Q& A with Dr Bronwen Slack: Palatability
Article
Written by: Dr Bronwen Slack
Reviewed by: Justine Schellekens
* Ipsos Telephone survey, 400 vets, December 2024 – January 2025 across Australia on behalf of Royal Canin, further details available upon request.
What factors influence the palatability of pet food?
Palatability is all about how appealing a food is to your pet. It’s influenced by five key factors: aroma, taste, texture, shape and size, and temperature. For example, cats often prefer food served warm – around body temperature – because it mimics the warmth of freshly caught prey. Dogs tend to be very motivated by smell, which is why the aroma of a food plays such a big role. The texture and size of the kibble also matter – it needs to be easy and comfortable for your pet to pick up and chew. And finally, the overall flavour profile needs to align with what cats and dogs naturally enjoy, like savoury or umami notes.
How can I determine if my pet finds their food palatable?
A few simple signs can tell you a lot. If your dog eats eagerly, goes straight to their bowl, and finishes their meal without hesitation, that’s a good sign they find the food palatable. If they sniff the food and walk away, take a long time to eat, or leave food behind, they may not be enjoying it. However, it’s worth noting, cats tend to prefer multiple small meals throughout the day – sometimes up to 20! If a cat doesn’t finish their food in one sitting this isn’t necessarily a cause for concern.
It’s best to keep an eye on their enthusiasm at mealtimes – happy, relaxed body language and quick eating are great indicators that your pet finds their food appealing.
At Royal Canin all our food goes through in depth palatability tests with each diet needing to be consumed enthusiastically by 80% of pets before being launched as a product.
Are there specific ingredients that enhance palatability for dogs/cats?
Yes, certain ingredients are naturally more appealing to pets. High-quality protein, like chicken, offers rich aroma and flavour that dogs and cats enjoy. Fats also play a role – they carry aroma compounds and create a satisfying mouthfeel. In some cases, special flavour enhancers called palatants are added, such as hydrolysed proteins or natural compounds created during cooking. These ingredients help create a more enticing smell and taste, while still supporting balanced nutrition.
What should I do if my pet is a picky eater? Which Royal Canin food would you recommend for a fussy eater?
First, try to make mealtimes more appealing by warming up wet food slightly, feeding at regular times, and avoiding too many treats between meals. If your pet is still fussy, Royal Canin offers specially designed diets with enhanced palatability for picky eaters. Speak to your vet for tailored advice based on your pet’s needs.
How does palatability affect my pet's overall nutrition and health?
Palatability plays a huge role in ensuring pets get the nutrition they need. If a food smells and tastes great, pets are more likely to eat the full amount required for their health. This is especially important for pets with increased nutritional needs, like growing puppies and kittens, older pets, or those recovering from illness. On the flip side, palatability must be paired with balanced nutrition – it’s not enough for food to be tasty if it doesn’t support your pet’s health. That’s why Royal Canin designs every formula to be both highly palatable and nutritionally complete.
Are there any concerns associated with highly palatable foods?
While palatable food encourages eating, there’s a balance to be struck. Overly palatable food can lead to overeating, especially in pets that struggle with self-regulation or are prone to weight gain. Ensure you are feeding the correct amount of food by using our daily portion tool.
At Royal Canin we also provide certain formulas for pets with specific health concerns, like obesity, diabetes, or kidney disease, where managing appetite and intake is especially important. The goal is always to support health and wellbeing through carefully designed, tailored nutrition.
Always make sure you visit your vet before changing your pets diet.
Veterinary Prescription Diets
Like & share this page