Will a Dog Eat Themself to Death?

It’s highly unusual for a dog to eat themselves to death, but some dogs will definitely overeat to the point of making themselves very sick if given the opportunity. While fatalities from overeating are rare, they can happen.

For example, canine food bloat is a serious condition where eating too much or too quickly in one sitting can cause a lot of pain and serious illness. Other complications can arise from eating too much, especially if a dog ate something other than their dog food, including certain human foods that can be toxic and/or unhealthy in large amounts. 

Long-term overeating, even if they are eating appropriate dog food, can also cause health problems, including obesity and related medical conditions. Some complications can be fatal if left untreated, making it crucial to seek veterinary treatment if you realize your dog ate a huge amount of food in one sitting, or has been chronically overeating.

Why do some dogs overeat?

There can be both physical and behavioral reasons that a dog might overeat. While many dogs stop eating once they are full, others may seem nearly insatiable. 

For example, a scientific study on overeating in some retrievers has highlighted a genetic predisposition for their insatiable appetites. A specific gene known as POMC plays a crucial role in their ability to regulate their appetites, and the mutation in this gene can make dogs keep eating even if their bellies are full. 

This is pretty common in retrievers, showing up in about 25 percent of Labrador Retrievers and 66 percent of Flat-Coated Retrievers. The mutation has not been found in other breeds, but there could be other genetic factors that influence hunger cues in other dogs as well. 

Here are other reasons why some dogs overeat:

• Breed or genetic influences, as seen in Labrador Retrievers

• Boredom

• Anxiety

• Former food deprivation

• Hormone imbalances, such as those related to diabetes, thyroid disorders, or Cushing’s disease (excessive cortisol production)

• Medications that increase appetite, such as steroids

• Unlimited access to food

• Medical conditions like pica where dogs eat both food and non-food items obsessively

• Sudden access to an especially appealing food or treat

Your veterinarian can help determine the cause of overeating and guide you toward the next steps. No matter the reason, curbing your pet’s overeating is vital to help them maintain optimal health. Habits such as free feeding, or leaving food out all the time, may be convenient, but it can quickly lead to overeating. Additionally, routinely sharing table scraps with your dog can add excess calories to their diet, leading to unintentional overeating and weight gain.

Health problems with overeating

While your dog isn’t likely to eat themself to death in one sitting, long-term overeating can certainly shorten their life. Overeating in dogs can lead to or worsen several medical conditions, including:

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Arthritis

• Pancreatitis

• Breathing problems

• Anal gland problems

Additionally, short-term emergencies can arise when dogs overeat large amounts in one sitting. This includes conditions like food bloat, where a dog’s stomach becomes dangerously enlarged from eating a big volume of food. It can lead to a life-threatening condition known as a gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV, if their stomach twists as a result of the overeating. 

Other emergencies can arise if dogs ingest a large amount of food that is toxic or unhealthy for them. This includes certain human foods that are toxic, high in salt, or contain large amounts of fat, dairy, and/or sugar. In these situations, life-threatening complications can occur, so it is important to contact your vet and/or a pet poison hotline right away for guidance. 

Preventing overeating in dogs

As is the case with humans, ensuring your dog eats a balanced diet in proper proportions is important to their good health. If your dog tends to overeat, you’ll want to put out measured amounts of food split into two or three feedings a day. Or better yet, use a puzzle feeder and foraging games to feed your dog. These activities will help them slow down while eating their food and also provide important mental enrichment. 

Even though your dog isn’t likely to eat themself to death in one sitting, they can eat until they get very sick, possibly leading to fatal complications. Long-term overeating can also create serious, chronic health issues. If you’re unsure how much or how often to feed your dog, speak with your veterinarian for guidance.

References

ASPCA. “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.” ASPCA, 2015, www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets.

Dittmann, Marie T, et al. “Low Resting Metabolic Rate and Increased Hunger due to β-MSH and β-Endorphin Deletion in a Canine Model.” Science Advances, vol. 10, no. 10, 8 Mar. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adj3823

‌Paul Pion, D. V. M., and Gina Spadafori. “Veterinary Partner.” VIN.com, 8 Aug. 2017, veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951541.

Nalewicki, Jennifer. “Genetic Quirk in 25% of Labrador Retrievers Can Lead to Overeating, Obesity.” Livescience.com, Live Science, 8 Mar. 2024, www.livescience.com/animals/dogs/genetic-quirk-in-25-of-labrador-retrievers-can-lead-to-overeating-obesity. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

‌“Pro-Opiomelanocortin (POMC) Gene Mutation.” VCA, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/proopiomelanocortin-pomc-gene-mutation.