It can be pretty worrying when your corgi starts refusing her food or stops eating altogether. This is actually a frequent issue and it can happen for many reasons. This article explains the most likely causes and what you should do next.
6 Reasons Why Your Corgi Isn’t Eating
Let’s cover six of the most common reasons why your Corgi refuses her food.
I will run through the list with the first being the most likely.
1. Disgrees With Current Kibble/Diet
The number one reason why all dogs refuse food is down to issues with their kibble.
Dietary issues alone is a big topic, but it fits into two general categories…
● Your corgi’s body is disagreeing with the food and/or making her feel sick
● Your corgi didn’t like the food to begin with
Your corgi could have one or multiple unknown food intolerances and certain ingredients might be giving her an upset stomach.
This is very, very common in dogs.
Corgis are smart, and they will be very quick to refuse their food if it’s making them feel bad.
It could also be the wrong type of food too.
The world of dog food is incredibly vast, and the quality ranges from absolutely terrible, all the way to human-grade.
Inferior brands use cheaper ingredients and bulk up their products with worthless carbs and controversial items.
There’s a strong correlation between inferior kibble and stomach issues.
Additionally, all corgis are different!
It could just be that your corgi doesn’t get on well with one kibble that another corgi does…
I will cover below a few good kibble options for corgis, and what it is that makes them good.
2. Receiving Too Many Tidbits or Treats
We are all guilty of giving our furry friends too many treats and tidbits…
Unfortunately, too many of the wrong kinds of treats, or worse, human food, will end up causing more harm than good.
Despite the temporary euphoria when she gobbles down a pork sausage!
Receiving too many treats and tidbits cause the following:
● Too many treats will decrease her appetite
● Table scraps and treats make her real food seem boring and unappealing
These are two simple, but very important problems that happen for dogs that receive too many treats and human table scraps.
3. Inconsistent Mealtimes
If your corgi has an inconsistent feeding schedule and her mealtimes constantly change, it could be that she just isn’t hungry at that specific time.
Corgis, and all dogs, are healthiest and happiest when they have a clear daily schedule and routine to follow.
This goes for pretty much everything apart from just eating.
If her body starts getting accustomed to eating at 7pm, and then you start giving her food at 6pm, this could be all it takes for her to refuse the food.
Additionally, day-grazing should be avoided.
If your corgi has food in her bowl throughout the day, you’ll never know when she’s picking at it or not, and you won’t have a clear understanding of how much she eats.
4. Lack of Exercise
Corgis might be small, but they still require their fair share of exercise, and exercise affects their appetite.
Exercise helps in a range of ways from improving digestion, keeping the metabolism working properly, and maintaining a healthy appetite.
Corgis should receive around 60 minutes of exercise per day, preferably split up into two sessions, one in the morning and another in the evening.
This is also excluding additional playtime throughout the day (which I’m sure will be much appreciated!)
Psst. A quick Corgi update! Brain Training For Dogs might now be one of the best training methods suitable for your Corgi. Owners are seeing improvement in obedience, behavior, and stubbornness quicker than ever before. Okay back to the post!
5. Stress or Anxiety
Many different things can cause stress and anxiety in corgis.
And this can lead to both partial or complete food refusal.
Stressful environments, moving house, a different scent in the air, people, or a new neighbor could be enough to cause temporary nerves.
Although in the beginning, it seems unlikely your corgi isn’t eating due to stress, it’s actually much more common than owners think.
Stress and anxiety can affect dogs just as easily as it does us.
6. Underlying Health Issues
Lastly, but certainly not least, there is a wide range of underlying health issues that can be responsible for a decreased appetite or total food refusal.
If your corgi has already gone 2 days without eating, you should contact your veterinarian for further guidance and support.
If your corgi is also refusing to drink, this is more serious and you should contact your veterinarian within 1 day if the issue persists.
Fluid intake is significantly more important (at least in the beginning) than food intake.
Dog’s can go a lot longer without eating, compared to drinking.
