Health Warning Signs: Increased Appetite in Senior Pets

Key Takeaways

• Changes in your senior pet's appetite aren't a normal part of aging and may signal an underlying health condition that requires veterinary care.
• Both overeating and undereating can be harmful. Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce the risk of obesity, joint problems, and other age-related conditions.
• Common causes of appetite changes include endocrine disorders, digestive issues, stress, dental problems, and changes in taste or smell.
• Feed a balanced senior diet, monitor your pet's weight and water intake, and consult your veterinarian before making significant changes to their food or feeding routine.
• If your senior dog or cat suddenly stops eating or has a dramatic increase in appetite, schedule a veterinary exam promptly.

As pets get older, you might wonder how much and how often you should feed them. These are important questions, as research shows that obesity is a big problem for cats and dogs worldwide.¹ The condition puts them at greater risk for many diseases including some forms of cancer and diabetes mellitus. It can also aggravate any existing orthopedic problems and shorten their expected lifespan. And since senior pets become less active as they age—cats and small dogs are considered "senior" around age 7 or 8, larger dogs around 5 or 6—feeding them just the right amount becomes even more critical to helping them stay healthy.²

Some older pets may naturally eat less as they become less active and have fewer caloric needs. Still, you'll need to watch for signs of undereating since proper nutrition becomes more important as cats and dogs age. Pets begin to crave more food as they creep into their senior years, usually due to underlying health conditions that become more likely as your pet gets older.³ For example, if your pet is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, medications steroids used in conjunction with these treatments can trigger an insatiable appetite.⁴

Remember: Any change in your dog or cat's eating patterns may indicate a serious condition, warranting a trip to the veterinarian for a checkup.

How to tell if your pet is overeating

The most obvious thing to check first is your pet's overall shape.⁵

When it comes to dogs, you should clearly be able to see their waist. If you need to give them a gentle squeeze to find their ribs because they're covered by a layer of fat, that's a sign that your dog is overweight. Likewise, if you notice that your pet's rib cage is suddenly a lot more noticeable, that could be a sign of undereating and/or disease.

Changes in bowel movements could mean your pet is getting too much (or too little) to eat. Other signs your dog isn't getting the right amount to eat include flatulence, lethargy, limping or other signs of excess weight.

Why is my dog so hungry?

A sudden increase in appetite in older dogs, while less common than a decrease in appetite, can be a symptom of a medical condition. Endocrine disorders such as Cushing's disease and diabetes are examples of medical-related appetite surges.

Intestinal blockage or foreign body ingestion

While an obstruction or blockage in the intestinal tract occurs more commonly in dogs (who are more likely than cats to eat something weird), senior pets with poor eyesight and dulled taste buds may eat a foreign object by accident. Symptoms indicating an obstruction include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Inability to have a bowel movement
• Lethargy and other changes in behavior

An immediate veterinary examination may be warranted. Obstructions can be life-threatening if appropriate intervention isn't taken quickly. Also, make sure you haven't left any foods out that are toxic to pets.

Cushing's disease

Endocrine disorders like Cushing's disease affect glands and hormones. Symptoms include:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Skin problems or hair loss
• Lethargy
• An increase in weight

Nutritional imbalance

Overeating can be a sign that your dog is expending extra energy at the dog run or that their food is not nutritionally balanced, or it could simply be part of the normal aging process.⁶ A visit to the vet is the quickest and easiest way to get to the bottom of it. No matter the cause, do your best to help your dog avoid excessive weight gain, as obesity can cause or exacerbate many medical conditions and also put a strain on aging bones and muscles.

Competition for food

In dogs, "scoffing" leads to taking in way too much delicious food.⁷ Inhaling dinner in seconds and then retching or gagging directly afterward is your cue that scoffing is happening. One dog may be competing with another dog in the house to consume all available food. It's also possible that your dog learned this behavior as a stray, he's not being sufficiently fed or given enough high-quality food, or he has intestinal parasites.⁸

Why is my cat so hungry?

