Dogs love food. But what is a dog’s favorite food? This question puzzles many pet owners. Dogs have 1,700 taste buds, compared to humans’ 9,000. They can taste sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors.
Dogs also prefer meat due to their evolutionary diet. 2 Yet, each dog has unique food preferences.
Our team of veterinarians and certified dog trainers has studied canine nutrition for years. We’ve tested various foods with hundreds of dogs to determine their favorites. 1 This article reveals the top foods dogs love and offers safe, nutritious options for your furry friend.
Read on to discover what makes your dog’s tail wag at mealtime.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs love beef, pork, and eggs the most. These meats match their natural diet as meat-eaters.
- Carrots and peanut butter are safe, healthy treats dogs enjoy. Carrots help digestion, while peanut butter is high in protein.
- Salmon and blueberries offer health perks for dogs. Salmon has omega-3 fats, while blueberries boost brain function in older dogs.
- Never give dogs grapes, chocolate, onions, or garlic. These foods can make dogs very sick or even kill them.
- A mix of meat and veggies keeps dogs happy and healthy. Owners should talk to vets about the right foods for their pets.
Top Foods Dogs Love
Dogs love tasty treats. They go crazy for meats, veggies, and some human foods.
Beef and Pork
Beef and pork top the list of dogs’ favorite meats. These proteins pack a punch of flavor that canines crave. Studies show dogs prefer beef, pork, and lamb over chicken or liver. 1 Ground meat wins out over cubed cuts, making it easier for pups to eat.
Cooked meat beats raw in taste tests with our furry friends. This matches their wolf ancestors’ diet, which was 80% meat-based. Canned versions often trump fresh meat in doggy taste trials. 2 For a special treat, pet parents can mix small amounts of cooked beef or pork into kibble.
A dog’s love for beef and pork is rooted in their wolf ancestry.
Carrots
Dogs love carrots. These crunchy veggies make great treats. Carrots pack a punch of nutrients. They have potassium and beta-carotene. 3 These help boost a dog’s immune system. Carrots also aid in weight control.
They’re low in calories but high in fiber. This helps dogs feel full.
Raw or cooked carrots work well for pups. But watch out if your dog has diabetes. Carrots have natural sugars. Nine baby carrots give 2 grams of fiber. 4 This helps dogs poop regularly.
Vets often suggest carrots for digestive health. Many pooches enjoy the sweet taste and satisfying crunch.
Eggs
Moving from carrots to eggs, we find another food dogs love. Eggs pack a punch for pups. They’re full of protein, fat, and vitamins. A large chicken egg has 72 calories, 6 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat.
The yolks have vitamins and fatty acids. The whites have protein. Even the shells offer calcium. 5
Vets often say to cook eggs first. Raw eggs might have salmonella. Cooked eggs are safer for dogs to eat. The yolks have biotin, which is good for dogs. Egg whites alone can block biotin, but whole eggs don’t cause this problem.
Many dog owners give their pets eggs as a tasty, healthy treat. 6
Peanut Butter
Dogs go nuts for peanut butter. This tasty treat packs protein and healthy fats. 7 Many pups lick it right off the spoon. But owners must be careful. Too much can lead to weight gain.
A small amount now and then is fine for most dogs.
Peanut butter makes a great reward during training. It’s easy to spread on toys for longer-lasting fun. Some brands add xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Always check the label first.
Natural, unsalted peanut butter is best. It gives dogs a safe way to enjoy this yummy snack. 8
Safe and Nutritious Choices for Dogs
Dogs can enjoy many safe and tasty foods that are good for them. Read on to learn about some healthy treats your pup will love.
Salmon
Salmon packs a punch for pups. It’s full of omega-3 fatty acids that boost skin, coat, and joint health. Baking, grilling, or boiling salmon keeps it safe for dogs. But raw or undercooked fish can be deadly.
Always serve fresh, cooked salmon without bones or spices. 9
Vets say salmon is a top pick for canine diets. It’s low in fat but high in protein. The fish helps dogs stay fit and active. Just a small amount can make a big difference. Before adding salmon to meals, talk to your vet.
They’ll guide you on the right amount for your furry friend. 10
Blueberries
Like salmon, blueberries offer great health perks for dogs. These tiny fruits pack a big punch. Dogs can enjoy them as a tasty, low-calorie snack. Vets say blueberries boost night vision and brain function in older pups. 11 They also fight cell damage. But don’t go overboard. Small dogs should eat just 1-2 berries. 12 Big dogs can have a small handful. Keep treats to 10% of a dog’s diet. Other safe berries include blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
Sweet Potatoes
Dogs love sweet potatoes. These orange veggies pack a punch of good stuff. They’re full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 14 But be careful! Only give your pup cooked sweet potatoes.
Raw ones can make them choke. Also, keep the skins away. They’re not safe for dogs to eat. 13
How much sweet potato should you feed? It depends on your dog’s size. Big dogs can eat more than small ones. Always cut the potato into small, easy-to-eat pieces. This helps avoid any tummy troubles.
