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7 Real Reasons Why Dogs Always Want To Eat (2023)

Why Do Dogs Always Want To Eat

Every step…

Or move you make…

It feels like someone’s watching you.

Sneakily, you open a bag of chips. 

Ah! 

Suddenly, your dog quickly appeared. 

What’s going on? 

Fido ate just a few minutes ago.

So why do they want to eat again?

Continue reading to find out: 

  • 9 dog breeds that tend to be food-obsessed.
  • 5 alarming causes of increased appetite in dogs.
  • 7 real reasons why dogs always want to eat (must-read #1 and #7). 
  • And so much more…

Why do dogs always want to eat – 7 reasons


#1: It’s in their breed

Sometimes…

There are things you just can’t avoid. 

And the same thing applies to your dog’s hunger. 

“What do you mean by that?” 

Apparently, some breeds are just into food more than others. 

Simply put, it’s in their DNA. 

And to give you some ideas, I’m talking about Fidos such as:

  • Pugs.
  • Corgis.
  • Beagles.
  • Retrievers.
  • Elkhounds.
  • Rottweilers.
  • Bull Terriers.
  • Dachshunds.
  • Great Pyrenees.

From these 9 dogs…

Science also reveals: 

23% of Labradors had a genetic mutation

To be specific…

The POMC DNA was missing in these Fidos. 

Now, vets say this gene has a role:

And it’s to make dogs feel full after feeding. 

So without POMC, your furry friends would always want to eat. 

Warning: These Fidos are prone to obesity. Thus, fur parents should control their diet.

#2: Out of boredom

Dogs Always Want To Eat Due To Boredom

Lots of people can relate to this:

For some reason, you just walk to your kitchen…

Then, open the fridge door and see what’s in there. Although you’ve seen it numerous times already. 

Sometimes, you even take a dish out and take a few bites of it.

After that, it got yout thinking:

“Wait. Why am I doing this? I’m just bored.” 

Does that sound familiar? 

Well, your pooch might experience the same thing. 

How so? It’s because…

Dogs feel bored too

Your pooch is a social animal that gets bored, experts say. Especially if they’re a hyperactive Fido

Imagine having so much energy. But you have nothing to use it for… 

Wouldn’t that upset you? 

In this case, dogs would search for things to do. 

And luckily…

They often spot their fur parents in the kitchen. 

“Ah, perfect. Hooman, I’m so bored. What are you doing?”

“Oh, you’re eating? Let me have some too.”

See? That’s what your furry pal probably thinks. 

But this behavior can be harmful if left ignored. 

How so? 

Too much boredom could lead to unwanted habits

That said, AKC says your dog might end up:

Warning: Bored dogs can get depressed as well. So if you notice these signs, start giving your pooch more attention.

Check out also: 9 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Suddenly Being Destructive + Tips

#3: Your dog’s copying you

I’m sure you’ve heard the term copycat before. 

But here’s a fun fact:

Cats aren’t the only ones who could copy…

Dogs can do it too. And they’re typically copying you.

A study also adds:

A fur parent’s habits can influence their pooch. 

So when you’re ready to have your meal…

Your dog thinks they should eat too. 

But of course…

It doesn’t mean Fido’s trying to be more like humans.

Instead, experts say:

Due to domestication, dogs copy their fur parents naturally 

Aside from that…

Canines are social animals too. Thus, it’s natural that they want to be part of a group. 

So when your family or friends gather at the dining table…

Fido might want to feel included. 

With that, they’ll start begging for food. 

But in reality, your furry pal’s not hungry at all. 

#4: Poor diet

Even if you feed your dog on time…

Their diet can still make them feel hungry.

How so? 

Let me give you some examples of a poor diet.

#4.1: Dietary imbalance

Like you, Fido needs balanced meals too. 

So if they lack nutrition… 

Your pooch will actively seek food. 

In some cases, dogs would even start eating grass

To prevent this, ensure that Fido has all they need. So don’t just rely on dog food at all times. 

That said…

Try giving your pooch fruits or veggies too. 

And sometimes…

A bit of fish and meat would also be great for their health.

Tip: If you want the best nutritional plan for Fido, you can consult the vet.

#4.2: Lack of fiber in their diet

Sometimes, dogs need carbs too. 

Specifically, Fido should eat more fiber, a.k.a, roughage. 

Take it from this study stating that fiber can: 

  • Improve digestion.
  • Keep your dog feeling full after a meal.

According to the last one on that list, roughage can help please Fido’s appetite. 

