Dog Not Eating? Why Your Dog May Have Gone Off Their Food

14 . August .2026cobbydog cobbydog0 Comments

At Cobbydog, we’re all about helping both existing and future customers with any problems they encounter, all while ensuring your dog is enjoying the best food possible.

One issue that owners can sometimes come across is a pup’s sudden refusal to eat the food they usually feast on every day. One day they're licking the bowl clean, the next they're turning their nose up at breakfast and refusing food altogether.

It’s important to remember that a loss of appetite isn't always a sign that something is wrong. There are lots of reasons why dogs eat less from time to time, and often it's something simple that can be easily resolved.

Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons your dog could be giving their food the cold shoulder…

Has your dog simply gone off their food?

Some dogs can go their whole lives eating the same recipe every day, while others choose to switch it up every now and again. Preferences can change over time with age, smell, taste and other factors.

If your dog is bright, active and otherwise well but won’t eat their usual favourite, they may have simply gone off it. Trying a new recipe can sometimes be the simple key to getting your dog’s diet back on track – and don’t forget, we’ve got plenty of different ranges on offer here at Cobbydog!

Our Cold Pressed range features multiple flavours, so if your dog has gone off one variety, a new one may be just the trick.

Why won’t my dog eat in hot weather?

As we move into the warmer summer months, pooches often eat less. Just as humans prefer lighter meals on warmer days, dogs can feel less hungry during hot spells and may prefer to eat once it has cooled down.

As temperatures start to rise, feeding your dog earlier in the morning or later in the evening is advised – and always make sure they have fresh, cold water available to slurp. It’s common for a dog to keep drinking water normally but not eat much when it’s hot, so don’t panic if they’re still well in themselves.

As we head into autumn and winter and the heat starts to ease, your dog will likely return to their regular feeding habits and have their nose deep in the bowl again.

Big changes, smaller appetites

Big changes at home can impact our canine companions more than we realise. Moving house, going on holiday, visitors staying over, a new pet or even something smaller like a change in feeding location can upset a dog’s appetite for both short and longer periods of time.

Keeping to more familiar routines, plus plenty of cuddles, love and attention, can usually help them settle down and start to savour mealtime again.

Has your dog filled up on snacks?

We’re all for giving your furry friends the nibbles and goodies they deserve, but it’s important not to overdo it.

Some venison cubes during training, a few bacon and cheese toastie biscuits while you’re out on a wander, a chew while they chill out in the evening – before you know it, your pooch has filled up before teatime arrives!

If you think your treat routine might be slightly overboard and your dog is struggling to finish their meals, try cutting back for a few days and see if you notice any changes.

When should you worry if your dog won’t eat?

If your dog misses one meal but is otherwise happy, drinking normally and behaving as usual, it's often fine to keep an eye on them.

However, we'd always recommend contacting your vet if your dog refuses food for over 24 hours, vomits or has diarrhoea frequently, seems tired or unusually quiet, has lost noticeable weight or just doesn’t seem themselves.

You know your dog better than anyone, so if you're worried, it's always best to seek advice to put your mind at ease.

A final thought

It’s key to remember that most dogs go through the odd phase where they’re less interested in their food, so don’t panic – it’s more than likely something with a quick fix.

Always keep an eye on your furry friend’s overall health and behaviour. If their tail’s wagging and they’re loving life, then there’s usually no cause for concern. But if you do have any questions, it’s always best to check with a professional just in case.

And don’t forget, if you ever have any questions about our Cobbydog foods, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our team. We’re always happy to help!

Frequently asked questions

Why is my dog not eating but drinking water normally?

If your dog is still drinking water and seems bright and happy, a skipped meal or two is often nothing to worry about – hot weather, fussiness or too many treats are common culprits. If they refuse food for more than 24 hours, seem unwell or lethargic, contact your vet.

Should I worry if my dog skips one meal?

Not usually. A dog missing a single meal while otherwise behaving normally is common. Keep an eye on them, and speak to your vet if it continues beyond a day or is paired with other symptoms.

My dog has gone off their food but is acting normal – what should I do?

Try a different recipe or flavour, cut back on treats for a few days, and feed at cooler times of day in warm weather. If your dog stays bright and well but the fussiness continues, a change of food often does the trick – and our Cold Pressed range gives you plenty of flavours to try.