Food Obsession Normal?
Hakubi has over the past few months developed a food obsession. When we first got her she didn't eat much but we put it down to settling in. She was very fussy and wouldn't eat canned or dry dog food. Maiko made her a mix of chicken, rice, pasta and veges which she would eat but in a relaxed way.
After a while we tried her on regular dog food again and she ate it but recently she's become completely food orientated and gets so worked up over anything edible. She spins in circles and and rushes to eat as if it's her last meal. She's a lone dog so she doesn't have to compete for food. She's not food protective. She growled once at Maiko when she had bone but I removed it from here immediately and she hasn't growled since. I can take her food from her with no problem other than her drowling all over my foot.
As soon as she finishes she's at the window looking for more food. She currently gets dry food in the morning. A jerky treat after her walk, and wet food of an evening.
After a while we tried her on regular dog food again and she ate it but recently she's become completely food orientated and gets so worked up over anything edible. She spins in circles and and rushes to eat as if it's her last meal. She's a lone dog so she doesn't have to compete for food. She's not food protective. She growled once at Maiko when she had bone but I removed it from here immediately and she hasn't growled since. I can take her food from her with no problem other than her drowling all over my foot.
As soon as she finishes she's at the window looking for more food. She currently gets dry food in the morning. A jerky treat after her walk, and wet food of an evening.
Comments
If parasites aren't found, it could also be that she is not getting enough to eat. Track her weight and see if she is losing any on her current diet. If a dog gets less than their body requires, then they will be continue to look for food.
If it's neither of those, then it could be what @Hinata23 said. She could be a major foodie and it just took her some time to get comfortable enough to show it. If that is the case, then you have hit the training jackpot as a food motivated dog makes for an easier dog to train.
My Shiba was very food obsessed but I thought it was because some dogs are just born that way.
Long story short, did a fecal test, she had tapeworms. After I got the medication for it, and got rid of the worms for good, she no longer devoured her food like before. Although I have to mention she got a little pickier with food :-/
But if it's not normal for you pup, I'd get her checked for parasites and deworm if needed.
If I hadn't gone to the kennel in Alaska, I would've totally freaked out at Katana's eating behavior, but after seeing all but a select few dogs eat like that, or even faster, and after hearing mushers talk about how in sleddogs it's a good thing, I don't find it to be a problem at all. I just keep an eye on him when he's eating to make sure he doesn't choke.
He's the exact opposite of Conker, who eats very slowly (practically one piece at a time), and often refuses to finish a meal.
She's not losing weight. In fact the opposite she's put it on but it's most likely fat retention for the colder months. She was 21kgs when we got her and after a month of daily walks was down to 18. She's now up to a healthy 20 but with her winter coat as well.
Maybe as was said she's feeling comfortable now and has gotten into her routine.
I'll give it a couple of weeks and see if anything changes.
I've never rewarded her with food for being obedient always a good pat or an ear scratch. It sounds like she's much like Yucca. Vet said she's fine but it could also be a side effect of her heartworm medication as all dogs react differently.