Why is my dog always hungry

For many dogs, food can simply be a tool for motivation or a handy training tactic, but for some, an increased appetite can be a sign of health concerns and shouldn’t be ignored.

There may be many reasons why your dog is hungry, so it is worthwhile to consider all the options. If, for example, you have a rescue dog, they may have lived in a home where they were deprived of food. On the other hand, some breeds have more energy and therefore, require more fuel. It is important to understand your dog, their breed, and their needs, to ensure the right amount of food is given, to avoid health issues, obesity, or malnourishment.

Content

Visit the vet for a check-up
Consider the size and breed of your dog
Cut down on treats
Observe your dog at dinner time
What can I give my dog to make them feel full?

Visit the vet for a check-up

If you have genuine concerns, perhaps a check-up at the vet is the first best practice. The vet will be able to tell you more about the breed, what your dog needs, check your dog's weight, and determine if there are any health conditions you should be worried about. They can then provide you with advice to adjust your dog's diet accordingly.

Consider the size and breed of your dog

There are many guidelines out there that can help guide you with the correct amount of food for your dog. Different breeds have different requirements, but so do differently sized and aged dogs. The weight of your dog is also an important factor, as although it might be a “small” dog, its weight might fit into the “medium” category. There is not a one size fits all approach to feeding. It is important to do your research to ensure you are offering your dog the right amount of food, with the right amount of nutrients to satisfy their hunger.

Cut down on treats

It may seem counterintuitive to cut down on food when your dog is hungry, but on some occasions, begging for treats is a learned behaviour. If you give your dog treats often, it might be a good idea to slowly cut them down and instead reward your dog with something else, for example with praise, play, a toy, or a cuddle. This can help eliminate that behaviour, as well as determine if they are hungry, or just like to beg for treats.

Observe your dog at dinner time

A simple tip which could reveal a lot about your dog is that they can be prone to burying or hiding their food. This could mean that their hunger increases throughout the day, even though you think they have eaten. It is especially important to observe your dog eating its food if you have more than one pet in the house. This is because when there is more than one, the dominant pet of the household may be eating the other's food without you realising!

What can I give my dog to make them feel full?

To ensure your dog is satisfied at mealtimes, ensure you first research the best diet for your dog’s type, age, size, and weight. This is to ensure you are giving them enough food to curb hunger and keep their energy high. You will also need to consider the activity levels of your pet too, as if they are a working dog and spend 12 or more hours on a farm, their requirements will differ.

Lastly, ensure that the food you give your dog is high quality and packed with nutrition that they enjoy eating. This will ensure they stay happy, healthy, and fuller for longer. To find the right food for your dog, make sure to have a browse through our wide range of delicious recipes.