Best food for picky dogs?
(Too long, won’t read? WATCH Dr. Roberts explain the best food for picky dogs!)
Having a picky eater can be frustrating issue for any pet parent. Although there are many reasons behind this behavior, understanding what diet composition is the best option to help picky dogs, both eat their food and enjoy mealtime!
What do dogs want to eat, if given the option?
To date, three studies have examined the macronutrient levels that dogs decide to consume, when provided with a buffet of diets containing different amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrate. The first was a limited study, establishing that dogs had a strong preference for fat, compared to carbohydrates (1). The second study, allowed for all three macronutrients to be self-selected by dogs of differing breeds, consisting of several phases in which the dogs were provided with numerous diets contenting differences in macronutrient content and format (wet and dry). On conclusion of the study, an overall protein/fat/carbohydrate (PFC) ratio of approximately 30% : 63% : 7% on an metabolizable energy (ME) basis was determined (2).
The final study, again provided dogs with the option to self-select the contribution of each macronutrient to their overall diet. On conclusion of the research, it was established that the dogs targeted two thirds of their energy consumed from fat and a third from protein (3). Additionally, carbohydrate intake was deemed neglectable. Interestingly, the lead researcher in this study also tried feeding different carbohydrate, fat and protein sources, with the same macronutrient intake established.
The origin of this macronutrient drive
The linkage between the dog and that of the wolf, Canis Lupus, has been demonstrated, based on an increasing level of molecular data, physiological and behavioral similarities (4,5). It would therefore seem logical that the feeding habits of both the wolf and its sub species, the domestic dog, are intertwined. A fitting of this, is that dogs prefer meat-based diets over cereal-based ones (6). This preference, was further established with the study of fifty diets, based on over 31,000 scat and stomach analysis. After calculations for the dietary composition had been completed, the selected diet of wild wolves was determined to be high in energy from fat and protein, with carbohydrate intake being insignificant (7).
Kibble and palatability
While several methods can be used to manufacture dog biscuits or kibble, the most applied is extrusion. The process consists of a moist dough which is subjected to heat, combined with steam and then pressure, before being dried and then finally having a coating applied, which is usually a flavor enhancer (8). A starch foundation is vital, contributing to product binding, durability and forming of the dough (9). Hence, because of this processing, kibble diets inherently consist of a substantial inclusion of carbohydrate, above protein, and fat on a dry matter basis. Unfortunately, this need to rely on carbohydrates impacts palatability, regardless of the inclusion of palatants, in an attempt to provide the sensory impact of meat flavors (10). In addition, carbohydrate sources are inherently cheaper than fat and protein options, further encouraging their usage from a cost standpoint. As kibble dog foods represent the most common format fed to dogs (11), the high carbohydrate inclusion in these diets, likely plays an important factor in dogs rejecting them.
The best diet for picky dogs
What is clearly evident, is that a diet, with a significant contribution from fat, and a minimum inclusion from carbohydrate, is the most palatable dietary option for picky dogs. A diet of this macronutrient content can be feed in several different ways, with frozen raw dog food and freeze-dried dog food the most common. Indeed, adding warm water to a high fat freeze dried diet could further enhance the likelihood of a picky dog consuming the meal.
References
1. Romsos, D. R., & Ferguson, D. (1983). Regulation of protein intake in adult dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 182(1), 41-43.
2. Hewson-Hughes, A. K., Hewson-Hughes, V. L., Colyer, A., Miller, A. T., McGrane, S. J., Hall, S. R., ... & Raubenheimer, D. (2013). Geometric analysis of macronutrient selection in breeds of the domestic dog, Canis lupus familiaris. Behavioral ecology, 24(1), 293-304.3
3. Roberts, M. T., Bermingham, E. N., Cave, N. J., Young, W., McKenzie, C. M., & Thomas, D. G. (2018). Macronutrient intake of dogs, self‐selecting diets varying in composition offered ad libitum. Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition, 102(2), 568-575.
4. Lindblad-Toh, K., Wade, C. M., Mikkelsen, T. S., Karlsson, E. K., Jaffe, D. B., Kamal, M., ... & Lander, E. S. (2005). Genome sequence, comparative analysis and haplotype structure of the domestic dog. Nature, 438(7069), 803-819.
5. Ostrander, E. A., & Wayne, R. K. (2005). The canine genome. Genome research, 15(12), 1706-1716.
6. Houpt, K. A., & Smith, S. L. (1981). Taste preferences and their relation to obesity in dogs and cats. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 22(4), 77.
7. Bosch, G., Hagen-Plantinga, E. A., & Hendriks, W. H. (2015). Dietary nutrient profiles of wild wolves: insights for optimal dog nutrition? British Journal of Nutrition, 113(S1), S40-S54.
8. Pet Food Institute. (n.d.-b). How Dry Pet Food Is Made. Retrieved from http://www.petfoodinstitute.org/?page=DryPetFood
9. Riaz, M. N., & Rokey, G. J. (2011). Extrusion problems solved: Food, pet food and feed. Elsevier.
10. AFB International. Principles of Pet Food Palatability. Optimizing Health and Taste. Available online: http://afbinternational.com/pdf/principles_of_pet_food_palatability.pdf (accessed on 12 December 2023).
11. Morelli, G., Stefanutti, D., & Ricci, R. (2021). A survey among dog and cat owners on pet food storage and preservation in households. Animals, 11(2), 273.