Food Envy in Dogs: What to Do?
© manushot / stock.adobe.com
Puppies should always have enough to eat to prevent developing food envy.
Some four-legged friends may growl aggressively or even snap when they fear someone is challenging them for their food. But why do dogs experience food envy? And how can it be managed?
Table of contents
When Do We Speak of Food Envy in Dogs?
Feeding our furry companions is not always a relaxed affair. Some animals fear their meal time is at risk. They may gobble up their kibble greedily or keep a nervous watch on their surroundings while eating.
When dogs growl, bare their teeth or even ready themselves to attack in this scenario, we commonly refer to this behaviour as food envy. However, this is not a scientifically accurate term but rather a colloquial expression.
Food Aggression: Defending Possession Claims
From a behavioural biology perspective, food envy in dogs is not necessarily comparable to the feeling of envy in humans. Rather, it is about defending a resource crucial to the dog. After all, the dog needs to eat enough to survive.
Experts thus more accurately refer to it as food aggression. This behaviour can be directed towards other dogs, other pets such as cats, and even humans.
© Tanakon photo / stock.adobe.com
Is Food Envy Normal in Dogs?
Food envy is quite common, especially in puppies. Puppy siblings born in large litters quickly learn that they must compete with each other for their mother’s teats.
Therefore, the behaviour is partly innate and to some extent normal. Its purpose is to ensure the animal’s survival.
However, mistakes in training and feeding throughout a dog’s life can lead to an unfortunate intensification of food envy. Some dogs then defend their valuable food so aggressively that they pose a danger to other dogs or small children.
It is important to manage food aggression early on through targeted training.
Causes: Where Does Food Envy in Dogs Come From?
Food envy is often observed in poorly socialised dogs and in dogs from animal welfare organisations. For example, stray dogs who have experienced scarcity of food in their past may develop this undesirable behaviour pattern.
How Does Food Envy Arise?
As mentioned earlier, food envy in puppies is not unusual. Responsible breeders ensure that each puppy can drink enough milk.
When supplementary feeding is provided, an adequate number of bowls should be made available so that each puppy can eat its fill.
If this is not the case, there is a risk that dogs will have to compete for their food. This can lead them to develop food envy and, as adult dogs, to defend their meal times against others.
Do Not Remove the Feeding Bowl
But it’s not always the breeder’s fault or a tough street life that leads to dogs showing food envy. Removing a still-full food bowl can also cause a dog to become envious of their food because they learn that there is not enough food for them.
If the animal is repeatedly disturbed while eating, for example, by children or other animals around them, this can also intensify food envy in dogs.
Food Envy Manifestations in Dogs
Food envy in dogs is a form of competitive behaviour. Experts talk about possessive aggression, where the animal defends its food or even a treat against others.
Initially, this can be signalled through typical appeasement gestures like yawning or licking lips. The dog tries to keep potential rivals away from its bowl.
If this behaviour is not enough to deter (perceived) competitors, the dog starts to threaten. A dog with food envy may growl, snap or even bite.
Interestingly, dogs do not only fight over their food. Toys, the dog bed or their beloved human can also be defended in this way.
Not a Matter of Dominance
In the past, food aggression in dogs was thought to solidify the animal’s position within the pack. However, the dominance theory is outdated. Behavioural studies on wolves and feral domestic dogs have shown that food conflicts occur regardless of hierarchy.
Researchers observed that even lower-ranking animals defend their meal times against more dominant ones. Hence, the training advice to take away a dog’s food bowl during eating to assert dominance is no longer valid.
In fact, taking the food away can be counterproductive. It can severely damage the trust between human and animal – and further enhance the dog’s food envy.
Can a Dog Be Trained Out of Food Envy?
Training a dog out of its food envy requires patience and consistency. Owners must never use punishment as it would only worsen the problem.
Instead, the bond between the dog and its owner should be strengthened. This can be done through activities such as
- playing together,
- dog sports,
- extensive coat care,
- and cuddling.
Step by step, the dog learns that it can rely on its pack leader at all times.
Eventually, it will understand that “its” human is also in charge of distributing the food – and will always provide enough to eat.
Dogs Must Be Allowed to Eat in Peace
It is important that dogs are allowed to eat in peace. They should not be disturbed by family members or other pets during food intake.
If two or more dogs live under one roof, they should be fed separately to prevent food aggression. If they must or should eat side by side, each animal needs its own bowl – and, of course, the fellow dog’s bowl is off-limits.
Consistency is Key
Having a dedicated feeding spot and strict feeding times provide the dog with a sense of safety. Such a routine helps reduce food envy in dogs. Feeding from the table is therefore out of the question. Despite begging and sad eyes, dog owners should stand firm.
Because consistency is one of the crucial factors in preventing a dog’s food envy. Only then can a relaxed food intake be possible – for both humans and animal.
© Christian Müller / stock.adobe.com
Conclusion: Do Not Take Food Envy in Dogs Lightly
Food envy in dogs can become dangerous. Dogs that aggressively defend their bowls are a risk to all family members. Therefore, they should learn as early as possible that “their” human is always there for them and always provides adequate nutrition.
If a dog has already developed food aggression, it should be managed through appropriate measures like regulated feeding times and a calm environment during eating. Those who struggle on their own should not hesitate to seek advice from a dog trainer.
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"A life without a pug is possible, but pointless," Loriot once said. I would unreservedly agree and add: "A life without horse, cat and rabbit as well!" My heart beats for all animals big and small and I have the great fortune to be able to write about my passion as a freelance author. With my articles I would like to raise awareness for animal welfare and give useful tips to animal lovers.
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