The desire for food is often a conditioned one i.e. the dog has learned from past experience that if the owner is eating then the dog will be given food.

Sometimes there is no solution to this problem of feeling guilty that the dog is being deprived, however you must keep in mind that it is in the best interests of the dog not to over feed it, otherwise you could cause health problems.

The best way of dealing with this is by providing diversion and stimulation in the form of a walk or play. The more you give food on demand, the more the dog will expect it.