Henlo you good-looking hooman! My name is Loki, and I’m your fren for today.
Petya asked for my help. She said most hoomans are curious why their Husky is always hungry. So I came.
I eat a lot too just like your doggo, you know.
And I’m pretty sure one of the reasons why your Husky is always hungry was because of you.
It’s the same reason why I devour food more than I’m capable of having.
Do you want to know why you’re one of the reasons?
Don’t worry, Petya will take you from here.
Keep reading to find out:
- Why your Husky is always hungry and the two common situations.
- These 7 reasons why your Husky is devouring substantial amounts of food.
- The 7 tips and methods on how to handle your Husky when they’re always hungry.
- And many more…
Table of contents
Why is my Husky always hungry?
Your Husky is always hungry because they may be a senior Husky or still a puppy. Others may suffer from medical conditions such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel problem, and even intestinal cancer. But sometimes, the reason they’re always hungry is just because they are spoiled.
Common situations:
7 reasons your Husky is always hungry
#1: Your Husky is already a big ol’ doggo
Big ol’ doggo is a doggo lingo for senior canines.
As your Husky gets old, they will experience certain discomforts just like older humans do.
It will be difficult for them to go to high furniture. This includes stairs and slippery floors. Plus, they may need certain medications to ease their discomforts.
Mental and physical signs of aging Huskies:
- House soiling.
- Horrible breath.
- Increased anxiety.
- A change in weight.
- New lumps and bumps.
- Confusion and disorientation.
- Marked change in activity level.
- Cloudy eyes or difficulty seeing.
- Incontinence or difficulty “going”
- Fear of familiar people or objects.
- Increased barking and vocalization.
- Repetitive or compulsive behaviors.
- Slowing down or difficulty getting around.
- Forgetting commands and cues that they once knew.
- Changes in the sleeping-waking cycle (restlessness or pacing at night).
As they age, you think that their appetite is not big. Compared when they’re still at their younger age. But what’s shocking is that some senior Huskies are eating way too much.
A big ol’ doggo may eat a lot because of some medications they’re taking. Some meds have this kind of side effect in senior Huskies.
#2: They have diabetes
According to AKC, diabetes occurs in two forms for canines. One of which is insulin deficiency. And the other one is insulin resistance.
Insulin deficiency is when the body of your Husky stops producing enough insulin. Insulin resistance is when the cells in your Husky’s body can’t use the produced insulin.
Your Husky has diabetes mellitus when either of the two happens.
Signs and symptoms of type 1 and 2 diabetes:
- Fatigue.
- Irritability.
- Blurred vision.
- Increased thirst.
- Extreme hunger.
- Frequent urination.
- Slow-healing sores.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Presence of ketones in the urine.
- Frequent infections such as skin, vaginal, and gum infections.
As you can see, diabetes can cause extreme hunger in your Husky. So the next time you see your fur baby eats a lot, better have them checked.
#3: Your Husky might have hyperthyroidism
Your Husky might feel hungry all the time because of hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism happens when the body of your Husky produces too much of the thyroid hormone. This illness is very common in cats, and very rare in dogs. But it’s severe if it affects your Husky.
Your Husky’s metabolic rate will increase too much, which puts your fur baby in a dangerous situation.
Hyperthyroidism is widespread in certain breeds.
Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Huskies (Malamutes) are a few of the unfortunate breeds that carry an increased risk of thyroid cancer, according to a study.
Thyroid cancer or thyroid carcinoma is the primary cause of hyperthyroidism. This type of cancer develops in middle-aged and older canines. Around 9 years old and more.
Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism in Husky includes:
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Weight loss.
- Heart murmurs.
- Hyperexcitability.
- Increased appetite.
- Increased urination.
- Congestive heart failure.
- Increased amount of stool.
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate).
- Enlargement of thyroid gland.
- Cardiomegaly (enlarged heart).
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath).
- Excessive thirst or excess drinking.
Almost all Husky parents treat their dog as if it’s their actual child. So it’s normal to feel worried after reading the first part of this section. Because it sounds so serious.
Hyperthyroidism is the second most serious reason Huskies are always hungry. But don’t jump into conclusion. It doesn’t mean that your Husky has it.
Later, you will learn what is the best thing you can do if you suspect your Husky has this kind of illness.
#4: Inflammatory bowel problem
Inflammatory bowel disorder or IBD is one reason Huskies eat a lot.
