Appetite Stimulants for Dogs: From Natural Remedies to Mirtazapine

Clinical context: why “low appetite” is a symptom—not a diagnosis

When owners search for an appetite stimulant for dogs, they’re usually trying to solve a visible problem (their dog won’t eat). Clinically, appetite loss is more like a dashboard warning light: it can come from nausea, pain, dental disease, stress, gastrointestinal inflammation, infection, metabolic disease, or medication effects.

Appetite stimulants can help, but they can also mask a serious underlying cause. The safest approach is a stepwise funnel: start with low-risk fixes, escalate to supportive OTC options, and move to prescription medications when a veterinarian has identified the most likely medical driver.

Common owner mistakes (what derails recovery)

• Chasing appetite without addressing nausea or pain. A dog won’t “choose to eat” through pancreatitis pain or severe nausea.
  
  

• Overusing rich foods and table scraps. This can worsen nausea and diarrhea and may increase pancreatitis risk.
  
  

• Waiting too long because the dog still eats “treats.” Selective eating can still be illness.
  
  

• Using human medications. Many human products are unsafe for dogs or hide red flags.
  
  

The real medical causes behind poor appetite (what you’re actually treating)

An appetite stimulant supports eating, but it doesn’t replace diagnosis. Common drivers include:

• Nausea (often subtle: lip licking, gulping, grass eating, morning bile)
  
  

• Dental pain (kibble refusal, chewing changes, bad breath)
  
  

• GI upset (diet change, parasites, inflammatory bowel issues)
  
  

• Pain elsewhere (arthritis, injury, abdominal pain)
  
  

• Systemic disease (kidney/liver disease, infection, endocrine issues)
  
  

• Stress/anxiety (boarding, new home, routine disruption)
  
  

If the cause is nausea or pain, the “best appetite stimulant” is often treating nausea/pain first, not forcing calories.

Level 1: Natural appetite stimulant tactics (lowest risk, high ROI)

These are appropriate when your dog is stable (no repeated vomiting, no severe lethargy, no bloated abdomen, no obvious pain).

Warm the food (smell drives appetite)

• Warm slightly to release aromas (think “warm, not hot”).
  
  

• Add a splash of warm water to kibble to increase scent and softness.
  
  

Increase palatability without increasing risk

• Use a small amount of a consistent topper (same one each time) rather than rotating options daily.
  
  

• Avoid fatty meats, greasy leftovers, and heavily seasoned foods.
  
  

Broth—only if it’s dog-safe

A little warm broth can help, but only if it’s low sodium and does not contain onion or garlic (common in human broths).

Reduce meal pressure

Offer food for 15–20 minutes, then remove it. Re-offer later. Constant “buffet mode” often trains pickiness.

Level 2: OTC support (toppers and gentle options)

This level is for dogs who are still hesitant after Level 1, but are otherwise stable.

“Toppers” (the controlled approach)

• Choose one topper and keep it consistent for several days.
  
  

• Keep portions small—toppers should stimulate appetite, not replace balanced nutrition.
  
  

What to avoid in OTC land

• High-fat “reward” foods as a daily strategy
  
  

• Frequent diet swaps (this creates GI instability and picky patterns)
  
  

• Any supplement making medical claims without clear veterinary guidance
  
  

If appetite has dropped because of nausea, toppers may fail—because the problem isn’t flavor, it’s queasiness.

Level 3: Prescription appetite stimulants (vet-guided escalation)

Prescription options make sense when the dog is not meeting calorie needs, has ongoing inappetence, or has a medical condition where eating is essential for recovery.

Entyce (capromorelin)

Entyce is an FDA-approved appetite stimulant for dogs (capromorelin oral solution).
Commonly reported adverse effects include GI upset (like vomiting/diarrhea), increased thirst/urination, and drooling.

Mirtazapine (commonly used under veterinary direction)

Mirtazapine is used in veterinary medicine for inappetence and can also help with nausea in some cases.
It requires careful case selection because interactions with other serotonergic drugs can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, and side effects can occur.

Key clinical principle: prescription appetite stimulants are not “stronger treats.” They’re medical tools chosen based on the likely cause, current meds, and the dog’s risk profile.

Red flags and timing rules (when to stop home tactics)

Use these rules to prevent dangerous delay:

Same-day veterinary evaluation (do not wait)

• Repeated vomiting or inability to keep water down
  
  

• Bloated abdomen, severe restlessness, or unproductive retching
  
  

• Marked lethargy, collapse, pale gums
  
  

• Obvious abdominal pain, crying, or a tense “guarded” belly
  
  

• Black/tarry stool or blood in vomit/stool
  
  

The 24-hour rule (adult dogs)

If an adult dog eats almost nothing for 24 hours, it’s time for a veterinary assessment—especially if the change is sudden.

The 12-hour rule (puppies, seniors, small dogs, chronic disease)

Smaller or medically fragile dogs can deteriorate faster. If appetite drops sharply, escalate sooner.

Associated factors (nutrition, stress, pain, routine)

• Pain changes eating. Dental pain and arthritis commonly reduce appetite.
  
  

• Stress suppresses hunger. New environments, travel, schedule shifts.
  
  

• Diet chaos creates GI chaos. Constant switches can create nausea and diarrhea, making appetite worse.
  
  

The fastest path back to reliable eating is usually: stability + targeted medicine (when needed).

Schedule a RexVet appointment to discuss prescription appetite stimulants.
If Level 1–2 steps aren’t working, a veterinarian can assess likely causes (pain vs nausea vs disease), review current medications, and prescribe the safest option—such as Entyce or mirtazapine—when appropriate.