Dry food question - Harley begging for food

[Harley Quinn]

Harley is a normal, beg-with-your-eyes for food lab but recently we have noticed that she seems very hungry, even after her meals. Her weight hasn't fluctuated but she is hungry. Then a few weeks ago she vomited in the late afternoon and her morning meal with basically intact. This made us question whether she is digesting her food well enough. She doesn't scoff her food, she eats with healthy enthusiasm but we often feed her in her Kong Wobbler and she still has the super hungry behaviour. So DH started wetting and using the blender on her food, to turn it into slush. This has definitely improved her hungry behaviour. But the food prep is something we are not always that efficient at and on the days/nights we have fed her dry food with some flavoured water over the top she has been "hungry" again.

Now I am thinking of changing her to a wet food but choices are few here and it may cost much, much more. She is currently on ACANA Regionals Adult. The other viable option is Orijen but that is also dry. Other than that it is Hills or Royal Canin. And I would prefer she stays on grain free. We also had problems with her refusing to eat the other brands. She is not a picky eater and other than snacks she doesn't get "human" food.

Any similar experiences or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Leanne]

Have you considered raw?

 

[Beanwood]

If she vomited her stomach contents then I would expect them to look like puffed bit of kibble. They absorb water from the gut and swell. I am not sure exactly how long though it takes to transition a piece of kibble from bowl to bottom though. If her weight is stable, condition good, poos normal then this suggests she has a normal digestion. I do think dogs need a bit of extra water when feeding kibble.
I have looked at cold pressed foods briefly. They recommend adding warm water and do break down very quickly.

 

[Jen]

I have to admit.. I would never trust Stanley coming across as hungry. If I did he’d be like a barrel because I don’t think I’ve ever seen him not hungry.. you would actually think he’s never been fed the way he carries on!

 

[Harley Quinn]

Have you considered raw?

I am in ultimate awe of people who feed raw, there are days we barely manage to feed ourselves much less remember to buy, stock and prep Harley's food. You must remember that we do not have human children, we have never needed to evolve to keeping an organized system at home

Thanks Beanwood, I will have a look at cold pressed food.

Jen, I know what you mean and we are very good at not falling for her theatrics but she is genuinely hungry. And yes, I am raising an eyebrow at myself as I type that...

 

[Leanne]

I am in ultimate awe of people who feed raw, there are days we barely manage to feed ourselves much less remember to buy, stock and prep Harley's food. You must remember that we do not have human children, we have never needed to evolve to keeping an organized system at home

Thanks Beanwood, I will have a look at cold pressed food.

Jen, I know what you mean and we are very good at not falling for her theatrics but she is genuinely hungry. And yes, I am raising an eyebrow at myself as I type that...

I was thinking more of the prepacked stuff that you just feed them

 

[Harley Quinn]

Ahhh, yes. I searched online and found one supplier. They don't supply to where I live but I am going to do some more investigation.

 

[Leanne]

We fed Poppy’s picnic for a while, really good quality.

 

[JES72]

Homer has days when he is hungry or should I say “HUNGRY!”

It’s not always related to how much excersise he’s had. He’ll eat his dinner then go back to his bowl and give a little “woof” for more. He just won’t settle until he’s had another dinner. Then sometimes he’ll only eat half his dinner.

 

[Ashley]

I am thinking similar to @JES72, Quinn is not a hungry lab at all...doesn’t remind at dinner time, doesn’t eat fast etc but some days she Is legitimately hungry and cries at dinner time. I associate it with increased exercise, sometimes the day before. Maybe Harley is hungrier on days she does certain activities or is awake longer or something? I measure quinn’s food based now based on her day...a long hike for example I increase both meals a bit. A regular weekday with on leash walks I feed her regular amount. I also add a wet topping to her dinner (to put her pill in, but I like her to have some variety too). Have you looked into freeze dried toppers? You soak and add to kibble. I quite like that option.

 

[Aitch]

Have you tried giving a small lunch? My dogs get a lot of exercise so I give a small lunch every day and that seems to satisfy them.