We know that dogs are voracious eaters. We always witness the pet’s tendency to eat things that we humans find obnoxious. Dogs that are provided enough high quality foods would still raid trash cans and eat spoiled food. Dogs eat their own feces. Dogs find water in the toilet bowls very refreshing. Human’s best friends love eating vomit as well.

Dogs have always been man’s best friends. It is quite surprising therefore that in spite of the long years of association, some behaviors shown by the dog cannot be understood by man. Feces, spoiled food and vomit are considered as gross by human but these are gourmet food for the dog.

Studies have been conducted on canine behavior but no definitive reason was given why dogs eat vomit. The habit to eat vomit is believed to have been passed on by the dog’s ancestors. Dogs eat the vomit to cover up their presence from predators. Feces and vomitus would give away the presence of dogs thus they are eaten. The feces and vomit eating habit is a self preservation act of the dog.

The ancestors of the modern day dogs are the wolves. Wolves in a pack live together, hunt together and share in the rearing of the young. Wolves would return to the den after feeding on the prey to regurgitate food on the waiting mouths of the pups. Vomit will be viewed by a dog as regurgitated food. Even after domestication, this habit would still kick in from time to time.

Dogs, as mentioned are voracious eaters. Dogs would find the smell of the partially digested food in the vomit very appetizing. Dogs have the disconcerting habit of eating rotten foods so why would they pass up the chance to devour the still warm and lip-smacking goodness of the vomit.

Eating vomit is one of the less dangerous habits of the dog. As long is the vomit does not have toxic substances, it would not really harm the dog. Thus an owner need not worry about the vomit eating habit of the dog. However, consider that fact that dogs are very affectionate animals that also has the habit of giving their human friends sloppy kisses. Preventing the dog from vomiting would be rather hard but a pet parent can always stop the dog’s repulsive habit by removing the vomit as soon as it is expelled.

Learn more about why dogs eat vomit and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.

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