Puppy always hungry

[Ashley Thurman]

Hi, 

It seems like my 8 month old goldendoodle is always hungry. Right now he is eating Petcurean GO! Sensitivity and Shine. We had TONS of issues with his digestive system and this is the only food he's been able to tolerate. He's probably close to 60 lbs and eats 1.5 cups twice daily and it seems like he could eat non stop. When I feel his ribs he feels perfect, definitely not underweight... I have actually been concerned that he looks like he's getting a little pudgy but I couldn't imagine feeding him less. 

Should I be feeding him more? 

[Lori, Winnie, Bob and Indie]

On a side note, it's excellent that you are keeping an eye (or feel in this case!) on his ribs.

I can't tell you how many dog owners I know that "feel sorry" for those hungry eyes and then end up with an overweight dog. Right now he's a growing puppy but soon his weight will be stabilizing. The Golden in him might want to convince you that he "wants" more food when he doesn't actually "need" it. :-)

On the other hand, the feeding guides are just that- a guide. I tried feeding Winnie the "recommended" amount of Orijen for an Active dog, and in a very short time her ribs/hips were jutting out from 3 lbs lost. So, she needs nearly 3/4 cup MORE than the top end of the suggested amount. And, even with that amount, she always tries to tell me that she wants even more. I wish I had her metabolism... :-)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

These are very good points, Lori. Every dog is different, and any individual dog or puppy may need more or less food than the recommended feeding amounts. It's always a good idea for owners to keep an eye on the dog's body condition and adjust calorie intake accordingly. Just as with people, being slightly underweight is always better than being overweight.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

So I have a similar question, Moose seems to eat very different amounts depending on the day. Some days he will only eat a small portion of his breakfast and dinner and then other days his bowl is completely gone in minutes. I'm assuming since the vet thinks he's a healthy weight and he seems to be doing fine on his food this is ok? I have been looking at it like there are some days all I want to eat is a small salad and other days I feel like I could eat a whole pizza- I don't but the thought does cross my mind! Should I feed him more on days he seems more hungry and just keep an eye on his weight?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You might try keeping notes to see if the days when he wants a lot more or less are related to things like extra treats (maybe at a training class, or someone else's home) or extra exercise during the 24 hours before. 

It's not typical for adult dogs (or humans) to vary greatly in their appetites from one day to the next. Once growth is complete, metabolism stays fairly constant unless there are big changes in activity levels, body composition, or health. Seasonal changes are normal, because temperature does affect metabolism, but not day to day changes of any significance. 

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Ok thanks! I will keep an eye on that. He is much more active than Loki so that would make sense though.