Why Is My Dog Not Eating Their Food But Will Eat Human Food? (Trainer Explains)

Sitting in my home office, I can detect the aroma of the roast that my husband has placed in the slow cooker. Let me tell you, it smells absolutely delightful, and I am eagerly anticipating dinner!

To my dogs, that slow-cooked piece of beef probably emits a scent and flavor that surpasses their ordinary kibble. If given the choice, they would prefer human food over their canine fare.

Many dogs exhibit an intense desire for food and will readily consume both human food and their designated dog food. However, they are likely to prioritize the more enticing human food. Some dogs may even exclusively consume human food, disregarding their own food entirely.

So, why is it that your dog refuses their food but readily devours human food?

Some dogs may prefer human food because it tends to be more captivating than their standard kibble. Eating the same meal every morning and evening can become monotonous, while human food often possesses more appealing aromas and tastes. Dogs have an innate affinity for food in general, and they are instinctually inclined to share food with their human companions.

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind your dog’s reluctance to eat their food while being enticed by human food. It’s not just about the tastiness of human food; it also relates to their natural inclination towards communal scavenging and sharing of human food.

Additionally, we will discuss why exclusively feeding your dog human food may not be advisable and provide practical strategies to encourage your dog to consume their designated food.

My Dog’s Preference for Human Food

Thousands of years ago, dogs were domesticated from their wild wolf ancestors primarily due to their interaction with humans regarding food. During that time, dog kibble and delectable canned food were nonexistent. Instead, wolves would scavenge around human settlements, feasting on garbage and leftover meals. Eventually, they began taking food directly from humans, marking the beginning of the domestication process.

Sharing food has remained an integral part of our relationship with dogs throughout history. It’s no surprise that your dog exhibits a strong preference for human food.

For centuries, humans continued to share their meals and leftovers with their newfound canine companions. The affinity dogs have for human food seems to be deeply ingrained, often leading them to beg for it rather than eat their designated dog food.

Interestingly, commercial dog food, in the form of kibble and canned options, wasn’t introduced until the 1800s. It wasn’t until the mid-1950s that such products gained popularity and evolved into the vast market we witness today in pet stores worldwide.

While store-bought dog food provides convenience in feeding our furry friends, it begs the question: why is it that your dog refuses to eat their designated food but readily consumes human food?

Reason 1: Temptation of Richer and Flavorful Human Food

Dogs have inherited their scavenging instincts from their wolf ancestors, making them natural food enthusiasts. Their love for food, in general, is a strong motivator, and you can effectively train them using enticing treats, especially if they are tantalizing bits of human food like chicken or cheese.

While you may not intentionally feed your dog human food, they may develop a behavioral problem of seeking it out. Whether they’re counter-surfing or rummaging through the trash, this behavior is instinctual for them. Dogs can overindulge themselves as they lack the inherent ability to regulate their eating, even when they’re full. This can result in them consuming excessive amounts of human food.

After indulging to the point of satiation, your dog may experience an upset stomach, leading to a loss of appetite for their regular dog food.

Human food often contains higher levels of fats, oils, spices, and salt, which can be heavy on their digestive system. Consequently, if your dog consumes human food and subsequently refuses their dog food, it may be due to the strain that the richer and more seasoned human food places on their stomach.

Reason 2: Superior Taste of Human Food

Although dogs have fewer taste buds compared to humans (around 9,000 versus 1,700), it doesn’t mean that they find food any less enjoyable, especially when it comes to human food. Dogs can still perceive the basic tastes of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter, just like humans. Moreover, since humans enhance the flavors of our food with various seasonings, it naturally tastes more appealing than dog food.

When your dog shows a preference for human food over their own, it is highly likely that they find human food to be more delectable. While I cannot personally attest to the taste of dog food, it is reasonable to assume that most human food surpasses dog food in taste.

The accompanying video featuring a dog further supports this notion!

