Why is my dog always hungry?

Quick takeaways about dogs and excessive hunger

• Lots of dogs seem like they’re always hungry, and in many cases, it’s normal.
• But, sometimes, excessive hunger could be a sign of a health issue.
• If your dog is healthy, you can help them feel full and train them to stop begging.

 

We’ve all seen those big puppy eyes before – while opening a snack or cooking some food. They can be hard to ignore.

But is your dog begging for food too often? Excessive appetite – vets call it polyphagia or hyperphagia – is common in dogs.

“It can be perfectly normal; many dogs are very interested in food because they have higher hunger levels,” says our in-house veterinary nurse, Melanie Sainsbury.

But, an increase in appetite can indicate an underlying health issue. Here, we explain why some dogs are always hungry when you should worry and what to do about it.

We also share some tips on how to help your pooch feel full for longer and how to teach them to stop begging.

 

Why is my dog always hungry?

There are many reasons why a dog feels hungry all the time.

 

1. Genetics

According to new research, some dogs carry a variant of a gene called POMC, which influences their hunger and fullness cues and reduces the amount of calories they burn at rest.

These unlucky dogs can have a bigger appetite and can easily become overweight.

Some breeds are more likely to carry the gene. These include:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Pugs
• Beagles
• Cocker Spaniels
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Flat-coated Retrievers.

According to the study, 1 in 4 Labs and over half of Flat-coated Retriever dogs have the mutation.

 

2. Their neuter status

Some dogs feel hungrier after being neutered. The loss of reproductive hormones can alter appetite.

 

3. Stress or boredom

Some dogs become more food-focused when they’re stressed or bored.

“If you keep your dog mentally stimulated and active every day, they’re less likely to abnormally obsess over food,” says Melanie.

Take them on regular walks, try obedience sessions, agility or trick training classes and don’t forget to dial up the play – from tug of war to hiding treats around the house

 

4. Activity levels

An active dog who does a lot of exercise will feel hungrier and need to eat more calories to maintain their weight.

Up your dog’s portions on days when you take them on a hike or run. Read your dog food packaging to calculate the correct amount.

 

5. Personality

Dogs are unique and have different personalities. “Some are fussy eaters who spit out the most expensive treats, while others scoop up anything they find on the floor,” says Melanie.

Your dog might just enjoy food a lot.

 

6. Learnt behaviour

Dogs are clever – they can train us to give them treats or share human food.

They either beg with their irresistible puppy eyes or perform a behaviour we’ve rewarded with food before.

If this is the case, your pooch might not be hungry. They might just fancy a snack.

 

7. Meal sizes and content

You could be accidentally underfeeding your dog, especially if they’re active.

Check that you’re giving your pooch the right amount of food. The recommended quantities are on the packaging. You can also check out our raw food calculator.

 

8. Medication

“Some medicines, like steroids, can make your dog feel hungrier,” says Melanie. “The issue usually stops once you stop giving them the medicine but always check with your vet as some medicines need to be tapered slowly rather than stopping abruptly.”

 

9. Health issues

An increase in hunger can be a sign of a health problem due to:

• Parasites that stop nutrient absorption, like worms
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Thyroid problems
• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Pancreas problems.

It can also be one of the signs of certain types of cancer. So, it’s always a good idea to check any appetite changes with your vet.

 

Should I be worried if my dog is always hungry?

Lots of different factors could cause excessive hunger, like learnt behaviour and genetics.

But sometimes, it can be a sign of something more worrying. If you suspect something is wrong with your dog, visit the vet as soon as you can.

 

What worrying symptoms should I look out for?

Pay attention to these symptoms:

• Sudden change in appetite
• Weight gain or loss
• Changes in body shape, like growing a potbelly
• Feeling thirsty and peeing more
• Vomiting, diarrhoea or upset stomach
• Eating objects, like toys and blankets.

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, visit the vet immediately.

 

How to deal with a very hungry dog

If you think your dog’s hunger is natural and your vet isn’t worried, there are many ways to help them deal with it.

Melanie shares her top tips:

• Stick with the amounts recommended on food packaging to maintain a healthy weight
• If you’ve accidentally been overfeeding your dog, reduce the amount over a few days
• Choose high-protein and fibre-inclusive raw food – it’s more filling
• Have fresh water always available
• Spread their daily food intake into 2 or 3 portions to help them stay full
• Try and extend their feeding times by using a slow bowl or food-rewarding toy such as a Kong
• If you give your dog treats or bones, reduce their meal portions to keep calories consistent
• Take them on regular walks and play with them to keep stress and boredom at bay.

 

How to stop a dog from begging

There are 3 main methods to teach your dog not to beg for food – according to Melanie:

 

1. Ignore them

When your dog begs, don’t look at them, speak to them or shush them.

Eat your snack or meal without acknowledging them.

This method might take some time to work, but if you’re consistent, your dog will eventually stop begging.

 

2. Teach them an alternative behaviour

If your dog tries to attract your attention by placing their head on your leg, ask them to do something else.

First, teach them a command, like ‘go to bed’. Once they know how to do it, use the command whenever they beg.

If your dog always begs at meal times, you can ask them to ‘go to bed’ before you serve a meal. They will learn that this is their place at human meal times.

Try and give them something to keep them occupied while you eat too, such as a stuffed Kong toy or healthy chew.

 

3. Change their meal routine

If your dog begs for food when you sit down to eat, change their meal routine so you’re eating at the same time.

Use a snuffle mat or slow feeder to pace them.

 

The bottom line

Many dogs always feel hungry, and in many cases, this is just part of their personality, behaviour, or genetics.

If your pooch has always been interested in food, pay attention to their food intake to avoid weight gain and mention it to the vet at your next check-up.

But if excessive hunger starts suddenly, it might be a sign of a health issue. Visit the vet as soon as possible.

 

Dogs and excessive hunger FAQs

Why is my female dog always hungry?

Female dogs can be hungrier because of the following:

• A change in hormones due to spaying
• Genetics
• Stress or boredom
• Learnt behaviour
• Underlying health conditions like diabetes
• A low-protein diet.

Speak to your vet if you’re concerned.

 

Why does my dog eat like they’re starving?

Many dogs eat fast! You might want to try a slow feeder to help them slow down.

It might be that you’re underfeeding your dog, so always check the recommended amounts on their food packaging. If you’re feeding Natures Menu raw, here’s our raw feeding calculator.

Your dog might also feel anxious about food or have a health issue. If you’re worried, it’s always worth checking your dog is okay with a vet.

 

Do dogs eat more as they get older?

Yes, some dogs get hungrier as they grow older, so this might not be anything to worry about. However, if your dog’s appetite suddenly changes, it’s a good idea to seek expert advice.

 

My old dog is always hungry – what should I do?

If the vet has ruled out any health concerns, stick with the recommended amounts on the dog food packaging.

“Divide the amount over 2 or 3 meals to help your dog stay full throughout the day and slow down mealtimes by using toys, slow bowls or even just sprinkling their food in the garden or yard for them to sniff out,” says Melanie.

 

Why is my dog begging for food all of a sudden?

If your dog’s appetite has suddenly increased, visit the vet. They might have a health problem.

   
Try a personalised meal plan with quality, natural, raw ingredients to help keep your dog healthy and happy.