Dogs are known for their voracious appetites, so it can be puzzling when they turn up their noses at breakfast. If your dog doesn’t want to eat in the morning, there could be several reasons.

It could be that they’re not used to eating first thing in the morning or that their food bowl is empty from the night before.

Sometimes, dogs aren’t that hungry first thing in the day. If your dog usually has a hearty appetite but suddenly stops eating in the morning, it’s best to check with your vet to rule out any potential medical issues.

Reasons Dog Won’t Eat Food In The Morning

Many dog owners are perplexed when their dogs refuse to eat breakfast. After all, shouldn’t a dog be hungry first thing in the morning? There are a few reasons why your dog might not be interested in food first thing in the day.

Feeling Under The Weather

Dogs are just like us in that they sometimes don’t feel very well in the morning and may not have much of an appetite.

If your dog doesn’t seem to be eating their food in the morning like they usually do, it could be because they feel under the weather.

If your dog is acting lethargic or in pain, it’s best to take them to the vet to get checked out. A simple change in diet or medication can often help a dog who isn’t feeling well start eating normally again.

A History Of Being Free-Fed

One potential reason your dog might not be interested in breakfast is that they’re used to being free-fed. If you never set a regular feeding schedule and instead leave food out all day, your dog may not be conditioned to expect a meal first thing in the morning.

This can especially be true if you have a puppy or young dog still growing and doesn’t need as many calories per day.

In this case, start setting aside some of their food to feed them at breakfast. Gradually increase the amount until they’re eating their full meals regularly.

Too Much Excitement Going On

If you have kids running around screaming or the television blaring, your dog may become anxious and lose appetite.

Try to create a calm environment at breakfast by keeping noise levels down and giving your dog some space. You may also want to feed them in a separate room if possible.

A Matter Of Anxiety

A dog’s behavior is often a reflection of its emotional state. If a dog is anxious, it may be reluctant to eat. This is because anxiety can cause nausea and a loss of appetite.

Anxious dogs may also pace or pant, whine or bark, and have dilated pupils.

If your dog is exhibiting these signs, it may be helpful to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. They can help you identify the source of your dog’s anxiety and recommend treatment options.

Waiting For Something Better

Like humans, dogs can be creatures of habit, and once they get used to being fed a specific type of food or treat, it can be hard to convince them to switch to something else.

If your dog is generally a picky eater, it’s possible that they’re not interested in what you’re offering them for breakfast. In this case, it might be worth trying different food or flavors to see if that makes a difference.

Enjoying The Extra Attention

If you’re used to spending the mornings rushed and on the go, your dog may see mealtimes as an opportunity to get one-on-one time with you.

In their mind, why would they want to eat quickly and move on when they could linger and enjoy your company? If this is the case, try to set aside some time each morning specifically for your dog.

Let them know that this is their time to eat, and resist the temptation to chat or dote on them while they’re eating. Once they realize that mealtime is a special event, your dog may be more likely to eat quickly and independently.

How To Get Your Dog Eat In The Morning?

If your dog isn’t eating in the morning, you can do a few things to encourage them to eat. With a bit of patience and effort, you should be able to get your dog eating in the morning.

See Your Veterinarian

One of the best things you can do is see your veterinarian. They will be able to give you specific advice based on your dog’s health and dietary needs. In addition, they may be able to recommend a food that is more palatable for your dog.

Wean From Being Free-Fed

If your dog is used to being free-fed, you’ll need to wean him off of that. Free-feeding can lead to obesity and other health problems, so it’s best to switch to scheduled meals.

Start by removing your dog’s food for two hours before his usual dinnertime. Then, feed him his regular meal at the usual time.

The next day, remove his food for three hours before dinnertime, and so on. Eventually, you’ll work up to removing his food for 12 hours before dinnertime. At that point, you can start feeding him breakfast.

If your dog is resistant to the change, try adding a little bit of wet food or chicken broth to his kibble to make it more delicious.

Offer A Calm Environment

It is essential to create a calm environment. Avoid activities that might make your dog anxious or excited, such as playing fetch or going for a walk.

Instead, offer their food and water in a quiet location. You may also want to try feeding them smaller meals more often instead of one large meal in the morning.

Watch For Extra Feedings

One way to get your dog to eat in the morning is by watching for extra feedings. If you are constantly feeding your dog throughout the day, they will be less likely to be hungry in the morning.

Try to limit yourself to two or three meals per day and see if that helps your dog’s appetite.

Ensure The Food Is Okay

Another way to get your dog to eat in the morning is by offering high-quality food. If your dog is not motivated by their food, they may not be as likely to eat it.

Try switching to a food with more protein or a higher-quality brand.

You can try adding something special to their food bowls in the morning, like a treat or toy. This will make their breakfast more exciting and help them eat it all up.

Conclusion – My Dog Doesn’t Want To Eat!

Many people think their dog doesn’t want to eat in the morning because they’re not hungry. Many dogs suffering from the reasons stated above will refuse to eat in the morning or any time during the day, for that matter.

This is usually due to stress from being left alone or changes in routine. If you’ve been noticing your dog isn’t eating like he used to, it might be worth looking at its behavior and seeing if what reason is playing a role and how you can help.