Furthermore, something does not have to taste good to us to taste good to dogs. Their palates are not as refined as humans, which is why some dogs are tempted by things like cow poop. Hopefully, your dog only prefers human food and not animal poop to dog food.

Reason 3: Irresistible Aromas of Human Food

While humans may have more taste buds than dogs, dogs excel in the realm of smell. With an olfactory sense that is over 10,000 times more potent than ours and a significant portion of their brain dedicated to scent processing, dogs possess extraordinary olfactory capabilities. Their remarkable sense of smell allows them to excel in tracking and detecting odors.

Due to their exceptional sense of smell, dogs are highly attracted to the enticing aromas of human food. Even if something may not smell appealing to us, it can still be highly enticing to dogs. This explains why some dogs are tempted by unconventional items such as cow poop, although we hope that your dog’s preference is solely for human food rather than animal waste over their regular dog food.

In fact, dogs’ keen sense of smell is utilized in various fields, including law enforcement. Police often employ highly trained scent dogs, like the diligent K-9s showcased in the accompanying video, to assist in tracking and apprehending fugitives.

Their powerful nose also means that they can smell food better, and with all the seasoning, fats, and oils used in our cooking, human food is going to smell much better than dog food. If your dog is not eating their dog food and will only eat human food, the human food probably smells better.

Reason 4: Dogs Crave Social Connection

Dogs and humans share an extraordinary bond, serving as each other’s loyal companions. We engage in various activities together, such as feeding, training, going for walks, and even sharing sleeping spaces at night. Given the depth of our relationship, it is only natural for dogs to believe that meal-sharing is a permissible practice.

Historically, dogs were domesticated from wolves precisely because we shared our food with them. The instinct to seek human food and disregard their mundane dog kibble is deeply ingrained in their nature. Even the most discerning eaters among dogs would prefer to partake in a meal shared with their human companions rather than consume their own designated food.

Begging for food can become problematic not only because it challenges boundaries, but also because it can lead to a preference for human food over their own. Why settle for bland dog food when they know they can beg for much tastier human food? Unfortunately, if your dog exclusively consumes human food, they may not receive all the necessary nutrients from their diet.

Resisting the temptation posed by skilled beggars, as depicted in the accompanying compilation, can undoubtedly be a challenge.

Reason 5: Craving Variety and Novelty

Dogs who show disinterest in their food or exhibit behaviors like burying it with their nose may be experiencing a lack of appetite or simply growing tired of their monotonous meals. While dogs observe their humans enjoying a diverse range of foods at each meal, they are often subjected to the same repetitive dog food day in and day out.

It’s not surprising that this can become quite dull for them. If your dog shows a preference for human food over their own and refuses to eat their designated meals, it may be an indication that they crave more variety. Introducing changes to their diet should be done gradually to avoid any digestive upset, but even switching to a different brand of dog food or varying the protein source (such as transitioning from beef to chicken) can significantly pique their interest in eating their own food.

In the upcoming sections, we will provide additional tips to make dog food more enticing, encouraging your furry friend to opt for their designated meals instead of human food.

Reason 6: Reinforcement of Begging Behavior

Dogs have mastered the art of the irresistible “big-eyed begging” technique. And if you consistently give in to their begging by offering them human food, you inadvertently reinforce this behavior, leading them to prefer human food over their own. Once they realize that their begging results in getting delicious human food, why would they settle for plain dog food?

Unintentionally, dog owners can reinforce various behaviors, including jumping, excessive licking, and yes, even preferring human food over their designated meals. Dogs are highly perceptive and quick to identify patterns, so they learn that if they persistently beg for human food, they can bypass their own food.

Fortunately, by ceasing to reinforce the behavior, dogs can quickly learn that the reward of human food will no longer be granted. This process is known as extinction. When the begging behavior is consistently ignored, dogs no longer receive the gratification of human food and eventually turn to eating their own food instead.

Is It Safe for My Dog to Consume Human Food?