So if your pooch doesn’t get enough fiber…

They might ask for more food than usual.

#4.3: You gave Fido table scraps

Once you taste something better…

You’d prefer that over the same boring flavors, right? 

Well, the same thing applies to your pooch. 

If you gave them a taste of human food, like meat…

It’s natural for them to get excited over it. 

After all, kibbles aren’t even part of their real diet. As wild animals, dogs ate meat. 

And that’s why your pup’s always asking for some of it when you eat.

You might also like: 7 Surprising Reasons Why Dogs Like Human Food 

#5: They’re not getting enough food

They're Not Getting Enough Food

In some cases, the reason’s not that deep…

Your dog might not just be getting enough food. 

“How’s that possible when I feed them properly?” 

I get why you’re confused. So let me explain. 

For one, there might be some food rivalry going on. 

And this applies if you have more dogs at home. These Fidos might steal food from each other. 

Why, you wonder? 

Furry friends want to show dominance. But only with their fellow dogs. Or sometimes, they’re just so obsessed with food.

And this is actually a common issue. 

Especially among puppies or untrained canines. 

Moreover, vets also say:

Some Fidos like stealing food when their fur parents aren’t present

And this shows that your pooch might have this habit. 

But when they do this to their furry siblings…

The other one would remain hungry for not getting enough food. As a result, you might think Fido always wants to eat. 

But the reality is…

They can only eat when you’re there. 

That’s why Fido savors the chance. And they’d gobble up food as much as they could.

Aside from this…

Your pooch might still have a puppy diet 

It’s easy to miss the fact that your fur baby’s growing so fast. 

But as some Fidos get bigger…

They’ll need more food as well. 

“So, how much should I feed my dog?”

Here’s a guide from PetMD

Your dog’s sizeAverage weightDaily food needed
Toy breeds3 to 6 lbs (1.3 to 2.7 kg)⅓ to ½ cup
Small12 to 24 lbs (5.4 to 10 kg)¾ to 1 ⅓ cups
Medium24 to 59 lbs (10 to 26 kg)1 ¾ to 2 ⅔ cups
Large / Giants59 lbs to 100 lbs (26 to 45 kg)3 to 4 ½ cups

Note: This is the estimated amount for fully-grown dogs. If you want a more accurate diet plan, always consult a vet.

That aside…

With this table, Fido can eat as much as they need.

Oh, are you having trouble with a food-stealing pooch? 

Learn how to deal with it from this video: 

#6: Your dog might be pregnant

If your furry friend’s an adult female…

I’ve got some news for you. 

You might be turning into a grand-fur parent soon.

“Wait, my dog’s pregnant?” 

That’s right. It’s possible.

Especially if Fido hasn’t been spayed. 

“How could you be so sure?” 

Here’s what the AKC says: 

Increased appetite is a sign of pregnancy in dogs 

So if she’s gaining more weight and starts to eat more…

Your pooch could be carrying some puppies. 

And for more signs, pay attention to: 

Note: If you’re still uncertain, it’s best to check with an expert. 

“But wait, what if my dog’s spayed?” 

In that case…

Your pooch might think she’s pregnant 

Vets refer to this concern as phantom pregnancy. 

And in some cases, it’s also known as: Pseudopregnancy. 

This condition makes Fido show maternal acts. Even though she’s not pregnant at all. 

And I know that you’re worried. 

But in most cases, this issue goes away by itself. Then your pooch would go back to normal. 

So what can you do while Fido acts like a future mom? 

Just support her like you usually would. 

And feed her like a pregnant pooch needs.

#7: Due to an illness

Let’s say your pooch isn’t acting pregnant…

Or they already have the best, balanced diet. 

So why do they still keep asking for food?

The bad news is…

Your furry pal might be ill. 

That said, VCA hospitals say: 

Increased appetite could be a sign of a disease 

Specifically, the following issues might be the cause: 

  • IBD.
  • Cancer.
  • Diabetes.
  • Pancreatitis.
  • Hyperthyroidism.
  • Cushing’s disease.
  • Worms or parasites.

Warning: These conditions could be fatal to dogs. So, for Fido’s safety, take them to the clinic for a check-up.

Aside from this…

Mental issues can also affect your dog’s appetite.

For example, Fido could be a stress-eater. 

And this is common in humans. 

Some people use food to cope with negative emotions. 

That said, one research found this to be the same for dogs. 

So if Fido’s eating more than usual…

It’s best to seek a professional for advice.