How to Stop Food Aggression In Dogs? The Complete Guide

Food aggression in dogs is a common problem. The reason for this is that their food and treats are one of the most important things to them. Aggressive eating behaviour can be caused by many different things such as separation anxiety, fear of strangers, or fear of other animals.

The first step in treating food aggression in dogs is to identify the underlying cause of the behaviour. A vet can help you figure out what might be causing your dog’s aggressive behaviour towards their food and treats. We have listed the top three things to do to avoid food aggression. 

Stop Feeding Your Dog Treats to Avoid Food Aggression

In the past, humans would train their pets with treats. “Treat-Free Training” is a modern technique that is more successful and humane.

Treat-Free Training is a method of dog training that forgoes feeding the dog during training. It is founded on rewards and constructive reinforcement.

Using treat-free training to train your dog has several advantages over using treats. For instance, it can benefit your dog’s digestive system because they don’t eat as much as they would if you were giving them treats every day. Additionally, it reduces aggression because you are teaching them that being aggressive is not worth the reward of food when you stop giving them treats.

Feed Your Dog His Own Food When He’s Hungry

Giving your dog table scraps is not only unhealthy for them, but it also encourages them to associate table scraps with rewards. Overeating, begging at the table, and food guarding might result from this. Dogs should not be given leftovers from human meals!

Instead of giving your dog leftovers from our meals, you should provide them with their own food. Even as a young puppy, you can begin the process of educating your dog to consume his own food.

If you suspect your dog has food aggression problems is to change their diet. Try switching to a high-quality diet and see if your dog’s behaviour changes.

If this doesn’t work, try adding an extra meal throughout the day and see what happens.

If you’re still struggling with food aggression, try implementing some of these other methods:

• Introduce your dog to new foods gradually
• Feed them on a regular schedule so they know when they’re going to eat next

Give Him a Bone!

For a healthy dog, bones include calcium and other minerals.

Dogs benefit greatly from rawhide chew bones because they offer lots of chewing excitement. This is crucial because it keeps their mouths healthy and clean and stimulates their minds. Additionally, the rawhide chew bone will aid in the development of your dog’s jaw muscles.

Be careful as some rawhide chew bones contain bleach for whitening purposes, which is very poisonous for dogs if digested. 

It is recommended to remove the rawhide before your dog can digest it as it can cause digestive problems. 

Knuckle bones are a different kind of bone that dogs enjoy. They’re wonderful for cleaning your dog’s teeth while they chew on them because they contain ridges that help scrape off plaque build-up in between the teeth and gums.

Your dog may have acquired food aggression for a variety of causes, so as with any problems you suspect with your dog, please do take him to the vet if you have any concerns.