I know that these reasons you’re reading right now might overwhelm you. But I promise you, I didn’t write this article to scare you.
Knowledge is power. The better you’re informed, the sooner you’ll be able to spot anything that’s wrong with your Husky
A canine inflammatory bowel disorder is a condition in which your fur baby’s digestive tract or intestine becomes inflamed time and time again. It damages the lining of their intestines in a way that prevents your Husky’s food from digesting well.
One thing to remember, IBD and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) have similar symptoms.
The difference between the two is physical abnormality causes IBD like an overgrowth of abnormal inflammatory cells. While infection, stress, and changes in diet causes IBS. To the greatest extent affects the large intestines.
VCA Hospitals points out that IBD is a syndrome rather than a disease. A specific reaction to chronic irritation of the intestinal tract causes it.
Most Husky with IBD have a history of recurring or persistent vomiting or diarrhea. They may have a poor appetite because of this.
Other Husky may devour significant quantities of food. They’re doing this as a response to being incapable of digesting and absorbing the food they’re eating.
#5: Your dog is suffering from intestinal cancer
Majority of canines with intestinal tumors are middle to older-aged doggos. It’s more likely to develop in male dogs. The good thing is, intestinal cancer is uncommon in canines.
Signs and symptoms of intestinal cancer are:
- Weight loss.
- Abdominal pain.
- Decreased appetite.
- Increased respiratory rate.
- Urinating or defecating indoors.
- Excessive licking or scratching.
- Decreased activity and socialization.
- Lethargy or the unwillingness to move.
- Black stool sign of an ulcerated stomach tumor.
- Vocalization like growling, whining, howling, etc.
- Yelping, snapping or running away when touched.
- Drooling or excessive salivation (symptom of nausea).
- Vomiting that appears blood tinged or resembles coffee ground (condition progresses).
I know, I know. After reading the signs and symptoms makes you question why it’s included on the reasons Husky is always hungry. But hear me out.
Cancers (like this one) can sometimes cause Huskies to eat more than normal. There are some cancers that consume a lot of calories. Thus, increasing your Husky’s appetite.
#6: Your Husky is still a puppy
Puppies eat a number because they’re still growing. They need all the nutrients they can get. Plus, they’re still exploring new kinds of smell and taste.
I have a friend who got a new Husky puppy. It amazed her at how her fur baby eats a lot. It can devour a significant amount of food, more than her Husky’s stomach supposed to handle.
She always laughs every time she sees the way her little Husky eats. A few weeks later, she worried. So she asked their vet.
She was told that it’s common for most puppies to eat a lot because they’re still small. And in their growing phase.
That’s why it’s necessary to know the proper way to feed your pup. Especially how much and how often. Their needs differ from an adult Husky.
Number of feeding needed based on their age:
- 2 to 3 months – 4 meals a day.
- 3 to 6 months – 3 meals a day.
- 6 to 12 months – 2 meals a day (up to 24 months for the largest breeds).
Husky puppies can wean from milk (mothers’ or substitute) between 3 to 4 weeks of age.
Read also: 7 Reasons Why Your Husky Eats Dirt + 3 Tips To Stop It
#7: You’re the reason
Study shows humans and dogs developed a strong emotional bond. Because of this, dog parents seek ways in improving the health, longevity, and quality of life of their canines. But sometimes, you give too much love to your fur baby.
I know you love your Husky that much. But spoiling them that way will somehow endanger your dog.
If you feed them more often, you’re indeed training them to become gluttonous with their food.
If you want to spoil them, you can do so by giving them more attention and interaction. You can also give unlimited cuddles. But then again, giving too much of everything is not good for both of you.
7 tips on what to do if your Husky is always hungry
#1: Ask for veterinary help
There are two types of Husky parents. One who worries a lot and thinks every unusual behavior of their Husky means a trip to the vet. The second type almost always thinks that their fur baby has the strongest immune system of its kind.
Asking for veterinary help is important. It helps you become aware if they have any underlying conditions. This way, you’ll know what’s the best option you have to address this type of condition.
It is necessary to visit the vet every 6 months or twice a year to make sure that they live a healthier, happier, and long life.
The good thing about it is it would be easier for them to detect any kinds of diseases that your Husky has. Especially if it’s cancer. Your veterinarian can treat your Husky earlier.
