It can often be very concerning when our pets do not seem to have a great appetite. However, in some dogs this is very normal. If your dog eats enough to maintain his needs, he may not tend to overeat. There are several things that you might want to consider:

Exactly how much is he eating?

You should measure exactly how much food your dog is eating in a 24-hour period. This will help you determine if he is getting enough.

Remember that what is written on the dog food package is an average.

Many dogs eat much less than what is suggested and are still healthy. Do not panic if your dog only eats 60-70 percent of what is recommended on the package. This is typical for many dogs.

Your dog’s activity level may adjust his appetite.

If your dog is not overly active, he will eat much less than dogs that are jogging every day.

Is your pet skinny?

If your dog is not skinny, then he is getting enough calories. Regardless of what the dog food package says or your friend’s dog eats, the real question is if your dog is skinny. If you can easily see his ribs through his coat, you should consult your veterinarian.

Most of the time switching foods is not the best answer.

It may lead to dogs that become picky and are difficult to feed. If your dog is on a good quality dog food and he is not skinny, I do not recommend switching his food.

However, if your dog is skinny, listless, has a poor hair coat, vomits or otherwise seems to have medical issues, you should definitely consult your veterinarian. He or she will be able to check your dog for any underlying health conditions that would affect appetite, such as dental problems or kidney issues.