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Sep 2, 2024 · A food-obsessed dog is infatuated with food and eating, and may even become possessive over their food and bowl. They might spend more time searching for food, and guarding it once they have it.
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If your dog is constantly begging for food, stealing food, or showing signs of anxiety or aggression around food, it's important to address the issue before it escalates. In this article, we will explore why some dogs become obsessed with food, as well as provide insights from professionals in the field, common concerns, and potential solutions.
- Why Is Your Dog Food-Obsessed?
- How to Make Your Dog Less Food-Obsessed
- Frequently Asked Questions
Psychological Issues
Many factors can contribute to a psychological obsession with food. Adopted dogs may have a troubled background where they had to fight for food, and old habits are hard to break. You may have to be patient and train your dog not to fight for more food. Feeding multiple dogs can also lead to this type of behavior. While it’s more convenient, many trainers recommend feedings dogs separately. They think some dogs develop psychological problems when there isn’t an equal amount of food available.
Poor Nutrient Absorption
Poor gastrointestinal absorption causes many problems. When your dog isn’t getting enough nutrients, it’ll want more food to feel full. In addition to seeming hungry, your dog may show signs of diarrhea and weight loss even with increased appetite. You may also notice your dog eating things that aren’t food – a condition known as pica.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is where underactive thyroid glands don’t release enough hormones and slow a dog’s metabolism. Symptoms include increased appetite, weight gain, depression, low tolerance for cold weather, infections, and weight gain. Hypothyroidism is common in medium to large dog breeds. Some breeds like Irish setters, Greyhounds, Dobermans, and Greyhounds are genetically predisposed. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, consult with your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment options.
Cut Back On The Treats
Cutting back on treats and snacks for a hungry dog sounds counterintuitive, but if your dog has learned to expect frequent treats, it needs to unlearn that behavior. If you use treats as training rewards, try substituting play, cuddles, or other positive attention lavished on your dog as you reduce the treats offered. If you still want to offer treats, make sure they contain whole fresh ingredients and are very low in fat.
Don’t Give in to Begging.
Know that giving food-obsessed dogs too many treats will make the problem worse. Never give in to the temptation to overfeed because it makes dogs hungrier. Overfeeding also leads to obesity, which decreases hormones that control appetite.
Offer the Right Amount of Food
Just because your dog wants several helpings doesn’t mean he should. Talk to your vet about your dog’s dietary needs and determine the right amount of food for your dog’s breed, size, and age. Some experts recommend feeding amounts based on the ideal weight for your dog and not the weight it would like to be.
What’s the cost of treating food obsessions in dogs?
Treating a food obsession in dogs can be expensive, depending on the cause of the problem. Treatment for intestinal parasites ranges from $20 to $100, depending on the severity of the infestation. Diabetes can cost an average of $2500 to diagnose and treat.
Which dog breeds are food-obsessed?
Labrador Retrievers are popular for being particularly food-obsessed. These dogs carry the POMC gene mutation, causing an insatiable appetite. Did you know? Food obsession can also lead to food aggression. If your pup seems possessive of food, use these techniques to address the issue early. Though not subject to the POMC variant, several other breeds are infamous for their affinity for eating. These include: 1. Basset Hound 2. Beagle 3. Pembroke Welsh Corgi 4. Bulldog 5. Dachshund 6. French...
Why your dog is obsessed with food. Every hungry dog gets excited during mealtime. But if your dog often goes bonkers every time they see or smell food, it’s natural to worry. Maybe it’s how they bolt into the kitchen whenever they hear the fridge door open. Or the way they clutch onto your arms with all their strength as you pour food into ...
Dogs love food, that's a fact. But when a dog becomes obsessed with food, it can lead to a variety of behavioral issues such as begging, stealing food, and even aggression. If your furry friend is showing signs of food obsession, it's important to address the issue before it escalates.
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