As a German Shepherd owner, it can be concerning when your furry friend suddenly stops eating. You may be asking yourself questions like, “Why is my German Shepherd not eating?” and “Is my dog sick?” “Is it the new brand of kibble? Is it simply a picky eater phase or something more serious?
As a fellow German Shepherd owner, I’ve been there too. I want to help you understand why your German Shepherd might be skipping meals and what you can do about it.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into why your German Shepherd is not eating and provide practical advice on addressing this issue. Because, as we all know, a healthy dog is a happy dog – and a happy dog makes for a happy home.
Understanding Normal Eating Habits of German Shepherds
German Shepherds, known for their high energy levels and active lifestyle, require a diet that can adequately fuel them. Here’s what you need to know about the normal eating habits of this breed:
🥣 High Protein Diet
German Shepherds thrive on a protein-rich diet. Protein helps support muscle development and overall health. A healthy adult German Shepherd’s diet should contain 20%-25% protein.
🥣 Balanced Fat Content
Fat is another essential element in a German Shepherd’s diet, providing them with the energy they need. Their diet should consist of 10%-15% fat.
🥣 Carbohydrates and Fibers
While not as crucial as protein and fat, carbohydrates provide additional energy and fiber aids digestion. These should comprise a smaller diet, typically around 3%-7%.
🥣 Feeding Frequency
Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice daily. This is better than feeding them one large meal, as it helps prevent bloating and maintains their energy levels throughout the day.
🥣 Healthy Treats
German Shepherds also enjoy healthy human foods as treats. These include certain fruits and vegetables and meats like chicken and beef.
🥣 Hydration
German Shepherds need plenty of fresh water daily like any other dog breed.
Remember, every dog is unique, and the above guidelines might not suit every German Shepherd. Factors like age, weight, health status, and activity levels can influence your dog’s dietary needs.
8 Reasons Why Your German Shepherd May Not Be Eating
Dogs love eating, so if your German Shepherd suddenly stops eating, something may be wrong. As a dog parent, it’s important to identify the underlying cause and provide the necessary medical or dietary treatment. Here are some of the most common reasons why your German Shepherd might not be eating:
① Dental Problems
Imagine trying to eat when you have a toothache or a sore in your mouth. Not quite an enjoyable experience, right? The same goes for your German Shepherd. If they’re dealing with dental problems such as broken teeth, gum disease, or oral infections, eating can become an uncomfortable, if not painful, process.
It’s like when we avoid that crunchy apple or that delicious steak because of a nagging toothache. Your German Shepherd might be avoiding their food for the same reason. They might be hungry, but their pain or discomfort when chewing can make them think twice before diving into their dinner bowl.
Dental diseases in dogs often go unnoticed until they reach an advanced stage, mainly because our furry friends are masters at hiding their discomfort. But, their loss of appetite can be a telltale sign of something wrong in their mouth.
② Digestive Disorders
German Shepherds may stop eating due to a variety of digestive disorders. Here are some potential reasons:
- Sensitive Stomach
German Shepherds are known to have sensitive stomachs. This means they can easily get upset stomachs, leading to symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, which can cause them to lose their appetite.
- Food Sensitivities or Allergies
Some German Shepherds may have food sensitivities or allergies, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Consuming food, they are sensitive to can cause discomfort, leading them to avoid eating.
- Bloating
Bloating is a serious condition that can affect German Shepherds. It causes the dog’s stomach to fill with gas, which can be incredibly painful and could lead to a loss of appetite.
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)
This is a disorder where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough digestive enzymes. As a result, your German Shepherd may not be able to properly digest food, leading to weight loss and decreased appetite.
- Gastrointestinal Obstructions
If your German Shepherd has eaten something it shouldn’t have, it could obstruct its gastrointestinal tract. This can result in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
- Parasitic Infections
Parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and giardia can cause various digestive problems in German Shepherds, including loss of appetite.
③ Anxiety/Stress
Anxiety in dogs can be triggered by various factors, such as changes in the environment, separation from their owners, loud noises (like thunderstorms or fireworks), or introducing new pets or people into the home. When a German Shepherd is anxious or stressed, it may lose interest in food. Their body’s natural response to stress is when they feel too nervous or upset to eat.
