Why is my dog hungry all the time?
Why many dogs always seem to want food, how to check you're feeding the right amount, and the medical causes of increased appetite that mean your dog should see a vet.
The short answer
Most dogs are naturally food-motivated and will happily eat whenever food is offered, so a dog that always seems hungry may simply be food-motivated rather than hungry. Check you're feeding the right amount for your dog's size and activity. Medical causes of increased appetite include diabetes, Cushing's disease, intestinal worms and some medicines such as steroids. If your dog's appetite changes suddenly, see your vet.
Key considerations
- 01Many dogs will eat whenever food is offered, even when they aren't hungry.
- 02Giving in to begging teaches your dog to keep doing it and can lead to weight gain.
- 03Check you're feeding the right amount for your dog's size, age and activity.
- 04A sudden change in appetite can be a sign of illness. See your vet.
Many dogs seem to be permanently on the lookout for food. They'll find the smallest crumb on a walk and have perfected the hopeful stare at the dinner table. Usually this is normal behaviour, but sometimes a big appetite is a sign that something isn't right.
Why dogs love food so much
Dogs are opportunistic eaters. Their wild ancestors couldn't be sure when their next meal would come, so eating whenever food was available helped them survive. That instinct is still there in pet dogs of every breed.
It also means many dogs don't stop eating when they've had enough. They'll keep going if food is offered, which is one reason dogs are prone to putting on weight.
Begging
If you give in to that hopeful stare and share your food, your dog learns that begging works and will keep doing it. It's best not to give in. Your dog may simply be food-motivated rather than hungry.
Understanding this can help you avoid getting frustrated with begging, or overfeeding your dog.
Are you feeding the right amount?
Check you're feeding the right amount of food for your dog's size, age and activity level, and remember to count treats and table scraps. Feeding guides on food packaging are a starting point, but every dog is different. If you're unsure how much they're eating or how much they need, ask your vet. They can help you work out the right amount and keep your dog at a healthy weight.
Health problems that can increase appetite
If you're feeding the right amount and your dog is still showing signs of increased appetite, or their attitude to food has changed recently, take them to your vet to rule out a medical cause.
Medical causes of increased appetite include diabetes, Cushing's disease, intestinal worms and some medicines such as steroids. If your dog's appetite changes suddenly, see your vet.
Signs to mention to your vet
- eating much more than usual, or suddenly seeming desperate for food
- drinking more or weeing more
- losing weight despite eating well, or gaining weight quickly
- diarrhoea, vomiting or a pot-bellied look
- changes in coat, energy or behaviour
Early diagnosis is important, and many of these conditions can be treated or managed once your vet knows what is going on.
Before you decide
- Do you know how much your dog should be eating each day, including treats?
- Has your dog's appetite or weight changed recently?
- Is your dog taking any medicines that could affect their appetite?
Questions readers ask
Is it normal for my dog to always want food?
Yes, many dogs are naturally food-motivated and will eat whenever food is offered. If your dog's appetite changes suddenly, or they lose weight while eating more, see your vet.
What medical problems make a dog hungry all the time?
Medical causes of increased appetite include diabetes, Cushing's disease, intestinal worms and some medicines such as steroids. Your vet can examine your dog and run tests to find the cause.
Should I feed my dog more if they seem hungry?
Not without checking first. Make sure you're feeding the right amount for your dog's size, age and activity, and ask your vet if you're unsure. Overfeeding can lead to obesity.
Sources: Obesity in dogs
Sources and further reading
- Your dog's diet, PDSA. Accessed
- Obesity in dogs, PDSA. Accessed
About this article
- Written by Mypetzilla Editorial Team
- Published
- Updated
This article is general pet advice, not veterinary or legal advice. If your pet is unwell, speak to a vet.
On Mypetzilla
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