My dog is still hungry?

Question

I have a Terrier/Chihuahua mix; she is six years old. The vet says she needs to lose about two pounds; following the vet's instructions, I changed her food portions. But, she is still hungry, really hungry. She constantly sniffs the kitchen floor looking for crumbs; if I leave my plate unattended she will/has found a way to get to it. She is so hungry, I really wonder if she is getting enough food. Her max weight should be 7 lbs, she weighed 8.8. I feed her twice a day; 1/4 cup dry with 1 tsp wet, each time. Could I be starving her?

Answer 1

You are not starving her keep feeding her as you are so that she can lose the weight. Some dogs just really like to eat and no matter how much they eat they are never satisfied.

Answer 2

What is his mix again? Didn't I see boxer/pit/lab or did I make that up? Eli acts like he never gets enough food. Molly might only eat a few pieces of kibble a day. Every single time I put food out for her, I'm constantly say "Eli, leave it. Eli, leave it. Eli, don't eat her food. Leave it." He is probably 100 pounds now. The bag says he should eat 2-3 cups a day (Canidae). I was feeding him 3 cups twice a day and he was STILL trying to eat everything in sight. I cut him back to 2 cups twice a day just because I don't want him to become overweight. I add carrots or pieces of fruit to Eli's food once a day. That doesn't make him any less likely to be scavenging for food 10 minutes later, though. If the vet things he's healthy, I wouldn't worry much about it. If you want to try giving him 1/2 cup extra to see if that helps, go for it. The recommended feeding quantities are a guideline. I think it's just in a Lab's nature to be a glutton. If Loki does have Lab in him, that could be why. If he doesn't, maybe he thinks he does? : ) Is Lacie trying to keep her girlish figure by not eating all of her food? Add: Duh...just read your additional info again and saw your best guess....I guess I DID see Lab/Pit/Boxer. I haven't had caffeine yet.

Answer 3

No, thats the proper amount of food for a dog that should be 7 lbs. Dont feed her anymore than she's already getting.



Instead, get her some toys or chewies to keep her mind off her new diet.



She'll get used to it once her stomach shrinks back to a more normal size.



Dogs always act hungry, even a fat dog will eat itself silly. Thats what dogs do.

Answer 4

If you are going by the vets instructions then no you are 'not' starving her.....she is just a glutony for punishment, also know too her tummy has to shrink back to her normal healthy size so she will be feeling a bit 'empty' for a while.



Our dog has the same problem right now. He is on the vets science diet...and he is hungry all day. He even sits under the bird feeder and waits for them to drop the bits I put out for them. He will jump on the couch to the table to get whatever food is left out...but I refuse to give in and not let him have what he wants.



We can love them to death with food. Unfortunately their reactions to food can leave us feeling guilty looking into big brown eyes and the begging...well it's pathetic I tell 'Mitchi' and he just keeps tryn anyway! I know he has food in his tummy, that is all I need to know, and plenty of water to drink.



Please persevere and know she will be around for many more years if you do the right thing and not overkill with the food. Every now and then a 'special treat' is given....at the same time if preferable so they don't keep asking all day...made that mistake with 'Mitchi' had some fast changing to do....lol



Good Luck

Blessings be yours in light and peace,

Harriett Potty ;)

Answer 5

I don't know but don't dogs and other animals get a lot of illnesses people get? I had a dog that died of cancer and my boss's dog just had to be put down because of kidney disease. Maybe your dog has Prader-Willi. Thats a condition people sometimes have where a person has very low metabolism and a very high appetite and if their food isn't monitored careful can they die of obesity. Usually someone like a parent has to watch them all the time.

Answer 6

It is not true that it is in a dogs nature to eat eat eat, my dog wont eat if she is not hungery and she does not eat like she has been starved. But anyway maybe you should see if you dogs has worms that can cause your dog to be hungey because the worms could be eatting all her food and she be not getting enough nutrition. Your dog can get worms simply from the ground or dirt or anything you should check it out!

Answer 7

haha thats how every dog is, its their instinct to keep eating because in the wild they never knew when they would be getting food so they always eat. i fed my dog a pizza once, and she was still hungry, dont worry feed her healthy and its natural for dogs to be constantly hungry

Answer 8

you didnt mention the brand of food she is on.. this is VERY important because some brands are more nutritios than others and some are just FILLERS...



At 6 years she should be on a SENIOR DOG - or LITE DOG FORMULA - this is a formula designed for dogs who are on the chubby side...it knows that dogs are still going to want to eat but the fat is greatly reduced



If the food your dog is on is from a grocery store, or Wal Mart then I can assure you it is a CRAPPY food.. as is Science Diet (way overpriced for its quality even though some vets sell it - it is CRAP the Vets sell it because they are PAID to)



so.. in short telling the amount of food without telling the brand doesnt help us to help you



with the crappy brands - dogs need to eat more

with the better brands - dogs need to eat less (and poop less too)

Answer 9

No, listen to your vet! Chihuahuas tend to be one of those always acting like they are starving breeds & many are obese for the reason their owners feel guilty. Don't fall into that trap - if you slim her down, she will feel better, be more active & live longer. YOU control her fate.



You can mix canned green beans &/or canned pumpkin (not the pie filling pre-mix w/sugar) in with her food - this will help her feel fuller & is low calorie.

Answer 10

give your dog raw carrots its healthy and not much calories my Yorkie loves them cut them up small they like the crunching

Answer 11

do not give the wet as it is bad for the teeth she should also be on a adult senior food that is low in protine and calories....she will not starve

Answer 12

Watch it, dogs can eat themselves to death.

Answer 13

no u r doin the right thing just keep w/ it and it will all be over 1nce she can control her hunger and that will happen w/ less food keep up the good work and i wish u best

Answer 14

sounds like my dog....ask the vet about "prader willi syndrome"

Answer 15

just give her healthy foods