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We Countdown the Top 15 Most Hungry Dog Breeds

By: Arlene Divina
Arlene Divina, one of the content writers at IHD, loves going on adventures with her adorable fur baby. She now creates informative content for pet parents. Read more
| November 11, 2024

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If you’ve ever caught your dog giving you the “puppy eyes” during dinner or seen them sniffing out every crumb in the house, you know that some dogs have a seemingly insatiable appetite. While all dogs love a good meal, certain breeds are mainly known for their big appetites and constant desire for snacks. These hungry pups are experts at begging, tracking down treats, and sneaking bites when you’re not looking. If you’re considering adopting one, prepare for strategic food storage and master the art of saying “no.”

Labrador Retriever

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Labrador Retrievers are famously food-motivated, and it’s no wonder they top the list of hungry breeds. Labs seem to have a bottomless pit for a stomach and will eat just about anything they can get their paws on. They’re known for their love of treats, kibble, and even non-food items if they’re left unattended. This love of food makes them easy to train, but it also means you must be vigilant about keeping food out of reach. Labs will shamelessly beg; if they catch a whiff of anything edible, they’ll follow their nose until they find it.

Beagle

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Beagles are natural-born hunters with noses that are always on the prowl for food. Their keen sense of smell leads them to every snack, crumb, and tasty morsel within a mile radius. Beagles are notorious for being food-obsessed, often using their adorable faces to beg for extra treats. They are highly motivated by food, making training sessions easy but also making it difficult to keep them out of the kitchen. If there’s a way to sniff out and sneak a snack, a Beagle will find it, and their mischievous love for food is charming and a bit of a challenge.

Dachshund

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Dachshunds may be small, but their appetite is anything but. These long-bodied pups are passionate about food and are known as relentless beggars. Their love for treats knows no bounds, and they’ll go to great lengths to get an extra bite. Dachshunds are known for their stubbornness, and they’re even more persistent when it comes to food. Whether sitting by your feet at dinner or trying to climb onto the table, these clever little dogs won’t rest until they’ve tasted whatever you’re eating. Their big appetites and clever antics make them lovable yet challenging companions.

Pug

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Pugs are known for their love of food, and their adorable, squishy faces make it harder to resist their begging. These little clowns will eat anything and everything, often gobbling up their meals so quickly that you’ll wonder if they even chewed. Pugs are prone to weight gain, so portion control is essential, even though their big eyes and playful personalities make it tough to say no. They’re experts at sniffing out treats and have a knack for acting extra cute when food is around. If you have a Pug, be prepared for a lifetime of managing their snack-loving tendencies.

Basset Hound

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Basset Hounds are famous for their droopy ears and soulful eyes, but they also have a big appetite to match their big hearts. These dogs are known for their love of food, and their strong sense of smell makes it almost impossible to ignore anything edible. Bassets may move slowly, but they always search for a tasty snack. They’re masters at using their sad-eyed expressions to guilt you into sharing a treat, and they have no problem following their noses to the source of a smell. With a Basset Hound, you’ll need to watch your food and their waistline.

Bulldog

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Bulldogs may seem laid-back and lazy, but they have a strong love for food. These solid, sturdy dogs are known for enjoying their meals a little too much, often gobbling down food in record time. Bulldogs tend to overeat if given the chance, and their big appetite can lead to weight issues if not managed carefully. They’ll happily lounge around the house until it’s mealtime, when they’ll run for a snack. Bulldogs have a charming way of looking pitiful when begging, making it difficult to resist their adorable, hungry faces.

Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities, and their love for food is just as enthusiastic. These dogs have an insatiable appetite and will gladly eat everything in sight, often cleaning their bowls in seconds. Goldens are highly food-motivated, making them easy to train, but they also have a tendency to beg, especially if they think you’re holding out on a tasty treat. Their love for food means you must be careful about what they can access, as a Golden Retriever will take full advantage of any opportunity to sneak a snack.

