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The Difference Between Hunger, Appetite, and Food Motivation in Dogs
Most dogs love food, whether it’s table scraps, kibbles, delicious chews, or pretty much anything else in between. But did you know that there are important differences between hunger, appetite, and food motivation, all of which can result in begging for food? Many dog parents assume this behaviour must indicate hunger, but in reality, that’s not always the case. Understanding the differences between these three concepts can help you better interpret your dog’s behaviour and avoid common issues like overfeeding. What is hunger? Hunger is the body’s physical need for food and nutrients. It is controlled by biological signals and the body’s requirements for energy. Essentially, hunger tells your dog that their body is in need of sustenance to continue functioning optimally. Similarly to humans, it’s normal for healthy dogs to feel hunger between their meals. However, hunger doesn’t discriminate between foods. It is about meeting physiological nutritional needs and fuelling the body, not cravings for specific types of food. What is appetite? Appetite is the desire to eat. It can be influenced by factors like smell, taste, novelty, and excitement, rather than the simple physiological need for sustenance. So, in the same way that some people find themselves snacking even when they’re not hungry, whether it be out of boredom, cravings, or otherwise, dogs can also have a strong appetite even when they don’t feel true hunger. For example, they may beg for scraps even after they’re full from their own food. Likewise, your dog may feel true hunger, but if the food they’re offered isn’t appealing to them, this can result in a reduced appetite. So, while they closely relate to one another, hunger and appetite are distinct concepts that don’t necessarily go hand in hand (or paw in paw). What is food motivation? Food motivation is both related to and separate from hunger and appetite. It refers to how willing your dog is to work for rewards in the form of food. This is the type of desire for food you’ll see in training sessions. Some dogs are naturally more food motivated than others. In fact, levels of food motivation can be influenced by various factors, including: Breed Age Activity levels Personality Past experiences Treat type Reward value Feeding schedules Environmental distractions Food motivation can be useful in training your dog, but should not be confused with hunger or appetite. Why do the differences matter? All of these concepts amount to your dog wanting to eat for one reason or another, so why do the differences matter? The truth is that dogs are opportunistic eaters by nature. This means that many dogs will accept additional food, especially high value foods like treats, even after eating a full meal and no longer feeling any hunger. Hunger, appetite, and food motivation are closely related but distinct, and that distinction is important to understand as a pet parent. Scenarios like being able to tell if your dog is full but food-motivated, or hungry but lacking appetite due to the food in front of them, helps you better support their needs. It gives you valuable insight into your dog’s relationship with food, allowing you to ensure they’re getting what they need without falling into the trap of mistaking other cues for true hunger. While hunger is not the only valid reason for offering food, being able to distinguish it gives you a better understanding of your dog’s needs vs their wants, and the appropriate ways to respond in each scenario. Final thoughts As a pet parent, it’s important to know that behaviours like begging, scavenging, and seeking food aren’t always indicative of hunger. Knowing the differences between hunger, appetite, and food motivation can help you better read your dog’s signals and avoid issues like overfeeding. Plus, this understanding of your dog’s food cues can also lead to greater success with training, especially in selecting appropriate rewards. Paying attention to where your dog’s food-seeking behaviour is coming from allows you to look at the whole picture and make educated assessments, rather than assuming it’s always rooted in hunger.
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4 Signs Your Dog Needs More to Chew
Chews can serve as delicious treats for dogs, but more importantly, they provide a necessary outlet for instinctive canine chewing behaviours. They’re also beneficial to dogs in various other ways, from supporting dental health to fighting boredom and beyond. A lack of healthy chews can therefore lead to both behavioural problems and health issues over time. This article breaks down four key signs that your dog may need more to chew. 1. Destructive or misplaced chewing If your dog is acting out in certain ways, they may be trying to tell you they need more outlets for chewing. For example, if you find that your pooch has an affinity for gnawing on household items, furniture, or shoes, the likely cause is that they have no suitable alternative. The same applies to quickly destroying toys. Both puppies and adult dogs typically begin showing increased gnawing, licking, and/or chewing outbursts as a misdirected instinct when they don’t have a proper chewing outlet. Offering them a safe, healthy, natural chew means they get the benefits of a good chew session without ruining any of your belongings or furnishings. 2. Restlessness or difficulty settling Does your dog struggle to settle, even when they’ve had plenty of exercise? If you find them consistently pacing, switching spots, and generally finding it difficult to relax, it could be that they’re feeling bored. This often comes from a lack of mental stimulation. While their body may have been worked sufficiently, their mind is still active and looking for more to do. Chews are excellent for breaking this boredom and serve as one of the simplest and healthiest forms of mental stimulation for dogs. Most pet parents see improvements in their dogs’ restless behaviour after implementing regular chew sessions into their routines. 3. Constant begging or food fixation Most dogs love food, and certain breeds (*cough* Labrador Retrievers *cough*) have a particular affinity for all things edible. However, there is a difference between loving food and becoming completely fixated on it. In an effort to soothe overly food-focused pooches, some pet parents accidentally overfeed their dogs, which can lead to long-term health issues over time. If your dog never seems satisfied by their food, is always begging for some of yours, and short-lived treats don’t fill the gaps, it’s time to introduce long-lasting chews. This gives them a way to enjoy something tasty for an extended period without racking up unnecessary calories. Instead, they get the satisfaction they’re looking for both mentally and physically in a way that supports their overall health. 