I have a vomit eater is this bad?

Hi Narwal, Rest assured, you’re not alone. This behavior is surprisingly common (and, yes, totally gross). Dogs are scavengers by nature, and many still have that instinct to “not waste food,” even if it’s already come back up. If your dog vomits occasionally and then re-eats it, especially right after eating, it could be simple regurgitation rather than true vomiting. Regurgitated food hasn’t been fully digested, which might be why your dog is quick to gobble it back down.

That said, while it’s not usually dangerous in isolated cases, it’s still a good idea to gently stop the behavior when possible. Re-eating vomit can expose your dog to bacteria or irritants that may have triggered the vomiting in the first place. It also makes it harder to monitor how often it’s happening and whether it could point to an underlying issue like eating too quickly food sensitivity, or acid reflux.

If this becomes a recurring habit or is paired with other symptoms like lethargy, diarrhea, or weight loss, it’s worth checking in with your vet. In the meantime, try slowing down mealtime with a puzzle feeder or slow-feeding bowl to see if that helps reduce the vomiting in the first place. We have an in-depth guide that can tell you more. Good luck!