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Why the Taste of Your Dog’s Food Matters
Why the Taste of Your Dog’s Food Matters

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Importance of Dog Food Palatability & How to Increase It?

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Why Is Palatability Important?

Even if a pet food is formulated to provide all of the essential nutrients required by a dog, it is of little value if the animal will not eat it. Quality pet foods are carefully formulated not only to be highly nutritious but also to be highly palatable.
 

Highly palatable dog food recipes contain various ingredients and raw materials, including palatants. Palatants help improve the smell, flavor, and texture of your dog’s food. Examples of palatants include fat, salt, proteins, yeasts, and other flavors that are added to make food taste better. Dry foods usually need extra palatants to make them more pleasant and appealing. 

 

What Is Palatability?

Palatability is a term used to describe how well a dog likes the taste, smell, and texture of a food. A premium dog-food manufacturer spends a considerable amount of time conducting controlled feeding studies to determine the right combination of ingredients and processing techniques to produce a nutritious, palatable food.

 

How Is Palatability Measured?

There are two ways to test and measure the palatability of a dog food: 
 

First Bite: The first palatability test is called the “first bite” preference. This measures the dog's first impression of a food's aroma and appearance.
 

Total Volume: Because the novelty of a new diet can cause highs and lows in first-bite tests, a second test is conducted called “total volume” measurement. Total volume determines the staying power or ability of a diet to maintain the animal's interest over time. This is the dog’s overall choice of a food based on taste, texture, and nutrition for the entire test period.

 

Why Are Dogs Picky Eaters?

Dogs can become picky eaters for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons why dogs can become picky eaters include:

  • Being given an excessive amount of snacks or leftover food
  • Issues with a certain food ingredient
  • Lack of variety in their diet
  • Health problems

 

How Does A Dog Determine If Food Is Palatable?

In comparison to humans, dogs have significantly more smell sensors than taste receptors. This implies that foods with stronger aromas tend to appeal to dogs more. While scent is crucial, less odorous meals like dry kibble can also improve your dog’s food palatability. A dog’s taste buds are hard-wired to sense the presence of fats as well as salt (but not necessarily salt flavor). Fat is frequently added to kibble to improve flavor and palatability without making the food stinky.


While taste and scent are some of the primary ways a dog decides if something is pleasant, palatability can also be influenced by a wide range of factors, such as the dog’s unique preferences and even the owner’s preference for meals and feeding times.

 

How Do You Make A Dog Eat Food?

To make a dog eat food, you need to:


Chalk Out A Feeding Plan

Everybody in the household needs to accept and follow the pet’s feeding plan from the beginning. You should be consistent and rigorously adhere to your dog's diet. If you decide to give your dog leftovers, choose to combine nutritious foods with kibble.
 

Do Not Give Table Scraps

Offering your dog table scraps often promotes begging and throws off your pet’s diet. It can also lead to several health issues, including diarrhea and pancreatitis. Although human food is far more palatable, it is less healthy than canned or dry dog food.
 

Obey A Strict Mealtime Schedule

Puppies need to be fed two to three times a day, or as your vet may prescribe. As they get older, you can gradually increase the serving size while offering meals just once or twice a week. Additionally, you must add some variety and deliver equal servings. Allowing a schedule also helps keep your dogs weight in check.

Dog Food Palatibility


How Are Palatability Feeding Studies Conducted?


In order to obtain and interpret accurate results, palatability studies must be performed by experienced animal technicians and the data analyzed by research nutritionists. Feeding studies are conducted by offering an animal two bowls of food at the same time. Each bowl contains a different diet that has been carefully weighed and recorded.
 

The technician observes which food the dog chooses to eat first, and then records that as the first-bite preference. After a specific time period, bowls are removed, and any remaining food is weighed and recorded. Diets also are switched from left to right each day of the study to ensure that dogs are not eating one diet simply out of habit.
 

The total-volume measurement is determined by calculating the difference between the beginning and ending weights of each food. This procedure is repeated using the same two diets with the same group of dogs for five days. At the end of the five-day study, all observations and data are compiled and analyzed to determine the overall palatability of each diet.


Flavors That Dogs Like

Here is a quick look at some flavors that can appeal to your pet.


