Palatability characterizes the appeal of food for the animal and the ease with which it is eaten. Developing highly palatable food requires complex expertise on the part of manufacturers since palatability varies according to the intrinsic characteristics of food. But it also depends on the animal itself and its environment.

PALATABILITY IS MULTIFACTORIAL

Many studies have helped us understand that palatability depends on three key factors:

THE ANIMAL

Species plays a major role, as dogs and cats have very different feeding patterns. Behavior and experience towards food directly influence the appreciation of food, just as physiological or pathological conditions may affect dietary preferences.

THE FOOD

Although ingredients and manufacturing techniques determine the food’s intrinsic qualities, other factors play a role in palatability at Dietary behavior in dogs  

FOOD THAT IS EASIER TO CHEW

When we consider the actual kibble, the force needed for the teeth to penetrate, break and crush the kibble requires various amounts of effort from the dog, depending on the design. Thus, teeth penetrate more easily in tubular-shaped kibbles. A specific manufacturing process increases penetration threefold, thereby creating a “brushing” effect against the tooth surface. Appropriate size, shape and texture facilitate the consumption of kibbles. That’s why ROYAL CANIN chose to emphasize ergonomics, patenting a wide variety of kibble designs, each adapted to an animals’ species, breed and age. The texturometer measures the kibble’s consistency feeding time, including the food’s physical attributes and the way it’s given to the animal.

THE ANIMAL’S ENVIRONMENT