Corgi Not Eating? [Whys and Hows]

Are you worried sick about your corgi who seems to have lost his appetite lately? As a fellow dog parent, I know exactly how concerning it can be when our pets suddenly stop eating.

Believe me, I’ve been there.

Molly once went through a phase where she refused to eat her kibble for days, and I was left scratching my head and wondering what went wrong.

Thankfully, I’ve had experience during my vet tech days which I’m going to share with you.

Stick around because I’m about to spill the beans, from possible reasons behind their loss of appetite to tips to coax your pup to eat.

Let’s dive right in!

6 Reasons Why Your Corgi is Not Eating

Before we dive into the possible reasons why your corgi may not be eating, you should understand that occasional changes in appetite are normal for dogs.

Just like us humans, dogs may have off days where they don’t feel like eating much, and it’s usually nothing to worry about.

However, if your corgi’s loss of appetite lasts for more than a day or two, it’s time to take notice, especially if it’s not drinking water too.

It can be a symptom of an underlying health issue, so it’s important to pay attention to other changes in their behavior or symptoms they may be exhibiting too.

1. Your Corgi might be sick

Have you ever been too sick to eat?

Just like us, dogs may not have the urge to eat when they’re feeling under the weather.

This is often due to a wide range of medical issues, such as eating something toxic, having painful joints, or possibly having an upset stomach.

Some signs may not be obvious, so remember to look out for symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, or weakness.

Here’s the thing: if you notice any of these symptoms or if your dog’s lack of appetite persists for more than a day or two, seek advice from a veterinarian.

While you wait for an appointment, make sure your pup has access to plenty of fresh water and rest.

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Why does my dog only eat half of his food?

2. Your Corgi’s diet has been altered lately

Did you recently change your dog’s diet?

If you did, it’s highly possible that your dog is experiencing some stomach trouble as they adjust to the new food.

This is especially true if you’ve introduced a diet that is richer in protein or one that contains more sugar than what they were used to before.

Even though they might not seem to be eating well for a few days, this is a natural adjustment period.

As they grow accustomed to the new diet, their appetite should return to normal.

To help your dog during this transition period, try gradually introducing the new food instead of switching to it abruptly.

Here’s a guide that might help you out:

• Days 1 and 2: 25% new diet and 75% old diet.
• Days 3 and 4: 50% new diet and 50% old diet.
• Days 5 and 6: 75% new diet and 25% old diet.
• Day 7: 100% new diet.

3. Your Corgi’s food may have gone stale

If you are feeding your dog fresh food, you need to be a bit more mindful compared to using kibble.

You see, the way you prepare your dog’s meals could impact their appetite.

I highly recommend that you follow the instructions carefully and ensure that you’re storing food correctly, and try not to modify anything that’s not in the manual.

And when it comes to fresh food, you should know that leaving cooked meat out at room temperature for an extended period can lead to bacteria growth, making it unsafe for your furry friend to eat.

Be sure to reheat leftovers before serving them again to prevent any health issues.

Although some dogs may not mind eating “old” food, it’s not healthy for them in the long run.

Wanna ensure your dog’s well-being and appetite? Present them with their food as soon as it’s prepared and stick to a fixed feeding schedule.

4. You may be giving your Corgi too many goodies

I get it. Who doesn’t like pampering their dogs?

The thing is, giving them excessive treats can undo all the good you’re trying to achieve.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of giving your furry friend snacks every day, but doing so can lead to health problems such as obesity or diabetes down the road.

If you’re not the culprit, check if anyone else in your household might be overindulging them.

You wouldn’t want to be caught in a situation of double feeding your dog or giving them too many treats!

Here’s a general rule of thumb: never give your dog more than 10% of its daily calories in treats.

5. Your Corgi might have gone through emotional trauma

Did you know that one of the main causes of your dog’s lack of appetite could be mental stress?

Moving to a new home, having a new infant around, or even bringing a new pet into the home are all events that can cause stress in dogs.

Corgis, in particular, are known to be sensitive to environmental changes, which can cause them to become lethargic and lose their appetite.

I recall a time when our family dog was really upset when a friend who had been living with us for a while moved out.

She didn’t want to do anything and even held out on her favorite food for almost 48 hours.

Doggy says, consider reading this too: Dog whimpering after dental cleaning

6. Your Corgi may be having a toothache

Last but not least, you also want to rule out any potential dental problems.

A dog with a toothache is likely to lose weight and might even stop eating entirely as it becomes challenging to chew their food, leading to more frequent vomiting or excessive sleeping.

I always tell fellow dog parents to examine their dog’s teeth and gums regularly.

The moment you notice anything unusual or amiss, set up an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.

Some common signs include pawing at its mouth, loss of appetite, sensitivity to touch, bad breath, and its gums turning a dark color.

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Alternatives to Greenies dental chews

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Do Corgis need another dog?

