Why Dogs Hide Food: The Curious Behavior Explained

Now that the cleaning is done, let's uncover the truth behind the mysterious behavior of our furry friends as they sneakily stash away their snacks.

1. Protecting the Food

This is a common scenario in households with multiple dogs. The reason behind this behavior is to safeguard their food from others. Some might argue that in a pack, the alpha wolf eats first, so why would the alpha dog in the home do the same? Could it be fear of the other dogs?

However, this logic is flawed. Just like the alpha wolf, the alpha dog's actions are not driven by fear but by a desire to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Taking the food away is a strategic choice.

For those with several dogs at home, consider feeding them in separate rooms. No one wants to see their cozy corners littered with leftover treats and kibble.

2. Seeking Company

Just as humans, some dogs don't enjoy eating alone. They bring their food to their owners or other dogs, sharing it together. While it might seem contradictory to the first point, numerous facts suggest that dogs have a stronger sense of family, while wolves have a stronger sense of teamwork.

3. Hiding Food

This is the most common behavior observed in dogs, reminiscent of cartoon dogs burying their leftovers in the ground for later. This behavior is similar to that of wolves, who store food during times of scarcity to consume later.

Clearly, dogs have inherited this skill, but dog owners often wish to avoid a house cluttered with dog food and snacks. So, what can be done?

The most crucial factor is the amount of food. If your dog frequently hides food, it might be because you're giving them too much, more than they can consume at once, so they choose to store it away.

Reducing the amount of food is the simplest solution. If that doesn't work, consider keeping them in a room until they finish eating, then releasing them to prevent them from hiding food in various spots around the house.