. Your veterinarian can advise you on more established and evidence-based appetite stimulants for your pet.
When To See a Veterinarian
It can be distressing when your dog refuses to eat. While a dog might occasionally be a picky eater, a persistent lack of appetite can indicate a serious medical concern.
As a general guideline, if your healthy adult dog has not eaten for more than two days, you should contact your veterinarian. If your dog exhibits other symptoms alongside not eating, such as vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea, seek veterinary attention immediately.
For puppies, senior dogs, or those with pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, even a single missed meal can be significant. In these cases, contact your vet promptly to discuss the situation.
Your veterinarian will likely perform a physical examination to identify obvious causes like dental disease or abdominal pain. Diagnostic tests, such as blood work or X-rays, may be recommended to gain a clearer understanding of the issue and formulate an effective treatment plan, which may include the use of appetite stimulants.
