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In reply to the discussion: Something to ponder. How do pet food companies know what flavors pets will eat and not eat? Does a human test the pet [View all]Ocelot II
(121,661 posts)18. They test their food with actual cats and dogs, like this:
For decades, pet food manufacturers have used two-bowl palatability tests to determine which foods dogs or cats would prefer. During these tests, pets would be offered two bowls of food, each containing a different one. Researchers would note which bowl the dog or cat ate from first and how much of each food was eaten.
Now, however, more pet food companies are moving away from palatability testing and toward consumption studies. In a consumption study, the pet is fed one food for two days, followed by a palate-cleansing diet for a day, then fed a second food for two days. The amount of each food consumed is measured and compared.
A consumption study is a more reliable way to measure animal acceptance of a food, more so than animal preference, Brinkmann explained. The palatability study was a grocery store concept used to generate marketing claims. As people have moved towards natural foods for themselves most of which dont taste as good as junk food they are not as easily swayed by a marketing claim touting better taste.
Pet food palatability has always been an intricate science. The shift in how Americans view their pets as family members, along with the increasing complexity of what pet parents want for their four-footed family members, has made pet food manufacturing and marketing even more complicated. Thats why, ultimately, pet food manufacturers make products that not only appeal to your dog and/or cat but also to you.
https://www.diamondpet.com/blog/nutrition/flavor/pet-food-companies-flavors/
Now, however, more pet food companies are moving away from palatability testing and toward consumption studies. In a consumption study, the pet is fed one food for two days, followed by a palate-cleansing diet for a day, then fed a second food for two days. The amount of each food consumed is measured and compared.
A consumption study is a more reliable way to measure animal acceptance of a food, more so than animal preference, Brinkmann explained. The palatability study was a grocery store concept used to generate marketing claims. As people have moved towards natural foods for themselves most of which dont taste as good as junk food they are not as easily swayed by a marketing claim touting better taste.
Pet food palatability has always been an intricate science. The shift in how Americans view their pets as family members, along with the increasing complexity of what pet parents want for their four-footed family members, has made pet food manufacturing and marketing even more complicated. Thats why, ultimately, pet food manufacturers make products that not only appeal to your dog and/or cat but also to you.
I've tasted dry cat food. It's bland and greasy and needs salt.
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Something to ponder. How do pet food companies know what flavors pets will eat and not eat? Does a human test the pet [View all]
debm55
Oct 19
OP
I always laugh when the cat food label says such and such in a delicate broth. And I'm like good my cat hates
Walleye
Oct 19
#1
SheltieLover, Most cat food doesn't have mice, in in the cans. But do have poultry and fish. And I agree, dogs will eat
debm55
Oct 19
#8
thank you pandr32, Dolly isn't to fancy. I pay for all this expensive Special Diet from Chewy. and when we go on a walk.
debm55
Oct 19
#14
I hate when people don't clean up after their dogs. Mostly I am a very easy going person.Put don;t leave the poop there
debm55
Oct 19
#23
Dolly Dog is on a special diet also. I never knew that . thank you MichMan. So they have human taste test pet food;
debm55
Oct 19
#13
That's what Dolly eats. I'll take you word that it is bland. Not going to taste it.
debm55
Oct 19
#17
Considering a lot of pet food isnt considered fit for human consumption by the fda....
getagrip_already
Oct 19
#27
OH. thank you Ocelot ll. However , have you cat really likes a certain food and has eaten it for a while. Then they turn
debm55
Oct 19
#19
I was just talking with a friend about what I perceive there being a higher incidence of cancers
in2herbs
Oct 19
#29
Alternative medicine: THC. I used it on two of my dogs with cancer. Both were cured but
in2herbs
Oct 20
#34