There are a variety of reasons a dog may not be so interested in their food. This can be surprising and maybe even a little scary for owners with food-obsessed dogs. Not all causes of appetite loss are necessarily concerning. However, it’s important for dogs to receive all the nutrients they need to support their health.
To help support a healthy appetite, many dog owners are turning to CBD infused treats and chews to stimulate their pups’ appetites.
Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — which is often associated with “the munchies” — CBD hasn’t been found to directly stimulate one’s appetite, but it may have some indirect effects that may help improve your pet’s appetite.
Why Dogs May Experience Low Appetite
Age isn’t the only factor that may affect a dog’s appetite. While appetite changes may indicate more serious issues, it can also happen because of other factors. Here are some other reasons a dog may experience appetite changes:
- Food (New food, new ingredients, bad-tasting food, the same food)
- Change in routine
- Discomfort/ Pain
- Traveling
- Dental disease
- Medication
These reasons can vary in severity and have different implications for your dog’s health. It’s important to err on the side of caution and discuss your dog’s loss of appetite with a veterinarian.
Ways to Support Appetite in Dogs
We’ve put together a list of some natural appetite helpers and as well one pharmaceutical approach you’ll have to discuss with your vet.
- CBD: A natural component of the hemp plant is known to support the endocannabinoid system which may help support mood, feelings of nervousness, and discomfort, which may affect appetite. As we mentioned earlier, CBD doesn’t directly influence appetite like THC does, but through supporting a healthy endocannabinoud system, it may indirectly help your dog feel more excited about meal time.
- Bone Broth: Rich in nutrients and highly palatable from boiled bones, bone broth can be poured over your dog's regular food to make it more enticing. It can also be used to hydrate kibble, which can soften it, making it easier for dogs with digestive or dental issues to enjoy.
- Pumpkin: Plain, canned pumpkin can help stimulate appetite and is also good for digestion.
- Herbs: Certain herbs like ginger, fennel, and dandelion can help stimulate appetite.
- Mirtazapine: An antidepressant that is also used off-label to stimulate appetite in dogs. Its blocking of several receptors (5-HT2, 5-HT3, and H1) can reduce nausea and promote general well being, which can help increase appetite.
Best CBD Products for Appetite
Neurogan CBD Dog Oil
Our Bacon-Flavored CBD Oil for Dogs is THC-free and veterinarian approved. CBD oil can be a great option when taking a natural approach to supporting a healthy appetite.
CBD oil has a quicker onset time than CBD edibles, which can be helpful in supporting a dog quickly so that he or she can eat sooner rather than later. With the option to choose between our 1000 mg bottle and our 16000 mg bottle, you can find the right dosage for your dog’s needs.
CBD oil can be a great option for introducing CBD to your dog when naturally supporting their appetite. It kills two birds with one stone.
One of the methods suggested for dog owners to implement when trying to increase their dog’s appetite is to add liquid, oil, or a flavor enhancer to their dog’s food. Adding a bacon flavored oil to your dog’s food may be just the right touch to make them excited about their food again. Plus, with the addition of CBD extract, your dog can benefit from the effects this oil has to offer.
- Cost: $30 | $125
- Dose per serving: 8.3 mg CBD | 36 mg CBD
- Mg Per Bottle: 1000 mg CBD per bottle | 16000 mg CBD per bottle
- Flavor: Bacon
Neurogan CBG Chews
Using CBD to promote digestion can be multifaceted. One of the ways our CBG Mobility Dog Treats support digestion is through its premium ingredients that work together to support the digestive system and joints.
With natural ingredients that are associated with promoting healthy digestion, such as coconut oil, oat flour, and broad spectrum CBG extract, these treats aim to be good for the stomach and flavorful for the mouth.
Since you may not be able to identify exactly what is causing your dog’s loss of appetite, it can be a good idea to take an approach that is similar to casting a wide net. CBG offers many potential health benefits and its calming effects may be able to support whatever is causing your dog a change in dietary habits.
- Cost: $42
- Dose: 25 mg CBG per chew
- Treat Count: 30
- Flavor: Natural Flavor
Neurogan CBD Dog Treats
Sometimes appetite can be affected by general wellness issues or age. This is where daily chews can come in handy. Our CBD Dog Treats are perfect for daily use. CBD usage usually offers the most amount of benefits when taken consistently. With 25 mg of full spectrum CBD per crunchy biscuit, your dog will be able to ease into the effects of CBD on a daily basis.
Plus, these treats are made with simple, healthy ingredients. It’s possible that your current treat regimen may include gut-friendly ingredients, which may have an effect on appetite. Adding healthy, simple treats into your dog’s diet can indirectly improve different areas of their wellness.
- Cost: $30 | $45 | $180
- Dose: 25 mg CBD per treat
- Treat Count: 30 | 60 | 300
- Flavor: Natural Flavor
The Takeaway: Dog Appetite Stimulant
It’s important to notice if your dog has a low appetite as it may indicate a deeper problem. Appetite changes can also be connected to less serious problems, such as stress, anxiety, or environmental changes. Our dogs function at their best when they are receiving proper nutrition, so if they aren’t receiving enough nutrition on their own, then you’ll need to help. CBD can be a great way to support your dog’s wellness, which may indirectly support their appetite.
Whether you choose between CBD oil, chews, or treats isn’t necessarily important. It’s important to choose the option that you think your dog will enjoy the most. When first introducing your dog to CBD, it’s important to start with a low dose and monitor their reaction. It’s also crucial to discuss introducing CBD into your dog’s wellness routine with a veterinarian.
