Suddenly destructive while on diet

[nycgrey218]

We just celebrated one year with our boy. He's generally had very little separation anxiety and always done great when left alone. A few months ago my partner went back to work in-person, meaning we're both gone for most of the day. We have a lovely walker who spends about an hour with him midday. Didn't seem to be a problem - he basically slept all day before and after the walk, like a typical greyhound.

However, two weeks ago we had to put him on a diet (he was underweight and hookworm ridden when we got him; now he's a little too chunky). We cut his food in half, from 2 cups twice/day to 1 (heaping) cup twice/day. We also swapped out his treats for the low-cal Charlee Bears.

Since this change, he's become destructive when home alone. I still don't think it's separation anxiety - we have a camera, and I've seen him basically playing, but tearing up papers/books etc. A few times I've had our walker leave him with a peanut butter kong or his treat puzzle toy, which has helped. But again, he really needs to lose weight. It's hard when he's so food motivated.

Any other suggestions or tips? He has a ton of toys, even some new ones, but doesn't seem inclined to play with them (unless there's food involved). We have an adaptil plug and he gets calming care probiotic in his food, in case it is anxiety. Should we try muzzling while he's alone?

[Time4ANap]

That's a drastic food cut all at once.  I never add or cut back more than 1/4 cup at a time, usually making adjustments every two weeks. My immediate guess is that he thinks he's hungry because he isn't as full as usual. I'd probably try a more gradual cut back over time and see if the issues resolve. 

[greysmom]

Yeah, he's trying to fill the empty hole in his tummy.  It's likely he has some sort of PTSD about food after being so thin, so he will likely try and eat anything - even non-food items - to stem the hunger pangs.

You might consider adding something like non-soluble fiber to his food (dehydrated Olewho Carrots, cooked or raw veggies, rehydrated beet pulp, even Metamucil tablets) to add bulk-but-not-calories so he doesn't feel so frantic.  And maybe cut him back slower.  Increase his exercise, if possible, to help him burn off his extra "fluffyness."

[nycgrey218]

1 hour ago, Time4ANap said:

That's a drastic food cut all at once.  I never add or cut back more than 1/4 cup at a time, usually making adjustments every two weeks. My immediate guess is that he thinks he's hungry because he isn't as full as usual. I'd probably try a more gradual cut back over time and see if the issues resolve. 

Thanks. That makes sense. I'm annoyed our vet didn't give us more clear instructions about gradually cutting back.

[nycgrey218]

57 minutes ago, greysmom said:

Yeah, he's trying to fill the empty hole in his tummy.  It's likely he has some sort of PTSD about food after being so thin, so he will likely try and eat anything - even non-food items - to stem the hunger pangs.

You might consider adding something like non-soluble fiber to his food (dehydrated Olewho Carrots, cooked or raw veggies, rehydrated beet pulp, even Metamucil tablets) to add bulk-but-not-calories so he doesn't feel so frantic.  And maybe cut him back slower.  Increase his exercise, if possible, to help him burn off his extra "fluffyness."

Great tips! Thank you!

[GreyPoopon]

I agree with the others, especially the comment that the cut is too drastic. I too adjust by about 1/4 c at a time (up or down). Even if he should eat half as much as he was, his system needs time to adjust to smaller meals and amounts.

[Fostr_Mom]

I have used green beans added to the food when a dog needs to lose a few pounds.  

[macoduck]

9 hours ago, Fostr_Mom said:

I have used green beans added to the food when a dog needs to lose a few pounds.  

Yup, green beans are my vet's favorite go-to also.

[cleptogrey]

Ice!cubes and!whole!carrots will  help fill him up. Also look at the calorie count of the food. Try a reduced calorie food.