Many dog owners wonder if their furry companions will intentionally skip meals or starve themselves while waiting for their favorite human foods. It’s not uncommon for dogs to turn up their noses at kibble when something tastier seems to be on the horizon. But will they really allow themselves to go hungry rather than eat regular dog food? Here’s a look at the evidence.
The Draw of Human Food
There’s no question that dogs are highly attracted to many foods designed for human consumption. The smells and flavors of meats, cheeses, sweets, and other irresistible people-foods get your dog’s full attention. Studies show dogs have around 1,700 taste buds compared to a human’s 9,000, but they have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses while we only have about 6 million. So even though human food may not taste as vividly to dogs as it does to us, the aromas are what really whets their appetites and tempts them.
Foods like pizza, chips, ice cream, bacon, cheeseburgers, and even veggies like carrots and peas have a powerful allure for canines. Dogs also have a sweet tooth and love cookies, cake, and other baked goods. Any tidbits of people food often hand-fed as treats make a big impression too. So it’s no wonder Fido gets super excited when you’re prepping dinner or dishing up a dessert!
The Power of Regular Meals
While the smell and promise of people food is meaningful to dogs, their natural programming tells them to eat when food is available rather than hold out. In the wild, canines like wolves and coyotes don’t know when their next meal is coming, so they gorge when they can and allow their metabolism to slow down during long fasts. This feast or famine lifestyle allows them to thrive without regular meals.
Domesticated dogs, on the other hand, are used to being fed at certain times each day. While their metabolism can still handle fasting, they learn that meals happen on a predictable schedule. So when you put down that bowl of kibble at 8am and 6pm daily, your dog’s body recognizes it’s time to eat. Most healthy canines will readily dive into their regular food at mealtimes.
When Pickiness Develops
In some cases, dogs may refuse their normal food in hopes of getting something different. This picky behavior is often learned over time as owners give in to begging and offer treats or table scraps to try appeasing a finicky pup. Dogs are masters at training their humans after all! If begging leads to tasty rewards, your dog will continue turning up his nose at boring bowls of dry food.
This pickiness can develop when:
- Dogs get lots of extra treats and people food between meals
- You offer “high value” toppings like cheese, bacon, or gravy to get them to eat
- Health issues cause decreased appetite
- Your dog gets bored with the same food day after day
The key is not giving in to the picky behavior – continue providing balanced regular meals and avoid too many extra treats. Also have your veterinarian check your dog if appetite declines or pickiness worsens.
Will Dogs Really Starve Themselves?
Healthy dogs with no underlying medical issues generally will not starve themselves to the point of malnutrition or death. However, they may go several days lacking nutrients if they turn their noses up at their food and keep holding out for something tastier.
Experts say a dog allowed to go more than 2 or 3 days without eating risks hepatic lipidosis, a potentially fatal liver condition. Puppies can develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) after just 1 missed meal. So while they may not literally starve themselves to death, dogs can quickly jeopardize their health by refusing regular food.
| Breed | Longest fasting time |
|---|---|
| Chihuahua | Up to 5 days |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 3-4 days |
| German Shepherd | 4 days |
| Beagle | 2-3 days |
As the table shows, different dog breeds may have slightly varying timelines before health risks occur, but all need nutrients within several days. No dog should go more than 3 or 4 days maximum without eating.
Signs of Trouble
Look for these signs to tell if your dog’s fasting has gone too far:
- Rapid weight loss
- Lethargy, weakness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of coordination, stumbling
- Labored breathing
- Pale gums
If you notice any of these symptoms along with refusal to eat, get your dog to the vet right away. Waiting too long can lead to liver damage, brain abnormalities, and even death in severe cases.
Tips for Picky Eaters
If your dog has become a bit too choosey about his meals, try these tips to get him back on track:
- Stick to scheduled feeding times – Don’t leave food out all day or give too many treats between meals
- Try moistening or warming food – The aroma and softer texture can increase appeal
- Experiment with different proteins or recipes – Change can spark excitement to eat
- Add some healthy mix-ins – A bit of shredded chicken, carrots, rice, or broth over kibble
- Divide daily portion into smaller meals – Dogs tend to eat better with smaller but more frequent feedings
Just don’t give in to preparing special meals or constant switches. Be patient, as it may take 10-14 days of scheduled, consistent feedings for a picky dog to stop holding out for something different.
When to Call the Vet
Contact your veterinarian if your dog is refusing food and exhibiting any of these issues:
- Dramatic weight loss
- Lethargy, weakness
- Change in bowel movements
- Changes in behavior or activity level
- Excessive vomiting
- Apparent pain or discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing
- Increased urination or thirst
Any underlying condition causing decreased appetite or fasting, such as dental disease, cancer, infection, or gastrointestinal issues, needs prompt veterinary attention.
The Takeaway
Dogs may turn down regular dog food when hoping for something tastier, but healthy adult dogs won’t typically starve themselves to serious illness or death. Puppies, however, can develop dangerous blood sugar crashes without frequent feeding. And allowing any dog to go too long without nutrients risks liver disease and other problems.
Sticking to a consistent feeding schedule, making food more appealing, and ruling out underlying illness are keys to dealing with a picky pooch. Just don’t give in to preparing special meals, which will only reinforce the finicky behavior. While it’s normal for dogs to prefer human food, a balanced diet of quality kibble provides everything your best friend needs to thrive.