Meaty Flavor

  • Dogs like to eat animal meat
  • The salt content of meat is sufficient to meet your dog’s bodily needs without them needing to actively seek out extra salt
  • Look for dog diets with chicken, salmon, turkey, lamb, or beef. IAMS™ Proactive Health™ Adult Dog food has chicken in it and is the best choice for your dog.
  • Meat sources of protein not only benefit your dog’s health but also have a pleasant flavor and aroma.


Animal Fats

  • Any dog food tastes better when it contains animal fat
  • Animal fat is a vital component of your pet’s diet
  • The safe amount of fat intake for each meal must be determined by your veterinarian


Gravy or Stews

  • Dogs and puppies usually prefer wet food over dry food
  • Try mixing some broth, gravy, or stew with kibble
  • Dishes can be made tastier by the broth's wetness and added meaty taste

 

What Affects Palatability of Pet Foods?


Dogs are attracted by not only the taste of a food, but also to its sight, aroma, and texture. Dogs are particularly interested in the smell of food.


How To Increase Palatability of Dog Food?

If you are wondering how to increase palatability of dog food, here are a few tips that might help.

  • Select The Right Protein
    Whether your pooch prefers dry or wet dog food, remember that the choice of protein is extremely essential. The most palatable dog foods are ones that are available in different meaty flavors such as lamb, beef, and chicken. 

     

  •  Add A Lot Of Fats 
    By adding fats, salts, and other additives, dry dog foods are made more palatable. Additionally, fats contribute a softer taste to the food which dogs tend to enjoy. In fact, canines find fats to be tasty and will actively seek this flavor in their meals. While the aim is to serve highly palatable dog food to your pet, do be sure to check the right amount of fat content with the veterinarian. 
     
  • Try Food Additives 
    Another strategy for improving the taste of food is to add food additives. These can be actual meats that the dog owner adds to the dish such as boiled turkey or any flavored store-bought gravies.
     
  • Use Soft Treats
    Since many supplements aim to increase the nutritional value of food, they may include ingredients that are disliked by dogs. Try introducing liquid or soft treats to make dog food more palatable. There are also certain supplements which are tasty by nature. These can be used to enhance the flavor of dog food while maintaining nutritional value.

What Is Liquid Digest, and How Does It Affect Palatability?

Liquid digest is simply protein that is enzymatically broken down into amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. The enzymatic process reduces large protein pieces to smaller protein pieces and free amino acids. By adding small amounts of acid, the enzymatic or digestive reaction is stopped, and a stable liquid ingredient is produced. After a dry-food formula is cooked, formed into kibbles, and dried, the liquid digest is sprayed evenly on the outside of the dry kibbles. This is called “enrobing.” Not only does the liquid digest make the food highly palatable, but it also adds to the overall digestibility of the food.


Is Liquid Digest a Good Palatability Enhancer?

Yes. We use liquid digest made from chicken to enhance the palatability of dry foods and to contribute to the nutritional value of the diet. Some pet foods include flavor enhancers, such as onion powder, which simply mask the aroma and taste of the ingredients and provide no nutritional benefits to the animal.

 

If you're looking for the perfect dog for you, try our Dog Breed Selector today and enjoy a lifetime of tail-wagging joy.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Palatability Of Dog Food

  1. What are highly palatable foods for dogs?  
  2. There are several brands that offer highly palatable dog food. These foods contain meat that is rich in protein and good for your dog's growth. Meat also helps in the healing of tissues. 

     

  3. What food is irresistible to dogs?  
  4. Dogs prefer meats like beef and pork to lamb. They also like warm, wet foods over cold, dry foods. What’s more interesting is that dogs tend to prefer some variety in their food and may get bored if they constantly receive the same dish.

     

  5. Will a picky dog eventually eat?
  6. Yes, your picky dog will eventually prefer to eat what it is served overeating nothing at all. All you need to do is have patience. A dog that is a picky eater might turn down a few meals, but once it becomes too hungry, the pooch will eventually eat what is offered. 

     

  7. Why does my dog not like dry food anymore?
  8. Some dogs like all types of foods whereas others are more particular and fussier. If your dog prefers and eats other kinds of food, such as wet food, then you have a picky eater. 

