If you’ve ever witnessed your dog throwing up and eating it right after, you’re not alone.
This behavior, though unsettling to watch, is more common in dogs than you might think. While it can sometimes be harmless, it may also signal an underlying issue that needs attention.
We outline why a dog may vomit and then eat the vomit, the medical and behavioral reasons behind it, and when you should seek veterinary care.
Dog throwing up and eating it: Understanding the behavior
Dogs may throw up and eat it due to natural scavenger instincts, hunger, or the appealing smell of partially digested food. In some cases, it’s a behavioral response rooted in survival, especially if food is scarce or they’re in a multi-dog household.
However, it can also be triggered by an upset stomach, stress, or underlying health issues like gastrointestinal problems or parasites.
Dog Throwing Up and Eating It: Common Causes
1. Natural scavenger behavior
Dogs have inherited scavenging tendencies from their wild ancestors.
In the wild, food is not always readily available, so dogs learn to make use of every opportunity to consume nutrients—even if that means eating regurgitated food.
In some cases, dog throwing up and eating it might simply be due to this evolutionary trait.
Especially in multi-dog households, dogs may try to eat vomit quickly to avoid losing it to other pets.
2. Hunger or empty stomach
If your dog is vomiting on an empty stomach, the vomit might appear yellowish or foamy, often referred to as bile.
A dog throwing up and eating it in such a situation may simply be acting out of hunger.
Vomiting due to an empty stomach can cause nausea and discomfort, prompting the dog to vomit.
Once they throw up, they might attempt to ease the discomfort by eating the material again.
This can become a vicious cycle.
3. Gastrointestinal upset
One of the most common causes of a dog throwing up and eating it is gastrointestinal upset. This could be due to:
Dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t have)
Sudden changes in diet
Eating too fast
Food intolerance
When a dog’s stomach is irritated, it may cause them to vomit.
Eating the vomit may provide temporary relief or be driven by instinct, but it doesn’t resolve the underlying issue.
Repeated episodes can lead to dehydration or further irritation.
4. Regurgitation mistaken for vomiting
It’s important to distinguish between regurgitation and vomiting.
Regurgitation is a passive process in which undigested food comes back up from the esophagus, often shortly after eating.
Vomiting is more active and involves abdominal contractions.
Sometimes, dog owners may think their dog is throwing up and eating it when it’s actually regurgitating and re-eating the food.
This behavior is not necessarily harmful unless it’s frequent or associated with other symptoms.
5. Stress or anxiety
Stress can impact your dog’s digestive system. In some cases, anxiety can cause a dog to vomit or regurgitate food.
A dog throwing up and eating it may be displaying a stress-related response.
Changes in environment, separation anxiety, loud noises, or unfamiliar people or pets in the home can all trigger stress-related vomiting in dogs.
6. Worms or intestinal parasites
Intestinal parasites like roundworms or hookworms can irritate a dog’s gastrointestinal tract.
A dog throwing up and eating it may be trying to soothe their discomfort. You may even see worms in the vomit.
Dogs with worm infestations may also show other signs like weight loss, scooting, diarrhea, or a bloated stomach.
If you suspect parasites, a vet visit and a fecal test are necessary.
Related: Dog throwing up and drinking a lot of water (Here’s why)
7. Underlying illness or medical conditions
Persistent dog throwing up and eating it could indicate an underlying illness such as:
Pancreatitis
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Gastritis
Foreign body obstruction
These conditions can cause nausea, leading to vomiting. If your dog eats the vomit afterward, it doesn’t alleviate the root issue.
In fact, repeated vomiting can worsen their health if left untreated.
Related: Dog throwing up and not eating (Here’s why)
8. Taste or smell attraction
Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell. Sometimes, a dog throwing up and eating it is simply because they find the smell of the vomit appetizing—especially if it contains partially digested food that still smells like their meal.
This behavior might be more likely if the dog has a habit of scavenging or eating from the trash.
What to do if your dog is throwing up and eating it
While an isolated episode of your dog throwing up and eating it isn’t always cause for alarm, repeated instances or other accompanying symptoms require a proactive approach. Here’s what you can do:
1. Observe the vomit and behavior
Take note of the color, consistency, and frequency of the vomit. Is it just food, or does it contain bile, mucus, blood, or foam?
Watch your dog’s behavior before and after vomiting. Are they lethargic, panting, or showing signs of discomfort?
This information is crucial for your vet to make an accurate diagnosis.
2. Prevent immediate re-ingestion
If your dog throws up, clean it up immediately before they get a chance to eat it.
This not only prevents potential reinfection (in cases of parasite-related vomiting) but also helps break the habit if it’s behavioral.
3. Adjust feeding routine
If your dog is vomiting due to an empty stomach, try feeding smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
This helps prevent bile build-up and reduces nausea.
Consider switching to easily digestible or sensitive-stomach dog food.
Make any dietary transitions gradually over 7–10 days to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
4. Reduce stress triggers
If anxiety or stress is causing your dog to vomit and eat it, try to identify the root cause.
Creating a safe, quiet space, providing mental stimulation, and using calming tools like anxiety vests or pheromone diffusers can help ease their distress.
In some cases, a behaviorist or vet may recommend anti-anxiety medication or training techniques.
5. Deworm regularly
Since worms and intestinal parasites can contribute to vomiting, make sure your dog is on a vet-approved deworming schedule.
Regular fecal exams are also helpful in catching parasite infections early.
6. Consult your vet
If dog throwing up and eating it becomes frequent or is paired with symptoms like:
Lethargy
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Blood in vomit
Dry heaving
Abdominal pain
…seek veterinary care right away. These could be signs of a more serious issue that requires medical treatment.
Your vet may recommend blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, or stool analysis to determine the underlying cause.
When to be concerned
While occasional vomiting isn’t rare in dogs, there are certain red flags that mean you should see your vet immediately:
Vomiting more than twice in 24 hours
Vomit with blood or coffee-ground appearance
Vomiting combined with lethargy or weakness
Constant attempts to vomit without producing anything (dry heaving)
Signs of pain or bloating
If your dog throwing up and eating it is paired with these symptoms, it could indicate a critical health problem like bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), pancreatitis, or toxin ingestion.
Key takeaway
A dog throwing up and eating it may be driven by instinct, hunger, stress, or underlying illness.
While it might not always be dangerous, it’s not a behavior that should be ignored—especially if it happens frequently or alongside other symptoms.
Pay attention to the pattern, monitor your dog closely, and when in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
Prompt action can help ensure your dog stays healthy, happy, and safe.