Although rewarding, being a pet parent comes with tons of responsibilities, especially when it comes to diet. And if you own an active breed like an English Springer Spaniel, you might notice that your dog loves his mealtime. So why is your Springer Spaniel always hungry?
Your English Springer Spaniel could always be hungry for various reasons ranging from less serious to more concerning ones. They may want more food because of their high activity levels, age, diet, or sometimes because of more serious medical reasons.
This article will explain why your Springer Spaniel may be hungry, what behavioral and dietary habits they have that could be related to a strong appetite, and any signs that you should look for that could indicate a more serious issue.
English Springer Spaniels’ Activity Level Makes Them More Hungry
Because Springer Spaniels are often working and gun dogs, they tend to have stronger appetites than other breeds. Springer Spaniels are excellent hunters and working dogs, and as a naturally active dog breed, it’s perfectly normal for your Springer Spaniel to be hungrier than other breeds.
On average, a working dog needs up to two times more food than its counterpart that’s not getting as much activity and exercise.
Springer Spaniels are very energetic and active, so they might appear like they are always hungry because they burn so many calories in their daily routines.
Another factor to consider is the weather, which can actually contribute to your dog’s appetite, especially during the colder months.
The activity and weather considerations may also lead to them needing more water. And as with humans, thirst can be mistaken for hunger. Make sure that your Springer Spaniel has lots of water throughout the day, as this could be one reason why they act like they are hungry.
Age Can Affect Appetite in English Springer Spaniels
English Springer Spaniel diets can vary greatly depending on their age. Puppies can have tremendous appetites that, at times, might appear insatiable. It is essential to feed your puppy up to four times a day before they are nine months old.
However, as you feed your Springer Spaniel pup, be sure to check on the portion sizes as their stomachs aren’t fully grown yet. If your young English Springer Spaniel puppy seems constantly hungry, chances are it is hungry, especially if you skipped a meal. Due to this, you should maintain a strict meal schedule made up of tiny portions to keep your pup satisfied.
As your Springer Spaniel gets older, they will require less food and can be fed as little as once a day when they are an adult.
However, some adult Springer Spaniels may need more food than this, especially if they are more active. They have beautiful long fur and a high level of energy that requires a protein-rich diet.
If your older adult Springer Spaniel appears to be hungry all the time, make sure that they are getting a proper diet.
English Springer Spaniels Need a Diet High in Protein and Fat
Springer Spaniels are naturally active dogs and, as such, require diets that are high in fats as these provide more efficient energy.
Your dog needs high fat and protein diets to keep up with the amount of energy they burn throughout the day. Your Springer Spaniel may be constantly hungry if they are not getting sufficient fat and protein in their diet.
Here is a youtube video on a typical high protein raw dog food diet for Springer Spaniels by James Bird:
Some of the best foods that you can feed your English Springer Spaniel to ensure that they aren’t constantly hungry include:
- Raw food diets that are rich in animal proteins like chicken, beef, and other meats
- Grain-free pet foods from various packaged food companies
- High protein-specific packaged food products
The most important thing to consider for an active dog like an English Springer Spaniel is that its diet should be rich in fat and protein and low in corn, soy, and other “filler” ingredients.
If your dog is primarily eating foods high in simple carbohydrates like these, they may be burning the energy off too quickly and getting hungry far more often.
Check Your Springer Spaniel for Diseases if They Are Abnormally Hungry
If your Springer Spaniel has an appetite that goes above and beyond the norm, you may want to verify that they don’t have a potentially severe illness.
Consult your veterinarian if your dog has an insatiable appetite that seems abnormal, especially if it persists for over a day or two.
It would help if you kept an eye out for any other symptoms that may accompany your Springer Spaniel’s voracious appetite to ensure there isn’t a more serious underlying health issue.
Certain diseases like diabetes can lead to excessive hunger not only in English Springer Spaniels but also in all dogs in general.
If your English Springer Spaniel is constantly hungry and exhibits other behavioral changes. Then it may be time to see a professional to eliminate the possibility of diabetes. Some common warning signs of diabetes that may go along with an increased appetite include:
- An increased thirst
- Fatigue
- A loss of weight
- Increased desire to pee
Another disease that you should check for if your English Springer Spaniel has an abnormally high appetite is Polyphagia.
Although generally less severe than some diseases, polyphagia can be related to more serious problems and should be looked at if your dog has an extreme desire to eat food.
Polyphagia can also be caused by emotional triggers and should be diagnosed by a professional to determine why and what should be done to fix it.
Final Thoughts
It’s normal to worry when your Springer Spaniel seems like it constantly wants food. The good news, however, is that your dog’s insatiable appetite can be attributed to its high activity levels.
English Springer Spaniels are very active dogs and often require more food than other breeds to maintain their active lifestyles.
However, on some occasions, excessive appetite can signal underlying medical issues like diabetes and polyphagia.
If you notice any other changes that accompany an increased appetite, it is best to have a veterinarian examine your dog.