Because it demands your attention
Do you have a good understanding of your pet's behavior?
Sometimes, some owners interpret their pet's requests for attention as a manifestation of hunger when they simply want to interact with their human. If your animal asks you, it is not necessarily because it is tormented by hunger. Maybe it's just because he's asking for a cuddle, because he wants to play, because he wants to go out or because he's bored
So don't always respond to your pet by giving it food. Offer him a play session or an outing instead and see if he is receptive. If so, your pet probably didn't want to eat.
Because he doesn't get enough food
If your dog is hungry, it may simply be because he is not getting enough food or his energy needs have recently changed.
Perhaps you misjudged the amount of food compared to his real needs and that his ration does not provide him with enough calories? If so, your dog needs to lose weight. It is then advisable to recalculate the daily quantity of kibbles that you give him to eat or the quantities of ingredients that make up his bowl if your dog is fed with a homemade food. Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice to be sure that your dog's energy needs are well covered and to recalculate his ration.
Your dog's energy needs may have recently changed, which implies that his food ration must be readjusted to his new needs.This can especially be the case if your dog spends a lot of time outside and it is very cold, if he gets more physical exercise or if your bitch is expecting or breastfeeding babies.
Because his food doesn't satisfy him enough
Sometimes a dog's ration is sufficient in terms of energy intake, but the amount of food distributed is not enough to satisfy it. This may be because the ration is not rich enough in animal protein, which is satietogenic for the dog, and/or not bulky enough to "properly settle" its stomach.
The solution? Bet on low-calorie kibble - even if the dog is not overweight - rich in animal protein and fiber. They will allow it to distribute larger quantities, which will satisfy the animal's satiety by filling its stomach more.
The other possibility is to switch to a homemade diet, larger than a dry diet and generally more satisfying, or to introduce cooked vegetables into your dog's bowl.Rich in fiber and low in calories, they also have a certain satietogenic power in dogs with large appetites.
Because it's in his DNA
"Some dog breeds are genetically programmed to be greedy. In Labrador Retrievers, this insatiable desire to eat is due to a genetic mutation often found in representatives of the breed. A study1has shown that a small abnormally missing DNA sequence is the cause of the absence of the synthesis of two neuropeptides which participate in the regulation of hunger, and more specifically to the perception of the feeling of satiety after a meal. Animals carrying this mutation, never completely satiated, would therefore want to eat all the time!"
1 A Deletion in the Canine POMC Gene Is Associated with Weight and Appetite in Obesity-Prone Labrador Retriever Dogs - Eleanor Raffan et al.
Because he's sick
Certain early systemic diseases can also cause polyphagia in dogs. This is particularly the case for diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypercorticism, hyperthyroidism or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Certain digestive disorders can also cause bulimia in dogs which, by eating more, will seek to compensate for greater digestive losses.
Similarly, certain brain conditions such as old dog dementia or brain tumors can induce changes in the feeling of hunger.
If you suspect a he alth problem in your animal, consult your veterinarian without delay.
Because he takes medication that whets his appetite
Some drug treatments are known to whet the dog's appetite. This is particularly the case of corticosteroids, barbiturates traditionally used to treat epilepsy, progestins used for the "chemical castration" of dogs or even certain anti-depressants.
If the dog's hyperphagia is a side effect of its drug treatment, under no circumstances stop your animal's treatment on your own initiative. Instead, talk to your veterinarian so that he can study a possible therapeutic alternative or adjust his treatment.
Because he has a behavioral problem
Some dogs finally seem to be hungry all the time because they have a behavioral problem.
This can be the case in dogs that suffer from a developmental disorder called hypersensitivity-hyperactivity syndrome. In these dogs, the feeding activity is exacerbated. These are dogs that literally give the impression of "sucking up" food without ever feeling full. They also have a habit of stealing food from the table or even from the hands of their owners.
Dogs with anxiety disorders can also feel like they're always hungry. For these dogs, eating then becomes a substitute activity or even a real obsessive-compulsive disorder.
If you suspect a behavioral problem in your dog, make an appointment with a behavioral veterinarian. He will help you set up a behavioral therapy adapted to the case of your animal. While waiting for the consultation, you can start by offering your dog more walks and play sessions as well as wearing a collar with calming pheromones.