
Low appetite in dogs can be a serious concern, and it's not just a matter of them being picky eaters. According to research, a study found that 10% of dogs experience a decrease in appetite at some point in their lives.
Some dogs may become fussy eaters due to dental issues, while others may have underlying medical conditions that affect their appetite. In one case, a dog's low appetite was linked to a gastrointestinal issue, highlighting the importance of identifying the root cause.
To overcome low appetite in dogs, it's essential to provide a nutritious diet that meets their individual needs. A veterinarian-recommended, high-calorie diet can help stimulate appetite in dogs with low appetite.
Causes and Treatment of Low Appetite
Low appetite in dogs can be caused by various factors, including health issues, stress, and anxiety. Health problems are a common reason for decreased appetite in dogs, and senior dogs often experience a natural decrease in appetite as part of the aging process.
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Stress and anxiety can also lead to a decrease in appetite, especially if a dog's environment or routine has changed. Changes in a dog's life can be unsettling, making them less interested in food.
Dogs that refuse to eat long enough to impact their health, consistently don't consume enough calories to support a healthy weight, or are on medication that decreases appetite may need appetite stimulants. These situations can be helped with the right treatment.
Appetite stimulants like Mirtazapine and Ghrelin Receptor Agonist can be prescribed by a veterinarian to increase appetite and help with nausea. These medications mimic hunger hormones or provide relief from discomfort, making food more appealing for dogs.
Here are some treatment options for dogs with low appetites:
- Acupuncture: This can help reduce inflammation, pain, and upset stomach.
- CBD: This can reduce discomfort and increase appetite.
- Mirtazapine: This is the most common appetite stimulant, used to increase appetite and serotonin levels.
- Ghrelin Receptor Agonist: This uses a protein that increases appetite by stimulating growth hormones.
When to Use Appetite Stimulants
If your dog is refusing to eat long enough to impact his health, appetite stimulants may be necessary. This can lead to weight loss and other health problems if left unchecked.
There are specific situations where appetite stimulants are typically used, including when a dog consistently doesn't consume enough calories to support a healthy weight. This can be a sign of a larger issue that needs to be addressed.
If your dog is on medication that decreases appetite, such as chemotherapy, appetite stimulants can help encourage him to eat. This can be a lifesaver during difficult times.
In addition, appetite stimulants can be helpful when a dog is recovering from an illness or surgery and needs support to eat. This can help him get the nutrients he needs to heal.
Here are some situations where appetite stimulants may be used:
- Refuses to eat long enough that it impacts his health
- Consistently does not consume enough calories to support a healthy weight
- Is on a medication (such as chemotherapy) that decreases appetite
- Is recovering from an illness or surgery and needs appetite support
Appetite Stimulant Options
Appetite stimulant options for dogs are plentiful and can be tailored to your pet's specific needs. Sometimes, a simple change in diet can do the trick, but for more serious cases, prescription medication or natural remedies can be effective.
You can consider using appetite stimulants for dogs, which come in the form of pharmaceuticals or holistic treatments. For example, Mirtazapine is a common appetite stimulant prescribed by vets to increase appetite and serotonin levels.
Holistic options like acupuncture can also help reduce inflammation, pain, and upset stomach in dogs. CBD is another natural remedy that can reduce discomfort and increase appetite.
5. Entice® (Capromorelin)
Entice is a medication that can help stimulate your dog's appetite. It's a ghrelin receptor agonist, which means it increases the production of growth hormone signaling to the brain, making your dog feel hungry.
Entyce, another name for this medication, is specifically designed to increase appetite in dogs. It's been shown to be effective in stimulating hunger and improving overall appetite in dogs.
If your vet recommends Entice, it's essential to follow their instructions carefully. This medication is typically prescribed for dogs with low appetites, and it's crucial to monitor your dog's progress and adjust the dosage as needed.
Here are some key facts about Entice:
- Entyce is a ghrelin receptor agonist, which increases growth hormone signaling to the brain.
- It's designed to increase appetite in dogs.
- It's typically prescribed for dogs with low appetites.
Canine Attention Deficit
Dogs can get stressed to be in a new environment without their owners, leading to a decrease in appetite. This is a common occurrence when dogs are boarded.
Old age can also be a factor in a decrease in appetite in dogs, just like it can be in humans.
Some dogs simply get tired of eating the same food every day and lose their appetite for it.
Natural and Dietary Approaches
Natural and Dietary Approaches can be a great way to stimulate your dog's appetite. For mild or temporary cases of canine food aversion, natural solutions are the best.
You can try adding small amounts of warm chicken broth or low-sodium beef broth to their meals to make them more appealing. This is a common practice that can help stimulate your dog's appetite.
Some dogs may also benefit from eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can be especially helpful for dogs with a history of food aversion.
For another approach, see: Chicken Broth for Dogs Pets at Home
Natural Ways to Stimulate Your Dog
For mild or temporary cases of canine food aversion, natural solutions are the best! It's easier than you think to get your dog chowing down again, and most of the time, you can do it right at home.
