How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating? Warning Signs

Since becoming a certified Pet Nutrition Coach, a question I often get asked is, “How long can a dog go without eating?” This is a controversial question, and my first question to them is always why?

Some dogs have a loss in appetite or are simply just turning their food away. Luckily, there are some answers, even for the pickiest of eaters.

As mentioned, there can be many reasons why a dog stops eating, and surprisingly enough, there are a couple of different answers as to how long dogs can go without eating. Safely, with no serious issues occurring, a dog can tolerate anywhere from 24 to 48 hours without eating. Of course, this depends on the amount of energy they are using, whether or not they have water available, and a couple of other factors.

Between 3 and 5 days is when you will notice some weight loss and weakness. In around 1 week, the dog's immune system will start to weaken, and a significant amount of muscle loss will occur. In around 2 weeks or so, many dogs will be unable to survive much longer. These limits shift a lot depending on the individual dog, so age, breed, and health matter just as much as the clock.

Does Age, Breed, and Health Affect How Long a Dog Can Fast?

Some of the most crucial pieces of information to keep in mind when asking how long a dog can go without eating are their age, breed & if they are showing any signs of illness. This plays a huge role in how long they are physically able to skip meals safely. For example, if your dog is a diabetic, skipping any meals is not considered safe and should be avoided. 

• If your dog is healthy, has no health-related issues, is present, and they are adult dog, they can go the longest without eating.

• If your dog is a puppy (under a year) or a senior, they cannot go as long as a healthy adult dog. This is due to their reduced muscle mass & limited energy reserves. 

Larger breeds tend to be able to go longer without eating than smaller breeds. This is because smaller breeds have a faster metabolism & larger breeds have more energy reserves.

Dogs can skip their meals and avoid eating for many reasons. The most common reason is simply that they’re picky. They may not like the food given to them, turn their heads, and walk away.

Other reasons are usually due to an underlying health condition. This can be a list of things, as dogs not eating is one of the most common symptoms for lots of illnesses. A few patterns show up again and again.

Common Reasons Dogs Refuse Food

If this is a food given every day and they suddenly turn their head, first try changing the flavor or adding a topper to see if that will entice the dog to eat. If your dog still refuses to eat, there may be another issue rather than being picky. 

Other reasons can be dental pain, upset stomach, or anxiety. Try feeding wet food and see if this gets the dog to eat. Usually, dogs with dental or mouth pain will go for the wet food; this can be a sign that a vet visit is needed.

If pickiness is a recurring theme, it's worth revisiting whether the food itself is a good fit; our complete guide to canine nutrition walks through reading labels and choosing a balanced diet.

None of this replaces a vet's eyes, but if mealtimes have quietly become a daily standoff, PawChamp's step-by-step guides can help you build a calmer routine at your own pace — and you can ask dog experts in the app when you just want to talk something through. 

A dog that is not eating but still drinking water is usually less urgent than one that is not doing either; however, it should still not go unnoticed. There can be other causes, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or even intestinal blockage. As stated before, if a dog has not eaten after many attempts during a 36-48-hour period, a vet visit should be considered.

How to Get a Dog to Eat Again Safely

Getting your dog to eat again should be a gradual process. Some people like to introduce bone broth or goat’s milk first. Once the dog finishes that, wait until their next mealtime to feed. Instead of feeding their usual amount, give less of the amount, usually by about 25%. For example, if they usually eat 1 cup per meal, then give a quarter cup. Watch the dog after and ensure no vomiting or diarrhea is present. Increase the next meal to half of their feeding and monitor.

And never force-feed: it's stressful and can injure both you and your dog. Tempting, warming, and hand-offering food are far safer. 

If you have tried different food options, treats, or see other symptoms or signs of illness, a vet visit should be immediate. Here's the simplest rule of thumb for when to make the call.

When to Take a Dog to the Vet for Not Eating

If a dog is still refusing food after about 36-48 hours, is showing ill signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, or has a medical condition, a vet visit should be your next step. Puppies, seniors, and dogs that usually never miss a meal warrant a faster call.

Worried your dog's skipped meals are becoming a pattern? PawChamp can help dog owners like you navigate your dog's health and support you by providing step-by-step guides on building consistent mealtimes. PawChamp has also helped people answer health-related questions and get supportive guidance, and will let you know when to ask for professional guidance from a veterinary team. 

• In most cases, the dog is just being picky and there is no raised concern.

• There can be other underlying causes as to why your dog is not eating. 

• Fasting can sometimes be good for your dog.

• If your dog suddenly stops eating, a vet visit may be needed.