While many senior cats experience a decreased appetite as they age, some develop an increased appetite due to an underlying medical condition. If your older cat suddenly seems constantly hungry, it's important to schedule a veterinary exam. Some common causes include:

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common hormonal disorders in older cats, typically affecting cats over 10 years of age.¹¹ An overactive thyroid speeds up the body's metabolism, causing:

• Increased appetite
• Weight loss despite eating more
• Increased thirst and urination
• Vomiting
• Increased heart rate
• Restlessness or hyperactivity

Diabetes

Diabetes can also cause an increased appetite because the body isn't able to properly use glucose for energy. In addition to eating more than usual, cats with diabetes may experience:¹²

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Weight loss
• Lethargy

Intestinal Parasites

Although parasites are more common in younger animals, senior cats can still become infected. Intestinal parasites may prevent your cat from absorbing nutrients properly, causing them to seem constantly hungry while still losing weight.¹³ Other signs include:

• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• A dull coat

While these are some of the more common causes of increased appetite in senior cats, they are not an exhaustive list. Changes in appetite can also result from other medical conditions, medications, or nutritional imbalances. If your cat's eating habits change suddenly or persist for more than a day or two, contact your veterinarian for an evaluation.

Increased Begging behaviors in Pets

In Pets, excessive begging for food can lead to human companions giving in and offering a few extra treats or an extra spoonful of tuna. But pet parents should resist the urge to indulge these adorable demands. Instead, call your vet if there's no clear reason for aggressive begging (e.g., you haven't brought home another animal that's eating the bulk of available food).

Sudden appetite loss in dogs and cats

If your senior pet consistently refuses to eat or suddenly reduces food intake, this can result in weight loss, lethargy and sometimes dehydration. Be on the lookout for these signs—they could be an early indication of disease. Don't wait too long to seek professional help. Call your vet if you notice that your cat or dog has refused food for more than 24 hours.

Common causes for a pet's change in appetite

You'll need to rule out obvious reasons for your pet's sudden change in appetite. Some common causes of not eating are:

• Upset stomach
• Stress due to a change in environment, diet or routine
• Grieving the loss of a companion pet
• Having an off-day
• A disease process

Medical reasons for a pet's change in appetite

As mentioned earlier, there might be an underlying medical cause for changes in appetite in your senior pet, including internal organ dysfunction, intestinal blockage and/or endocrine disorders such as Cushing's disease or hyperthyroidism.

Food preferences

Some pets may eat less because their food begins to taste and smell less appetizing as their senses become less acute with age. Try enticing them with a new flavor of food, by mixing dry and wet food together, or by heating up their food.⁹

Weather

Increased heat and other weather changes may cause your pet to skip a meal occasionally.

Helping your senior pet maintain a healthy weight

Decreased appetite is much more common in senior pets than increased appetite, but be sure to monitor any change in eating. Maintaining a healthy weight has extra relevance in a cat or dog's twilight years because excess weight can cause heart disease as well as joint and bone problems. Too little weight (brought about by decreased food intake) can cause dehydration and other complications. While a slight change in eating habits isn't necessarily unusual for an older pet, a sudden or dramatic change is a cause for concern.

Senior diet for dogs

Switching to a senior dog food can help meet your dog's changing nutritional needs as they age. Senior formulas are designed to support healthy weight, muscle maintenance, mobility, and overall wellness.¹⁵

Compared with adult maintenance diets, senior dog foods often include:

• Fewer calories and less fat to help prevent age-related weight gain in less active dogs.
• High-quality, highly digestible protein to help preserve lean muscle mass.
• Glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) to help reduce inflammation and support brain and joint health.
• Antioxidants, including vitamins E and C, to help support the immune system.
• Fiber to promote healthy digestion and help dogs feel full between meals.

Because every senior dog ages differently, your veterinarian can recommend the right food and feeding amount based on your dog's breed, size, body condition, activity level, and any medical conditions.

Pet food safety and feeding frequency

Stay abreast of any pet food recalls, and check labels for unhealthy ingredients that might upset your elder pet's stomach. If you're unsure about the right portions to feed your pet, speak to your vet about this as well. Bottom line: Don't make any changes without consulting your vet first.

Keeping your dog hydrated

Of course, proper hydration is essential. Check your pet's water bowl throughout the day to ensure that it's always full and clean, and monitor whether they're drinking more or less than usual.¹⁰ Excessive drinking, as mentioned earlier, may be a sign of disease. Make sure that water and food bowls are easily accessible to your pet. They shouldn't be too high off the ground or too low to reach. Either can cause pain or discomfort for older pets with arthritis or joint pain.

Can senior pets have treats?

