Dog Drops Or Spits Out Food On Floor Before Eating: 12 Reasons & Solutions

Are you constantly cleaning up after your dog because they have a habit of dropping or spitting out food before consuming it? Do they seem to enjoy turning mealtime into a game of ‘scatter and hunt’? Well, Our four-legged friends’ sometimes puzzling behaviors can feel like a decoding exercise, but it’s crucial to ensure they are comfortable and healthy.

Dogs may drop or spit out food for a variety of reasons, ranging from instinctual behaviors like food guarding to health-related issues such as dental discomfort or gastrointestinal problems. Some dogs may simply not be hungry, or they may not like the taste or texture of their food. Sometimes, the food bowl itself could be the culprit, or your pet may be dealing with anxiety or stress.

It’s important to pay attention to these signals as they could provide valuable insights into your dog’s overall well-being and satisfaction with their meals. Let’s look into the various reasons behind your dog’s food-dropping antics and how to effectively manage them.

Why Does My Dog Drop Or Spit Out His Food Before Eating?

Here, we explore twelve potential explanations for why dogs drop or spit out food before eating.

1. Food Guarding Instinct

Dogs have descended from wolves, and even though domestication has significantly changed them, some primal instincts linger. One such behavior is food guarding. In the wild, food is a precious commodity that can determine survival. So, a dog may carry food away from its dish and drop it elsewhere to eat in peace, away from potential competitors. This behavior is also observed in multi-pet households, where a dog may feel the need to secure its food from other pets. While it is a natural instinct, it can become problematic if it leads to resource-guarding aggression.

2. Dental Issues or Mouth Pain

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re in pain, so we need to observe their behaviors for signs of discomfort. If your dog is dropping food or eating hesitantly, he may be experiencing dental issues or oral pain. This could be due to a variety of problems, such as broken or loose teeth, gum disease, mouth sores, or even a foreign object stuck in their mouth. The discomfort caused by these conditions could make it painful to chew or swallow, leading them to drop food.

3. Fido Is Not Hungry

Just like us, dogs aren’t always hungry when mealtime rolls around. If your dog hasn’t had much physical activity before a meal, or if they’ve had treats or scraps from your table, they might not have an appetite when you put their food down. As a result, they may pick up their kibble but drop it because they’re just not interested in eating right now. This could also be a sign of overfeeding. It’s important to provide your dog with a balanced diet that fits their size, breed, age, and activity level.

4. Your Dog Dislikes The Taste Of The Food

Not every dog food brand will be a hit with your furry friend. Like humans, dogs have their individual preferences when it comes to taste and texture. If you recently changed the brand or type of food, your dog might be letting you know it’s not to their liking by picking it up and then spitting it out. It’s essential to transition slowly when changing your dog’s food and observe his reaction to the new diet.

5. Issue With The Food Bowl

The issue could be as simple as an uncomfortable food bowl. Bowls that are too deep can make it hard for dogs to reach their food, leading to discomfort and frustration. Similarly, bowls that are too shallow may lead to food spilling over the edges. Also, the height of the bowl can affect your dog’s comfort while eating. For instance, larger dogs might appreciate a raised bowl, while smaller dogs may prefer one at ground level. If the bowl slides around on a slippery floor, this might also discourage your dog from eating directly from it.

6. Excitement

Puppies, in particular, are prone to bouts of excitement that can disrupt their meals. The world is full of exciting new experiences, and sometimes, that joy and energy overflow into mealtime. In their enthusiasm, puppies might grab a mouthful of food, rush off to explore or play, and then drop the food somewhere along the way. They might even turn mealtime into a game, dropping kibble and pouncing on it. While it’s usually nothing to worry about, make sure your puppy eventually settles down to eat a proper meal. Providing some calm, quiet time before meals can help.

7. Food Is Steaming Hot

While dogs may be less sensitive to heat than humans, they still find excessively hot food uncomfortable and potentially harmful. Serving food that’s too hot may cause your dog to spit it out immediately. Over time, your dog might even develop a habit of dropping food to check its temperature. It’s advisable to always ensure that your dog’s food, especially if it’s been heated or is freshly cooked, is at a comfortable temperature before serving.

8. Stress/Anxiety

Anxiety can significantly disrupt a dog’s normal behavior, including eating habits. If your dog is feeling stressed, they might pick up their food and then drop it elsewhere, or not eat at all. Stress could be due to a multitude of reasons such as a change in environment, new people or pets in the house, or even loud noises. A dog under stress may also eat in isolation, preferring a quiet, undisturbed corner over their usual spot.

