Can you imagine eating the same meal day after day, month after month, year after year? It’s no surprise that most dogs won’t eat their own dog food. The monotony of flavors and textures is just too much.
There comes a time when every dog owner has to make a decision: Should I buy my dog dry kibble or should I go with wet food? It can be challenging to find the perfect brand of dog food that best suits your pooch’s needs.
And while different brands offer different flavor options, there are some things that all dog foods have in common. Read on to learn more about the reasons why dog food tastes so terrible…
Dry dog food is bland and boring by design.
Dry dog food is not made with an emphasis on taste. The ingredients for dry food are chosen for their ability to create a shelf-stable product that will last a long time and has a long shelf life.
And while dogs do not need to eat a wide variety of food in their diet, it might be helpful if they didn’t get bored by the same flavor every day.
But the fact is, a lot of people feed their dogs dry food because it’s inexpensive and convenient.
Even “good” dry kibble may include questionable ingredients.
There is no standard for what goes into dry dog food. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets the standards for what can be called dog food and what ingredients can be included in it.
Unfortunately, the AAFCO also allows a lot of ingredients in dog food that you might find questionable, including rendered animals, meat by-products and animal digest.
In general, the best dry dog food brands are those that are named after the main ingredients. For example, foods that are made of chicken, lamb or fish are probably a lot better than those that contain corn, wheat and other filler ingredients.
Most brands of wet dog food have an unpleasant smell.
A lot of wet dog foods are made with fish and contain a strong, fishy smell. This is exactly why many dogs won’t eat it — they’re just not that into the smell. If your dog is picky about food, you may try a different flavor or brand until you find something your dog likes. Also, try feeding your dog his food in a different bowl. A different environment can sometimes make a difference.
The problem with canned dog food is that it’s loaded with salt.
Canned dog food is usually loaded with salt. And while it is usually tasty enough for dogs to enjoy eating it, it’s not necessarily the best option for your pooch. The sodium in canned dog food can cause your dog to retain water or even develop kidney stones — which is why it’s important to keep tabs on how much canned food your dog eats.
Dog food is loaded with dyes and preservatives.
Dyes, regular additives, and preservatives are added to dog food. This is both to increase the shelf life and to make the food more attractive to the dogs.
It’s not uncommon to see vibrant colors in dog food — the ingredients are simply there to make the food look more appealing.
But what many people don’t realize is that these dyes can be harmful for your dog. In fact, some of them are suspected carcinogens and are banned in human food.
Dog food has a lot of artificial ingredients in it.
Dog food often has a lot of artificial ingredients in it. And while some of these additives like vitamins and minerals are important nutrients for your dog, others like preservatives and dyes don’t have a positive effect.
In fact, they can be toxic and harmful to your dog. So, whenever possible, you may want to choose dog foods that don’t contain artificial ingredients.
The takeaway: Don’t assume your dog won’t eat his own food.
Don’t assume your dog won’t eat his own food. He may just be picky and need some extra time to adjust to the flavors. If your dog still won’t eat his own food after a few days, you may want to consult a veterinarian.
In some cases, a change in diet can make a big difference in a dog’s energy level and general health. Now that you know the reasons why dog food tastes so terrible, you can make better food choices for your pooch. With the help of a dog food comparison chart, you can find the best dog food for your dog’s nutritional needs and flavor preferences.