Trending Corgi articles:
Which Breeds Best Get Along With Corgis: Top 10
How To Manage Corgi Shedding! Tips Every Owner Should Know
How To Encourage Your Corgi To Eat Her Food
Firstly, it’s important to note that if you witness other negative symptoms alongside food refusal, it could indicate a health issue.
In this case, it’s best to contact your veterinarian right away.
Additionally, if for some reason you have a feeling that your corgi is sick, then waste no more time trying to fix the situation and contact your veterinarian right away.
Ruling out health issues is always a priority over trying various tips and tricks.
1. Consider Switching Kibbles
If you have an inkling that it’s her kibble, it could be time to change it.
Whenever changing kibbles, be sure to do it slowly over 7 days.
Decrease the % of old kibble while increasing the % of new kibble, until completely on the new food.
Switching kibbles too fast could upset her stomach, even if the new kibble will eventually work well for her.
What to look for in a quality kibble:
● Low carbohydrates. Always opt for a higher protein, medium-high fat, and low carbs
● Protein should come ideally from animal sources instead of plant-based
● Consider fish, duck, or turkey as a protein source (chicken, beef, and pork are known allergens)
● Grain-free is better for sensitive stomachs
● Opt for a brand that sources locally and responsibly
● Opt for a brand that emphasizes fresh and whole ingredients
● Stay away from preservatives and flavorings
● Stay away from high amounts of dairy being used in the food (most dogs are lactose intolerant)
Here are a couple of good options that follow the above points closely:
● Orijen Six Fish Premium Dog Food
● Taste of The Wild Pacific Stream
2. Switch To Low-Calorie Treats & Stop All Tidbits
Cutting out all tidbits is a good thing to do even after your corgi resumes her normal eating habits.
Tidbits, as tasty as they are, are very unhealthy for dogs.
Our food isn’t made with a dog’s health in mind, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Secondly, switch your current treats to a low-calorie morsel treat.
Not only are they incredibly small, good value for money, but they will not ruin her appetite.
Our favorite ones are from Zukes, called Zukes Mini Naturals.
We like to opt for the duck option as that avoids chicken.
3. Create Mealtimes and Stick To Them
Next on the list is to ensure you are sticking to the same mealtimes every day.
Many of you are likely already doing this, but if you aren’t, then this should be an essential change.
Pick a morning time, preferably when the household wakes up, and an evening time that you know you will never miss.
Stick to these times without fail and your corgi will quickly learn to be hungry at these specific times.
4. Ensure Her Environment Is Calm and Secure
Helping her feel calm and safe in her environment will go a long way to combat any general stress and anxiety she might have.
Although it helps to keep her food bowl located in the same place, you may need to change it from the current location if there have been some changes.
New neighbors, new building works, or noisy children can be incredibly offputting.
Sometimes, moving the food bowl can be a welcomed change anyway, and will be all that’s needed to get her eating again…
Whatever the change is, ensure that whenever it’s time for her to eat, she is in a calm, quiet area.
5. Increase Exercise Levels
Unless your corgi is already getting a solid 60 minutes per day, try increasing her exercise levels.
Whether this means making your walks longer, or playing with her more inside of the home, extra exertion should have a positive impact on her overall health and appetite.
I would refrain from making this change, however, if your corgi is still a puppy or a senior.
Puppies and seniors need to be extra careful with their joints.
I would be inclined to contact a veterinarian much sooner when involving a puppy or senior.
6. Contact Your Veterinarian
This isn’t number 6 because it should be done last.
Sometimes, it will be necessary to contact your veterinarian right away.
Times when you should contact your veterinarian first:
When you suspect your corgi is actually sick for some reason
When your corgi refuses fluids as well as her food
When your corgi is showing additional symptoms that suggest a health issue
When it’s already been 2 days since your corgi has eaten
When your corgi is a very young puppy or senior (over 8)
Truthfully, there is never a wrong moment to call your veterinarian.
If you are unsure and worried about the health of your corgi, ruling out health issues is always a priority.
Additional Articles on The Puppy Mag:
Tips For Taking Your Corgi on Hikes
Why Your Corgi Barks So Much and What To Do About It
⭐ View more Corgi articles >>