Petunia used to carry a few pieces of kibble into the living room at a time and do the same thing. We never figured out why although eventually she would only eat if her dish was served in the living room, on the floor - no raised feeder. If the dish didn't have something special like shakey cheese, cottage cheese or another treat on top, she would walk away until it met her expectations.
Not that she was spoiled. The poor girl raised more than the 23 pups that we know of before she came from the farm and landed at our house. She deserved and got anything she wanted for that reason. I miss my demanding broodie girl.