Owners' perception of food flavor preferences of pet dogs in relation to measured preferences of laboratory dogs

Dog Food Flavor Preference

Sharon L. Smith, David S. Kronfeld, Charles A. Banta

Owners' perception of food flavor preferences of pet dogs in relation to measured preferences of laboratory dogs

Applied Animal Ethology, Volume 10, Issues 1–2, March 1983, Pages 75–87

Abstract

In this study, food flavor preferences were examined in pet dogs and in laboratory dogs by feeding the same foods to each group; 3 specially formulated dry foods differing only in flavor. Three panels of laboratory dogs were given choices between 2 of the test foods, and their preferences were determined from quantities eaten. Sixty pet dogs were given the test foods by their owners in the manner dry food was usually served. The owners rated their perception of the dog's response to each test food by using a standard rating scale.

The laboratory dogs preferred some test foods over others. The pet-dog owners interpreted their dogs' responses as indicating no preference for any test food over any other, although individual owners' interpretations did vary. Some variables were examined in the pet dogs as a function of the variation in their perceived responses to the test foods. Variables were selected from diverse aspects of pet dogs; physical characteristics, feeding regime, behavior toward food, physical and social environments. Of the variables examined, only the dog's sex was associated with preferences for 2 of the test foods. None of the variables were associated with preferences for all 3 foods. Several were associated with preferences for only one food. The results of this study indicated a need to examine typical feeding behavior in pet dogs within the context of the home, and suggested several variables that appear to influence food flavor preferences.