Even though senior pets need fewer calories than they did when they were younger, you won't want to give up the pleasure of feeding them the occasional treat. Talk to your vet about the most nutritious treats for your animal, and how many to offer. And remember, a little praise and encouragement can go a long way in getting your beloved senior pet to take a nibble of food when they're feeling ambivalent about eating—even a simple "good girl" may suffice!

Senior diet for cats

If your senior cat always seems hungry, don't assume they simply need more food. Older cats can develop medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes that increase appetite, so a veterinary exam is the first step. Once underlying health issues have been ruled out, feeding a high-quality senior cat food can help ensure your cat is getting the right nutrients without excess calories.

Senior cat diets are formulated differently than adult maintenance diets.¹⁶ While individual needs vary, they often contain:

• Highly digestible protein to help maintain muscle mass as cats age.
• Moderate calorie levels to support a healthy body weight in less active cats.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) to help support joint health and cognitive function.
• Antioxidants, including vitamin E and vitamin C, to help support immune function.
• B vitamins, which may help replace nutrients that some older cats absorb less efficiently.
• Controlled amounts of phosphorus in diets designed for cats with kidney concerns, but only under veterinary guidance.

Your veterinarian can recommend the best diet based on your cat's age, weight, activity level, and any underlying medical conditions. If your senior cat's appetite suddenly increases or decreases, don't change foods without first discussing the change with your veterinarian.

The bottom line

If you see changes in your elderly pet's diet, it's usually an indicator that it's time to book an appointment with your vet for a checkup. With a Pets Best pet insurance policy, you can focus on keeping your pet healthy and treating underlying conditions that might be triggering appetite changes, without worrying about affording the best care available.

Sources

¹Ernie Ward, DVM et al., "The Global Pet Obesity Initiative Position Statement," Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 2019, https://petobesityprevention.org/global-pet-obesity-initiative, accessed July 13, 2022.

²"Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats," American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), https://www.aaha.org/resources/2023-aaha-senior-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/, accessed June 17, 2026.

³"Feeding your Dog or Cat for their Life Stage," Braden Run Animal Hospital, October 7, 2021, https://www.bradenrunanimalhospital.com/post/feeding-your-dog-or-cat-for-their-life-stage, accessed July 13, 2022.

⁴"Chemotherapy for Dogs and Cats — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)," Veterinary Specialty Center, https://www.vetspecialty.com/specialties/medical-and-radiation-oncology/treatment-options-for-pets-with-cancer/chemotherapy/chemotherapy-for-dogs-and-cats-frequently-asked-questions, accessed July 21, 2022.

⁵"The 10 signs that show you are damaging your pet's health through over feeding," Burns Pet Nutrition, https://burnspet.co.uk/nutrition-blog/the-10-signs-that-show-you-are-damaging-your-pets-health-through-over-feeding, accessed July 13, 2022.

⁶"Why Is My Dog Always Hungry?" PetMD, June 17, 2022, Vet Reviewed by Katie Grzyb, DVM, https://www.petmd.com/dog/symptoms/why-my-dog-always-hungry, accessed August 31, 2022.

⁷"Overeating in Pets," Klein Animal Clinic, November 18, 2019, https://kleinanimalclinic.com/overeating-in-pets, accessed July 13, 2022.

⁸Patty Oelze, "Why Do Dogs Eat Quickly," Wag! January 30, 2020, https://wagwalking.com/behavior/why-do-dogs-eat-quickly, accessed August 31, 2022.

⁹"Is Your Older Dog Not Eating Like They Used to?" Iams, https://www.iams.com/dog/dog-articles/your-mature-dog-eating-less, accessed July 13, 2022.

¹⁰Krista Williams, BSc, DVM and Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM, "Feeding Mature and Senior Dogs," VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-mature-and-senior-dogs, accessed July 13, 2022.

¹¹"Feline Hyperthyroidism," Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hyperthyroidism-cats, accessed June 17, 2026.

¹²"Diabetes in Cats," Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-diabetes, accessed June 17, 2026.

¹³"Intestinal Parasites in Cats," Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/gastrointestinal-parasites-cats, accessed June 17, 2026.

¹⁴"2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats," Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, 2023.

¹⁵"Nutrition for Senior Dogs," Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.

¹⁶"Senior Cat Nutrition," Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.