If you own a dog that eats anything and everything in its path, then you’re not alone. Many dogs have a tendency to eat anything they can find, from household items to inedible objects.

This behavior can be frustrating and even dangerous, not to mention the fact that it can be costly if your dog ends up needing medical treatment. But why do dogs eat anything and everything, and what can you do to stop it?.

Natural Instincts

Dogs are natural scavengers, and in the wild, they would eat anything they could find to survive. This means that even if something wasn’t strictly food, if it was edible, it could potentially provide nutrients that the dog needed to stay healthy.

This instinct can still be present in modern dogs, even if they aren’t living in the wild. Dogs may eat things like grass, dirt, and even animal feces because their natural instincts tell them that these items could be useful.

Boredom

Dogs can get bored just like humans can, and when they’re bored, they may look for ways to entertain themselves. Chewing on things is a common way for dogs to alleviate boredom, but unfortunately, they don’t always choose appropriate items to chew on.

If your dog spends a lot of time alone or doesn’t get enough mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to chewing on household items or other non-food objects as a way to pass the time.

Separation Anxiety

Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety may also be more prone to eating things they shouldn’t. When dogs experience anxiety, it can manifest in many different ways, including destructive chewing and eating inappropriate items.

If your dog only exhibits this behavior when you’re not around, it could be a sign that they’re feeling anxious and trying to cope in a way that’s not healthy.

Nutrient Deficiencies

In some cases, dogs may eat non-food items because they have a nutrient deficiency. For example, if your dog isn’t getting enough fiber in their diet, they may start eating things like grass as a way to fill the void.

Similarly, if your dog is lacking in a particular nutrient, they may try to find it in other sources, even if those sources aren’t actually food.

Training and Socialization

Dogs that haven’t been properly trained or socialized may also be more prone to eating non-food items.

If a dog hasn’t been taught what’s appropriate to chew on and what’s not, or if they haven’t been exposed to a variety of objects and experiences, they may be more inclined to chew on and eat things they shouldn’t.

Medical Issues

In some cases, dogs may eat anything and everything due to a medical issue. Certain medical conditions can cause dogs to have an insatiable hunger or to crave non-food items.

For example, if your dog has diabetes, they may try to eat anything and everything they can to satisfy their cravings and make up for the fact that their body isn’t processing nutrients properly. Similarly, if your dog has a condition like Pica, they may crave non-food items and feel compelled to eat them.