How-to-Do-a-Food-Preference-Test-for-Your-Dog Dog Child

How to Do a Food Preference Test for Your Dog

5 Cozy Stews To Make Your Dog this Winter Veterinarian Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes Reading How to Do a Food Preference Test for Your Dog 4 minutes

Ever wonder what your dog’s favorite foods really are? While some dogs will eat just about anything, others are more selective. Doing a food preference test is a great way to understand what ingredients your dog enjoys most while also making mealtime more exciting. Plus, it can help you create healthy, home-cooked meals your dog truly loves.


Why Do a Food Preference Test?

Just like us, dogs have individual tastes. Some prefer chicken over beef, while others may love berries but turn their nose up at carrots. Testing different foods can:

✔ Identify your dog’s favourite ingredients
✔ Make home cooking easier by tailoring meals to their taste
✔ Encourage picky eaters to enjoy mealtime
✔ Reduce waste by avoiding ingredients they don’t enjoy


How to Conduct a Food Preference Test

Step 1: Select 8-12 Test Foods

Pick a variety of dog-safe ingredients from different categories:

🥩 Proteins: Chicken, beef, turkey, fish, eggs
🥦 Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, green beans, pumpkin, bell peppers
🍎 Fruits: Blueberries, apple, banana, mango, pear
🌾 Grains & Seeds: Oats, quinoa, flaxseeds, chia seeds
🥜 Extras: Peanut butter (unsweetened), cottage cheese, yogurt

Choose a mix of textures, flavours, and nutrient-dense ingredients. 


Step 2: Use a Muffin Tin for Easy Testing

One of the best ways to conduct a food preference test is by using a muffin tin. This method makes it easy to separate foods and observe your dog’s choices.


🧁 How to Set It Up:

  1. Take a muffin tin with 8-12 sections.

  2. Place a small portion of each food into separate sections.

  3. Label each ingredient and record

  4. Let your dog sniff and explore the options without encouragement.


Step 3: Observe Your Dog’s Reactions

Take note of their enthusiasm level:

✔ Eats immediately = Loves it!
✔ Sniffs first, then eats = Neutral, but willing
✔ Walks away or ignores = Not a fan

Repeat this test over a few days to confirm consistent preferences.


Step 4: Use Their Preferences in Home Cooking

Now that you know what your dog loves, you can customize their meals using their preferred ingredients while keeping meals balanced and nutritious. Dogs can even signal which ingredients don’t sit well with them by refusing to eat them or showing hesitation.

Want easy, nutritionist-developed recipes using your dog’s favorite ingredients? Check out The Dog Parent’s Guide to Home Cooking for meal ideas tailored to real food.

📖 Get the guide here!


Here is a List of Items You Can Try

Proteins:

  1. Chicken (boiled or baked)
  2. Beef (cooked)
  3. Turkey (boiled or baked)
  4. Pork (cooked)
  5. Salmon (cooked, boneless)
  6. Sardines (in water, not oil)
  7. Egg (scrambled or hard-boiled)
  8. Liver (treats or cooked)

Vegetables:

  1. Carrots (raw or cooked)
  2. Sweet potatoes (cooked)
  3. Green beans (steamed)
  4. Peas (steamed)
  5. Pumpkin (cooked or canned, no added sugar)

Fruits:

  1. Apples (sliced, seeds removed)
  2. Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
  3. Strawberries (sliced)
  4. Banana (sliced)
  5. Watermelon (seeds removed)

Others

  1. Kefir
  2. Yogurt
  3. Peanut butter (unsweetened, no xylitol)
  4. Parmesan Cheese
  5. Cottage Cheese

Tips for Picky Eaters

If your dog is hesitant to try new foods:
✔ Try lightly cooking or warming ingredients to enhance the smell
✔ Offer different textures (mashed, chopped, or whole)
✔ Mix new foods with familiar favourite
✔ Keep mealtimes relaxed—no pressure to eat immediately

✔ Feed smaller meals throughout the day

✔ Try small pieces of high fat foods like lamb and oily fish 


If you’re looking for more tips for picky eaters check out our blog here.

Finding what your dog loves is key to making home cooking a success. Try a food preference test and let us know what your dog’s favourite ingredient is!

Happy home cooking,

Dog Child