Should I warm my Fido's food?

Several pet owners warm their dog’s food to improve palatability and induce appetite. However, there has been an ongoing debate on whether warning the Fido’s food is worth the trouble. It is true that warming the food increases the aroma which might induce appetite. Several studies indicate that dog food must be served at room temperature. This comes in compliance with the guidelines of the pet food companies and experts who advise pet owners to feed canned food after thawing it at room temperature and not in the microwave.

A research by the American Kennel Club indicates that approximately a quarter of dog owners warm their dog food do that it is more palatable and appetizing. Even in cases when a dog’s appetite is impaired by illness or discomfort, adding a small amount of animal fat and warming it to 1020F might stimulate the dog’s interest in it (Akc., 2015, July 22).

The study used inputs from dog owners and their opinions on the subject. In addition, the research also incorporated the opinions of veterinarians and pet food companies to deduce the findings. It was brought out that 24% of dog owners warmed their dog’s food to enhance its aroma and increase the palatability (Akc., 2015, July 22). However, it was found that microwave cooking was not a feasible option as it tends to destroy important nutrients.

The study recommends warming dog food, however, by using appropriate methods so as not to destroy the important nutrients. Though, the survey used by the research involved many dog owners, the opinions of the experts and veterinarians have not been seconded. More comprehensive approach is needed to bring out realistic and reliable recommendations.

Giulia Simolo advocates warming up the dog’s food, especially in winters. Certain breeds including Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, and Weimaraners are prone to ill-effects of cold and providing them with warm food tends to reduce such effects (Simolo, G., 2016, June 27). The article is an individual opinion of the author. In addition, it uses references to Chinese medicine in order to form an opinion on the effects of warming food on digestion.

It is stressed that moderately warm foods increase blood flow and helps in providing nutrients to the bodies extremities (Simolo, G., 2016, June 27). Apparently, such food is more digestible and encourages, appetite. It is concluded that warming up the dog food encourages a healthy appetite and leads to an optimal consumption. It also keeps the dog’s body warm in winters and enhances the absorption of nutrients by naturally boosting blood circulation (Simolo, G., 2016, June 27). As the article does not draw ample references from previously carried out researches or scholarly articles, the author’s opinion may not be as reliable.

Another article by Reyna Abraham holds a similar opinion as that of Simolo. The article appreciates the preferences of felines and canines in terms of food. The article illustrates the carnivore nature of the cats and an omnivore nature of the dogs. While cats are obligate carnivores, a dog’s diet comprises of a multitude of things including non-edible objects like rocks, grass, and poop (Abraham, R., n.d.).

The article expresses its opinion in terms of basic scientific evidences and rationale. It is suggested that the food for pets must be safe. As raw meet runs the risk of infections, parasites and bacteria, heating it up to a safe temperature may be the solution. The pets’ taste must also be taken into account while deciding on whether or not to go for warming the food. Reyna argues that the pet food must be warmed to increase the taste as well as safety in terms of preventing infectious parasites and bacteria (Abraham, R., n.d.). The article seems to hold weight as it is based on scientific evidences. It has been suggested that the food must be cooked for valid and obvious reasons.

Conclusion

The opinions of several researchers hold a common view point. It has been suggested that food must be warmed for several reasons. Warm food increases the palatability and is appetizing for the pets. It releases an aroma which motivates even those pets who have been declining food due to illness/discomfort. In addition, cooked food is tastier and safer when compared to raw food in terms of hygiene.

References

Abraham, R. (n.d.). Do Our Pets Prefer Hot or Cold Food? | Cuteness. Retrieved April 27, 2019, from https://www.cuteness.com/13716565/do-our-pets-prefer-hot-or-cold-food

Akc. (2015, July 22). How Many People Warm Their Dog's Food? – American Kennel Club. Retrieved April 27, 2019, from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/people-warm-their-dogs-food/

Simolo, G. (2016, June 27). Why You Should Warm Up Your Dog's Food in Winter. Retrieved April 27, 2019, from https://www.liveeco.co.za/2016/06/23/warm-dogs-food-winter/