
Dogs eating owners is a phenomenon that can be attributed to various factors, including resource guarding and anxiety.
Some breeds are more prone to this behavior, such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers, which are often mentioned in studies on dog aggression.
Dogs may view their owners as resources to be protected, leading to aggression when they feel their owners are being threatened or taken away.
In many cases, dogs eating owners is a result of underlying psychological issues, such as anxiety or trauma, which can be triggered by various stimuli.
The behavior of dogs eating owners is often linked to a lack of socialization and training, which can lead to fear and aggression in dogs.
Dogs that are not properly trained and socialized may become more aggressive and defensive, leading to the possibility of them eating their owners.
Dogs that are fed a high-protein diet may be more prone to aggression and resource guarding, which can increase the risk of them eating their owners.
See what others are reading: Dog Owners
Can a Dog Eat Its Owner's Body After Death?

Dogs are descended from wolves, so it's not entirely surprising that they might resort to eating their owner's body if left with no other food source.
Dogs can survive for a significant amount of time without food, but when their owner dies, they may turn to their remains as a last resort. A 2007 report saw a Chow Chow and Labrador mix survive for about a month on their owner's remains.
In a state of panic, a pet may become frantic and bite their owner, which can lead to eating. So it's not necessarily that the dog wants to eat, but eating gets stimulated when they taste blood.
Forensic examiner Markus Rothschild suggests that a pet may initially try to help an unconscious owner by licking or nudging, but when this fails to produce any results, their behavior can become more frantic.
You might enjoy: How to Stop Dog from Eating Other Dogs Food
Will My Dog Eat Me If I Die?
Dogs are descended from wolves, so it's no surprise they might behave like their wild ancestors in certain situations.
Dogs will take whatever flesh is around them if they can't find a source of food, according to dog expert Stanley Coren.
In one reported case, a Chow Chow and Labrador mix survived for about a month on their owner's remains, leaving behind just the top of the skull and an assortment of bone shards.
Dogs may initially try to help an unconscious owner by licking or nudging them, but if this fails, their behavior can become more frantic and lead to biting.
Eating gets stimulated when dogs taste blood, not because they necessarily want to eat their owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a dog wait to eat its owner?
Dogs may wait less than a day to scavenge for food from their owner's remains, with 24% of observed cases showing this behavior. This scavenging behavior can occur even when the dog has an abundance of food in its bowl.
Sources
- https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/qa-what-to-do-with-seven-dogs-who-ate-their-deceased-owners
- https://www.greenmatters.com/pets/will-dogs-eat-their-owners
- https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2011/07/are-dogs-willing-to-eat-the-remains-of-their-masters.html
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/dogs-eat-owner-woods-put-down-virginia-a8119331.html
- https://www.iflscience.com/will-my-dog-eat-me-if-i-die-evidence-points-to-yes-63028
Featured Images: pexels.com