Every pet owner who has observed their cat turning its nose up at expensive store-bought food—while their dog eagerly chomps down on rocks, shoes, and whatever else is available—has questioned the starkly different tastes of their furry friends. What drives these divergent preferences?
Omnivores and Carnivores
From the tiniest domestic cat to the mightiest tiger, all felines are obligate carnivores; they rely solely on meat for their nutrition and are unable to efficiently digest plant matter. Over 70% of a cat’s diet consists of meat, classifying them as hypercarnivores, a term that includes other species such as owls, snakes, spiders, and many sharks.
UK veterinary surgeon Daisy May indicates that cats, being obligate carnivores, have distinct dietary requirements. “Their natural inclination is to seek out high-protein, meat-based meals. Their fastidiousness is often a reflection of their biological needs. A cat may reject certain food simply because it does not fulfill its nutritional demands,” she explains. “Thus, their selectiveness can be seen as a survival mechanism, ensuring they receive the nutrients vital for their well-being.”
Conversely, domestic dogs are omnivores. Much like humans, dogs can maintain their health by consuming a varied diet that includes meats, plants, and even some fungi and algae. “Cats evolved to be meticulous hunters, while dogs adapted as opportunistic scavengers, leading to different food acquisition strategies,” veterinarian Emma Fulton elaborates. “Dogs are less selective and open to consuming whatever food sources they encounter, often driven by survival instincts that push them to eat anything available, regardless of its quality.” This survival mindset, she adds, can sometimes lead dogs to make poor dietary choices that result in gastrointestinal distress or toxicity.
“This all goes a long way toward explaining why an animal carcass washed up on a beach is unappetizing to a cat but may be pure ambrosia to a dog.”
For cats, fresh prey like rodents and birds is the most appealing option. “Their preference for fresh meat likely explains their aversion to spoiled foods,” Fulton notes. “Dogs have developed more resilient digestive systems that permit them to consume rotten or spoiled food safely. Their stomachs are highly acidic, with a pH near 1, which helps eliminate harmful microbes. Their shorter digestive tracts also facilitate quicker food processing. Therefore, though eating questionable food is still a risk, dogs are instead better adapted to consume things that would make cats and humans ill.”
Taste Sensations
Additional factors that contribute to the differing preferences between cats and dogs are their taste sensations involving bitterness, sweetness, and umami. “Cats possess a significantly stronger sense of taste compared to dogs due to having a higher number of bitter taste receptors. Foods that may seem bland or even enjoyable to dogs and humans can taste overly bitter and unappetizing to cats,” Fulton explains. A study published in 2015 in the journal BMC Neuroscience compared the bitter taste receptors of domestic cats to those in humans, concluding that cats are significantly more sensitive to bitterness. Fulton points out that spoiled or toxic foods can appear particularly unappealing to cats, given their heightened taste sensitivity. In contrast, dogs are drawn to strong flavors like sweetness and umami, which indicate calorie and protein availability; even bitter foods can be acceptable to them if they are hungry enough.
According to Texas veterinarian Michael Thompson, who specializes in animal nutrition, “Cats lack taste receptors for sweetness that are common in many other animals, including dogs.” Research examining the DNA of domestic cats, as well as tigers and cheetahs, focused on the Tas1r2 and Tas1r3 genes that work together for sweetness perception. The findings, released in 2005 in the journal PLOS/Genetics, revealed that while the Tas1r3 gene functions normally in cats, the Tas1r2 gene does not, which inhibits cats from tasting sweetness. Thompson explains, “This may contribute to their inherent pickiness, as their flavor preferences are quite limited.”
Cats may dislike bitterness and cannot taste sweetness, but they have a strong affinity for umami. Often described as savoriness, umami is the rich, meaty flavor found in foods like cheese, mushrooms, wine, broth, and cooked meats. Recent research published in 2023 in the journal Chem Senses has shown umami to be the most prominent taste preference among cats.
Joshua Errett, founder of Noochies! Cultivated Pet Food in California, emphasizes the finicky nature of cats, stating, “They have earned their reputation for being particularly picky.” He has firsthand experience regarding their craving for umami. While attempting to create dog treats from a nutritional yeast blend, his cats became intensely curious about the yeast. “They kept wandering into my room,” he recalls. “Even when I stored it in a box, they desperately wanted in. As soon as I put the yeast powder in a bowl, they devoured it.”
