When dogs are greedy

Some dogs, like Jack Spratt shown above, are naturally greedy.  All they seem to think about is food.  Spratt is always on the scrounge and looking out for a left over scrap of something edible.   He isn’t too fussy either!   Stolen cat food…. mmm!   A mouldy bone…… oh yes! Left over fish and chips…… heaven! Spratt has an iron constitution!   But sometimes greed gets out of hand and it can be symptomatic of a more serious condition.

If a dog suddenly becomes greedy a vet check is necessary.    An overwhelming desire for food can be caused by abdominal tumours or by the onset of a disease which is preventing food from being absorbed.   A dramatic increase in appetite means something is wrong and you should take your dog to the vet for examination.   A change in circumstances can have an affect on the eating habits of a dog.    Sudden greed might be caused by jealousy, for example if you get another dog and your original pet wants all the food.

Some neurotic dogs are greedy as a way of getting attention – a pet behavioural therapist may help you find a cure.    Occasionally, people with puppy dogs complain that they are greedy.   This is not usually the case, especially if the pup is one of the large breeds, they are just hungry.    A growing dog has a huge frame to fill out and following the recommendations on the bag of dog food might not be right for your pet who is a individual.    We find that sometimes people follow the dog packet directions slavishly.   Don’t!    Feed by condition only – of your dog who is unlike any other.   We tend to feed young dogs to appetite (within reason) –  if you with hold food from a young dog and he is always hungry, you will be making a an anxious, greedy dog in the future.

Jack Spratt, of course, fits none of these categories.  He just loves food, the more tasty the better!