4. Dental build-up Aside from behavioural issues, one of the key benefits of natural chews is the way they support canine dental health. While chews are not a cure for advanced dental disease and do not replace veterinary dental cleanings, they can help prevent common issues and even aid in reducing their severity. For example, chews can help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, and help scrape it off once it begins to form. If your dog is showing signs of these issues, whether visually or via some particularly stinky breath, chews may be beneficial in supporting their ongoing dental health. However, remember to also have your dog’s dental health checked by a vet regularly, especially if you suspect dental problems. Chews are simply a preventative measure and daily support tool. To help maintain your dog’s dental health, from their teeth to their gums to the strength of their jaw, it’s useful to include natural chews as part of their routine. Choosing the right chew Not all chews are created equally. First, make sure you’re choosing something completely natural without any preservatives or other artificial additives. Single-ingredient chews, like those found in our Chomper Boxes® and Chomper Bags, are ideal. Next, find a chew that suits your dog’s size and jaw strength, as some are much larger and tougher than others. It’s also advisable to rotate between different chews to maintain your dog’s interest. Regardless of what you choose, it’s important that you always make sure to provide fresh drinking water and supervise your dog while they’re chewing. Final thoughts The key to remember is that chewing is a natural need for your dog, not a bonus activity. So, while it may seem like a treat, it’s also something they require for their overall wellbeing. Having the right outlet for chewing instincts can improve your dog’s behaviour and support both their mental and physical health. When introducing chews to your dog’s routine, it’s important to make sure they’re healthy, natural, and free from additives, as your pooch deserves only the best.
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The Link Between Gut Health Issues and Paw Chewing in Dogs
Did you know that paw chewing isn’t always caused by something on or in the paw itself? Similarly to humans, gut health issues can affect your dog’s skin, too. When this occurs, it often triggers certain behaviours like paw licking and chewing. While not always the cause of these habits, gut health problems are worth looking out for if paw chewing becomes persistent, especially when accompanied by other signs and symptoms. This article explains how the connection between the two works, what to look out for, and how to support your dog’s gut health. The gut–skin connection in dogs The gut plays a key role in immune function. In fact, your dog’s gut is home to approximately 70% of their immune system. When the gut becomes imbalanced, often known as gut dysbiosis, immune overreactivity can occur. In other words, the imbalance can change how your dog’s body reacts to triggers. This means that otherwise harmless or benign triggers can suddenly start to bring on heightened immune responses and increase the release of histamines. Additionally, inflammation can increase, resulting in further skin irritation. This often leads to behaviours like scratching, biting, and licking the skin, particularly the paws. So, while paw chewing can have many root causes, it can be a direct symptom of poor gut health. Signs their gut may be the cause of paw chewing Paw chewing is a common habit in dogs, and is not always caused by underlying gut health issues. However, gut health is a known factor that can contribute to this behaviour. Looking for specific signs and symptoms along with paw chewing can help you determine if gut health issues are a likely root cause. These include: Ongoing, persistent paw chewing (not occasional) Paired with digestive symptoms: Inconsistent stools (particularly soft stools and diarrhea) Gas Bloating Digestive discomfort Flare ups that occur when dietary changes are made Worsened symptoms from stress Other skin issues (ears, general itching, frequent hotspots) No clear external cause These signs, particularly when more than one are present simultaneously, can indicate that your dog’s gut microbiome may need some extra support. What contributes to poor gut health in dogs? Poor gut health in dogs can stem from various factors, including: Frequent diet changes Processed or overly rich treats and chews Too many different ingredients at once Overfeeding Stress and routine disruption Food sensitivities and/or allergies Poor digestion or gut motility If you suspect your dog has poor gut health, it’s a good idea to examine their diet and lifestyle to identify areas that may be contributing to the issue. Supporting their gut health & reducing paw chewing Thankfully, there are numerous ways to support your dog’s gut health, which can also help reduce paw chewing (when gut issues are the cause). First, make sure that their diet is consistent and simple. Try to avoid constantly switching between different products, as this can upset their system. As for treats and chews, opt for those made from a single-ingredient (or a few simple, natural ingredients) that you know your dog can tolerate well. Some pet parents also find that gut health supplements for dogs can be helpful for restoring a healthy microbiome. For example, Cornish Kaolin Clay is a natural supplement that has long been used for its soothing properties, especially in relieving gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea, upset stomach, and indigestion. It works by absorbing toxins, bacteria, and other harmful substances in the digestive system to provide relief from both acute and chronic digestive discomfort. Make sure to continue to monitor their stool for important signs like consistency and colour changes. This can help you identify issues as well as improvements from your gut health support efforts. If their symptoms persist, the paw chewing won’t stop, and their digestive system won’t settle, make sure to contact your vet for professional support. Final thoughts If your dog is consistently scratching, chewing their paws, and seeming generally uncomfortable, it’s worth assessing their gut health. The gut microbiome is powerful and influential in various areas of overall wellbeing, including the skin. So, when you see signs that would initially point to something superficial, be sure to dig deeper if they persist. This helps you support your pooch so they can live the happiest, healthiest life possible.
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