Will a dog let themselves starve out of stubbornness?

Not as such, but I have heard of dogs who feel so uncomfortable after eating that they would rather not eat at all, and that in turn makes them feel even more unwell so the desire to eat is reduced even more and so on.

But if he would take human food that doesn't sound like it's the case.

Remind me what his diet has to include/exclude please?

 

I doubt they would starve out...but they are definitely able to make themselves ill in the process of refusing from food.
That's why getting something down into dogs tummy is become almost a obsession for me too. I'm constantly on a look out and seeing that in their 'silliness' they don't harm themselves.
But I also try to remind myself...'my dog is in ideal weight...there is no immediate panic about it'. Maybe those days when they have good appetite, they top up so much that they feel like having few diet days would no go amiss?
Can you trick him to eat by pretending the plateful of food is yours...and give him something from your hand to kick start his appetite?

 

As dogs (and other mammals) get older their digestive systems become less efficient at drawing nutrients from their food. Plant based enzymes such as YuDigest can be added to their food to help extract some of the nutrients for them. YuDigest is made by Lintbells, they also make YuMove that you may have heard of.

 

What about making bone broth and adding that to his food?

 

No matter how frustrating you find this, remember he is NOT being stubborn. He would like to eat his food too.
Difficult at the moment, but when things are easier, he could do with a full blood panel to check organ function, especially spleen and liver. In the meantime, as you have thought, feed small amounts and a good variety. Fresh food is not a sin, nor is cooking his food if he finds that more appealing. What human food does he enjoy?

 

If he is struggling with protein what about pasta or rice, just to have something in his tummy?

 

Yes, it must be so frustrating. Hang on in there - you are doing your best for him. Is he allowed probiotics?

 

This is so sad! I think you know in your heart he's nor stubborn but struggling too- and since you care so much, so are you. The only experience I've had is a dog that was having chemo- I think he was scared of food making him sick. I sat on the floor with him so often and tried not to weep. You say he will eat 'human food'? Is there anything in this category that doesn't provoke his symptoms?

 

Are you still trying to keep up with the 'usual' meal time regime? If so...I was wondering if instead turning his eating more of 'nibble here and there' kind of dining. Litereally just offering titbits as you walk by and it is taken. All those would amount into steady supply of energy without stressing his tummy as there would not be spikes with the food load.
I bet I'm telling you how to suck eggs..I'm sure everything and anything is now tried and tested & tried again...

 

ETA; Ha! I just realized...I've never written 'titbit' word before! Well well well...my written language 'skills' are still evolving...for some direction...

 

I suspect you will have to find more of the playful discoveries how to fool his senses in future It is what it is and there is not much you can do about it other than get along with it.
It is very trying for you but if you can the find right frame of mind, it just comes kind of routine.
If you drop piece of food on floor 'by accident', is he keen to take it without you noticing it?