Dogs Favorite Food: Does Flavor Matter To Dogs?



You may have noticed that your pet dog loves to chew on anything and everything around him. This might have led you to wonder ‘do dogs have tastebuds?’.

If you’ve looked discreetly into his food habits, you might have also noticed him turning down some of his kibbles for no apparent reason. This suggests that dogs have unusual taste preferences and most importantly taste buds when in comparison with human beings.

But how? What does dog food taste like to dogs? What do dogs like to eat? Does flavor matter to dogs? What flavors does a dog’s favorite food comprise of? Do they like to enhance the flavor of their food with Seasoning Powder?

Let’s now take a look at the world of flavor from the canine perspective.

Do Dogs Have Taste Buds?

To begin with, a dog's capacity to sense flavors on the tongue is inferior to that of a human. A typical canine has 1,700 taste buds, while humans have 9,000. A dog's taste power is roughly one-fifth that of ours. This begs a lot of questions about mealtime because most dogs get very excited when they hear the rustle of the kibble bowl. But, if they don't feel flavors in the same way that we do, what do they enjoy about eating?

Composition of Taste Buds

Don’t let the fewer number of taste buds fool you into thinking that dogs experience bland food taste. In fact, dogs have the same receptors detecting flavors like sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Umami means “the essence of deliciousness” in Japanese and describes flavors that are savory, meaty, or brothy. If you’ve seen dogs' tongues dip in the water and curl under when drinking water, understand that this is because they can taste the water. Surprised?

It’s difficult to wrap one’s head around what this tasting experience is like. However, at the tip of your dog's tongue are a cluster of taste buds that are particularly sensitive to water. When dogs consume dehydrating foods that are sweet or salty, their taste receptors become more sensitive, signaling to your dog that it is time to go to his bowl and drink some water. This drive contributes to your dog's ability to stay hydrated.

Bonus: Check out this Instagram video of a dog-obsessed over chewing dental treats.

Dog’s Taste Receptors VS Their Sense Of Smell

Taste and smell are strongly related, and an item's aroma can enhance its taste. The fragrance of a dog’s favorite food item has a considerably greater impact on how dogs perceive the flavor of their food. With this potent tiny weapon, the nose performs an important function during mealtime. Dogs rely on scent to learn about their surroundings, including the food you poured into his bowl. Their decision to consume something is based on whether the aroma is appealing to him or whether there is something "wrong" about it that makes him turn up his nose.

Do Dogs Get Bored Of Their Food?

One aspect of our pets that makes us happy is their eagerness to eat. Even if they eat the same kibble without complaint every day, it's advisable to introduce new nutritious treats to his diet, such as Dogsee Chew, so his body obtains the unique nutrient profile that improves your dog's wellness. You should also check for additional whole food items on the label, such as whole grains and vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables like Crunchy Dog Treats

Conclusion

Understand your pooch’s taste preferences and fill your dog’s bowl with their favorite food accordingly. It won't make sense to provide your dog with a nutritionally well-blended diet if he doesn't eat it. Always be vigilant of his diet and consult the vet immediately if you notice any changes in his eating.

Hope that now you won’t have any more queries on the question-” Do dogs have tastebuds “.