Why is my dog always hungry?

[mississippi_leg_hound]

I have an adult Labrador Retriever, and she's constantly begging for food. I feed her the recommended amount on her dog food label, but she never seems satisfied. She's healthy and has been dewormed, so I don't get what's going on. Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[Tara Maurer]

You mentioned that your dog is healthy and has been dewormed. Has she been to the vet? If she's in the clear medically, you could try changing her food.

One in four Labradors carry a gene variant that affects how their brains perceive hunger and fullness. This puts them at a greater risk of weight gain and obesity (it's hard to say no when they're begging!). Additional fiber can help your dog feel more full without the extra calories. We have an article on high-fiber dog food options.

That being said, sometimes dogs need more than the recommended guidelines, based on their metabolism and activity level. This would be a good things to consult your vet about.

One more thing to consider: Is your dog bored? Just like humans, when dogs are bored or stressed, they might seek out food for a nice dopamine hit. Make sure to to give your pup plenty of walks, playtime, and social interaction for their overall wellbeing.