Dog or Cat won’t eat

It can be due to bacteria, mold, mites, rancid fats, or mycotoxins and aflatoxins.

If your dog or cats stops eating don't automatically assume they are holding out for “human food” or something better. (I share almost everything I eat with my dogs' as long as it is safe and they do not have a food intolerance / sensitivity to it.) Your animals may have refused to eat due to an infestation of mites, or the presence of bacteria, mold, or rancid fats so don’t start by trying to dress the food up to make it more appetizing.  

I’m certain there was more than one person who continued to entice their dog to eat tainted food (unknowingly) in 2007 after Chinese suppliers intentionally adulterated wheat gluten with two non-food compounds, melamine and cyanuric acid. These additions increased the nitrogen content of the food making the wheat gluten appear to have a higher protein content. This resulted in kidney damage in thousands of cats and dogs that were sickened or died. [2]

Another serious concern is the presence of mycotoxins/aflatoxins. “A second type of contamination that can affect processed foods, most specifically dry, extruded foods that contain plant ingredients, is aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by the mold Aflatoxin flavis that has varying degrees of toxicity to mammals and birds. Dogs and cats are highly sensitive to aflatoxin. The consumption of a pet food that contains aflatoxin leads to liver failure within days, which is often irreversible and fatal.” [2] Molds produce the toxin aflatoxins which can contaminate plants due to wet weather, insect damage and inadequate storage. “It is known to develop in humid climates, where grain-based foods are more likely to be exposed to moisture. “ [4] “It is known that occasional outbreaks have occurred due to contaminated grains being used in the production of commercial dog foods.” [4]

“Dogs that have survived consumed a smaller amount of the food than dogs that died, Center said. "Some dogs were stealing food from the kitchen counter. Others just stopped eating the food and begged for treats. Unfortunately, some owners used gravy and other mixers to entice their dogs to consume what they thought was safe, quality dog food."“ [1]

Petfoods with plant-derived proteins may also contain more harmful toxins than petfoods with traditional fish and meat proteins, according to new research from the University of Guelph.” …“Smith says pet owners can minimize the risk of mycotoxins by avoiding cheaper petfoods that are more likely to contain vegetable cereals and corn or wheat fillers, and specifically, those with large amounts of rice bran.” [3]

Offer your dog or cat something else to eat. If he or she eats the new food you offered, there may be a problem with the food you've been feeding. If your dog is refusing something else tasty you offered, they may not be feeling well. For a healthy adult dog there is no harm in them fasting for a day, in fact it is recommended by many veterinarians. But if you have a puppy, diabetic dog, unhealthy senior dog, or cat contact your veterinarian.

Make sure you are storing your pet food properly!

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