Constant hunger in a dog can signal both physiological and behavioral problems.
It is important for owners to understand the true reasons for their pet’s increased appetite in order to take the necessary measures in time.
Medical reasons
Increased appetite can be a symptom of various diseases. Diabetes, hormonal disorders, thyroid problems often provoke a constant feeling of hunger.
Worm infestations also cause the dog to search for food. If you suspect a disease, consult a veterinarian.
Psychological factors
Dogs experiencing stress or anxiety may compensate for negative emotions by increasing their food intake.
Boredom, lack of physical activity, and lack of attention from the owner can provoke constant requests for food.
Wrong diet
An unbalanced diet forces the dog's body to search for the missing nutrients.
Low-quality food does not provide a long-lasting feeling of satiety. The lack of necessary proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the diet can cause constant hunger.
Feeding regime
Irregular feeding disrupts the animal's eating behavior.
A dog that does not have a clear feeding schedule will try to eat at every opportunity. Long gaps between feedings will increase the feeling of hunger.
Breed characteristics
Some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to increased appetite. Labradors, beagles, cocker spaniels are distinguished by a special love for food.
Owners of these breeds need to pay special attention to portion control.
Behavior modification
It is important not to encourage begging for food at the table. Regular exercise and play will distract the dog from thoughts of food.
Using special feeding toys can slow down the feeding process.
Proper nutrition
The diet should correspond to the age, size and activity of the dog. High-quality dry food or natural balanced nutrition provides long-term satiety.
Portions should be measured according to the recommendations of the food manufacturer or veterinarian.
Preventive measures
Regular deworming prevents parasites. Annual preventive examination by the veterinarian helps to detect health problems at an early stage. Proper physical activity maintains a healthy appetite.
