Symptom: Eating Less – Why is my pet eating less?
Is my pet eating less?
If you're pet is eating less you may notice them:
Being quieter than usual and/or becoming withdrawn
Drooling saliva
Going to food bowl and walking away
Taking longer to eat or eating on one side of the mouth
Dropping food
Leaving food
Not asking for food at regular mealtimes
Losing weight
Having low energy
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published October 2025 | Review date October 2028 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Frequently asked questions
What are the common reasons for my pet eating less?
- Dental issues
Further reading - Dental disease in cats, Dental disease in dogs
- Any source of pain in the body
- Various illnesses like kidney, liver, guts problems
Further reading - Kidney disease in cats
- Hormonal diseases
- Infections and high temperature
- Age/boredom/diet changes
- Stress and anxiety
DO’s – What can I do at home if my pet is eating less?
- Warm the food or add toppers
- Establish a routine and limit treats and scraps at the table
- Consider different feeding locations
- Engage with your pet
- Use puzzle feeders or toy
DON'Ts – What I shouldn't do at home if my pet is eating less?
- Don’t force your pet to eat
- Don’t overfeed with treats
- Don’t leave food out indefinitely
- Don’t abruptly change his/her diet
- Don’t ignore other symptoms and seek veterinary advice
When should I consider taking my pet to the vet if they are eating less
Dogs:
- If your pet is eating significantly less or not at all for 48 hours or 24 hours if he/she is a puppy or old dog.
- If your pet has not eaten for 12 hours and has other symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea.
Cats:
- If your pet is eating significantly less or not at all for 24 hours or 12 hours if he/she is a kitten or old cat.
- If your pet has not eaten for 12 hours and has other symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea.
- If your pet is in pain or lethargic or weak or looks jaundiced (yellow on the gums or on the white of the eyes)