We Know How It Happens

It seems simple enough to be able to tell if your dog is hungry, but actually, it’s much more difficult than you think! When your pet is begging for food, is it just looking for a little extra or did it not have enough to eat?

It’s not recommended to give your pet a snack, however, it can be difficult to resist the temptation. If you do give your dog snacks, avoid these common foods that are toxic to dogs. Instead,  be sure to have a healthy one on hand like Victor’s Cookies or Dentalicious Sticks.

According to statistics, more than half of the dogs in the United States are obese. You certainly don’t want your dog to be part of that statistic. So, continue reading to learn the signs that your dog is truly hungry.

He Is Not Getting The Right Amount Of Calories

Every dog has its recommended daily calorie intake, which depends on its size, age, breed, activity level, and general health. While you can definitely calculate this on your own, you might want to ask your vet for help. Your dog’s primary healthcare provider could determine how many calories your dog should have.

If you’re feeding your dog homemade food, calculating calories could be a little more tricky. For this reason, be sure to speak to your vet to determine how many calories are found in each serving of food you give. You may want to look into different dog foods that closely mimic homemade food to get a better calorie count.

You Could See Is A Well-Defined Ribcage

The rib cage is a good indicator of whether you are feeding him enough food or not. Here’s what you can do: run your fingers through your dog’s rib cage. You should be able to feel individual ribs, but not see the definition of each rib.

This is a good rule of thumb. If you don’t feel his ribs, it means you’re overfeeding him. If you see visible ribs, then your dog is truly hungry and needs more food.

Your Dog Has Been Active

If there’s no change in your dog’s activity, then the normal amount of food should be enough for him. However, if you make your dog your jogging buddy or there are special days when you exercise together, then you need to give him a little extra food. This should account for the calories he burned and would keep him well-fed.

You Missed Giving Him A Meal

If in case you forgot to give your dog food during his scheduled mealtime, then it is more likely that your dog is really hungry if he comes and asks for food. Irregular feeding time could lead to underfeeding or overfeeding. That’s why it’s important to have a regular feeding schedule. 

Managing Your Dog’s Diet

These are just some of the signs that your dog is really hungry. With this in mind, you should know more accurately whether your dog needs to eat or he is just being a con artist.

If you enjoy this article, there are plenty more over at our blog section! From stories about amazing animals, including the dog who fell more than 70 feet and a Dachshund who put its life on the line to save a friend, there is something to read!