Why Your Dog Acts Hungry All The Time

Does your dog act like they are starving even shortly after eating a whole meal? You are not alone. Many dogs behave like their stomach is a bottomless pit. A Veterinarian and Dog Trainer, Dr. Jules Benson, gave some possible explanations to help dog parents understand their dog’s seemingly insatiable appetite.

Dr. Benson, the VP of Veterinary Services at Petplan Pet Insurance, explained that the behavior could be due to their wild ancestry or a warning sign of an underlying illness, such as diabetes or Cushing’s disease.

“Looking at the domestic dog’s nearest wild relative, the grey wolf, they are adapted to a feast-or-famine diet and can go many days without fresh prey,” Dr. Benson explains. Adding that, “they achieve this through eating large amounts when food is available.” So your dog may eat whenever you offer food, even if they are not hungry, to survive if you stop feeding them.

It is also possible that your dog behaves in that manner due to health issues. Certain diseases can cause increased appetite in dogs. They include diabetes, Cushing’s disease, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), and any disease where a dog can’t properly absorb the nutrients in their food.

If your dog has an insatiable appetite, you should consult your veterinarian to ensure it is not a result of an underlying health concern.