Maltipoo Sees Steak on TV, Owner Not Prepared for What They See Next

A Maltipoo named Joey has become Instagram’s newest four‑legged star after a video of him attempting to lick a piece of steak, but there is a problem.

The clip, posted on April 15, has already earned nearly 2 million views and more than 68,000 likes, as viewers fell in love with the dog's determination to taste what he believed was a mouthwatering meal.

In the viral video, Joey leans toward the TV and begins licking the image of a sizzling steak, seemingly convinced that the food is within reach. The caption reads, “He really tried to taste it,” a sentiment that resonated with thousands of amused viewers.

But Joey's steak‑related adventures didn't end there. Another video shared to the account @joeytmaltipoo shows just how deep his love for beef runs.

In that clip, a real piece of steak sits on a plate just inches from his nose. Moments later, a smaller cut of the meat is placed directly in front of him.

As his owner tells him, “That's for you,” Joey lets out a grunt and an unusual sound, almost as if responding on cue. Then, without hesitation, he launches himself across the table and dives into the steak.

That video has amassed more than 19.3 million views.

TikTok users were quick to share their reactions to the April 15 video.

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“This is very funny and he's very smart,” one commenter wrote on the original video.

Another added, “Awww hope you gave him some real steak after this.” A third joked, “I guess his nose is broken.”

Joey's enthusiasm for steak is no surprise to veterinarians, who say dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell when choosing what to eat.

Newsweek previously spoke to Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinary officer at the American Kennel Club in Chicago, who explained just how powerful that instinct can be.

“[Smell] influences what they eat, which is why a dog will eat anything from prime rib to garbage,” Klein said. “Some prefer the flavor of beef and pork, while studies have shown dogs have a preference for chicken or lamb. Most dogs seem to like the flavor of cheese.”

Klein added that a canine's strong sense of smell is also why “dogs prefer foods that have a stronger odor such as warm, moist food over cold or dry foods.”

While Joey's steak‑tasting antics are harmless and entertaining, Klein noted that owners should be mindful of what they feed their pets.

“Changes in diet, too much human food and too much fatty food can lead to problems such as pancreatitis, diabetes, or altered immune conditions such as allergies or food sensitivities,” he said. “As a dog matures, certain medical conditions may arise dictating dietary decisions: diabetes, pancreatitis, allergic conditions or food sensitivities.”

Human Foods Dogs Should Not Eat

Not all human foods are safe for dogs and some can even be in fatal; here are five examples of human foods that should never be fed to dogs:

• Chocolate-Contains theobromine, which dogs cannot metabolize and can cause serious cardiac and neurological symptoms.
• Grapes and raisins-Even small amounts can trigger acute kidney failure in dogs.
• Onions and garlic-These can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia.
• Xylitol‑sweetened foods-This artificial sweetener can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar and liver failure.
• Cooked bones-They can splinter easily and pose choking hazards or internal injuries.

Newsweek reached out to @joeytmaltipoo for comment via Instagram. We could not verify the details of the case.

Newsweek's reporters and editors used Martyn, our Al assistant, to help produce this story. Learn more about Martyn.

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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 7:29 AM.