The majority of dogs don't get bored of their food. Whilst humans have around 9000 taste buds, dogs only have about 1700 – meaning they're just not interested in a variety of food in the same way we are.
No. Dogs actually have fewer taste receptors compared to humans. That means they have less of an urge to eat something different every day. So your dog will not get bored of eating the same food every day.
When a dog suddenly stops eating his food, it might be because they are bored of the food, or it might be for another reason entirely. Some dogs might refuse stale kibbles, preferring kibbles in a newly opened bag, but others lose their appetite as the first sign of illness.
Some dogs just don't like the taste or texture of dry food. If your dog is not eating his dry food, you may want to mix a small amount of wet food with his dry food to make it more palatable. If you do decide to add wet food to his regular meal, remember to scale back the amount of dry food to avoid over-feeding him.
Some dogs become bored with the smell, flavor, and texture of their food. Change out one ingredient, such as swapping any chicken-based food for fish or lamb. You can also add fresh ingredients to the dog's kibble. Both steps may awaken those sensitive noses and make an old dish more exciting.
Generally, a dog won't refuse food for long unless there is a medical problem. Try not to give in by adding tempting people food. Just stick with the dog food (pick one, or mix the two) and your dog should decide to like it soon.
Many dogs prefer wet food as it tends to be more flavorful and more closely resembles meat and meat by-products. Wet dog foods contain a significantly higher moisture content than dry kibbles, which can be important for dogs with urinary tract conditions, or dogs who don't tend to drink enough water on their own.
When it comes to fussy eating, remember that dogs will not normally starve themselves just because they are a bit choosy about their food (although if your dog goes 24 hours without eating anything, consult your vet).
Just like us, dogs are sometimes not hungry, or else some stress in their day has caused them to lose interest in food. However, a more prolonged loss of appetite in your dog is a serious sign that something is wrong.
Unlike us, our canine pals don't need variety. They're fine eating the same thing all the time. Once you find a food that works well for your dog, stick with it. Changing types or brands of food can make your dog sick.
The answer is simply, No. There are many ways to create the best diet for your dog. In general, it is better not to give your dog any variety, which could cause havoc with its digestion, and not leave food down (so throw away any uneaten food after 15-20 minutes).
Although it is fine to leave our air dried food out for your pet to graze on during the day, keep in mind that it will be exposed to bacteria so may spoil and become stale the longer it's left out. Therefore we recommend you dispose of any uneaten food in your pets bowl if it's been out for more than 8 hours.
If your dog won't finish their kibble on its own, you could try adding vegetables, low-salt gravy or even some wet food. These all add new textures and flavours that will entice your dog back to their bowl and get them excited for mealtimes again.
Do consider adding water to dry kibble. There are plenty of dogs and cats that love their dry kibble. But if your pet has begun showing less interest in the food, it may be time to add a little "gravy." It's real simple, too.
Common Myths about Picky Eating Habits in Dogs
Like humans, most dogs have preferences. For instance, some may prefer fish over chicken. But dogs can eat their favorite food every day for the rest of their lives, and unlike us humans, don't crave for variety. Fussy dogs can't be fixed.
Frequently, the cause of a dog's finicky eating isn't a result of its behavior. It's usually the result of humans feeding table scraps or too many treats. Not only does this increase the risk of obesity, but it also can encourage finicky behavior.
The vet-proven advantages of air-dried food
Since air-dried food comes naturally packed with the vitamins and minerals dogs need to stay well both mentally and physically, it's a good way to keep their behaviour under control. Especially if your dog is known to be excitable or aggressive.
Additionally, the dogs fed a fresh whole food diet produced up to 66% less poop than when eating kibble.
Wet entrees are also less processed than kibble but much less expensive than raw diets. Contrary to the myths around wet entrees, dogs can enjoy them every day without worry of upsetting your pet's gastrointestinal system, especially if you stick to high-quality brands.
Since dogs can taste their food, that also means that they can have a discerning palate. Dog food may not seem appetizing to us, but that same kibble or wet food is specially made to not only taste great to dogs, but also provide them with the nutrition they need to stay happy and healthy.