There is a common misconception amongst pet owners that pets will eat whatever is put in front of them. The reality is that some pets are a lot more selective over their diet, either due to their nature and nutritional needs or simply because they don’t like what you are offering them. This is true for dogs, cats or the more exotic pets.

When you notice that your dog or cat appears to be refusing food and then losing weight, your first step should be to contact your veterinarian to rule out any possible illness.  Many can cause a decreased appetite and an extreme weight loss. Teeth or mouth issues can also be the cause of a pet’s refusal to eat.

Once illness has been ruled out, then you can start to determine what it is about the food that is causing the refusal to eat.
-Have you changed the type of food or started adding vitamins or supplements to the food? A change in the flavor of the food you provide to your cat or dog can certainly cause a refusal to eat it! Adding vegetables or even a vitamin additive can dramatically change the taste of the food.
-Have you changed the food bowls? It might not seem like it could be a factor, but changing food bowls from a ceramic to a plastic bowl (or the other way around) can certainly put pets off of their food while they try to adjust to the new smell and feel of their bowls.
-Have you introduced a new pet into the household? The addition of a new pet can be a major factor in a pet’s refusal to eat. Any major changes in the household are likely to disrupt your pets comfort levels. Consider separating your picky-eater from the new addition to see if it helps.
-Is your pet eating something other than their food? Could your dog be eating your cat’s food or too many treats before you offer their own food

If you’ve ruled out these factors and still can’t figure out the reason for your pet’s fussiness, then you should certainly contact your veterinarian for more suggestions to see if another type of food is perhaps the key solution.