11 Dog Breeds With Surprisingly High Food Needs

Though Greyhounds may have a reputation for being fast runners, they are surprisingly sensitive dogs that require a lot of energy to sustain their lean, muscular frames. Despite their sleek appearance, Greyhounds are often quite delicate and can be prone to food sensitivities and digestive issues. Their food needs are higher than those of other dogs their size because they burn calories quickly, especially after sprinting. Ensuring they have a nutritious, calorie-dense diet is important for keeping them in top form without causing digestive upset.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are affectionate, calm, and social dogs, but they also have specific food requirements due to their sensitive stomachs. These dogs are prone to food allergies, which means they may require a specialized diet that can be harder to find. Because of their smaller size, they need food that provides high-quality nutrients to prevent any deficiencies. Their tendency to be picky eaters, combined with food sensitivities, makes feeding them a carefully considered task, with owners needing to choose easily digestible, nutrient-rich foods.

Labrador Retriever

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Labrador Retrievers are energetic and playful, but their sensitive stomachs require owners to be vigilant about their diet. These dogs can suffer from food allergies and digestive issues, making it crucial to feed them high-quality food that doesn’t upset their systems. While they have a strong appetite and tend to be food-driven, they also need a balanced diet that supports their energetic lifestyle. Labrador Retrievers require larger food portions due to their high energy output, but it’s important to monitor their calorie intake to prevent obesity.

Boxer

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Boxers are well-known for their playful and affectionate nature, but their sensitive stomachs can make feeding a challenge. They have a high metabolism and require a substantial amount of food to keep up with their energy. However, Boxers can suffer from food allergies and digestive issues that can make them more prone to stomach discomfort. Finding the right balance of nutrition for them is essential to their well-being, with a focus on easily digestible food that supports their active lifestyle and keeps their stomachs calm.

Chihuahua

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Despite their small size, Chihuahuas have a surprisingly high metabolism and food requirement. These sensitive dogs are prone to food allergies and digestive upset, which makes choosing the right food crucial. Chihuahuas need frequent meals that are rich in nutrients to keep up with their energy levels while avoiding food sensitivities. Due to their small size, they also have a delicate stomach, so feeding them easily digestible food that meets their nutritional needs is important for their health and longevity.

Australian Shepherd

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Australian Shepherds are known for their high intelligence and energy levels. These working dogs are constantly on the move and require a high-calorie diet to keep them fueled. However, they are also prone to food sensitivities, so owners must ensure that their food is not only high in calories but also gentle on their digestive systems. Australian Shepherds can develop allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, making it crucial to choose foods that are both nutritionally dense and easy on their stomachs to support their active lifestyle.

Poodle

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Poodles are often considered a high-maintenance breed, and their food needs are no exception. Despite their elegant appearance, they are sensitive dogs that require a balanced and nutrient-rich diet to maintain their health. Poodles are prone to food allergies and sensitivities, which can make feeding them a challenge. Due to their active lifestyles, they require a higher amount of food to maintain their energy levels. Special care must be taken to provide them with food that’s both nutritious and easy to digest, so they can stay healthy and happy.

Bernese Mountain Dog

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, gentle dogs that require a surprising amount of food to sustain their size and energy. These dogs are prone to certain health issues like hip dysplasia, which means their diet needs to be carefully managed to avoid unnecessary weight gain. However, due to their sensitive digestive systems, Bernese Mountain Dogs need high-quality food that supports their overall health. Their large appetites and lower energy levels in the later years require them to be fed a diet that is both calorie-dense and easy to digest.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus are small but mighty, and they have surprisingly high food needs considering their size. These affectionate dogs require high-quality food to support their active lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight. However, their sensitive stomachs mean they need food that is both gentle on their digestion and nutritionally dense. Shih Tzus are also prone to obesity, so controlling their food intake while ensuring they receive proper nutrition is key. Special care is needed to select the right food to maintain their delicate digestive balance and overall well-being.

Maltese

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Maltese dogs are small, but their food requirements are higher than many might expect. These sensitive dogs need high-quality food that provides energy and supports their well-being. Maltese dogs can be prone to food sensitivities, particularly to certain grains or preservatives. This means they require a carefully managed diet, often free from allergens, that helps maintain their digestive health. Their small stomachs also mean they need multiple meals a day to keep their energy up while avoiding digestive upset.

The Always Hungry Sensitive Dogs

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Feeding sensitive dogs can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right attention to their food needs, these breeds can thrive. Sensitive dogs, while they may require more food than expected, also need careful consideration when it comes to what they eat. Owners must choose high-quality, easily digestible food to ensure these dogs stay healthy and happy. So, if you have a sensitive pup with a big appetite, be ready to cater to their nutritional needs while making sure they’re getting the right balance for their health and comfort.