9. Gastrointestinal Problems

Just like humans, dogs can experience various gastrointestinal issues, like acid reflux, stomach ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease. These conditions can cause discomfort or pain, especially during or after eating, which might result in your dog dropping food. Changes in eating behavior coupled with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy warrant a visit to the vet.

10. Playful Behavior

For some dogs, especially younger ones, mealtime is just another playtime. They may enjoy pushing kibble around, tossing it into the air, or spreading it around the floor. This playful behavior is often more about having fun than an aversion to food or a problem with eating. While it can be messy, it’s typically not a concern unless your dog isn’t eating enough as a result.

11. Dietary Change

A sudden change in your dog’s diet can confuse your dog and cause him to drop his food. Dogs need to get used to the taste, smell, and texture of their food, and a new type can be unfamiliar. If the new food has a different texture or flavor, your dog might pick it up and then drop it as they decide whether or not they like it. When changing your dog’s diet, it’s advisable to do so gradually, mixing the new food in with the old and slowly increasing the proportion of new food.

12. He Is A Messy Eater

Lastly, some dogs are naturally messy eaters. Some dogs enjoy taking their food out of their bowls and eating it at their own pace in different locations. While this can be messy, it’s often just a quirk of your dog’s personality. If this behavior becomes an issue, training or behavior modification methods might be needed.

How To Stop My Dog From Dropping Food

Indeed, there are several ways you can manage and potentially resolve your dog’s behavior of dropping or spitting out food.

1. Switch Back To The Old Food

If you’ve recently introduced a new diet and noticed your dog started to drop food around this time, the new food might be the problem. It could be due to the flavor, texture, or smell of the new food that your dog is not fond of. In this case, reverting to the old food might be a good first step. If dietary change is necessary for health reasons, discuss with your vet about different options that your dog might find more palatable.

2. Get Him A More Comfortable Food Bowl

If the problem lies with the food bowl, getting a new one could solve the issue. The new bowl should be appropriate for your dog’s size and breed. Consider factors like the depth and width of the bowl, as well as its stability. For larger breeds or older dogs with joint issues, raised bowls might be more comfortable. Silicone or rubber-bottomed bowls can prevent the bowl from sliding on the floor.

3. Avoid Feeding Him Hot Food

If the food is too hot, it can cause discomfort and potentially harm your dog’s mouth. Always ensure the food is at a suitable temperature before serving it. If you’re serving freshly cooked food, let it cool down first. For canned food or kibble that’s been soaked in hot water, wait for it to reach room temperature.

4. Desensitization And Counterconditioning For Anxiety

If your dog’s behavior is due to anxiety or stress, desensitization, and counterconditioning might help. Desensitization involves gradually exposing your dog to the source of anxiety in a non-threatening way. Counterconditioning is about changing your dog’s emotional response to the anxiety-triggering stimulus. These methods can help your dog associate mealtime with positive experiences instead of anxiety. Professional guidance from a behaviorist or trainer can be beneficial in these cases.

5. Provide Sufficient Daily Exercise

Regular physical exercise is crucial for your dog’s overall health and can also help manage behavioral issues. Exercise can reduce anxiety levels and promote a healthy appetite. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercises suitable to its breed, age, and health status. Remember, mental stimulation is also essential. Interactive toys or puzzle feeders can keep your dog mentally engaged and make mealtime more interesting.

6. Consult Your Vet Or Animal Behaviorist

If you’ve tried these strategies and your dog continues to drop food, it’s time to consult a professional. There could be underlying health issues that are causing this behavior. A vet can rule out medical problems like dental issues or gastrointestinal disorders. If the vet finds no medical issues, an animal behaviorist can provide further insights into the behavior and offer tailored solutions.

Why Does My Dog Rub Its Nose On The Floor Before Eating? (9 Common Reasons)

We’ve discussed various reasons for dogs dropping or spitting out food before eating, ranging from the innate food-guarding instinct to playful behaviors or even gastrointestinal problems. We’ve also delved into how to address such behaviors through measures like switching back to the preferred food, adjusting the food bowl, or consulting with a vet or animal behaviorist. It’s important to observe your pet’s behavior and adapt accordingly while ensuring their health and comfort.

The peculiar habits dogs might have around their food bowls, such as pushing it away with their nose, flipping it before eating, or dumping food and eating it off the floor, can often be attributed to instinctual behavior, comfort, or the need for mental stimulation.

Changes in feeding habits can sometimes indicate underlying health issues and should never be ignored. Moreover, creating a positive, comfortable, and consistent feeding environment tailored to your dog’s individual needs can significantly contribute to his overall health and happiness.