As a loving pet parent, you always want your dog’s meal times to be as enjoyable as possible. Sure, you will focus more on giving them a balanced and healthy diet. But do you account for taste when giving your dog their daily meals and treats?
How do you know that your dog likes and enjoys the raw meals you pick for them?
Sure enough, some dogs will eat everything you give them. So, it can be quite challenging to know whether they’re actually savoring their meals or just swallowing to quench their hunger.
As a pet owner, you always want to ensure that your dog is eating enough, especially when you have a dog that cleans up food bowls in the middle of the night.
Choosing the best raw food for dogs that tastes great helps ensure that your dog isn’t just getting the right nutrition but also savoring every meal to the fullest.
Here are a few tips to help you know whether your dog enjoys their food or not:
6 ways to tell if your dog doesn’t like his food
1. Ask your vet
This is probably the easiest step. Thus, the reason for starting with it. Nothing triumphs professional advice, especially when dealing with pets. Your veterinarian has the training and qualifications to provide just that.
In such situations, your vet is your greatest resource. This is the go-to person when creating a nutrition plan for your dog. They will know what most dogs like, what they believe tastes better for dogs, and how to balance them in your dog’s meals.
Your vet will advise you about the healthiest meals for dogs and foods that suit them best.
It’s also good practice to observe your canine at mealtimes so you can report their reactions, how fast they eat, how much they eat and other habits to your vet. Your vet can use this information to make the necessary adjustments to make the meals as enjoyable as possible while maintaining a healthy diet.
It’s also always advisable to consult your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. Ask an expert to know whether the new meal is great for your dog or not.
2. Gauge how fast & how much your dog eats
Animals, like humans, eat faster and more when they enjoy their meals. Your dog will likely finish his meal in one sitting and fairly quickly. They’re unlikely to leave leftovers in their bowls.
Also, it can be unhealthy for dogs to eat too fast. So, when you suspect that your dog eats too quickly, take him to your vet. Again, when your dog eats too slowly, the more probable reason is that he may be signaling that the meal just isn’t appealing that much.
The same applies when your dog picks at the food on their bowl, leaves it, and returns later or doesn’t clean the bowl. Dogs rarely or never leave meals they enjoy in the bowl.
3. Watch your dog’s focus
You know your dog enjoys their meal whenever you notice them eagerly waiting for you to put their meals in front of them. They’re so focused on the meal that nothing else seems to matter.
Dogs tend to express themselves when they’re excited about food. A well-trained pooch will perform all kinds of tricks and respond to commands like “wait” and “sit” when anticipating meals they enjoy as rewards. In contrast, they will be less eager to perform when the food rewards are less tasty.
You also want to pay attention to how interested your canine is as they eat. If they dig through the food or move it around the bowl with their nose, it might mean that they’re looking for more appealing options.
Simply monitoring your dog during meals can tell you a lot about how much they enjoy their foods.
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4. Experiment with different flavors and textures
You can also experiment with different meals to find your dog’s preference for different food options. Some vets even have food samples for your dog to try to determine which meals they prefer to others.
Like humans, dogs have their preferences for textures and flavors. For example, some dogs prefer stronger, bolder flavors, while others prefer more moisture in their meals to make them softer and more hydrating.
Other dogs enjoy more subtle flavors and prefer poultry like turkey or chicken in their meals.
Your vet will also advise you to gradually change your dog’s meals to avoid them having digestive upset. Look for the best ways to help your dog try new meal options safely, so you know which food textures and flavors they enjoy more.
5. How do they feel after eating?
When your dog gets the right nutrients in their meals, you see it in their health and attitude. Naturally, dogs will also prefer meals that make them feel good.
The best dog food provides the energy your canines need to sustain them throughout the day. Therefore, if your dog shows signs of lethargy or illness after eating, there’s a chance they aren’t getting the right nutrients in their foods. Consequently, it might be because they aren’t enjoying their food as much. Again, it’s best to visit your vet just to be sure.
6. Try the same foods again
While giving your dog different meal options to find the ones they prefer, you can also revisit some other options that they’ve already tried.
Remember, the food itself may not be the problem. The food may not be fresh or other factors may put your dog off the first time.
Try serving them brand new meals that haven’t been stored for long periods. If your dog shows more interest the second time around, the solution may be keeping your pooch’s food as fresh as possible before serving them.
Bottom line
So, do you think your dog doesn’t like the foods you serve him? Birdham Animal Feeds are balanced, protein-rich, and full of savory meat. It’s time you provided your dog with the right nutrients they need.
Does your dog enjoy their meals? How can you tell? Share with us what you think in the comments section below!