Some dogs just need a little pick-me-up to get their appetite going again. Natural Ways to Stimulate Your Dog's Appetite can be as simple as adding a small amount of low-sodium chicken broth to their meal.
Your dog's sense of smell is incredibly strong, and the aroma of chicken broth can be just the thing to get them interested in their food. This is especially true for dogs with mild or temporary cases of food aversion.
If your dog is having trouble eating due to a lack of appetite, try offering small, frequent meals throughout the day. This can help stimulate their appetite and make mealtime more enjoyable.
Adding a small amount of canned pumpkin to your dog's meal can also be helpful in stimulating their appetite. The fiber in pumpkin can help make food more appealing to dogs who are struggling to eat.
Changes to Diet
Dogs need time to adjust to a new food or change in diet. This transitional period can cause a few days or a week of low appetite.
If you're switching from dry kibble to a raw diet, your dog will need some time to get used to the new food. It's essential to introduce the new food gradually to prevent digestive issues.

Some dogs may not respond well to new foods, so it's crucial to monitor their behavior and adjust accordingly. If your dog is experiencing low appetite, try to identify the cause and address it promptly.
A sudden change in diet can be overwhelming for your dog. Be patient and give them time to adjust to the new food.
Supplements and CBD
CBD works wonderfully as an appetite stimulant for dogs. You can find broad-spectrum CBD products online or at your local pet store.
Recently, there has been a boom in CBD products for dogs, making it easy to find the right one for your ailing pet. CBD oil and treats are great options.
CBD interacts with a dog's body in much the same way as it does with ours, helping to support their overall well-being by supporting their endocannabinoid system. Just like humans, dogs have an ECS that helps cells communicate and regulates many functions in their body.
CBD can help ease discomfort, reduce nervousness, and boost appetite in dogs. It's also great for supporting their ECS, which helps with sleep, mood, brain function, and immune system.
You can find CBD products specifically designed for dogs online or at your local pet store. Make sure to choose a broad-spectrum product for the best results.
Understanding Appetite Stimulants
Appetite stimulants are medications or techniques used to encourage your dog to eat more or feel hungry. They're typically used when your dog's appetite is impacted by an underlying medical issue.
Treating the underlying cause of anorexia is crucial, and appetite stimulants may be a part of that treatment plan. This means addressing any underlying health problems that may be contributing to your dog's lack of appetite.
Appetite stimulants may be used when a dog refuses to eat for an extended period, consistently doesn't consume enough calories, is on medication that decreases appetite, or is recovering from an illness or surgery.
Consider reading: When Did Dogs Become Pets
There are two main types of appetite stimulants for dogs: prescription and over-the-counter. Prescription appetite stimulants are generally the most effective option and work directly in the brain to stimulate appetite.
Over-the-counter dog appetite stimulants come in various forms, such as liquids, nutritional gels, meal toppers, and more. They often have an enticing smell or taste that encourages your dog to eat.
These non-prescription products may also contain vitamins, minerals, and more to ensure your dog is getting the necessary nutrients, even if they're not eating as much as usual.
7 Best
If you're struggling to get your furry friend to eat, there are many natural and healthy options you can try at home. For example, you can offer plain rice, cooked chicken and eggs, peanut butter, and a variety of fruits and vegetables as treats.
Feeding your dog table scraps is generally a bad idea, but these "people foods" are perfectly healthy for dogs and can be a great way to encourage them to eat. Just remember to give them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
One way to bulk up an underweight dog is to make satin balls at home using ingredients like hamburger, wheat germ, eggs, oil, and a few other ingredients. There are many recipes online that can guide you through the process.
To make mealtime more appealing, you can try hand-feeding your dog or microwaving their food to warm it up. Just be careful not to overheat it, as this can be a safety risk.
Here are some of the best appetite stimulants for dogs that you can try:
Remember to consult with your veterinarian before trying any new appetite stimulants or making significant changes to your dog's diet.
Final Thoughts
Don't worry if your dog misses a meal or two, it's not the end of the world! There are many normal reasons for dogs to lose their appetite, such as an upset stomach.
Dogs can get stressed from moving to a new home or apartment, and it's not uncommon for them to get used to new food.
If your dog has lost their appetite, try to understand the underlying reason first. Did they eat something off the ground on a walk, or are they dealing with an underlying disease?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are homemade stimulants for dogs?
Create engaging homemade stimulants for dogs using items like snuffle mats, treat-dispensing bottles, muffin pans, cardboard boxes, and paper towel tubes to challenge and reward your furry friend
How long does it take for an appetite stimulant to work in dogs?
An appetite stimulant typically starts working within 24 hours or less in dogs. However, addressing the underlying cause of the appetite loss is often necessary for effective treatment.
Sources
- https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Appetite-in-Dogs
- https://dogtime.com/reviews/the-best-dog-appetite-stimulants/
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/appetite-stimulants-dogs
- https://www.greatpetcare.com/dog-food/appetite-stimulants-for-dogs/
- https://www.holistapet.com/blogs/dog-nutrition/canine-appetite-stimulant
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