For those who feed Nat. Balance...

[Super Boo]

My dogs love NB. They eat about 3.5 cups a day split in two feedings. Their weight has been fairly consistant. Some days they seem like they could eat more (especially when they are unusually active), but I am pretty resistant to feeding more because my female easily gains weight and can get fat.

 

[Brutus and Amaya's Mom]

Bru and Amaya both get about 3 cups a day in 2 or 3 feedings.

Amaya is a 50 lbs girl but a lot more active than Bru. She is always running laps in the yard or playing. Bru is more content on the couch

 

[BXR BUS]

I am glad to have read this thread.....as I was going to ask the same kind of question....except, not about the food.
I have noticed the past week or two that my 6 yr old has been drinking a lot more water and is also begging for more food which he has NEVER done before!! It was really a red flag for me when he was acting starved and totally gulping his food. I called my vet and we are scheduled to get a full blood work done + thyroid next week, I was told it sounds like there is a medical problem and should have the blood work done first and far most at this time to rule it out but they said it could be.....cushings, thyroid, diabetes, or even a simple urinary tract infection and the blood panel will basically tell them if it is anything medical.
I would encourage you to at least get a blood panel done to rule out anything medical.

Good luck and Keep us posted, I too will let you know what I find out next week when we have our results back.

 

[Roxydog]

Thank you to all who replied!! Although I didnt initially think medical problem...now I obviously am. I plan on scheduling a precautionary appointment to have blood work done for Roxy. She seems fine other than the hunger thing and from the sound of it I am feeding her about the same amount most of you are feeding your dogs. I will let you know what the outcome is Thanks again!!

 

[magoo's_mama]

Bxrbus

Did you just start on the dog food roll? Because that made Magoo very thirsty at first. Just a thought.

 

[Roxydog]

Roxy does get the food roll as treats or grated over her food as incentive to eat (before this phase came on of course ) She has been using the food roll for quite some time But... she isnt drinking more than usual. That isnt what I am concerned about. As for the food... it isnt that Roxy is gulping it down extraordinarily fast, its that she just seems so much more hungry than is normal for her.
I called my vet to make an appt. and she gave me something to think about... I am so used to Roxy as being a dog that doesnt eat regularly, that I have no idea what a dog is supposed to eat like. There are many many dogs that are very enthusiastic about mealtimes... its not uncommon. Maybe Roxy has finally matured and settled into her feeding routine and she simply enjoys her food now. First off she told me she thinks I worry too much. I have always been so worried about Roxy NOT eating enough and now I'm worried about her being too hungry. We scheduled some bloodwork for tomorrow but my vet doesnt seem concerned

 

[abby's mum]

I would probably think the same about Abby if she started to eat regularly. She gets NB Ultra Premium - 3 cups/day (1 1/2 twice a day.) She get Old Mother Hubbard peanut butter cookies. She is not a good eater. She seems to hate to eat in the morning! I wish she would eat normally!!

 

[Jan]

If she doesn't look overweight, you could try feeding her a little more. You could also try addding some cooked veggies to her foods. It will make her feel full without adding alot of calories.

 

[craZ4HERKIE]

I hope this doesn't sound too stupid !But I have noticed at the end of every fall, beginning of winter that both of my boys appetites increase....this has happened unfailingly since I've had them (4 & 3)....my thinking is that it's getting cold outside and they are trying to build up extra stores of fat(kinda hard in a boxer...but not a husky) to help keep them insulated.I know that I've read that animals do this in the wild....so isn't it possible that even though our furbabies aren't living in the wild....that they could still have that instinct?Hope it doesn't sound to ridiculous! ....But to be on the safe side I would definitely have Roxy checked out....and if she gets plenty of exercise, I don't think a little extra food will hurt.

 

[Roxydog]

A pupdate

Well heres a bit of an update on Roxy. Blood tests came back normal (yippee :D ) and Roxy is back to her old tricks again. Not a week after posting this Roxy is back to her typical meal skipping and treat refusal. Shes such a silly dog Shes the only dog I know that will leave a treat just lying on the floor with no second thought. Thabk you all for your replies here... i guess is may have just been the seasonal change or something like that