What does it mean for a pet food (or treat) to be palatable?
Palatability is defined as how well a food or ingredient can stimulate a dog or cat’s desire to eat. The pet food industry regularly studies how tasty different ingredients and foods are, because when pet parents see their dog or cat enjoying their food/treat, they are more likely to purchase that food/treat again. Understanding which ingredients improve the palatability of a food or treat is important to every pet food manufacturer.
Research has shown that most dogs prefer a high fat level in their food, compared to protein or carbohydrates, whereas most cats prefer a high protein (or amino acid) level in their food.
"Palatability is defined as how well a food or ingredient can stimulate a dog or cat’s desire to eat."
The moisture content and texture of a food/treat are also critical factors - whether it is hard and crunchy or soft and chewy. Being “palatable” is not as simple as a single nutrient or ingredient making a food/treat tasty. Pet food companies and university researchers study the eating behaviors of dogs and cats to better understand appetite and palatability.
What are “palatants” and which ones are most effective?
Ingredients that are added to a pet food or treat recipe to improve palatability are called “palatants” or palatability enhancers. Several palatants have been found to be effective, including animal digest (e.g., proteins broken down into smaller pieces), salt, yeast, whey, cheese powder, meat slurries, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, L-lysine, L-cysteine, and monosodium glutamate.
How can I tell if my dog (or cat) likes the food I’m feeding?
Eating behavior studies reveal several indicators that suggest a dog or cat likes their food. These positive behaviors include approaching the food bowl quickly, tail wagging, vocalizing, salivating, licking lips, eating quickly, staying near the food bowl, and/or guarding food. There are also some negative behaviors that suggest a dog or cat does not like its food, such as sniffing or investigating food, dropping food, leaving food uneaten, and/or licking food.
In addition to the form, moisture content, and ingredients in a meal or treat, the environment where a pet is fed may also contribute to positive or negative eating behaviors. For example, if a pet’s food bowl is near a running washer, dryer, or generator, these loud noises may negatively impact or shorten the eating experience.
Multi-pet households sometimes use a single food bowl, but most pets eat better when fed separately. Older dogs and cats or those needing a special diet should be offered their own food in a quiet bedroom or bathroom where they will not be interrupted or feel social pressure from other animals in the home.
Can I use toppers to help my pet enjoy their food?
Toppers or “palatants” are ingredients added to a pet’s usual food to improve the overall eating experience or how the meal tastes. If your pet is fed one, two, or three meals every day and eats all the food offered at each meal, there is no reason to add a topper.
Toppers can be designed to offer additional moisture, protein, fat, minerals, or vitamins. The primary benefit of toppers is that they offer variety. Examples of toppers include gravies, bone broths, steamed or freeze-dried meats, fruits, vegetables, plain mashed sweet potatoes, shredded chicken, and rice.
If I use toppers, how much should I add to my pet’s morning and evening meal?
If you want to add a topper to your pet’s meal, add only a small amount: no more than 3-4 pieces of freeze-dried meat or no more than ¼ cup of bone broth at each meal.
If you purchase toppers, read the label of any product you consider, and find the Calorie (kcal) amount per volume on the label. For example, a commercial topper might have 50 kcal per ¼ cup on the label directly below the guaranteed analysis statement.
"Toppers and treats should not comprise more than 10% of a dog’s or cat’s daily Calorie intake."
Toppers and treats should not comprise more than 10% of a dog’s or cat’s daily Calorie intake. For example, if a 60-lb dog needs to eat 1,000 Calories each day to maintain a stable body weight, then no more than 100 Calories (or 10% of 1,000) should be used as toppers or treats. Feeding more than 10% as toppers or treats increases the risk of unbalancing the pet’s overall diet and could lead to obesity.;
What are some natural ingredients that help improve the taste of pet food?
The easiest and least costly ingredient to add is water. Adding ¼ to ½ cup of hot water to dry kibble or canned food can unlock the aromas and make a little gravy. Heat water to boiling in a microwave or on a stovetop and pour over kibble (or mix with canned food) - but then allow it to cool to room temperature so your pet doesn't burn their lips or tongue.
What other ways can I enrich my pet’s food and eating experience?
Food puzzles give dogs and cats the opportunity to work for their daily Calories while also solving problems. Puzzles come in all shapes and sizes. Part or all of the pet’s meal is placed in the food puzzle rather than the food bowl. Some pets need more coaching or training on how to use certain puzzles, so it’s best to read reviews online before making any purchases. Ask your veterinary health care team for their recommendations based on other pet owners’ experiences.
Another option is to provide your dog’s meal, or part of it, during a walk or outdoor play time. This approach is easiest with dry kibble, since pieces can be stored in a small baggie or plastic container that fits in a coat pocket or backpack.
If your pet eats canned food, you could shape the wet food into cookie shapes and gently bake at 250-300°F for 25-30 minutes or until the “cookies” are soft to crunchy. Individual pet preferences will influence total baking time.
