Your dog, unless very thin, is NOT starving. Just because they wolf down their food doesn't mean anything in the way of their apatite. Think like a dog, less like a human. A puppy usually ends up learning that food is a reward. What does this mean later in life. Well when you give your dog food, be it treat or meal, it's a reward and not "accepting" this reward from the alpha (you, I hope) is a big no no in doggy world. If your dog doesn't have a medical condition that is causing the increased apatite then I implore you to limit your dog's food consumption IF they are heavy. Their energy level will INCREASE and they will live longer healthier lives! The heavier an animal is, the harder it is for them to get around. This puts strain on their joints. They also realize, that if it came down to them being left owner less... they would have a very hard time "catching" or finding their next meal. This makes them store their food energy and consume anything they are presented.
So if your Vet isn't honest enough to tell you that your dog is overweight and you feel like limiting their caloric content is cruel... don't feel that way. It's cruel to let their weight get out of hand. A happy dog is one that knows he or she is getting their food on a normal schedule. They could seriously care less about the quantity... that is a personification!
Now to kill another myth, my dog is a picky eater. I believe it, but not as frequently as people keep bringing it up. If they are full, some dogs will turn down food and be ashamed that they just can't eat any more. This ashamed feeling of turning down a "reward" usually comes off as food preference issue. It is, in actuality, rarely that they don't like the flavor! For those dogs that are stuborn and do start to starve themselves (give the new food 24 hours) try mixing the food with the older food. Another trick is to put some of their kibble on your plate when you are done with dinner. Let them lick the plate and eat the kibble. This trick also works with pills
I know I sound harsh, but hey, I don't know you but trust me, I want the best for all.