Stress can also cause physical symptoms in your German Shepherd, like an upset stomach, further contributing to a lack of appetite. Suppose your dog is constantly exposed to stressful situations. In that case, this might result in chronic stress, leading to more serious health problems, including persistent loss of appetite.
In some cases, stress might not directly cause your German Shepherd to stop eating, but it can make them picky about when or where they eat. For example, if they’re anxious about being left alone, they might not eat until you come home.
④ Illness or Infection
Several illnesses and infections could cause your German Shepherd to lose their appetite. These might include:
- Viral Infections
Conditions like Parvovirus or Distemper can cause a range of symptoms, including loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs.
- Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections, whether in the gut, respiratory system, or elsewhere, can make your German Shepherd feel unwell and thus not interested in food.
- Kidney or Liver Disease
These conditions can cause nausea and loss of appetite, among other symptoms. If your dog has been drinking more water than usual or urinating more frequently, these could be signs of kidney or liver issues.
- Cancer
Unfortunately, cancer can also cause a loss of appetite in dogs, along with many other symptoms.
⑤ Aging
Aging is a natural process for all living beings, including our beloved German Shepherds. As they age, various changes occur in their bodies, and one of those changes could be a decrease in appetite.
As dogs grow older, their metabolism naturally slows down, meaning they don’t require as much food as they did in their more active, younger years. This can often be mistaken for a loss of appetite. Your German Shepherd might not be as hungry as they used to be because they don’t need as much energy.
Aging can also lead to a decrease in your dog’s sense of smell and taste. Just like in humans, these senses play a significant role in the appetite and enjoyment of food. If food doesn’t smell or taste as strong as it once did, your German Shepherd might be less interested in it.
If your older German Shepherd isn’t eating as much as they used to, it might be a sign that they’re simply responding to aging. However, any significant change in your pet’s behavior, including eating habits, should always be discussed with a vet to rule out potential health issues.
⑥ Food Quality or Change in Diet
They might resist the change if you’ve recently switched your dog’s food. Dogs, like people, have their tastes and preferences. A sudden change from their usual food to a new one can be off-putting. It’s the canine equivalent of expecting a juicy burger for dinner and getting served a plate of unfamiliar veggies instead!
Not all dog foods are created equal. Lower-quality foods often use fillers and byproducts, which lack the necessary nutrients and may be less tasty for your dog. Imagine if you had to eat fast food for every meal – it might be okay occasionally, but over time, you’d likely start craving something more nutritious (and delicious!).
Additionally, low-quality dog food can lead to digestive issues, like an upset stomach, gas, or diarrhea, making your German Shepherd less enthusiastic about mealtime.
Food that’s gone bad or is stale could also be the culprit. If the dog food doesn’t smell or taste right, your German Shepherd will likely turn up their nose at it. They have a keen sense of smell and can detect when something isn’t quite right.
⑦ Lack of Exercise
Exercise plays a crucial role in your German Shepherd’s overall health and well-being; believe it or not, it can directly impact their appetite.
German Shepherds are an active and intelligent breed. They need regular physical activity to keep their bodies and minds healthy. Without enough exercise, they can become bored, stressed, or anxious, leading to decreased appetite.
Furthermore, physical activity helps stimulate your dog’s metabolism. When dogs exercise, they burn off energy, which needs to be replenished with food. This means that dogs who get regular exercise often have a healthy appetite as their body is looking to replace the energy it’s used up.
⑧ Vaccination Side Effects
When a dog is vaccinated, their immune system responds to the vaccine. This is a good thing – it’s how vaccines work – but it can also lead to mild side effects. These can include tiredness, mild fever, and, yes, a decrease in appetite. This is because their body is working hard to process the vaccine, which can make them feel a bit off for a day or two.
Additionally, some dogs might experience discomfort at the injection site, making them feel unwell and less interested in food.
In rare cases, dogs might have an allergic reaction to a vaccine, which can cause more severe symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to contact your vet immediately.
What to Do If Your German Shepherd Is Not Eating
🐕 When to Consult a Vet
The first thing to note is that any significant change in your German Shepherd’s eating habits warrants a trip to the vet. If your dog has completely stopped eating for more than 24 hours or is eating significantly less than usual for several days, it’s time to seek professional advice.
