The main reasons a dog might not eat his food but will eat treats include:
- Preference: Dogs often find treats more appealing than regular food because treats are higher in fat, salt, or sugar and more palatable. This can lead to picky eating or boredom with their usual food.
- Health issues: Dental problems, gastrointestinal discomfort, or other illnesses can make eating regular kibble painful or unpleasant, while treats (especially soft ones) are easier to eat.
- Behavioral factors: Dogs may learn that refusing their food results in receiving treats, or stress and environmental changes can reduce their appetite for regular meals but not for treats.
- Overfeeding or feeding routine inconsistencies: Giving too many treats or irregular meal times may lead dogs to lose interest in their regular food.
If this behavior is sudden or prolonged, it could signal underlying health problems that need veterinary assessment. Adjusting feeding routines, limiting treats, and offering variety in food can help encourage better eating habits, but persistent refusal should be checked by a vet to rule out medical causes such as dental pain or illness.
