Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my dog suddenly food aggressive and food obsessed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cane Corso | Male | neutered | 6 years and 3 months old | 110 lbs

My 6yr old Cane Corso has become severely food obsessive. Like he can never have enough food and is now going after our little dog if she's even near food that we have. He steals off the counters and he never used to do this. I'm concerned for my kids at this point when these fights break out. What could cause this type of sudden onset obsession/aggression?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on April 1st, 2019

I would recommend taking your dog to the vet for an exam, as there are definitely some medical conditions that can cause a dramatic increase in appetite like this. Some possibilities would include Cushing's disease, diabetes, a thyroid tumor, or a problem with absorbing nutrients from the GI tract. Your veterinarian can do blood work or other testing if needed to help determine what may be causing this.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on November 26th, 2019
I recommend to have him checked for endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism and Cushings disease. This could be the first indication that a problem is developing. Also have him checked for parasites.

I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on February 16th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Buddy!

I worry about sudden behavioral changes in older dogs. I think it is best to have him seen by your Vet to rule out medical causes for his behavioral changes (pain, arthritis, decreased vision). The increased appetite absolutely could be medical in nature and something to focus on. I would have an exam done and full senior blood work to rule out diabetes, over active thyroid, Cushings, etc for the extreme hunger. The Vet can see if he is painful.

I hope this helps and I wish you and Buddy the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Food & Nutrition

My dog's behavior changed after puppies. Why is she eating everything?

I am so sorry to hear about your dog! With a sudden change in behavior like this I would recommend having her examined by a vet to ensure there isn't a medical cause. Occasionally we can have diseases that cause a change in appetite/behavior such as this, so it is best to have her examined to ensure there isn't a medical treatment to resolve the issue!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

Why is my dog always acting like they're starving after eating enough?

There are some disease processes in dogs that can cause an increased appetite. Most notably is an endocrine disorder called Cushing's Disease and the appetite is the result of excessive steroid production in the body. A pet taking steroid medication could also have increased appetite. There are other possible diagnoses as well so if the change is significant a good place to start would be an exam and bloodwork with your family vet. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog is suddenly eating everything, gaining weight, and peeing. Why?

Since it sounds like this is a new behavior for Nala, I would be suspicious that she may have an underlying medical problem causing her to be hungrier than normal. This can be caused by a variety of different things including Cushing's disease, diabetes, or even a thyroid tumor. I would recommend taking her to the vet for a full check-up and some basic lab work to help check for these problems. If nothing is found on her medical work-up, you may need to consult with a behaviorist to determine if she has developed an anxiety problem or some other issue - this can occur later in life in some cases, and may require a bit of "detective work" by a skilled professional to determine the cause.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

My dog is suddenly aggressive, not eating or sleeping. What's wrong?

Any dog that all of a sudden acts aggressive it is usually due to some type of pain in the body. If he is not eating he may have an intestinal obstruction and that is painful. I suggest you get him to a vet for an exam.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my older dog suddenly stealing food and eating paper?

Dogs can develop habits just like humans. It’s possible Zeus was unaware that he could reach the human food until recently. Dogs learn by cause-and-effect. He jumped on the counter, got something to eat and that is a positive experience for him. He will likely continue this behavior because it is a positive experience every time. You must prevent him from having this experience or else he will just continue it. Sometimes increases in appetite can be related to endocrine disease. You may have his blood tested to look for hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog suddenly chewing everything and eating so much?

That could be actually not a behavioural problem but due to a metabolic/endocrine disease especially if the weight is constant or decreased. I would recommend a check up at your local vets to determine and eventually rule out any possible disease.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My old cat is suddenly very hungry and aggressive. What's wrong?

Hi there. If Buddy is older and this is a new behavior then I suspect he could have an underlying health issue. It is very common in cats to get some diseases as they age. The two that come to mind right away are hyperthyroidism (elevated thyroid level) and diabetes. Both can cause a cat to be very hungry which makes them impatient when it comes to eating. These diseases are easily diagnosed with simple blood testing. So, I suggest you get Buddy to your vet for an exam and some blood testing as soon as you can. If health issues can be ruled out then you can talk to your vet about the behaviorial aspect. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share