Why does my dog sniff his food and walk away?

Why does my dog sniff his food and walk away?

Sometimes our pups do the most peculiar (and utterly baffling) things!

You might've seen them giving their food bowl a proper dramatic sniff… then swanning off as if they've got far more pressing matters to attend to.

This classic dog sniffing food but not eating behaviour can leave you wondering what on earth's going on.

It can happen for loads of reasons: maybe they're a fussy little devil, feeling stressed, or just not feeling quite right.

Or maybe they're simply distracted by something far more exciting (like that cheeky squirrel in the garden).

If your Fluffy Friend keeps turning their nose up at meal time, don't panic just yet!

We're here to help you work out if it's just a quirky habit or something that needs a bit more attention.

Let's crack on!

The power of a dog's nose: More than just a sniff

A dog's sense of smell is absolutely brilliant!

They've got about 300 million smell sensors (olfactory receptor) in their nose — humans only have about 6 million.

That's like comparing a massive library to a tiny bookshelf!

When dogs sniff their food, they're not just checking if it's tasty.

They can tell:

• What's in the bowl

• If it's fresh or gone off

• Who's touched it

• What's been happening near it today

Super smell and eating habits

Dogs can pick up on even the tiniest scent changes.

A new smell from cleaning products, leftover bits from dinner, or even something you cooked last night might make them hesitate.

Sometimes, their bowls hang onto a smell from old food, and that can put them right off, too.

Jacobson's Organ: a second nose!

Dogs also have a special bit of kit called Jacobson's organ (or the vomeronasal organ) in the roof of their mouth.

This special organ helps them detect pheromones and other subtle scents.

It's like having a second nose inside your dog's mouth!

When your dog sniffs their food, they may be using Jacobson's organ to suss out what's in the bowl.

This could be why they take ages before deciding whether to tuck in.

Related: How to train a dog to stop barking

Dog sniffing food but not eating? Common reasons

Let's solve this mystery together!

Here are the most common reasons why your furry friend might be acting like a fussy food critic.

1. Picky eating, clever tricks, and guarding instincts:

Sometimes dogs sniff their food and walk away because they're picky… and sometimes because they've learnt a few clever tricks!

Fussy eaters: Dogs have favourites too!

Like humans, dogs can develop preferences for certain foods.

Try the following:

• Dry food instead of wet food (or the other way round)
• Try giving chicken flavour instead of beef
• Their food served a certain way

Even small changes in how the food is made can make your fussy eater think, “Hmm, this tastes different. No ta!”

Clever dogs: The "Maybe I'll get something better" trick

Some dogs work out that if they don't eat straight away, their human might give them something much more delicious.

Don't be fooled by those puppy dog eyes and cave in to offering them tasty treats or scraps from your plate.

This can turn into a habit, and your dog might hold out for the "good stuff."

Resource guarding and food aggression: "This is MY food!"

If you've got more than one pet, your dog might be guarding their meal.

They sniff to check if it's safe and make sure no one will nick it.

Sometimes, they wait until things are quiet before eating to avoid the risk of a scrap.

Some dogs may sniff their food as a way to assert dominance, just like them saying, "Mine, mine, ALL MINE!"

2. Environmental changes: How location and scent play a role

A dog's environment can change how they feel about food.

Where their food bowl is, what's going on around them, and even small changes in smell can make a big difference.

Strong smells can be too much

Dogs have absolutely cracking noses.

A smell that seems fine to you (cleaning spray, air fresheners, or even leftover human food) might be way too much for them.

This can make them lose interest in their regular meals.

Too much going on

Dogs like to eat in peace.

Loud noises, people moving about, or eating in a new environment (like a new home or with a new pet) can distract them.

Even a whiff of another dog outside can pull their attention away from their food.

Wrong place, wrong time

Dogs often like their food bowl in the same, safe spot every day.

If you suddenly move it or put it near something they don't like, they may refuse to eat.

These sudden environmental changes (like a new eating place or strange smells) can make them skip meals.

3. Health issues: When your dog doesn't feel right

If your dog always sniffs their food and then walks away, it might be worth seeing if they have underlying health issues.

Dental problems: "Blimey, my teeth hurt!"

Painful teeth or gum disease can make eating uncomfortable.

Check for signs of dental issues if your dog frequently avoids food.

Think about when you had a loose tooth - eating wasn't fun, right?

Dogs feel the same way if they have dental disease!

Tummy troubles: "My stomach feels dodgy"

Sometimes dogs get upset tummies just like people do.

When their belly doesn't feel good, even their favourite food might not seem appealing.

When bending feels rough

Sometimes the problem isn't the chewing - it's the bending.

Older pups or those with achey joints might find it tricky to dip their head all the way down.

In that case, a raised bowl can make mealtime a whole lot more tail-wag-worthy.

Stress: "Anxiety ate my appetite"

When dogs have separation anxiety and feel worried, like when you pop out, they can go into "fight or flight" mode.

Studies show this stress response slows down digestion and switches off hunger until they feel safe again.

So, it's not that they don't like their food… their brain is just too busy missing you to think about eating!

Anxious pups need extra comfort, not just full bowls.

Our What to do if your dog has anxiety: ultimate guide shares simple ways to help them feel calmer and more secure.

Other medical reasons:

A loss of appetite could be because of a health condition.

Look out for other signs of illness and consult a vet if the behaviour persists.

4. Other potential reasons that make dogs say "Not today, thanks"

Scared or worried dogs

Fearful dogs might be hesitant to approach their food and water bowl if they associate it with something negative.

This could be due to a traumatic experience or a fear of loud noises around mealtime.

Maybe the dishwasher is too loud, or they remember when someone accidentally stepped on their tail near their food bowl.

Older dogs

Check it out!

As dogs get older, their sense of smell and appetite can change, making food less exciting.

Sometimes switching up the texture or flavour helps, but comfort matters too!

Bending down to eat can be tricky for senior dogs, so adjustable bowls at the right height can make mealtime much easier on their neck and back.

With a few small changes, your senior dog might start looking forward to their meals again.

Food quality

If the food has gone off or has a dodgy smell, it might be putting your dog off.

Dogs can be very sensitive to changes in the smell and quality of their food.

Related: Dog separation anxiety training: 6 tips that actually work

What you can do: Tips for pet owners

As pet parents, it's important to understand the key thing driving your dog's behaviour.

If your dog keeps sniffing their food and walking away, try this:

• Make mealtime feel safe
• Comfort fearful pups by simply being there with them
• Tempt senior taste buds with a topper of their favourite food (peanut butter always does the trick)
• Consider bowl height - some dogs eat better when their bowl is raised to reduce neck strain
• Check the freshness by storing food properly and watch expiry dates
• Switch it up (gently)

The end!

At the end of the day, every dog has their quirks.

Whether it's sniffing walks around the food bowl or taking their time to eat, these behaviours are what make our four-legged friends so special.

Understanding these habits is the best way to keep your dog healthy and happy.

It also ensures that mealtime is a positive experience for both you and your dog.

If you're interested in trying an adjustable bowl for your pup, click here for more info.