I have a 6 month PitBull and she always seems to be starving and she looks as if she’s underweight

[Guest]

..but I feed her as much as my almost 2 year old pit bull.She finishes her food and water within a couple minutes.Ive tried a pacing bowl and I’ve tried so many different kinds of foods but she never seems to gain weight or be full.It’s never enough for her.

She’s always scavaging to floor for crumbs and she even tries to eat my other dogs food.

Any idea if it could be health related or anything I’m doing wrong?

[Coralie]

She should be eating more than your adult dog she needs more to grow. She should also be on a puppy food until she’s a year.

[Shawna]

Puppies always want food. I had to get a maze bowl got mine and was feeding 3 cups a day at that age, 1.5 cups at a time, once morning and once evening.

He used to act like he was always starving but once he hit about a year he leveled out. He's 2 yo and gets 4 cups a day, still 2 separate feedings and no maze bowl.

It would be a good idea to check in with the vet, but it might just be something she has to learn.

She does not look super underweight but if the vet thinks she could use a few pounds you could always add a bit of canned food to each feeding to help fatten her up.

[Annette]

Have you checked for worms? This could def be the case. She could also be highly underestimated (scavenging issue, not weight issue.)

Try yak cheese chews and snuffle mats. Also, kongs are good but get easy to clean ones as they can be a pain.

[Jeannie]

Just because you don't see worms doesn't mean she doesn't have them. She could be passing eggs and not adult worms - which would make it a lighter infestation. Bring your vet a decal sample for testing.

I would feed your dog separate as she may have food anxiety and feels pressured to gobble with other dogs there and maybe feed 3x a day instead of 2.

I would also ask your vet if adding half a cup more (spread out over the meals) is safe until you figure out the weight issue.

Watch for signs of urinating more or drinking more - could be diabetes.

[Brandy]

Why do you think she's underweight? Has the vet expressed concerns about her weight? What food are you feeding and how much?

You definitely should be using a slow feeder if she's gulping food down quickly. Regardless of weight.

[Diane]

Every dog is different. My dog was never full on the amount indicated on the bag. She was 20 lbs and would easily eat almost double the amount recommended before she was full. She was never overweight.

Deworming can be done twice with puppies. Drop off a poop sample to be sure no works and try adjusting the food or perhaps try a different brand that maybe more filling.