Dealing with a perpetually hungry pup can feel like a never-ending challenge. Certain breeds like Pugs, Labradors, Beagles, and Dachshunds are known for their voracious appetites. Without limits in place, these dogs can eat non-stop.
But fear not! Here are some tips to help manage your dog's hunger while keeping them healthy and happy.
Tips to manage your dog's voracious appetite
1. Choose a low-energy diet (low in fats or calories) so your dog can enjoy larger quantities of food.
2. Check the fibre content in your dog's food. Fibre can slow digestion. With over 3%, your dog should feel satisfied. To increase fibre in your dog diet you can feed pumpkin or sweet potatoes.
3. Allow your dog to rest after meals. After your pup finishes their meal, encourage them to take a breather. Resting aids digestion and gives their tummy time to send those "I'm full" signals to their brain.
4. Distract your dog to help them forget their hunger. Identify key moments and distract your dog with fun activities like walks or playtime. This helps shift their focus away from food and prevents constant begging- if they realise it sometimes works (with your friends, for example), they'll keep trying.
5. Try splitting meals and serving smaller, more frequent meals. If your dog struggles with the wait between meals, try dividing their daily food into smaller, more frequent portions.. Find what works best for your dog and your routines.
6. Offer small amounts of raw or steamed vegetables as treats or to accompany meals. Treat your pup to some crunchy veggies as healthy snacks or meal add-ons. Most dogs love the taste, and it's a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Just be sure to stick to dog-friendly veggies.
7. Portion Control Trick: If managing your dog's weight becomes an issue due to their insatiable appetite, try this trick: portion out their daily food in the morning and use it as treats throughout the day. It's a sneaky way to limit their intake without sacrificing the joy of snacks. If you choose Doggy Grub, our team is available to help you work out portion size!
Remember to always keep fresh water available for your pet. Sometimes, what seems like hunger might just be thirst in disguise.
If your dog's hunger seems excessive or if they're showing other concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your vet for guidance. Sometimes, unexplained hunger stems from medical issues.
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