What is the Reason My Dog Stealing Food? Five Reasons Your Dog May Have Stolen Food

Is your dog suddenly stealing your food? This behavior, while it is understandable that you want to indulge in delicious food, can also be frustrating and problematic.

We will discuss the possible causes of this sudden behavior change, from physical to behavioral, and offer some tips to stop it.

These are the 5 Reasons Why Your Dog Suddenly Stole Food

1. Instinct

Are you concerned about a physical or behavioral problem?	Behavioral
Do you require professional intervention?	No

Although dogs have been domesticated for thousands or thousands of years, their wild instincts remain intact. Wild canines such as wolves live a feast-or-famine lifestyle. They will eat whatever food is available because they don’t know when they will have their next meal.

Dogs who were raised in abusive or neglectful homes can have difficult lives. This can impact their behavior long after they are free from terrible circumstances. Our domestic dogs still have the instinct to eat when they can, and this can lead to unwanted behaviors such as food theft.

2. Hunger

Are you concerned about a physical or behavioral problem?	Physical
Do you require professional intervention?	No

It could be that your dog is hungry and suddenly starts stealing food. Are there any changes in their eating habits or diet? Your dog may become more hungry if they are on a reduced-calorie diet, whether it is to lose weight or for any other reason.

If your dog has been physically active in recent times, it could make them hungry. This may cause them to look for an opportunity to eat. Higher caloric needs are a result of burning more energy. You may feel tired and hungry after strenuous exercise.

3. Boredom

Are you concerned about a physical or behavioral problem?	B Behavior
Do you require professional intervention?	No

Did you know that idle hands are the devil’s workshop? Well, bored dogs will try to find something to do. Boredom can cause a variety of undesirable behaviors and can even be a destructive force. This is why it’s important to select a breed that suits your energy level.

Dogs that aren’t getting enough mental stimulation and physical stimulation may behave strangely, such as stealing food and acting out. It is important that your dog gets the exercise they need every day. To keep your dog busy, you can try out different toys and activities.

You don’t have to seek professional assistance from your veterinarian or dog trainer every time, but if the behavior continues and you’ve exhausted all options, it’s worth reaching out to someone who can help.

4. Manufactured Training

Are you concerned about a physical or behavioral problem?	Behavioral
Do you require professional intervention?	Possible

Proper training is essential when a dog is added to your family. You may end up with a dog who doesn’t understand your expectations or isn’t trained in obedience.

Dogs are intelligent and will respond to training even when they reach adulthood. Start training your dog to not steal food if you have never taught it. Positive reinforcement training is recommended, as punishments can cause worsening behavior.

You may be able, depending on your circumstances, to complete the training without professional assistance. You can always reach out to a trainer if you need assistance. Both you and your dog will be happier in the end.

5. Polyphagia

Are you concerned about a physical or behavioral problem?	It can be behavioral or physical.
Do you require professional intervention?	Yes

Polyphagia refers to a marked increase in appetite that leads to ravenous behavior. Polyphagia may be caused by a variety of underlying causes, including behavioral and physical. Your dog might also experience other symptoms, such as weight loss, increased thirst, increased urine output, or behavior changes depending on the cause.

Polyphagia can be caused by diabetes, food insensitivity, intestinal problems, age, and certain prescription drugs. Diagnostics may include imaging and laboratory tests. Endoscopy procedures are possible. The underlying cause will determine the treatment.

Your veterinarian should be contacted if your dog behaves abnormally or is not normally ravenous. The best outcome for any condition is achieved by early detection and treatment.

Tips to prevent your dog from stealing food

It’s time to take action if your dog is stealing food from you. We’ll give you some tips to stop your dog from stealing food.

Start Training

It’s time for you to train your dog. Training should begin as soon as your dog is a puppy. This will make them more comfortable and help you and your dog adapt.

Untrained dogs that behave badly can cause stress and it is best to prevent this from happening. To reap the rewards of training, you must put in the effort and remain consistent. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training are important. For assistance with training your dog, reach out to a professional trainer or veterinarian.

Never leave food unattended

Although it may seem obvious, this can be difficult to do. It’s easy to forget about food and leave it on the counter or table. You’re more likely to be tempted to eat if your dog is opportunistic or lacks self-awareness.

After cooking or eating, make sure you put the food away promptly. Do not leave food out for more than a minute. It only takes seconds for your dog’s brain to react. You must dispose of leftovers correctly. You can keep your dog safe by getting a lockable lid for the trash can. The trash smell can be tempting to your dog, and they may try to get into the trash.

Make sure your dog is well-fed

You should ensure that your dog is receiving a balanced diet with high-quality food. Dogs should be fed two times per day. This will help reduce acidity and prevent them from becoming too hungry between meals.

You and your dog should agree on a feeding schedule. For any questions regarding your dog’s nutrition, please contact your veterinarian. They can help you put together the best meal plan for your dog.

Keep your dog active and mentally stimulated

It is a smart idea to prevent your dog from becoming bored. Bored dogs can be very destructive and frustrating to handle. Dogs that are constantly stimulated mentally and physically will be less likely to behave out of boredom.

You should make sure you take the time to exercise your dog every day. Keep interactive toys and toys that reward your dog with treats, such as puzzle toys, or treat-dispensing toys, on hand. These toys can stimulate your dog’s brain and give you the satisfaction of eating at the end.

Never feed table scraps or other human food

It is tempting to give your dog food scraps, but it is not healthy. This could lead to bad habits like begging for food. This habit may seem cute at first but it’s not a good one.

Dogs naturally assume that they will continue to get more food from humans if they have been given it before. It is best to prevent this from happening. Correcting it can be difficult. This is not only bad behavior but it can also be harmful to your dog’s health.

Routine health exams should be continued

It is vital to keep your dog in good health. This allows your veterinarian to monitor their health and help determine if there are any unusualities.

You can also discuss any concerns or questions you may have regarding your dog’s health at a check-up. If your dog suddenly steals food from you and you aren’t sure what the cause is, you can bring it up to your veterinarian to get a professional opinion.

Conclusion

There may be a number of reasons your dog might suddenly start stealing food. This is an annoying behavior that can be frustrating. However, identifying the root cause can help you to correct it. There are some tips and tricks that you can use to stop the behavior from happening regardless of its cause. For more help with undesirable behavior, don’t hesitate to contact a professional trainer for your dog or your veterinarian.