“Cats have almost a little laboratory in their noses and mouths,” says Errett. “They can discern the benefits of different foods. Unlike dogs, who primarily rely on their sense of smell, cats engage their tongues in the tasting process. They excel at identifying which foods offer the optimal amino acid profiles they prefer.” The umami flavor of Noochies nutritional yeast is so appealing to both cats and dogs that the company is now producing freeze-dried yeast treats for both.
Routines and Adventures
Cats are notorious for resisting change, while dogs are typically seen as more adventurous. These behavioral tendencies can influence their food preferences. Fulton mentions that cats “find comfort in routine and familiarity. A sudden shift in their diet can cause them to become finicky or even refuse to eat.”
Thompson concurs, stating, “Cats are creatures of habit, which means they may turn their noses up at unexpected changes if they are accustomed to a particular food. Dogs, in contrast, can be trained to accept various food types due to their historic roles as scavengers.” To feel secure, cats depend on familiarity and consistency. “They build daily routines surrounding feeding, grooming, and playtime. Any disruption in their habits can result in stress and anxiety.”
Moreover, Thompson notes, “Cats possess sharp senses, especially their olfactory and auditory abilities. They can be extremely sensitive to new smells, sounds, and environments. Unexpected changes might bring in unfamiliar scents or noises that leave them feeling uneasy.” As naturally cautious animals, cats view change as a potential threat. “Their instinct is to remain alert and avoid unknown situations for self-preservation.”
Introducing New Foods
Whether a cat or a dog, every pet may need some encouragement to try new food options. “Dogs are usually more laid-back with their meals and seem content to eat whatever is in their bowl,” states Mark Sapir, Chief Marketing Officer of Open Farm, a Toronto-based company specializing in ethical, sustainable pet food. “Cats, however, are more discerning—they prefer to stick to what they know and are less inclined to experiment. When it comes to wet food, they have specific texture and protein preferences, which can complicate introducing new items. Ideally, once you discover something they relish, they tend to become loyal to it.”
Sapir offers advice for presenting new foods to pets. “For dogs, creating a special meal experience is key. If your dog isn’t enthusiastic about their usual food, try enhancing it with toppers like freeze-dried treats, wet food, or savory broth. These additions can stimulate interest and make their tails wag,” he suggests. “Cats, however, require a bit more finesse. Patience is essential. Introduce new foods gradually, identifying the textures and protein types they enjoy, and remain consistent.” He mentions that the company’s most favored flavors are chicken and beef for dogs, while poultry and fish are popular among cats. “Dogs, on the other hand, tend to embrace variety and can appreciate rotation in flavors.”
Daisy May, the UK veterinary surgeon, adds that some cats can be quite adventurous eaters, while some dogs may be more hesitant. “Everyone knows cats love meat, but some are quite amenable to trying other foods, especially if they have been exposed to variety from a young age. Interestingly, cats can also mimic each other’s habits! If one sees another cat or even a human munching on something, their curiosity may lead them to try it themselves,” she explains. “With dogs, a bad experience with a particular food can lead to aversion if it caused an upset stomach. Some dogs are naturally more cautious and may need time to acclimate to new tastes and textures.”
Ultimately, it’s important to recognize that every dog or cat is unique. May emphasizes, “Each animal has its own personality and history that shapes its food preferences.”
FAQ
1. Why are cats pickier eaters than dogs?
Cats are obligate carnivores with specific nutritional requirements, leading to their pickiness when food doesn’t meet their needs. Additionally, they have more bitter taste receptors, making them more sensitive to certain flavors.
2. What do cats prefer to eat?
Cats generally prefer fresh, high-protein animal sources such as rodents and birds, which align with their carnivorous diet.
3. Can dogs eat spoiled food?
Dogs have robust digestive systems that allow them to consume spoiled food more safely than cats, but it’s not without risks, as it can still lead to gastrointestinal upset.
4. How can I introduce new food to my cat?
Introduce new food gradually and patiently, ensuring that it aligns with their texture and protein preferences to help familiarize them with the new items.
5. Do cats have a sense of taste?
Yes, cats have a rich sense of taste; however, they lack receptors for sweetness and strongly prefer umami flavors. Their taste sensitivity makes them more selective with food.
