If Your Dog Is One Of These Breeds, There's A Chance It'll Develop An Eating Disorder

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While puppies explore the world with their mouths, chewing on and eating anything from their owner's favorite shoes to a recently bought book, this behavior usually stops as they get older — right? Although many dogs' behavior changes after the puppy stage, many continue to eat things they shouldn't. This condition, known as pica, causes a pet to ingest non-food items such as dirt, rocks, paper, cloth, and feces. Other dogs may eat items with a strong scent of their owner, such as underwear or socks.

The condition is more common than many dog owners realize. A 2024 poll from Rover.com revealed that 73% of dogs display signs of pica, with paper being the top munched-on target at 43%. The results were also broken down by breed, with each breed percentage representing how likely the dogs within that breed were to exhibit pica. While these statistics indicate that any dog can develop this eating disorder, some breeds are more likely to be inclined to chew on and eat valuable belongings or trash.

Pomeranians are easily among the cutest small dog breeds in the world, with their fluffy appearance making them the perfect cuddle buddy, a role they excel at. With deceptive intelligence in a small frame and a loyal personality unmatched, the Pomeranian has become a popular pet for families and couples. However, when it comes to pica, the Rover poll found this breed is the most likely to exhibit symptoms at 91%.

Users of Reddit's r/pomeranians shared their experiences with Pomeranians and pica, with one person saying, "My guy is obsessed with the [toilet paper] rolls." Adding, "He comes with me to the bathroom (because of course he does), and when the paper runs out, he cries and begs for the roll so we can play with it." Another user stated, "When I fold clothes, I break out in a sweat until I find the fabric softener sheet, as he will sit there at my feet and stare at the ground waiting for me to drop it. He usually wins LOL."

The corgi is a unique companion, with owners lovingly pointing out how they will bark at everything and anything, highlighting how vocal and mischievous the breed can be. As an affectionate, intelligent, and loyal breed, corgis can thrive with proper training but are notable for being among the most stubborn dog breeds. Notably, the corgi has a high likelihood of developing pica at 90% on the Rover poll's rankings, with a strong tendency to sneak in non-food items when not under the watchful eye of their owner.

One user on Reddit's r/corgis shared that their 13-month-old corgi has a habit of wanting to eat everything and is stubborn about giving it up, stating that their corgi will "eat everything, and I have to constantly watch him or divert him from things he'll grab." They also mentioned that using treats to redirect this behavior has been difficult, noting, "You'll only be successful if you use a high-value treat, something he'd want more than what he grabbed. It's a long and tedious process." The user concludes the post by mentioning that he had similar struggles to get his now two-and-a-half-year-old corgi to stop the same behavior.

The French bulldog is proof that the potential for an eating disorder, which can, admittedly, be gross when a dog eats poop or random garbage, won't stop a pet parent from falling in love with their fluffy friend. As the number one dog breed in the U.S., the French bulldog is beloved by many for its relaxed and social nature despite having an 85% chance of showing symptoms of pica according to the Rover poll.

Users on Reddit's r/frenchbulldog shared their dogs' strange habits of eating everything, with one saying, "Idk how many times I've had to take rocks out of my Frenchie's mouth." Another user mentioned how their Frenchie has a varied taste in trash, "The new favorite? The cat litter box, which she seems to think is her personal dessert tray."

While the three main culprits of pica are smaller dogs, it is essential to note that the top ten breeds prone to pica also include the golden retriever, cocker spaniel, dachshund, Labrador retriever, German shepherd, husky, and border collie. Since this condition affects a wide variety of breeds, pet owners should understand the possible risks and how to help prevent the behavior.

As paper is the most common non-food item pets eat, small amounts usually pass through the digestive system without problems. However, consuming large quantities of paper and other objects can cause health issues, including ulcers, intestinal tract irritation, and, most seriously, intestinal blockage.

Illness, parasites, or a nutritional deficiency can cause pica. The consumption of feces is typical in both puppies and female dogs nursing as part of the natural process of care and development. Yet, the most common cause of pica in dogs is usually mental, related to anxiety, boredom, or depression; dogs with separation anxiety are also prone to be destructive and to eat non-food items when left alone.

Since the cause of pica can stem from many different issues, the best way to prevent it also varies. A veterinarian should evaluate medical conditions to determine the most effective approach to stop the behavior. If the issue is compulsive, owners can try to reduce their pet's boredom by using a puzzle like the Potaroma Dog Puzzle Toy or by using specialized products, such as Kradle Bliss Bars, to help ease occasional anxiety. Pica can be alarming, but can be managed or treated with the proper knowledge and patience.

Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search the American Animal Hospital Association's online database.