Caring for a pet with a reduced appetite

If your pet has a reduction in appetite, it is always advised to get them checked by your vet, however sometimes it can be due to their decreased senses. There are ways that you can encourage food intake at home such as warming foods to 30˚c – often taste receptors are most receptive when food is at body temperature as this mimics the temperature of live prey.

• Strong smelling foods can help encourage your pet to eat as their sense of smell may be reduced due to age.
• Offer foods that you know they have enjoyed in the past as familiarity is important to animals.
• Offer a different variety and consistency of foods. Your pet may develop a preference for wet food due to dental disease causing pain. Adding water to the diet and mashing it up may encourage them to eat too.
• Offer fresh, high protein diets.
• Offer food little and often, do not leave uneaten food down for long periods or lots of different food choices at once as this can be overwhelming for them.
• Place the food in a quiet, easily accessible part of the house.
• Raise food bowls up on stands or small boxes as this may provide more comfort for those suffering with osteoarthritis affecting the neck.
• Providing your pet with attention whilst they are eating can help increase appetite.

If you are worried about your pet’s appetite, it would be recommended for them to be checked over by one of our veterinary surgeons to establish a possible underlying cause if they do not have any current known medical conditions.