When Your Dog Goes Off Its Food

When Your Dog Goes Off Raw Food: Why It’s Normal and Nothing to Panic About

If your dog suddenly decides they don’t fancy their raw food, it can feel worrying — especially when you’ve worked hard to give them the very best diet. The good news is, it’s usually nothing serious. Just like us, dogs can go through phases where their appetite changes, and it’s perfectly normal.

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Why Dogs Sometimes Go Off Their Food

1. Natural Appetite Changes

Dogs don’t always want to eat the same thing every single day. Just as we don’t always crave the same meal, our dogs sometimes like a break.

2. Weather and Seasons

Hotter weather often reduces appetite. Many dogs naturally eat less in summer and more in winter when they need extra energy to stay warm.

3. Slower Days

If your dog hasn’t had as much exercise, play or mental stimulation, they may simply not be as hungry.

4. Hormonal or Growth Stages

Puppies and adolescent dogs in particular can go through phases of eating loads one week and very little the next. This is completely normal.

5. Preference and Variety

Sometimes dogs just get bored of the same protein. Rotating between chicken, beef, lamb, duck or fish can help keep meals exciting.

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Why You Don’t Need to Panic

• Skipping a meal here and there is not harmful for a healthy dog.

• Many raw-fed dogs self-regulate their intake and don’t overeat.

• For dogs, fasting occasionally can actually give their digestive system a natural rest.

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What You Can Do

• Offer Variety: Try a different protein or texture.

• Make It Fun: Serve meals in enrichment toys or scatter feed to spark interest.

• Stay Calm: Remove the food after 20 minutes if untouched and try again later. Dogs quickly learn that food won’t always be replaced with something else.

• Check the Basics: Make sure the food is fresh, thawed correctly, and served at a comfortable temperature (some dogs dislike very cold meals).

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Final Thoughts

It’s completely normal for dogs to go off their food from time to time, and it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the diet — or with them. Most of the time, they bounce back within a day or two. The key is to stay calm, not rush to change their diet unnecessarily, and remember that short periods of reduced appetite are a natural part of being a dog.

At Raw Essex, we’re here to support you with advice, reassurance, and plenty of variety to keep mealtimes exciting.