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9 Dog Breeds with a Habit of Eating Bizarre Things

By: Arlene Divina
Arlene Divina, one of the content writers at IHD, loves going on adventures with her adorable fur baby. She now creates informative content for pet parents. Read more
| October 4, 2024

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Dogs are known for their quirky behaviors, but some take it to a whole new level when it comes to their eating habits. While most dogs are happy with their regular meals and treats, others seem to develop a taste for the odd and unexpected. From socks to rocks and even furniture, these dogs have a reputation for eating bizarre things that leave their owners baffled. Whether it’s out of curiosity, boredom, or just plain mischief, here are nine dog breeds notorious for their strange appetites.

Labrador Retriever

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Labrador Retrievers are known for their boundless enthusiasm for food, but sometimes, their appetite extends beyond the dog bowl. Labs are infamous for eating things they shouldn’t, from socks to entire shoes. Their love of chewing and swallowing objects comes from their natural curiosity and strong desire to explore the world with their mouths. Labrador owners often find themselves constantly on guard, making sure that nothing tempting is left within reach. Their powerful jaws make quick work of unusual snacks, leading to many trips to the vet for items that never should have been eaten.

Beagle

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Beagles are another breed that can’t resist the temptation to investigate—and sometimes eat—strange objects. With their excellent noses, Beagles can sniff out just about anything, and they’re not too picky about what they sample. Known scavengers, Beagles are prone to eating non-food items like paper, plastic, and even dirt. Their strong hunting instincts make them relentless when they find something interesting, even if it’s entirely inedible. Beagles’ love for exploring their environment often leads to bizarre dietary choices, which keeps their owners on their toes when it comes to keeping things out of reach.

Boxer

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Boxers are known for their playful and energetic personalities, but they can also be notorious for their odd eating habits. With their strong jaws and curiosity, Boxers are prone to chewing—and swallowing—anything from toys to furniture legs. These dogs are particularly known for their habit of eating strange objects when they are bored or not getting enough exercise. Their owners often have to make sure that household items, especially small ones, are kept far from a Boxer’s reach, or else they might just disappear into their stomachs.

Dachshund

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Dachshunds, with their stubborn streak and independent nature, are notorious for getting into trouble—and that includes eating bizarre things. Originally bred to hunt badgers, Dachshunds have a strong instinct to dig and chew, which often leads them to chew on unexpected objects like rocks, sticks, or even pieces of furniture. Their mischievous nature means that they often find their way into places they shouldn’t be, resulting in some truly strange items being ingested. Dachshund owners must be diligent in keeping an eye on their little explorers to avoid any digestive disasters.

Shih Tzu

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Shih Tzus are small but mighty when it comes to their curious nature, and they are known for eating things that aren’t exactly food. Their love for exploring the world with their mouths can lead them to nibble on things like hair ties, rubber bands, or small household items. Shih Tzus are also known to be attracted to fabrics, sometimes tearing apart blankets or pillows and ingesting bits of stuffing or cloth. While their small size may make their antics seem less destructive, these dogs are skilled at getting into mischief with their odd eating habits.

Great Dane

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Despite their massive size, Great Danes are known for their delicate digestive systems, yet that doesn’t stop them from eating bizarre things. These gentle giants have been known to swallow everything from socks to tennis balls, often leaving their owners perplexed. Great Danes, with their height and reach, can easily get into places most other dogs can’t, leading them to ingest objects that seem far out of reach. Their size also means that what might be a small chew toy for another dog could easily become a swallowed hazard for a Great Dane, often leading to expensive vet visits.

Jack Russell Terrier

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Jack Russell Terriers are full of energy and mischief, often getting into trouble with their unusual eating habits. These small but mighty dogs are known for their love of chewing, and they don’t discriminate when it comes to what they decide to snack on. From rocks and sticks to remote controls and cell phones, Jack Russells are fearless in their pursuit of new and interesting objects to chew on. Their high energy levels and strong prey drive make them particularly prone to investigating—and eating—things that aren’t meant to be food.

Poodle

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Poodles, known for their intelligence, can also have a mischievous side when it comes to eating strange objects. Whether it’s a standard, miniature, or toy Poodle, these dogs are known for their curiosity and sometimes end up ingesting things they shouldn’t, like socks, plastic wrappers, or pieces of toys. Despite their elegance and often calm demeanor, Poodles are surprisingly adept at sneaking in chew on non-food items when their owners aren’t looking. Their owners must be vigilant, as Poodles are smart enough to hide their bizarre eating habits until it’s too late.

Golden Retriever

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Golden Retrievers, like their Labrador cousins, are known for their love of chewing and their tendency to eat things that aren’t food. From tennis balls to entire rolls of toilet paper, Golden Retrievers are often found snacking on the most unusual items. Their playful nature and strong desire to carry things in their mouths can lead them to swallow objects they shouldn’t. While they are generally good-natured, Golden Retrievers need supervision to ensure they don’t turn household items into their next snack.

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These dogs are not only lovable but also highly unpredictable when it comes to their strange eating habits. From Golden Retrievers devouring rolls of toilet paper to curious Jack Russells snacking on remote controls, these breeds have a unique talent for turning household items into unexpected snacks. Whether it’s socks, tennis balls, or random objects lying around, you can never be too sure what they’ll decide to munch on next. So, keep your belongings secure because, with these quirky pups, anything could become their next meal!