Cocker Spaniel

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Cocker Spaniels are sweet, affectionate dogs with a big appetite and a knack for begging. These dogs love to eat and often use their cute, pleading eyes to score extra treats. They’re experts at sniffing out food and will gladly sit at your feet during dinner, waiting for a crumb to fall. Cocker Spaniels can be a bit sneaky, and if they get a chance to grab a snack, they won’t hesitate. Their love of food makes training easy but also means you’ll need to be vigilant about portion control and keeping food out of reach.

Rottweiler

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Rottweilers are powerful, loyal dogs with a big appetite to match their impressive size. These dogs love their meals and will often eagerly wait for feeding time. Rottweilers can become quite food-focused, making it easy to train them using treats but also requiring care to ensure they don’t overeat. Their protective instincts extend to guarding their food, and they have a way of ensuring they get every last bite. If you have a Rottweiler, be prepared for a strong dog who desires tasty meals and snacks.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus are small but have a big appetite and a love for everything edible. These little dogs are known for their begging skills, often using their cute, fluffy faces to charm their way into getting an extra treat. Shih Tzus can be a bit picky about what they eat, but they’re all in once they find something they like. They have a way of making every meal feel like a special event, and their love for food is matched only by their love for their humans. Be ready to manage their diet carefully, as these tiny food enthusiasts can easily overindulge.

Saint Bernard

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Saint Bernards are massive dogs with a hearty appetite to match. These gentle giants love their meals and can eat impressive amounts of food in one sitting. Despite their calm demeanor, they’ll eagerly show up for feeding time and won’t be shy about asking for more. Saint Bernards have a way of drooling when they smell something delicious, and keeping them at a healthy weight can be a challenge due to their love of food. Their sheer size and hunger make managing their diet essential, but their loving, loyal nature makes every meal worth it.

Pomeranian

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Pomeranians may be small, but their appetite is mighty. These fluffy little dogs love treats and have a way of charming their way into getting more food than they should. Pomeranians are experts at begging and will use their playful, energetic nature to win over their owners. Despite their tiny size, they can be quite persistent regarding snacks, often dancing around excitedly at the sight of food. Managing their diet is crucial to avoid weight gain, but their love for treats and enthusiastic snack-seeking antics make them endlessly entertaining.

Great Dane

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Great Danes are known for their enormous size, and their appetite is equally impressive. These dogs need a significant amount of food to keep them healthy and energized, and they never miss a chance for a snack. Great Danes are gentle and loving, but they’re also serious about mealtime and will happily remind you if dinner is late. They have a tendency to beg and may give you a soulful look that’s hard to resist. With a Great Dane, you’ll need a big heart and a bigger food budget to keep this gentle giant happy and healthy.

Border Collie

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Border Collies are intelligent, energetic dogs that need plenty of fuel to keep up with their active lifestyle. These dogs have a healthy appetite and are always ready for a meal or a snack to recharge. Border Collies are food-motivated and will do just about anything for a tasty treat, which makes training easy but also means they’re experts at begging. Their boundless energy requires a balanced diet, but their enthusiasm for food can make it tempting to overfeed them. With a Border Collie, keeping treats in moderation is key to maintaining their peak performance.

Weimaraner

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Weimaraners are sleek, athletic dogs known for their high energy and appetite for adventure—and food. These “gray ghosts” are always on the move, and their hearty appetite matches their active lifestyle. Weimaraners are incredibly food-motivated and eagerly work for treats, making training sessions a breeze. However, their love of snacks also means they’re prone to begging and even sneaking food if given the chance. They’ll happily gobble up meals and have a knack for sniffing out anything remotely edible, so keeping food out of reach is essential with these hungry, athletic hounds.

The Snack-Seeking Squad

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When it comes to hungry dog breeds, these pups take the cake—and any other food they can get their paws on! From the enthusiastic Labrador Retriever to the snack-seeking Pug, these dogs will keep you on your toes regarding food. They’ve perfected the art of begging, sniffing out treats, and making every meal a special occasion. While their love of food can be challenging, they are easy to train and endlessly lovable. Keep the pantry locked and your snacks well hidden because these hungry pups are always on the hunt!

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