Decreased Appetite

What conditions can cause anorexia in pets?

• A decreased appetite is secondary to many medical conditions, including:
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Vestibular syndrome
• Pain
• Some cancer types

Psychological issues, such as anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, unpalatable foods, and altered routines, can also affect your pet’s appetite.

How can a decreased appetite affect my pet’s quality of life?

Your pet may have less energy if they do not eat a sufficient amount, and chronic inappetance can lead to weight loss and weakness. Keep in mind that appetite decline can be a normal progression of a pet’s condition during their end-of-life period, and as long as your pet is supported with other therapies, other symptoms are well-managed, and they seem content, they can go without eating for several days. A pet who stops eating is often more difficult for their family than themselves, since providing nourishment is a universal expression of love, and eating is often correlated with quality of life.

How can I manage my pet’s decreased appetite at home?

If your pet has a decreased appetite, these management tips may help improve their appetite:

• Offer warmed, canned food.
• Offer foods with different textures and kibble sizes—cats, in particular, have continually changing food preferences.
• Offer small food portions throughout the day, instead of two large meals.
• Do not administer medications to your pet in their normal food, because they may associate the food with an illness or stressful event, such as force-feeding or medication administration, and develop an aversion to it. Use an entirely different type of treat or food for medications, and consider using empty gelatin capsules to hide the taste of unpalatable pills of liquids.
• Offer foods or treats that are particularly tempting to your pet, such as:
  • Hills a/d canned food—calorie-dense food available by prescription from your family veterinarian
  • Royal Canin Recovery—calorie-dense food available by prescription from your family veterinarian
  • Royal Canin Aromatic Attraction 
  • Royal Canin Savor Selective
  • Rebound Recuperation Formula—a palatable, calorie-dense liquid diet
  • Purina Fortiflora Probiotic—a hydrolyzed pork-flavored additive that can entice your pet’s appetite
  • Unsalted chicken broth, poured over your pet’s food
  • Parmesan cheese, whipped cream, or yogurt on top of your pet’s food
  • Plain, cooked, lean meat or fish, without garlic or onion, which are toxic to pets
  • Unseasoned rotisserie-cooked chicken or roasted turkey
  • Scrambled eggs

When should I seek veterinary help for my pet’s decreased appetite?

If your pet has a chronic condition, you should maintain close contact with your family veterinarian about their disease progress and management. Contact your family veterinarian in these situations:

• Decreased appetite is a new disease sign
• Your pet has not eaten in more than two days
• Your pet seems nauseous, or their decreased appetite is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea
• Your pet is weak
• Your pet has lost weight

Your family veterinarian may have additional management tips, or may prescribe an appetite stimulant or medications to manage disease side effects, such as nausea.

Before your pet’s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life, beginning end-of-life care discussions is vital. Learn more about pet hospice, in-home euthanasia, and our telehospice services, or contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area, so you can feel fully prepared for this difficult time.