We go to all of that trouble to set our dog’s place for dinner, cleaning their bowl, filling their water, giving them just the right amount of nutritious food… If we could, we’d put a sprig of parsley on top! But some dogs will take that food from their bowl, place it on the floor, and then it eat. Why have dogs developed this strange custom? And is there anything to worry about?
Competitive eating
The short answer to one of those questions is no, there’s nothing to worry about at all. Some dogs developed this trait when they were puppies, and competition for food involved a lot of shoulder to shoulder jostling with their brothers and sisters. By taking the food out of the bowl, it secures a piece just for them, and even when they no longer have this competition, it’s become a habit for them.
And if they do still have competition for food, the reasoning is the same. It’s also worth remembering that some dogs just prefer to eat on their own and away from other people and pets.
If you’d like to watch a short video containing all of that information, our head vet, Sean McCormack has got some words for you below. And if you’re looking for a dog food that will excite any pet, be sure to sign up to our tailor-made dog food subscription service.
My 3yr old cockerpoo has been a poor eater since we’ve had him. I’ve tried dry food, wet food and raw food but not found anything he will eat at regular times. He will go for a long time without food and this worries us