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Does your dog’s food need to be heated up? It depends. Some dogs will wolf down whatever’s in their bowl without hesitation. Other dogs, such as those recovering from an illness, may need more encouragement to eat and get adequate nutrition. Should you warm up your dog’s food?
“Warming enhances aroma, which can stimulate appetite, especially in senior dogs or dogs recovering from illness. It can also slightly soften certain foods,” says Dr. Seth Colman, Medical Director VEG ER for Pets in Jacksonville, Florida.
Each dog has their own unique palate and may prefer certain foods over others. Sudden changes in your dog’s appetite could indicate an underlying health problem and may warrant a visit to the veterinarian.
Is Warm Food More Appealing to Dogs?
You can readily serve most dog food available on store shelves can be without preparation. For example, you can pour many varieties of wet food straight from the container and into your dog’s bowl.
“Canned food is safe to serve at room temperature. However, slightly warming refrigerated canned food can make it more appealing,” says Dr. Colman. “A microwave can be used safely if food is heated briefly and stirred thoroughly to eliminate hot spots. Adding warm (not hot) water is another safe and simple method.”
It’s easier to overheat dog food than you may expect. Only microwave your dog’s food for 10 seconds at a time. Always test the temperature before serving it to your dog by sticking your finger through the food to the bottom of the bowl. It should be warm, but not hot enough to cause you any discomfort.
“Food should be served at approximately room temperature to slightly warm, around body temperature (about 95–100°F). It should never be hot to the touch, as this can cause oral burns,” says Dr. Colman.
How to Safely Warm Dog Food
When warming your dog’s food, there is a right and not-so-right way to do it. For starters, ensure that you select the right bowl. Dr. Colman recommends stainless steel over other materials, such as plastic or ceramic. The chips and grooves in the latter two materials can harbor bacterial growths that could make your dog sick.
“Warmed food should be served in a clean bowl, and stainless steel is often preferred because it’s durable, non-porous, and easy to sanitize,” he says.
“Warmed food should be served in a clean bowl, and stainless steel is often preferred because it’s durable, non-porous, and easy to sanitize,” he says.
Never use metal or stainless-steel bowls inside the microwave. It’s also best to avoid microwaving food in plastic containers, as heat can cause harmful chemicals such as BPA to leach into the food. Instead, transfer the dog food to a microwave-safe container for heating, then serve in your dog’s food bowl.
Other methods work better for dry food and raw diet meals.
“Dry kibble can be mixed with warm water,” Dr. Colman continues. “Raw diets should not be heated to the point of partial cooking, as this alters formulation and food safety considerations.”
Ways to Encourage Your Dog to Eat
Any sudden changes to your dog’s appetite could indicate an underlying injury or illness that could benefit from veterinary attention.
If your dog’s healthcare team has ruled out any underlying conditions, you may need to spruce up your dog’s meals to ensure they get adequate nutrition. Some tips include:
- Getting a different food bowl. While stainless steel dog bowls are the best option for serving warm food, some dogs don’t like them, either because they don’t like the metal, or because they don’t like seeing their own reflection while eating. Frequently cleaned, food-grade plastic is a great alternative.
- Creating a positive association with eating. Praise, food toppers, and puzzle feeders combine both meals and playtime, encouraging anxious dogs to eat. Excitement can go a long way; some dogs like their food “microwaved” because of their owners’ enthusiasm surrounding the event rather than the temperature of the food itself.
- Rotating different types of food. Although dogs only have 1,700 taste buds (as opposed to our 9,000), it’s not uncommon for them to become bored with the taste, texture, and smell of the same food every day. Switching their dry kibble for the wet version, for example, may spark a renewed interest.
“Warming the food, adding a small amount of warm water or low-sodium broth (approved by a veterinarian), maintaining consistent feeding times, and minimizing treats between meals can help,” adds Dr. Colman.
Consult Your Pet’s Veterinarian for More Information
Many dog owners heat up their pets’ food, and it attests to the lengths we go for our dogs. Other than going the extra mile to make mealtimes special, warming your dog’s food typically doesn’t have any added benefits.
“It’s not necessary for most healthy dogs, but gently warming food can enhance aroma and palatability, which may help picky eaters or dogs with decreased appetite,” says Dr. Colman.
Unless you’re trying to encourage your dog to eat, there’s nothing wrong with serving their meals as-is. All food that’s produced in accordance with the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) offers the nutrition your dog needs to thrive.
“The most important consideration is safety, avoid overheating, and ensure even temperature distribution,” concludes Dr. Colman. “Also, a sudden decrease in appetite should not be solved solely by warming food; it warrants a veterinary evaluation to rule out medical causes.”