How to Get Your Corgi to Eat Again?

Look, as I mentioned earlier, it’s not uncommon for dogs to be fussy and reject their food occasionally.

It might just be the result of a brief mood swing that passes in a day or two.

Of course, if this persists, there are a few ways you can encourage them to resume eating.

Before I get into it, please DO NOT use tactics such as force-feeding or spitting food into your dog’s mouth. They are ineffective and potentially harmful.

Alright, let’s take a closer look at what works.

Don’t force your dog to eat

Again, I wanna repeat myself: don’t try force-feeding.

Doing so can result in gastrointestinal problems and cause a lot of discomfort for your furry friend.

Instead, try letting your pet eat whenever they feel like it and leaving their food out for a short period (if it takes longer than 15 minutes, you can cover the food and reopen it when your dog starts sniffing around).

This way, your pup can eat at their own pace without feeling rushed or stressed.

In the meantime, make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water, as dehydration can worsen their condition.

Feeding your Corgi the right food

What does Nayo and Smoothie eat everyday? Corgi dinner dairy

Watch this video on YouTube.

The truth is, not all of us know what to feed our pets on instinct.

The first thing you should do if you notice that your dog has suddenly stopped eating is to double-check that it’s getting the right kind of dog food.

A veterinarian or other knowledgeable animal specialist is your best bet if you’re unclear about which foods are best for your pet.

Furthermore, keep in mind that if you have recently introduced a new food, there is a good chance it won’t eat it because it’s not yet accustomed to it.

I’ve personally had very good experiences with Ollie fresh food for all my dogs as they have the right balance of nutrition and taste. You get 60% off your first box of meals and a FREE Welcome Kit right now.

Stop feeding it treats

Have you been spoiling your dog with too many delicious treats?

If you overfeed your furry friend snacks, including table scraps, you might be contributing to their lack of appetite when it comes to their main meals.

Not only that, but excessive consumption of snacks can also encourage picky eating habits and sloppy table manners.

If your dog has become overly reliant on snacks, it’s high time to cut back and focus on providing them with a balanced and nutritious diet.

Remember, treats should only make up a small percentage of your dog’s diet, and they should be given in moderation.

Mixing different foods together

Dogs are naturally curious and some just love to play with their food.

If your furry friend seems disinterested in their meals, combining several different kinds of food together can help prevent finicky eating habits from taking hold.

One of my favorite ways is to blend some of their favorite goodies with canned dog food or conceal them inside kibble (I don’t have to do that anymore after switching to fresh dog food).

By offering a variety of textures and flavors, you can help stimulate your dog’s appetite and make mealtime more exciting!

Ensure your Corgi gets exercise

There is no doubt in my mind that dogs who exercise frequently tend to be happier and healthier.

It’s a fact.

One common reason for picky feeding habits in dogs is boredom, which can be corrected by providing plenty of exercise.

If you have an indoor dog, consider taking them outside for walks or playtime in a large yard at least twice a day.

This way, it gets to burn off excess energy, reduce stress levels, and prevent boredom, all of which can lead to healthier eating habits.

Do not change its food abruptly or too often

I know it’s tempting for any dog owner to be attracted by that brand-spanking-new dog food or treat. I know I have.

The thing is, frequent changes in what your dog eats on a regular basis can upset its stomach and cause intestinal problems.

Not to mention, your dog is going to have a hard time smelling different kinds of food each time it goes to its bowl.

The likelihood that your dog may develop an eating disorder increases as you modify its diet more frequently.

If you wish to switch dog food brands, do it gradually by blending a little of the new brand with the old over a few days.

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Are Goldendoodles picky eaters?

Signs That Your Corgi is a Picky Eater

There isn’t a fixed rule per se, but typically, if your dog doesn’t eat its food within 20 minutes, it could be considered a picky eater.

Here are a few common scenarios:

• If your dog turns his head away when you present his normal food and he eats only treats
• Not willing to eat its own food but happy to accept table scraps
• It eats only at a particular spot
• Too much playtime before meals will cause it not to want food (especially in some small breeds such as Yorkies and Dachshunds who craves attention)
• Bad experiences due to poor food or getting punished

When Should You Worry About Your Corgi Not Eating?

If your dog stops eating for a day and then starts again, there may be nothing to worry about.

On the other hand, if your Corgi has suddenly stopped eating, especially if it lasts for more than a day or two, you need to pay extra attention to it then.

If the problem persists and you see any symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and not drinking water, it’s time to consult a doctor.

Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Is Mylanta safe for dogs?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In Conclusion: Corgi Not Eating

I hope you feel better equipped now that you know the reasons behind this behavior and also what you can do to help your dog.

Consider checking out these other useful posts as well:

• When do puppies start eating food and drinking water?
• Small white bump on dog paw pad
• Should I put my dogs’ crates next to each other?