If your vet can handle your Husky’s disease at the first stage, you can have a better option on how to manage your fur baby’s medication. And you can change some of their lifestyle as early as possible.
Huskies have a higher chance of surviving any medical conditions they have.
Necessary routine test to keep your Husky healthy:
- Fecal examination to identify intestinal worms.
- Blood work reveals a lot of precursors to illness and diseases.
- Urinalysis helps in gathering information regarding the urinary tract.
- Heartworm test ensuring they’re negative and free from deadly parasites.
Reading tip: 11 Reasons Why Your Husky Eats Rocks + 9 Tips To Stop It
#2: Know when to give treats
Spoiling your Husky is normal. But make sure you’re not overdoing it. Giving them unlimited treats just to see those tail wags, and happy eyes are not good ideas after all.
You can use treats as a reward if they do something that pleases you. Like peeing in their pee pads or soiling in their potty tray.
This way, you’ll be able to control their food consumption. Plus, you will train them how and when is the right time to eat.
Giving too many treats is not good for them. Because aside from developing gluttony, treats are unhealthy for them. They’re like junk foods for kids.
If you don’t want any complications from your Husky, then you should refrain yourself from giving them so many treats.
#3: Don’t assume
Humans assume certain things or events. And most likely, those assumptions are wrong.
If your Husky (Siberian or Alaskan) is always hungry, don’t speculate that they just love eating a lot. You must not conclude that they already have severe medical conditions.
It’s always better to always refer to tip number one.
#4: Fiber pack food
Fiber rich food solves stop your Husky from eating too much. Since it goes through the body undigested. It also helps in preventing your Husky from getting fat.
Safe veggies for Huskies:
- Kale.
- Peas.
- Beets.
- Celery.
- Lettuce.
- Carrots.
- Spinach.
- Broccoli.
- Zucchini.
- Pumpkins.
- Cabbages.
- Cucumber.
- Cauliflower.
- Asparagus.
- Green beans.
- Brussel sprouts.
- Sweet Potatoes.
Benefits of eating these veggies:
- Ease diarrhea.
- Promote hydration.
- Reduce body weight.
- Strong immune system.
- Keep the coat shiny and good quality.
- Improve eyes, heart, and lungs for health.
- Help improve intestinal health (especially Huskies with digestive problems).
If you’re feeding your Husky with asparagus, make sure not to include its leaves. It’s not good for your dog.
Letting your Husky eat fiber will help them minimize their behavior in eating too much. Remember to not give them the whole veggie. You must cut the veggies into bite-size to avoid your dog from choking.
You can give it to them raw or cooked. Some veggies hold more nutritional value when steamed or boiled rather than roasted. But you must serve cucumbers raw.
Note: Give only a few fibers and don’t feed it to them every day. You must not force your Husky to eat fiber if they don’t love veggies at all. Try other tips on this article instead.
#5. Feed more with smaller portion
As I’ve mentioned in reason #6 about a friend of mine who has a dog who loves to devour food. The advice she got from their vet is to feed her canine more. But only with a smaller portion.
She followed the advice. And it works. Her fur baby no longer eats a lot. It only eats more often.
Example: if your Husky is still a pup, instead of feeding them 4 meals a day, try making 6 small meals.
You must refer to reason #6 again regarding how many times you should feed them depending on their age.
This tip is more applicable for Huskies ages 2 to 6 months old.
#6: Nutritious and balanced diet
Huskies and humans are more similar than you think. They also need nutritious and balanced diets like you and I do.
Unlike us, canines can’t speak and they have little freedom on food. They only rely on what you feed them or what food is accessible to them.
Therefore, it’s your responsibility to learn and provide the proper nutrition they need. This way you’ll ensure they live a happier and a healthier life.
If you have given them what their body needs, they don’t seek for more food to eat.
#7: Resist those puppy eyes
Many Husky parents have fallen victims of their dog’s puppy eyes. And I bet you’re one of them.
Well, who can resist those cute little eyes? It can melt the hearts of most Husky parents.
It is as if you’re hypnotized by them. Beyond a shadow of doubt, they will charm you with those beautiful eyes. Living you nothing but an urge wanting to comfort them and give them something to eat.
If you’re the type of dog parent who can’t resist them. You better look the other way if your Husky tries to give you that kind of glance.
That my friend is your only option. Not looking into their hypnotic eyes will help you avoid giving them treats or any food.