Dog Not Eating and Stomach Gurgling (Explained)

1. Gastrointestinal Upset or Indigestion

The most common reason for a dog not eating and experiencing stomach gurgling is simple gastrointestinal upset. This can be due to:

• Eating spoiled food

• Ingesting foreign objects

• Eating too quickly

• Sudden changes in diet

These situations can irritate the stomach lining and intestines, causing your dog to lose appetite while the digestive system becomes noisy and active in response to the upset.

What to watch for: Mild vomiting, loose stools, lip licking, grass eating, or frequent swallowing.

Related: Dog not eating and stomach making noises (Here’s why)

2. Dietary Changes or Food Intolerance

Switching your dog’s food too quickly can shock their digestive system.

Dogs can also develop food sensitivities or allergies, especially to common proteins like chicken or beef.

Food intolerance can lead to inflammation in the gut, which contributes to stomach gurgling and reduced appetite.

Always transition to new food gradually over 7–10 days to allow your dog’s system to adjust.

3. Gastritis or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or chronic intestinal inflammation (IBD) can cause gurgling sounds and appetite loss in dogs.

These conditions may also lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss if left untreated.

Dogs with IBD often display intermittent symptoms, making it important to track when the dog is not eating and stomach gurgling becomes a pattern.

4. Empty Stomach or Hunger Pangs

Ironically, stomach gurgling in dogs can be louder when they haven’t eaten for a while.

The digestive system continues to contract and move air through the intestines, causing those rumbling sounds.

If your dog skips a meal or eats irregularly, their stomach may gurgle simply due to hunger—but when this is paired with refusal to eat, it may indicate nausea or mild stomach discomfort preventing them from eating.

5. Parasites or Intestinal Worms

Dogs infected with intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, or giardia may experience:

• Lack of appetite

• Abdominal discomfort

• Excessive stomach noise

• Weight loss

• Diarrhea or bloating

These parasites interfere with nutrient absorption and cause inflammation in the gut, leading to both dog not eating and stomach gurgling.

Related: Dog not eating and lethargic (Here’s why)

6. Nausea or Vomiting

When a dog feels nauseous, they’ll often refuse food.

If their stomach is also gurgling, this could indicate an impending episode of vomiting or general digestive distress.

Common signs of nausea in dogs include:

• Drooling

• Licking lips

• Eating grass

• Pacing

• Whining

Nausea can be triggered by motion sickness, toxins, or systemic illness.

7. Stress or Anxiety

Dogs are sensitive to changes in their environment, and stress can wreak havoc on their digestive system. Common stressors include:

• Moving to a new home

• Boarding or kennel stays

• Loud noises (fireworks, storms)

• New people or pets

When anxious, a dog may refuse to eat and have increased gut motility, leading to stomach gurgling. This is often part of the “fight or flight” physiological response.

8. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It often presents as:

• Dog not eating

• Stomach gurgling

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Abdominal pain

This condition is often triggered by fatty meals, toxins, or certain medications.

If your dog has a painful abdomen and refuses to eat, get veterinary help right away.

9. Toxin Ingestion

If your dog consumed something toxic—like chocolate, xylitol, grapes, or certain medications—this can irritate the stomach lining and intestines, causing immediate loss of appetite and loud gurgling.

Toxins often lead to rapid-onset symptoms such as:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Shaking

• Weakness

• Pale gums

Don’t delay if you suspect poisoning—seek emergency veterinary attention.

10. Serious Illnesses (Kidney or Liver Disease)

Dogs with chronic illnesses like liver disease, kidney failure, or cancer may show vague symptoms like poor appetite and gastrointestinal noises.

These conditions affect how the body processes food and toxins, leading to:

• Nausea

• Stomach upset

• Discomfort after eating

This makes dog not eating and stomach gurgling potentially a sign of systemic disease.

What To Do If Your Dog Is Not Eating and Their Stomach Is Gurgling

Here are steps you can take based on your dog’s condition:

Step 1: Observe and Record

• Monitor how long your dog has gone without eating.

• Listen to the frequency and intensity of stomach gurgles.

• Look for other symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy).

• Note any recent changes in diet, routine, or environment.

Step 2: Offer Bland Food

If your dog has skipped one or two meals but seems otherwise okay, try offering:

• Boiled chicken and white rice

• Plain canned pumpkin (for fiber)

• A small portion of boiled ground turkey

If your dog eats and perks up, the issue may be mild indigestion.

Step 3: Keep Them Hydrated

A dog not eating and showing signs of nausea or gastrointestinal noise can quickly become dehydrated.

Encourage small sips of water or offer ice cubes if they’re reluctant.

Step 4: When to See the Vet

Seek veterinary help if:

• Your dog hasn’t eaten for more than 24 hours

• They’re vomiting persistently

• They show signs of pain or bloating

• There’s blood in vomit or stool

• They’re a puppy, senior, or have a pre-existing condition

Prompt diagnosis can help rule out serious problems like obstruction, pancreatitis, or infections.

Key Takeaway

If your dog is not eating and stomach gurgling is present, it’s typically a sign that something’s off in the digestive system.

While some causes are mild and resolve on their own (like hunger or minor stomach upset), others—like parasites, pancreatitis, or toxin ingestion—require veterinary attention.

Always pay attention to accompanying symptoms and duration.

Offering bland food and monitoring water intake can help in mild cases, but persistent or worsening symptoms should never be ignored.

By acting early and understanding the causes, you can help your dog recover faster and keep their digestive health in check.