Skip to Content
My Happy Husky is an Amazon associate and earns a small commission for qualifying purchases. Not professional advice, education only. More info here.

Shiba Inu Not Eating? Causes & What To Do Next

Shiba Inus are known for their independent and sometimes stubborn personalities, which can make it concerning when they refuse to eat. Food refusal can stem from various causes, from medical issues to behavioral quirks. Understanding the reasons behind your Shiba Inu’s eating habits and knowing how to address them is key to ensuring their health and well-being.


Why Is Your Shiba Inu Refusing to Eat?

1. Medical Issues

  • Dental Problems: Pain from tooth decay, gum disease, or an injury in the mouth can make eating uncomfortable.
  • Digestive Issues: Nausea, bloating, or stomach discomfort caused by conditions like gastritis or pancreatitis can lead to food refusal.
  • Illness or Infection: Fever, infections, or other illnesses can suppress your Shiba Inu’s appetite.
  • Parasites: Internal parasites like worms can disrupt digestion and decrease hunger.
  • Allergies or Intolerances: Food allergies or sensitivities may cause your dog to avoid eating certain foods.

2. Behavioral Factors

  • Picky Eating: Shiba Inus are notorious for their selective eating habits and may simply dislike the food you’re offering.
  • Stress or Anxiety: Changes in routine, a new environment, or loud noises can make your Shiba Inu too anxious to eat.
  • Boredom: Eating the same food every day can cause disinterest in their meals.
  • Spoiled Food: Shibas may refuse food that smells off or has gone stale.

3. Environmental Changes

  • New Surroundings: A recent move or change in their eating area can disrupt their routine.
  • Competition: If you have multiple pets, your Shiba Inu might feel intimidated during mealtime.
  • Feeding Schedule Changes: Altering their usual mealtime can confuse them and affect their eating habits.

4. Overfeeding Treats or Snacks

Excessive treats or table scraps can make your Shiba Inu feel full and uninterested in their regular meals.


Solutions to Encourage Your Shiba Inu to Eat Again

1. Rule Out Medical Issues

  • If your Shiba Inu refuses food for more than 24 hours or shows other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or weight loss, consult a veterinarian immediately.
  • Dental checkups are important to identify and address oral pain.

2. Assess Their Food

  • Check Freshness: Ensure the food is fresh and not expired. Dogs are sensitive to smells and may refuse stale or rancid food.
  • Change the Food: If they’re bored with their current diet, try a different flavor, brand, or type of food (dry, wet, or raw).
  • Warm the Food: Warming their meal slightly can enhance its aroma and make it more appealing.
  • Add Toppers: Sprinkle a bit of shredded chicken, bone broth, or plain cooked egg on their food to entice them.

3. Establish a Routine

  • Feed your Shiba Inu at consistent times each day. Dogs thrive on routine, and sticking to a schedule can improve their appetite.
  • Limit mealtime to 15-20 minutes. If they don’t eat, remove the food and try again later. This teaches them to eat when food is offered.

4. Create a Comfortable Environment

  • Quiet Space: Ensure their eating area is calm, quiet, and free of distractions.
  • Separate Feeding: If you have multiple pets, feed them in separate areas to reduce competition or stress.

5. Reduce Treats

  • Limit treats to encourage them to eat their main meals. Treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
  • Use treats as rewards only after they’ve eaten their food.

6. Address Stress and Anxiety

  • If stress is the issue, identify and reduce triggers. For example, if they’re uncomfortable eating in a new home, try feeding them in a familiar or safe spot.
  • Use positive reinforcement to create a pleasant association with mealtime.

Special Tips for Picky Eaters

  • Introduce a Feeding Puzzle: Make mealtime more engaging by using a puzzle feeder or slow feeder bowl.
  • Mix Wet and Dry Food: Combine wet and dry food to create a more palatable texture and flavor.
  • Try Smaller Portions: Offering smaller, more frequent meals can be less overwhelming for a hesitant eater.

When to See a Vet

If your Shiba Inu continues to refuse food despite trying the above solutions, or if they show additional symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive lethargy, it’s time to consult your veterinarian. They may need diagnostic tests to uncover underlying medical issues.


Preventing Future Food Refusal

  • Stick to a Feeding Routine: Consistency in meal times and portions helps establish healthy eating habits.
  • Provide a Balanced Diet: Ensure their food meets all their nutritional needs, including protein, fats, and essential vitamins.
  • Avoid Spoiling with Table Scraps: Stick to their dog food and avoid human food, which can disrupt their appetite and lead to picky eating.
  • Monitor Their Weight: Regularly check their weight to ensure they’re maintaining a healthy balance between eating enough and not overeating.

Final Thoughts

Shiba Inus are independent and selective, so occasional food refusal isn’t unusual. However, persistent refusal to eat should never be ignored. By identifying the cause and taking steps to address it, you can help your Shiba Inu regain their appetite and ensure they remain happy and healthy. With patience and understanding, mealtime can become a positive and stress-free experience for both you and your dog.

Disclaimer

The advice given in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice in any context. Before making any decisions that may affect the health and/or safety of your dog, you should always consult a trained veterinarian in your local area. For the FULL disclaimer Visit Here


Copyright Notice: The content produced and published on My Happy Husky is unique and original. My Happy Husky makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. If plagiarized content is found, action will be taken.

Protected by Copyscape

Highlight not available