Sometimes, I notice my dog doing the strangest things during mealtime. One moment he’s eating happily, and the next, he’s pushing his bowl around like he’s trying to hide it.
It made me curious. Why do dogs try to cover their food? I’ve seen this behavior more than once, and it always makes me wonder what’s going on in his head.
I decided to dig deeper into this habit. What I found was both surprising and fascinating. Here’s what I learned about this quirky, instinct-driven behavior.
Understanding The Behavior
To understand why dogs cover their food, we need to go back to their ancestors. Before dogs were domesticated, wild canines like wolves and foxes had to hunt for their meals.
Food wasn’t always abundant, and competition was fierce. So when a wild dog came across a good meal, it wasn’t always safe or practical to eat everything at once.
Instead, they would bury leftover food to protect it from scavengers and return later.This survival behavior is called caching, and it helped wild canines preserve food for future consumption.
Even though your domesticated dog may get regular meals from a bowl, their instinct to protect and save food remains hardwired into their brain. When your dog tries to cover their food, they’re often acting on this ancient impulse.
Why Do Dogs Try To Cover Their Food?
Dogs try to cover their food because it is an instinctive behavior inherited from their wild ancestors. In the wild, dogs would bury or hide leftover food to protect it from other animals and save it for later.
Even though domestic dogs don’t usually need to do this, the instinct remains, so they may try to cover their food by scratching around it or nudging it with their nose. This behavior helps them feel secure about their meal.
Is This Behavior Ever Problematic?
This behavior is usually harmless, but it can be problematic in some situations. If a dog is covering food due to anxiety, stress, or guarding tendencies, it may point to deeper behavioral issues. It can also happen if the dog is overfed or bored.
In these cases, the behavior might lead to food aggression or digestive problems if spoiled food is later eaten. If it becomes frequent or obsessive, it’s a good idea to consult a vet or dog trainer.
How To Stop A Dog From Covering His Food ?
If you want to stop your dog from covering their food, here are a few simple steps you can try:
1. Stick to a Feeding Schedule: Feed your dog at the same times every day and remove the bowl after 15–20 minutes. This reduces the urge to “save” food for later.
2. Feed Smaller Portions: If your dog consistently leaves food, try offering smaller amounts so there’s nothing left to bury.
3. Limit Distractions: Provide a quiet, calm space for eating. If your dog feels threatened or anxious, they may try to hide their food.
4. Avoid Overfeeding: Dogs may cover food if they’re full or not hungry. Check with your vet to ensure you’re feeding the right amount.
5. Use a Different Bowl or Location: Some dogs may dislike the bowl or feel uneasy in their eating area. A change in setup might reduce the behavior.
Should You Stop the Behavior?
No, you generally don’t need to stop your dog from covering their food. It’s a natural and harmless instinct that doesn’t usually cause any problems.
However, if the behavior becomes obsessive or is linked to anxiety, stress, or food guarding, it might be worth consulting a vet or trainer. Otherwise, letting your dog express this instinct is perfectly fine and normal.
When To See A Veterinarian
You should see a veterinarian if your dog suddenly starts covering their food more often or shows signs of stress, anxiety, or aggression around mealtimes.
It’s also important to seek help if the behavior is new, excessive, or comes with changes in appetite, weight, or overall behavior.
A vet can rule out medical issues and help determine if the behavior is linked to a health problem or emotional stress.
FAQs
Why does my dog scratch around his bowl?
This mimics digging or burying behavior—an instinctive trait passed down from their wild ancestors.
Is it normal for puppies to try hiding their food?
Yes! Puppies often experiment with their instincts and surroundings. It’s part of their learning and development.
Should I discourage my dog from covering food?
Only if it leads to food waste, aggression, or obsessive behavior. Otherwise, it’s a natural trait and mostly harmless.
Do certain dog breeds bury food more than others?
Yes. Breeds like terriers, dachshunds, and retrievers are more prone to digging and hiding behaviors due to their working-dog lineage.
Can this behavior be triggered by other pets?
Absolutely. Presence of other pets can cause resource guarding or hiding behavior to protect what’s theirs.
Is it okay to let my dog hide food outside?
It’s not ideal. Buried food can spoil, attract pests, or cause health issues if eaten later. It’s better to manage the behavior indoors.
Final Thoughts
Dogs are fascinating creatures with a rich set of instincts and behaviors, many of which are carryovers from their wild ancestors. The act of trying to cover or hide food might seem odd, but it’s usually a harmless and instinctual behavior.
Whether your dog is trying to protect their resources, save a snack for later, or simply reacting to their environment, understanding the “why” behind the behavior can help you respond with empathy and insight.
Hello dog lovers, I am John. Welcome to my website healthydogfoods.com. I am happy to gain experience from my love for my dog and my pet dog. Through my experience and acquaintance with dog veterinarians, I have made myself a proper guide for dogs. I will tell you about dog care, their nutritious food, their proper safety and dog upbringing for a better life. Even though dogs cannot talk like humans, I will solve all the problems by observing their behavior. I will discuss the proper care and related issues of your dog. Which will give you the right answer to all the problems of your beloved dog.