Everything in moderation, right? Well, not always. While it may be tempting to share your food with your furry friend, it is important to note that a dog’s diet should primarily consist of specially formulated dog food. This is because dog food is meticulously designed to provide all the necessary nutrients and meet their specific dietary requirements.

Feeding your dog excessive amounts of human food can lead to health issues. Many human foods, particularly those high in salt and fat, can cause digestive problems and even make your dog sick, especially processed and preserved foods like lunch meat.

Furthermore, it is crucial to be aware that certain human foods are toxic to dogs. These include yeast dough, avocados, grapes and raisins, foods containing the sweetener xylitol, chocolate, onions, and alcohol. Consumption of these substances can have severe adverse effects on your dog’s health.

If you notice that your dog is experiencing stomach pains, vomiting, or diarrhea after consuming human food, it is essential to seek immediate veterinary attention.

Remember, while sharing a small portion of safe human food occasionally as a treat may be fine, it is crucial to prioritize a balanced and nutritionally complete diet for your canine companion to ensure their overall well-being. Always consult with your veterinarian for guidance on what foods are safe for your dog and the appropriate portion sizes.

How Can I Encourage My Dog to Eat Dog Food Instead of Human Food?

The key to transitioning your dog back to eating dog food is to establish a consistent feeding routine and eliminate access to human food. Here are some strategies to help you in this process:

1. Cease providing human food: Make a firm commitment to stop giving your dog human food altogether. Ensure that everyone in the household follows this rule. Dogs are resilient and will not starve themselves if their regular food is available.
2. Consult a veterinarian: If your dog consistently refuses to eat their dog food, it may be wise to consult a veterinarian. Your dog could be experiencing underlying health issues or allergies that affect their appetite. Your vet can guide you in selecting a suitable dog food brand, including options formulated for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
3. Introduce variety: Dogs can become disinterested in their food if they eat the same thing every day. Consider switching to a different brand or flavor of dog food to add variety to their meals. Some dogs find certain proteins or aromas more appealing, so experiment with different options to find what entices your dog.
4. Enhance the meal: Add flavorful toppers or mix-ins to your dog’s food to make it more enticing. Bone broth, freeze-dried raw food, or even a small amount of wet dog food can add extra flavor and aroma to their meals. However, be cautious not to overdo it or disrupt the nutritional balance of their diet.
5. Seek professional guidance: Every dog has unique nutritional requirements based on factors such as breed, size, age, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet plan for your dog. They can provide personalized recommendations and help you navigate the wide range of dog food options available.
6. Enrich the feeding experience: Make mealtime more engaging for your dog by incorporating interactive feeding toys or puzzles. These toys stimulate mental and physical activity while encouraging dogs to work for their food. You can find a variety of commercially available puzzle toys or get creative with DIY food enrichment ideas.

Remember, patience and consistency are key when transitioning your dog to eat their designated food. With time, guidance, and a balanced approach, you can help your dog develop a healthy and enjoyable relationship with their dog food.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, it’s important to strike a balance when it comes to feeding our dogs. While occasional treats of human food can be enjoyed, it should not replace their regular diet. Our furry friends rely on us to provide them with nutritionally balanced dog food that meets their specific dietary needs.

While it’s tempting to give in to their begging and share our food, it’s essential to remember that a veterinarian-approved diet is crucial for their overall health and well-being. By reinforcing their behavior of eating dog food and avoiding constant indulgence in human food, we can help them maintain a healthy weight and prevent potential health issues.

Feeding our dogs a complete and balanced dog food ensures that they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development, regardless of their life stage. It’s a commitment we make as responsible pet owners to prioritize their long-term health and longevity.

So, let’s cherish the moments we share with our dogs, providing them with love, care, and proper nutrition. With a well-rounded diet and a whole lot of affection, we can enjoy many wonderful years of companionship, adventures, and snuggles with our beloved four-legged friends.