Dogs (and humans) evolved to favor foods rich in quick energy, especially simple sugars and fats. The other physiological reason our dogs go for junk food is often related to a food’s caloric density. If your pooch is picky, blame it on puppyhood. Some research even concludes that if a mother dog eats a variety of foods during pregnancy and nursing, her pups may have more adventurous tastes. Numerous studies have shown that puppies exposed to a variety of foods, especially after weaning and up to around six to eight months of age, more readily accept a multitude of foods throughout life. The more diversity of foods, tastes and textures we expose our puppies to, the more we tap into their natural instincts as opportunistic scavengers.
The first has to do with the foods we fed during puppyhood (or were given as children by our parents). The reason we often opt for comfort foods, and so do our dogs, is mainly due to two physiological processes. Ok, so what is some of the science behind picky eaters – what can you do about it? Picky Puppyhood We recently surveyed Wild Earth pet parents and found that nearly 92% of their dogs like the taste of Wild Earth! That’s fantastic! But, it’s not 100% – and the reality is no food will reach 100%, because just like us different dogs have different tastes.
It doesn’t matter if you make the greatest, healthiest, dog food ever if no dog wants to go near it. When we were developing our food and treats we were focused on not only the health benefits but also making something your dog would LOVE. That’s because both human and dog food preferences are based in biology. Chocolate or carrots? Pizza or peas? Would you prefer cake or kale? Science (and common sense) can answer those questions. Now that I think about it, our dogs dining habits are awfully similar to their pet parents. Many dogs appear to “like what they like,” oblivious to whether what they’re eating is healthy or not. Is your dog the world’s pickiest eater? Does it seem like every time you offer a healthy treat or new food she turns her nose up and refuses to eat anything but junk food? If so, you’re not alone.
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