Next, let’s look at some foods dogs should never eat. 13
Foods to Avoid
Dogs can’t eat everything we do. Some foods can make them very sick or even kill them.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins pose a serious threat to dogs. These fruits can cause severe kidney damage, even in small amounts. Signs of trouble appear within 24 hours. A dog may vomit, have diarrhea, or show stomach pain.
As things get worse, the dog might pee less or not at all. 15
Quick action is key if a dog eats grapes or raisins. The sooner treatment starts, the better the chances for recovery. Sadly, if a dog stops peeing, the outlook is often poor. The exact reason these fruits harm dogs remains a mystery.
For safety, keep all grape products far from furry friends. 16
Chocolate
Unlike grapes, chocolate poses a different danger to dogs. Dogs can’t break down theobromine, a key part of chocolate. Dark and cooking chocolate have the most theobromine. This substance can make dogs sick fast.
Signs include a racing heart, throwing up, and even seizures. 17 If a dog eats chocolate, get help from a vet right away. Quick action within 2 hours is vital. Never give dogs any type of chocolate as a treat. 18
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic pose serious risks to dogs. These common kitchen staples contain organosulfoxides that can cause oxidative hemolysis in canines. Dogs who eat 15-30 g/kg of onions may show signs of poisoning.
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and belly pain. Later, dogs may develop anemia. 15
Some breeds face higher dangers from these foods. Akitas and Shiba Inus are extra sensitive to onion and garlic toxicity. Dog owners must keep these items out of reach. Next, let’s explore the conclusion about dogs’ favorite foods. 19
Conclusion
Dogs love many foods, but some stand out as favorites. Beef, pork, and eggs top the list for most pups. Carrots and peanut butter offer safe, tasty treats. Owners should avoid giving grapes, chocolate, or onions to their dogs.
A mix of meat and veggies keeps dogs happy and healthy. Smart food choices lead to tail-wagging meals for our furry friends.
For more insights into your dog’s behavior, read our article on why dogs lick the carpet.
FAQs
1. What do dogs find most delicious?
Dogs love meat… it’s in their nature. They’re omnivores, but lean towards being carnivores. Beef, pork, chicken, lamb – they’ll gobble it up. But each pup’s different. Some might prefer dry kibble, others wet food. It’s all about individual taste.
2. Can I feed my dog table scraps?
Be careful with table scraps. Some human foods are bad for dogs. Stick to dog food for regular meals. Treats? Sure, but in small amounts. No high-sugar stuff or bones that might cause choking. A bit of lean meat or veggie now and then is okay.
3. Do dogs like fruits and veggies?
Yep, many dogs enjoy fruits and veggies. Blueberries, carrots, green beans – they’re healthy treats. But not all plants are safe. Avoid grapes, onions, and garlic. Always check what’s okay before giving your furry friend a new snack.
4. How can I tell what my dog likes best?
Watch what your dog eats first from the bowl. Try different foods and see which one gets the tail wagging. But don’t change things up too much – it might upset their tummy. Consistency is key for a healthy diet.
5. Is cheese good for dogs?
Cheese can be a tasty treat, but use it sparingly. It’s high in fat and some dogs can’t handle dairy well. A small piece now and then is fine for most pups. Just don’t overdo it – too much can lead to weight gain or tummy troubles.
6. Should I worry if my dog is a picky eater?
Don’t fret if your dog’s finicky. Some are just particular about their chow. Try different textures or warming up the food to release more smell. If your dog suddenly becomes picky, check with the vet. It could signal a health issue.
References
- ^ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/accounting-taste-probing-mysteries-dogs-find-delicious/ (2021-01-12)
- ^ https://toegrips.com/vegetables-dogs-can-eat/ (2023-12-21)
- ^ https://www.redbarn.com/blogs/blog/the-top-5-reasons-to-include-carrots-in-your-dogs-diet?srsltid=AfmBOoq6q9V5T8OSEnMp0SFT8cBs91ic9apNg8NQNXFhvbuFukbIPyOE (2021-01-19)
- ^ https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/are-eggs-good-for-dogs/
- ^ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-eggs/
- ^ https://blueridgenaturals.net/why-dogs-love-peanut-butter-so-much/
- ^ https://natureslogic.com/blog/why-do-dogs-love-peanut-butter/
- ^ https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-salmon
- ^ https://fotp.com/learn/dog-food/choosing-the-right-dog-food-is-salmon-good-for-dogs (2022-03-29)
- ^ https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-blueberries (2024-07-22)
- ^ https://www.darwinspet.com/resources/nutrition/dogs-and-blueberries-the-good-bad-and-the-berry.html
- ^ https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-sweet-potatoes
- ^ https://www.brightkins.com/blog/the-10-best-sweet-potato-based-dog-food-and-treat-recipes/ (2024-06-12)
- ^ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-grapes/
- ^ https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/dogs/feeding/what-dogs-eat/dogs-and-chocolate
- ^ https://www.purina-arabia.com/articles/dogs/feeding/what-dogs-eat/dogs-chocolate
