Mealtime Madness Explained: Understanding Mealtime Excitement

Mealtime Madness: Why Your Pet Gets So Excited for Dinner

written by Tori Holmes

Have you ever witnessed the "mealtime madness" that seems to possess your dog when it’s time for them to eat? Jumping, barking, and spinning in circles, your dog is doing everything they can to display their excitement about their impending meal. But why exactly does this happen? Read on to learn more about why dogs can hardly seem to control themselves at mealtime – as well as what you can do to manage this behavior.

Why do dogs experience mealtime madness?

When your dog does their little – or big – happy dance before their meal, you may think that this is simply because they’re excited to eat. What many pet parents don’t realize is that there’s more than just excitement behind this common behavior.

● Instincts at play: Dogs are descendants of wolves, and the excitement they feel around food can be traced back to their survival instincts. In the wild, food was not guaranteed, so any opportunity to eat was met with excitement and urgency. While our domesticated dogs are well-fed, those instincts remain strong. That’s why mealtime often feels like a celebration!

● Routine and anticipation: Dogs are creatures of habit, and they thrive on routines. They can quickly learn that certain sounds, like the opening of the fridge, or the time of day signals mealtime. This anticipation can grow into what we recognize as "mealtime madness." As soon as your dog picks up on those cues, their excitement can reach peak levels – often resulting in frantic behavior.

● Nutrient-rich, delicious meals: Dogs don’t just get excited about any old food – they know when something truly tasty is on the way. Freshpet recipes (https://www.freshpet.com/products), in particular, are meals that are proven to spark excitement. Made with real, fresh ingredients like chicken, beef, and vegetables, our recipes are not only packed with flavor but also offer the balanced nutrition that your dog craves. Dogs can smell the difference, and the excitement you see before mealtime is proof that they know something truly good is coming their way.

These factors combine to create the whirlwind of excitement we call "mealtime madness," with your dog’s instincts, routine, and love for delicious, nutrient-rich meals like Freshpet coming together in a perfect storm of pre-meal anticipation.

The science of taste and smell

Believe it or not, but there’s also a bit of science behind your dog’s “mealtime madness” behavior. Their sense of smell is far superior to ours, and that plays a huge role in their mealtime behavior. Before you even open a Freshpet package, your dog can probably already detect the fresh, high-quality ingredients inside. What’s more, dogs can differentiate between fresh and processed food, and they naturally gravitate toward what smells richer and more appealing to them. Freshpet recipes, being free from preservatives and made from whole, fresh ingredients, often trigger "mealtime madness" in a way that kibble simply can’t.

How to manage mealtime madness

While adorable, this “mealtime madness” behavior can quickly get out of hand if not managed properly. Fortunately, there are three steps you can take to encourage a calmer mealtime.

● Reinforce a calm environment: While excitement is natural, it’s important to encourage calm behavior before meals. Teach your dog to sit or stay before you place their Freshpet meal down. Reward calmness with a treat or praise, reinforcing that waiting patiently will lead to their reward.

● Stick to a schedule: Feeding your dog at the same time every day helps manage expectations and can reduce some of the frenzy. Consistent timing makes mealtime a predictable event, easing the anxiety that may fuel "mealtime madness."

● Opt for high-quality food: Choosing nutrient-rich meals like Freshpet not only makes mealtime more enjoyable for your dog but also ensures that their nutritional needs are met. Healthy, balanced meals can help your pet feel more satiated and reduce anxiety around food, which can promote better behavior.

"Mealtime madness" is a common behavior among dogs, driven by their instincts, routines, and excitement for high-quality food. With Freshpet recipes, you’re not only fueling your dog’s excitement but also providing them with the wholesome ingredients they need to thrive!