When a Shih Tzu is Always Hungry

Overview

Polyphagia, or increased food consumption, is a condition that can affect both puppies and adult dogs, including the Shih Tzu. This involves a dog exhibiting a seemingly insatiable appetite, with or without weight gain.

This article explores the various reasons behind a Shih Tzu's excessive hunger, covering how age impacts appetite, the top six reasons for constant hunger, and health conditions that may lead to an unending appetite, including warning signs.

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Puppy vs Adult vs Senior - How Age Relates to Appetite

Puppies

The first year of a Shih Tzu's life is marked by rapid growth, with intermittent gains and some stalls, but follows an upward trajectory. Growth typically slows around 10 months and often ceases by the 1-year mark, although minor changes can occur up to 14-16 months as they may gain a little more in height and lean out in build.

Puppies eat not just to maintain their weight but to grow and fill out, which is why they require more calories per pound than adult dogs — around 55 calories per pound for puppies compared to about 40 for adults. This higher calorie need, combined with a Shih Tzu puppy's high metabolism and active nature, often results in a seemingly insatiable appetite as they burn through food quickly and need to refuel often.

Adults

Adults that have reached their final size are in their prime. Gone is the hyper puppy stage yet healthy adults are plenty active. A Shih Tzu adult's appetite should be strong. It's always a good thing when a dog is receptive to snacks and looks forward to their meals. This said, if a Shih Tzu is given 3 meals a day and several snacks but never seems to be satisfied, this is something that should be addressed. Details ahead.

Seniors

Older, senior dogs can have trouble with hard kibble due to tooth issues and/or often eat less in automatic response to a decrease in activity. So, it is rare for a senior Shih Tzu to suddenly be hungry all of the time. Health issues in which there is increased appetite should be ruled out. More ahead.

Top 6 Reasons a Shih Tzu May Always Act Hungry

#1 Misguided serving sizes.

What happens: If a Shih Tzu is underfed, they'll constantly feel hungry, and if overfed, they may overeat just because food is available, as many dogs eat what they're given regardless of need.

What to do: Check if the amount you're feeding your Shih Tzu aligns with the recommended serving sizes on the dog food label, typically found under 'Feeding Guidelines'. These guidelines, based on age and weight, provide a fairly accurate estimate within a 10% range.

To ensure proper feeding, know your dog's weight (your vet can help with this, often at no charge) and refer to these feeding instructions. Remember, the listed serving size is usually for the entire day, not per meal, so divide it by the number of meals you provide (usually three for most Shih Tzu dogs).

#2 Offering too many snacks.

What happens: This follows suit with the previous reason for eating too much in that some dogs will eat to no end as long as the food is supplied. And, some will even beg for treats when they're not even really hungry; it's just habit.

What to do: Maintain a feeding schedule. Until 3 months old, Shih Tzu puppies should be free-fed (food is available at all times). After that, both puppies and adults should have 3 meals per day plus several wholesome snacks to keep them satiated between meals and to help prevent hypoglycemia (a rapid drop in blood glucose levels that is not uncommon with toy breeds).

Training treats can be given as needed; but other than that, do not give in to begging for food or offer any extra tidbits just out of habit. If your Shih Tzu was previously given lots of extra snacks, they may miss the attention, however this can be substituted with pets, kisses and perhaps some extra one-on-one play time.

#3 Their food contains fillers.

What Fillers Are: Fillers in dog food are low-cost ingredients used to add bulk to kibble without providing significant nutritional value. These ingredients, typically devoid of essential nutrients like proteins and vitamins, offer only temporary satiety, as they pass through a dog's system without being properly digested.

Examples: Common fillers include corn and its derivatives (such as corn meal and corn gluten meal), various types of flour (including wheat and rice flour), and soy products. Even in popular brands like Purina One Natural and Royal Canin Health Nutrition, these fillers often appear among the top ingredients. For instance, Purina One Natural lists rice flour and corn gluten meal high on its ingredient list.

Consequences: A diet high in fillers can lead to a cycle of constant hunger and potential malnutrition in dogs. Symptoms include coat issues (such as hair loss), digestive problems (like flatulence and irregular stools), vomiting bile, lethargy, depressive behavior, poor skin health (like overly dry skin), and in severe cases, tooth loss, weakened bones, vision problems, and coprophagia (eating feces).

What to Do: If you find that fillers are among the top five ingredients in your dog's food, it's advisable to switch to a better-quality diet. Look for quality foods for Shih Tzu dogs that prioritize real meats, vegetables, and fruits as their main ingredients, and avoid those containing wheat, corn, or soy as key components. This shift can significantly improve your little guy or gal's overall health and well-being.

#4 Increased activity.

What happens: Dogs, like humans, need more food when their activity levels increase. This is often the case with Shih Tzus, particularly during seasons like spring and summer when they're likely to enjoy more walks, park visits, and activities, leading to a higher appetite.

What to do: While general guidelines on how many calories a Shih Tzu needs are helpful, they're just estimates. Your dog's requirements can vary by up to 20%, influenced by factors such as their activity level. To manage this fluctuating appetite and prevent unwanted weight gain, consider adding an extra snack per day when you notice increased hunger, or slightly increase meal portions. This approach helps meet their energy needs without overfeeding.

#5 Strong chewing urges.

What happens: Chewing urges, rather than an actual increase in appetite, can lead some Shih Tzus, particularly teething puppies (usually from 4 to 9 months old), to eat more, especially hard kibble. Adults may also chew excessively due to stress or separation anxiety.

What to do: For teething puppies, maintain a regular feeding schedule and provide quality teething toys to soothe itchy gums and the urge to chew. This phase typically lasts 4 to 5 months. For adults, addressing chewing issues depends on the cause, with solutions ranging from calming methods to refocusing techniques.

Health Conditions that can Cause a Shih Tzu to be Overly Hungry

There are a few health issues that can cause a dog to overeat and/or gain weight. Though, most have other symptoms that are usually noticed first.

Cushing's syndrome: A malfunction of the adrenal glands causes an overproduction of the cortisol hormone. While increased appetite is one sign of this health issue, other signs and symptoms are much more apparent: Hair loss, a darkening of the skin, increased thirst (and subsequent increased hunger if water is not available), a distended stomach, weakness, and/or loss of muscle mass.

Canine diabetes: During the onset of diabetes, an imbalance of insulin can cause an increase in appetite. With this disease, a dog may eat a lot but actually lose weight.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: This is rare with the Shih Tzu breed (90% of all cases involve the German Shepherd or Rough Coated Collie); however, it is a condition in which there are not enough enzymes being created to properly digest food. The food then passes out of the body before nutrients can be absorbed and this causes a dog to always be hungry.

Imbalance of bacteria in the gut: An imbalance between 'good' and 'bad' bacteria in a dog's small intestine, often following antibiotics or a bout of diarrhea, can affect nutrient absorption. This may lead to increased hunger and eating more without gaining weight. This can usually be corrected with an OTC probiotic like Pet Ultimates Probiotics for Dogs,which is a powder that you mix into meals.

Red Flags

If your Shih Tzu shows any of the following signs, along with a higher than normal appetite, this is your signal that it is time for a vet visit:

Sudden and rapid weight gain
Increased thirst
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Discomfort or pain (a dog may whine, have intolerance to be touched, held, or picked up, and/or retreating)
Bloated stomach
Trouble breathing
Loss of bladder or bowels
Excessive weakness
Dizziness (may stumble into walls, etc.)
Sudden aggressiveness