But there are other signs and symptoms to watch out for as well. If your German Shepherd is showing any of the following symptoms along with a lack of appetite, you should consult a vet immediately:
✅ Lethargy or unusual tiredness
If your dog shows less energy than usual or appears excessively fatigued, this could be a sign that they’re unwell.
✅ Vomiting or diarrhea
These can be signs of various health issues, including infections, parasites, or serious diseases.
✅ Unusual thirst or urination
Changes in drinking or urination habits can be signs of kidney disease or diabetes.
✅ Weight loss
If your dog is losing weight rapidly, it could be a sign of a serious health issue.
✅ Behavioral changes
If your German Shepherd is acting out of character, whether more aggressive, anxious, or unusually quiet, it could be a sign they’re not feeling well.
✅ Physical changes
Things like a dull coat, changes in body condition, or difficulty moving can all be signs of health problems.
🐕 Home Care
If you’ve ruled out a medical reason for your German Shepherd’s lack of appetite, some home care options may help.
✅ Change their diet
If your dog has been eating the same thing daily for a while, they might just be bored. Try adding some variety to their meals. This could mean mixing some wet food with their dry kibble or adding a bit of plain, cooked chicken or turkey.
✅ Warm it up
Warming up your dog’s food can help release its aroma, making it more enticing. Just make sure it’s not too hot before you serve it.
✅ Hand feeding
Sometimes, a little extra TLC can go a long way. Try hand-feeding your dog to see if that sparks their interest.
✅ Regular exercise
As discussed, regular exercise can help stimulate your dog’s appetite. Make sure your German Shepherd dog is getting plenty of physical activity each day.
✅ Maintain a schedule
Dogs thrive on routine. Try to feed your German Shepherd puppy simultaneously daily to establish a consistent eating schedule.
✅ Quiet meal times
Some dogs prefer to eat in peace. Ensure your German Shepherd’s feeding area is in a quiet, low-traffic part of your home.
✅ Clean bowls
Just like us, dogs don’t want to eat out of dirty dishes. Make sure their water and dog food bowls are clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best dog food for my GSD puppy?
A: Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it’s important to look for food specifically formulated for puppies. This should include high-quality proteins, carbohydrates, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. Your vet can help you determine the best type of food for your GSD puppy.
Q: Can a human food diet be healthy for my GSD?
A: While some human foods can be safe for dogs, feeding your German Shepherd a consistent diet of human food is not recommended. This is because most people’s food provides a different nutritional value than dog food for canines. If you want to add a bit of variety here and there, talk to your vet first about what might be safe to feed your GSD.
Q: How much dry food should I give my German Shepherd?
A: The amount of food you feed your GSD will depend on their size, age, activity level, and overall health. A good rule of thumb is to start with the recommended daily portion on the dog food packaging, then adjust depending on how your dog responds.
Q: Can I feed raw food to my German Shepherd?
A: Raw food diets for dogs are becoming more popular. However, talking to your vet first before transitioning to a raw food diet is important. This is because some raw foods can contain bacteria that could make your dog sick if not handled and prepared correctly.
Q: What steps should I take for my older dog if they’re not eating?
A: One trick is to try feeding them smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Also, consider switching to a different brand or flavor of dog food. Sometimes a change can make all the difference. Another option is adding some raw meat to their meal as it can entice their taste buds. As always, if you’re worried about your pup’s lack of appetite, it’s best to contact your vet for expert advice.
Final Words
There are several reasons why your German Shepherd may not be eating, ranging from natural aging processes and changes in diet to lack of exercise and vaccination side effects. It’s important to remember that, like us, our furry friends have their off days too. Sometimes, they might just not feel like eating. However, prolonged refusal to eat or other concerning symptoms should never be ignored.
As a pet owner myself, I know how worrying it can be when your furry friend isn’t acting like themselves. But remember, you know your German Shepherd best. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always best to consult with a vet. They’re the experts and can provide the guidance and reassurance you need.
Meanwhile, at home, keep showering your German Shepherd with love and care. Maintain a consistent feeding schedule, ensure they get regular exercise, and try to make meal times as pleasant as possible. After all, our pets are more than just animals; they’re members of our family. Their health and happiness are our top priority.