Help! My Dog Doesn’t Want to Eat Her Food! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“I have a 16 month old Yorkie, Bailey, who likes to chew which is fine with me as her teeth are very clean. However, after just 2 short sessions with a collagen stick she didn’t want to eat her food and instead was searching all over the place where I had put the collagen stick up out of sight. Thoughts on collagen sticks versus bully sticks and addiction? Thank you! Love this site!“ – Diene
Quick Info about Bailey
Thanks for loving Dogster, Diene!
Chewing is a very natural behavior for a young dog like Bailey, especially at 16 months of age, when many dogs still have a strong instinct to gnaw and explore with their mouths. Chewing works almost like a calming activity for the canine brain. It releases soothing neurochemicals and satisfies an instinct that wild canids use when consuming prey. Because of this, dogs often become very motivated to continue chewing items that are flavorful and long-lasting. When Bailey searched the house for the collagen stick, she was most likely following the scent and remembering the rewarding experience she had earlier. This enthusiasm can look intense, but it is not considered an addiction. Dogs do not develop food addiction in the medical sense, although highly palatable chews can temporarily become very exciting to them.
Collagen sticks and bully sticks are both animal-derived chews and generally considered safer alternatives to traditional rawhide products. Collagen sticks come from the dermal layer of beef skin and are rich in structural proteins like collagen and elastin. As a dog chews, the material slowly softens and breaks down. Bully sticks are made from dried bull pizzle, which is the penile muscle tissue of cattle, and they are naturally high in protein. This rich protein content and natural aroma make them very appealing to many dogs. One advantage of both options is that they are typically processed without preservatives or chemical treatments, unlike many rawhide chews that may undergo heavy processing and bleaching. This simpler processing tends to make collagen and bully sticks easier for the digestive system to handle when they are given in appropriate portions. Because bully sticks are dense and very palatable, it is best to offer them in moderation and always under supervision. As the chew becomes smaller, there is a potential choking risk if a dog attempts to swallow the final piece, so removing the last portion is a sensible precaution.
The reaction you noticed with Bailey not wanting her meal likely reflects anticipation rather than a problem with the chew itself. When a dog experiences something very tasty, the brain can briefly prioritize that reward over routine food, much like a child who suddenly loses interest in dinner after discovering dessert. A helpful strategy is to offer chews after Bailey finishes her regular meal so her normal nutrition remains the priority. Limiting chew sessions to a short, supervised period also helps keep the item special without allowing it to overshadow her daily diet. When used this way, natural chews like collagen or bully sticks can support dental health by mechanically reducing plaque while also providing healthy mental enrichment for an active young dog. So just be wise about how they are offered and supervised. I hope this helps.
Dr. Paola