The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word HUNGERED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
H
U
N
G
E
R
E
D
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Felt need" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case felt need = hungered.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does HUNGERED mean?
HUNGERED verb- To be in need of food.
- (usually with 'for' or 'after') To have a desire (for); to long; to yearn.
- To make hungry; to famish.
- Hungry; pinched for food.