Why Won't My New Puppy Eat?

A new puppy is always fun as well as a bit challenging. There is potty training, obedience training, playtime and feeding schedules. When a new puppy stops eating, there is a reason for it.

  1. Stress

    • When a puppy moves to a new home, the changes are many. Being in a new environment can be stressful and cause a puppy to go off her feed for a while. Continue to offer her the food free choice until she is back to eating.

    Change of Food

    • Not all puppies are on the same food. The new food introduced might give her an upset stomach, which would stop her from eating. Take a week to change over from her old puppy food to what you will normally be feeding her.

    Exhaustion

    • Too much interaction with other dogs, kids or even a training routine can cause a puppy to stop eating. Give her plenty of down time to where she won't be so worn out at the end of the day that she isn't hungry.

    No Feeding Schedule

    • A puppy needs a schedule of when to eat. If you forget to feed her or are always changing when you feed her, she can become frustrated and stop eating. Keep specific times for her breakfast and dinner.

    Depression

    • Many times when a new puppy is brought home, especially if she leaves a large litter and has no other dog around, she can become depressed. Encourage her to eat and spend plenty of time with her.