     

  9. What dog food is best for picky eaters?
  10. You can offer a variety of food items to dogs who are picky eaters. These include dry-scrambled eggs, vegetable broth, and frozen or fresh water-based vegetables. 

     

  • Can Dogs Eat Human Foods? Knowing What's Safe and Harmful
    Can Dogs Eat Human Foods? Knowing What's Safe and Harmful
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    Can Dogs Eat Human Foods? Knowing What's Safe and Harmful

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    We often find ourselves wanting to share our meals with our furry companions. While it's natural to want to share every aspect of our lives with them, should we really include dogs in our gastronomic adventures? Let’s find out!
     

    Can dogs eat human foods?

    The answer is both yes and no. While dogs are omnivores and can eat a variety of foods, their digestive systems differ significantly from ours. This means that some human foods that are perfectly safe for us can actually be harmful or even toxic to our canine companions.
     

    Human foods: What can dogs eat

    Here are some safe and healthy human foods dogs can eat:

    • Carrots: Crunchy and delicious, carrots are excellent for dental health and packed with essential nutrients like beta-carotene and vitamin A.
    • Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon promotes healthy skin and coat, and is a good source of protein. Remember to cook it without harmful seasonings or oils.
    • Blueberries: These tiny berries are bursting with antioxidants and fiber, making them a healthy and delicious treat for your dog.
    • Eggs: Scrambled or hard-boiled, cooked eggs are a safe and nutritious protein source for dogs.
    • Peanut butter: Unsweetened and unsalted peanut butter is a tasty and healthy source of fat for your dog. You can even use it to fill puzzle toys for extra mental stimulation.

    Human foods: What can dogs not eat

    Beware of these common human foods that are toxic to dogs:

    • Chocolate: Contains theobromine, a stimulant that can cause heart problems, vomiting, seizures, and even death in dogs.
    • Grapes and raisins: These pose a risk of kidney failure in dogs, even in small quantities.
    • Onions and garlic: Toxic even in small quantities, these can cause anemia and damage red blood cells in dogs.
    • Avocado: The flesh and pit of avocados contain persin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis in dogs.
    • Macadamia nuts: These nuts can cause weakness, tremors, hyperthermia, and even death in dogs.

    Additional tips:

    • Always introduce new foods slowly to avoid digestive upset.
    • Moderation is key. Even safe foods should be given in moderation to avoid weight gain and other health problems.
    • Consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about specific foods or your dog's health.

    Choosing the right food for your dog

    While it's certainly tempting to share our meals with our beloved furry companions, it's crucial to remember that their dietary needs are distinct from ours. Human foods, even those seemingly harmless, can be detrimental to a dog's health.
     

    Why? Unlike human food, dog food is specially formulated to meet their specific nutritional requirements. It's a carefully balanced diet packed with proteins, essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients vital for their overall well-being.
     

    Why specialised dog food matters

    • Balanced nutrition: Dog food is carefully formulated to provide all the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your dog needs for optimal growth and development. It ensures they receive the right amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber, promoting a healthy immune system, strong bones and muscles, and a shiny coat.
    • Digestive health: Human food can be difficult for dogs to digest, leading to gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dog food is designed to be easily digestible by their sensitive systems, promoting optimal nutrient absorption and gut health.
    • Specific needs: Different breeds and life stages have varying nutritional requirements. Puppies need additional energy and nutrients for growth, while older dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat. Specialised dog food caters to these specific needs, ensuring your furry friend receives the right nutrition for their age and breed.

    For instance, IAMS dog food is crafted with your dog's health in mind. It provides a range of benefits such as:

    • Strong and healthy bones and muscles: IAMS dog food is rich in protein, which is crucial for supporting healthy growth and development.
    • Shiny coat and healthy skin: The food contains essential fatty acids that contribute to a radiant coat and healthy skin.
    • Enhanced immunity: IAMS provides vital nutrients that help boost your dog's immune system, protecting them from illnesses.
    • Improved digestive health: The food contains prebiotics and probiotics that promote healthy digestion and gut health.

    Our ultimate goal is to take the best care of our dogs. This means feeding them with nutrient-rich foods that cater to their specific dietary needs. By choosing the right food, like IAMS products, you ensure that your dog stays healthy, energetic, and happy.