Have you ever met a dog who is always hungry? Like, no matter how much they eat, they still want more? Truly, these types of dogs are total food lovers! Many dogs can’t get enough of treats and snacks. AKC states that about 60% of dogs in the US are overweight.
A study published in Cell Metabolism revealed that some food-obese dog breeds have changes in a gene called POMC. These changes make dogs want food more and act differently around mealtime as compared to other pets.
This blog is about dog breeds with having high food obsession. These pups have an insatiable appetite and are always ready for more food. You’ll find out which dogs are the biggest food fans and why they love eating so much.
If you love dogs and want to know who the biggest food fans are, keep reading. It’s going to be fun and full of useful info!
Most Food-Obsessed Dog Breeds
Some pup breeds are known for their loyalty, speed, and intelligence, but then there are the ones that are known for their food obsession. Below are the most food-obsessed breeds that have a voracious appetite and a strong sense of smell for food.
1. Labrador Retriever
According to the American Kennel Club, the Labrador is the most popular dog breed not only in the United States but across the globe. And there’s little mystery as to why they loved too much. Often with a friendly nature, fun-loving, and eager to learn, Labs are beloved family dogs with adorable looks. Additionally, they have a strong love for food. But why does this dog love food? Let’s find out why.
History as Sporting Dogs
Labrador Retrievers were bred as sporting dogs. So, they needed to be active and had developed a strong desire for work rewards. Their innate need to find and reward things has translated into a passion for eating.
High Energy Levels:
Labradors have an active lifestyle and a determined nature. So, a significant amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation is required for them. Their love for food may be related to their energy needs.
Training and Positive Reinforcement:
Labradors are intelligent and highly trainable, as per Pawlicy. Pet parents know that food is a powerful motivator in dog training, and Labradors quickly learn due to food rewards.
2. Beagle
All dogs love to sniff, but beagles have a keen sense of hunting things with their nose. Beagle owners can have fun hiding smelly treats for their cute pup to dig up. Moreover, this breed has an endless stomach. Owners question if persistent food cravings are the result of a behavioral problem, a physical condition, or anything else. Let’s figure out the reasons.
Medical issues
Certain medical conditions in Beagles cause a sudden increase in hunger. Diabetes, Cushing’s Disease, and Malabsorption Conditions force this cute pup to eat more.
Beagles Don’t Feel Full
Beagles have a different digestive system, and their bodies don’t signal “fullness” during eating. Human food digestion starts in the mouth through the saliva. But the digestive system in Beagles starts digesting later in the process, so they often don’t realize they’ve had enough.
Natural Food Seekers
Beagles were originally bred as hunting dogs. So, they are always alert and searching for food. This instinct makes them food-driven and very opportunistic. If dog food is available, they’ll eat it, whether they’re hungry or not.
3. Golden Retriever
As you prepare a meal for your healthy-weight golden retriever, you will see jumping and howling all around with an adorable expression. When you give him food, he won’t stop till the time it’s finished. Although all dogs love food, this lad, in particular, loves his food more than any other dog. Here is the reason for its food-motivated behavior.
Competitive Nature:
Retrievers have a competitive nature, and they inherited this quality from their wolf ancestors. Wolves had to eat for their survival. This can lead to strong eating in retrievers.
Boredom
Some dogs eat a lot if they are bored. It is well known that Golden Retrievers are active dogs that need mental stimulation. If you leave them alone for extended periods, they may build a strong desire to eat.
4. Pugs
Pugs are small dogs with an adorable expression. They have boundless energy and an equally high love for food. Pugs, having rounded bodies and expressive faces, are masters in terms of begging. They expertly convince pet owners to give them extra treats.
Quality of Food
Pugs are often hungry if their pet owners feed them low-quality pet food containing fillers. Fillers are very inexpensive ingredients with no nutritional value. They offer nothing, no vitamins, protein, or any calories.
Meal Size.
If you feed less food, a Pug might eat the food very quickly and still feel hungry soon after. Therefore, you need to feed your pug with a proper quantity of food.
Begging
Begging makes Pugs more interested in food because when owners give them treats after begging, even just once, the dog learns that begging works to get extra food.
5. Dachshund
The charming Dachshund is passionate about food. Originally, it was bred to hunt badgers, but these cute little pups have developed a love for eating more food. Dachshunds are also famous for begging at the table. They will try hard to secretly take little bites from any plate on the dining table.
You Are Encouraging Greed
When your Dachshund’s bright, beseeching eyes give the impression that it is hungry, what do you do? Do you feed them? You can be certain that your Dachshund will always be asking for food because you are making them greedy.
Bored with their current food
Your Doxie might look hungry because they’re bored with their current diet, so they want something different. Try adding a fun new taste to your Dachshund’s food by simply altering the protein.
Medication –
Dogs on some medications, such as prednisone, may become more hungry. Ask your veterinarian if this may be a side effect if you recently started giving your dog a new medicine.
6. English Bulldog
English Bulldogs may appear lazy, but they are very serious when it comes to food. These stocky, muscular, healthy-weight dogs are notorious for food food-loving breeds. Moreover, they have a strong appetite and will happily scarf down anything. The English Bulldog usually displays a friendly temperament and can be a great family dog with a high appetite for food.
Natural Food Preference
Given that they are mostly carnivores, English bulldogs naturally have a predisposition for food, particularly meat-based items. So whenever they eat any edible item, their mouth fills with water.
Pleasure of Eating
These mates enjoy eating food, which is a strong motivator for them to seek out and cherish food. Overeating might cause various health problems.
High Protein Needs
Bulldogs, in particular, need a lot of protein, and they usually perform well when a proper diet is given to them.
7. Basset Hound
For families seeking a devoted and laid-back puppy, Basset Hounds are excellent family companions. They love children and enjoy active families. Moreover, they are happiest when they are relaxing with their loved ones following a long, sniff-filled rural stroll. Because of their strong sense of smell and voracious appetite, basset hounds can detect food wherever they go.
Opportunistic eating habits
Basset hounds are widely known for their stubborn personality, and they possess opportunistic habits. Once they know where the food is, this lad repeatedly steals the food.
Emotional Comfort Eater
Just like humans, these dogs can turn to food for comfort. If they are feeling bored, anxious, or lonely, they start their food search and begin to eat once they find it.
Conclusion
Certain pup breeds have a naturally higher food drive due to their genetics, instincts, and lifestyle. While their love for food can be endearing, pet owners need to manage their diet carefully to ensure their well-being and a balanced life. Moreover, regular exercise can also be required by them for an active life.
