What Makes a Diet Palatable?

What does it mean for a pet food or treat to be palatable?

Palatability describes how appealing a food is to a dog or cat and how readily they eat it. The pet food industry regularly studies how dogs and cats respond to different foods and ingredients. When pet parents see their dog or cat enjoying a food or treat, they are more likely to purchase it again. Understanding which ingredients improve palatability is important to pet food manufacturers.

Research shows that dogs often prefer foods higher in fat, while cats often prefer foods higher in protein. The moisture content and texture of a food or treat are also important — some pets may prefer hard, crunchy food, while others prefer soft, chewy food. Palatability is not determined by a single nutrient or ingredient. 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 added to a pet food or treat during manufacturing to improve palatability are called “palatants” or palatability enhancers. Examples include animal digest (animal proteins broken into smaller components), salt, yeast, whey, cheese powder, meat slurries, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, L-lysine, L-cysteine, and monosodium glutamate. How well a palatant works depends on the food and the pet.

How can I tell if my dog or cat likes their food?

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 guarding food. There are also some negative behaviors that suggest a dog or cat does not like their food, such as sniffing or investigating food, dropping food, leaving food uneaten, and licking food.

In addition to the form, moisture content, and ingredients in a meal or treat, the feeding environment may also affect how a pet eats. 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. In multi-pet households, feeding pets separately can help reduce interruptions or competition for food. Older dogs and cats or those needing a special diet should be offered their own food in a quiet room where other animals will not disturb them.

Can I use toppers to help my pet enjoy their food?

Toppers are ingredients added to a pet’s usual food to improve the overall eating experience or how the meal tastes. If your pet eats all the food offered at each meal, there is usually no reason to add a topper.

Toppers can add moisture, protein, fat, minerals, or vitamins. The primary benefit of toppers is that they offer variety. Examples include gravies, bone broths, steamed or boiled meats, pet-safe fruits and vegetables, plain mashed sweet potatoes, shredded chicken, and rice.

If I use toppers, how much should I add?

Add a small amount — no more than 3 or 4 pieces of meat or no more than ¼ cup of bone broth at each meal. If you purchase a topper, check the label for its calorie content (kcal) per serving. For example, a commercial topper might contain 50 kcal per ¼ cup.

Toppers and treats together should make up no more than 10% of a dog’s or cat’s daily calorie intake. For example, if a dog needs 1,000 calories a day to maintain a stable weight, no more than 100 calories should come from toppers and treats. The remaining 900 calories should come from a complete and balanced food. Feeding more than 10% as toppers or treats can unbalance a pet’s diet and could lead to obesity.

What natural ingredients can help improve the taste of pet food?

The easiest and least costly ingredient to add is water. Adding a little warm water to dry kibble or canned food may bring out its aroma and make a little gravy. Stir the food and check that it has cooled to a comfortable temperature before serving it, so your pet does not burn their mouth.

What else can I do to enrich my pet’s eating experience?

Food puzzles give dogs and cats the opportunity to work for their daily calories while also solving problems. Puzzles come in many 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 help learning to use them. Ask your veterinary team to recommend one that suits your pet.

Another option is to provide your dog’s meal, or part of it, during a walk or outdoor playtime. 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.

Offering different shapes, textures and consistencies of food may also make mealtimes more appealing. For example, some pets prefer “chunks and gravy” canned food rather than pâté. If your pet eats canned food, you could shape it into cookie shapes and gently bake at 250°F to 300°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until the “cookies” are soft to crunchy. Individual pet preferences will influence total baking time.