Do Dogs Get Tired of Their Food?

Every dog owner knows how challenging it is to keep their beloved pet healthy and happy. Our furry friends can’t talk and tell us how they’re feeling or what they prefer, so sometimes it feels like we’re flying blind. 

Has your dog started getting a little picky with its food? If so, you are probably worried and wondering what to do next. And you are here because you’re wondering if maybe your pooch is just tired of the same food every single day. 

While dogs don’t have as many taste buds as we do, they may sometimes get bored with always eating the same food. This behavior is even more likely if your dog has always had a variety of foods. However, it’s relatively unusual for a dog to suddenly refuse a food it has eaten before. While this can happen, it may mean there is a medical problem. 

How Do Dogs Taste Their Food? 

Like humans, dogs also have taste buds. They use these to taste their food. However, a massive difference between how humans and dogs taste their food comes down to the number of taste buds. 

While humans have as many as 9,000 taste buds, dogs have only around 1,700. It means that dogs can’t experience the same range of different tastes that we can. However, dogs can taste and distinguish between basic tastes like salty, sweet, bitter, and sour.

Dogs Like Moist Food

The fact that dogs tend to prefer moist food is why many pet owners add a little water to dry kibble before serving. If you’ve left the food out long enough to dry out, it might be why your dog won’t eat all of it. Some sodium-free broth might be the perfect addition to make the food more palatable to your pup. 

Dogs Like Warm Food

Warmth seems to make food taste better for dogs. At the very least, dogs seem to be more attracted to food when it’s warm. If you warm your pet’s food, be cautious not to make it too hot. You don’t want to risk your dog’s mouth getting burned. 

Why Is My Dog Not Eating Its Food Anymore? 

The answer to this question depends on whether your dog just refuses to eat one particular food or won’t eat food of any kind. If your dog won’t eat at all, this is a severe problem, and you need to find out the cause. For example, there may be a medical problem, or your dog may be suffering from severe anxiety. Bring your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible. 

Examples of medical problems that may lead to a dog refusing to eat include: 

• Digestive issues
• Intestinal parasites
• Inflammatory bowel disease 
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Dental problems 
• Kidney disease
• Infection

Several serious conditions may be behind a loss of appetite, as we see above. This symptom is especially worrying if your dog skips more than one meal. It’s true, though, that some dogs just prefer to eat a little less often. Get to know your dog’s disposition and talk to your veterinarian. 

What Tastes Do Dogs Prefer? 

While dogs are omnivores, they love meat more than any other food. And indeed, canines have high protein requirements. That is why whatever food you give your dog should list meat as its first ingredient. Stay away from foods that have fillers, such as cereals and grains. 

Every dog is different. Just because you know another dog likes a particular food doesn’t mean yours will. Each dog has its own favorite foods. If you exposed your dog to various foods from puppyhood, they would probably be keener to try new kinds of food. Look for high-quality food that your dog likes and stay with it. 

Are Poodles Picky Eaters? 

Compared to other dog breeds, Poodles are often a little on the pickier side. In other words, a Poodle may be a little more likely to be fussy about the food you give them. 

It may be because Poodle owners tend to be on the overly indulgent side. They may offer their Poodle many kinds of foods, getting them in the habit of simply refusing to eat just to get a different kibble. If your Poodle is already in this habit, the best course of action is to choose a high-quality food that they like and then stick with it. 

You can also make the food more appealing by moistening it with beef or chicken broth, ensuring it’s low-sodium. Never give your dog high-sodium food, as it is bad for their health. You can also add fish oil to the food. 

Another tactic is to warm up your dog’s food. Dogs prefer warm food. When you warm the food in your microwave, mix it properly afterward. If you don’t, there could be hot spots in the food that may burn your dog’s mouth. Feel the food before giving it to your dog to ensure it’s not too hot overall. 

Also, make sure your dog is getting enough exercise every day. A canine that isn’t getting the physical activity it needs may lose some of its appetite. 

What Are the Best Treats for Your Dog?  

Of course, treats are a great way to add variety to your dog’s diet. Just make sure you choose healthy options. Select high-quality treats high in protein and low in additives, such as artificial colors and preservatives. 

Avoid giving your dog human food as treats. The calories and unhealthy ingredients in many human foods will have a negative cumulative effect on your pet. Also, some human foods are dangerous for dogs. 

One kind of human food it’s safe to offer your dog is meat. Stay away from bacon, as it contains salt. You shouldn’t give your canine extremely fatty meats, and you must cook the meat before you give it to your dog. Don’t try to give your dog raw meat without talking to your veterinarian first. 

Remove all bones from the meat before giving it to your dog. For example, if you’re giving your dog chicken, make sure it’s boneless. Cooked bones are brittle, and your dog could choke on them if accidentally swallowed. 

Final Thoughts

Your dog’s health always comes first. If you have any worries about your dog’s appetite and are concerned it could indicate a health problem, take your pet to the veterinarian for an examination. If your dog skips more than one meal, it’s crucial that you determine what might be the cause of your dog’s loss of appetite.

Remember that illness, or not eating after surgery is fairly common.