Doggos love treats. We can use this to train them to respond to our cues. But what if a dog is not treat-motivated? How do we effectively train them when they’re not responding to this powerful incentive?
The answer lies in understanding your furry friend's unique preferences. This includes finding alternative positive reinforcement techniques and adjusting the training approach accordingly. However, before we delve into these strategies, we must understand why your dog avoids his usual treats.
Below are some of the most common reasons your dog might not respond to treats:
Many health conditions, such as dental or digestive issues, can affect your dog’s appetite. The pain and discomfort that come along with these health problems can make it difficult for your dog to eat and enjoy their meal. This also can have them avoid treats.
In such situations, you’ll probably notice that your dog exhibits other symptoms, such as lethargy, irregular bowel movements, weight loss, and changes in behavior.
If you suspect your dog's decreased appetite is due to an underlying health condition, it's advisable to take them to a veterinarian immediately.
When dogs experience stress or anxiety, they can become more concerned about their safety. As a result, they often lose interest in eating or training. Therefore, it becomes crucial to first identify the cause of your dog’s stress, which can include anything from loud noises to environmental changes.
Address these stressors and attempt to create a safe and calm training environment to help motivate your dog to respond.
Sometimes, your dog isn’t responding to treats simply because they don’t like the taste of the treats you’re offering. You may need to keep switching to different treats and observe how your dog reacts to find their favorite treats.
If you have been offering the same treat to your dogs for a long time and they seem less motivated now, the reason can be boredom. It could mean that your dog is bored with the taste of the same treat you have been offering them. The solution is simple: experiment with different textures and flavors of treats to reignite their enthusiasm.
A dog might not respond to treats if they’re already well-fed. This usually occurs when their training sessions don’t align with their natural feeding schedule, or they’re offered treats immediately after meals. In such cases, you may want to adjust the timing of the training sessions and ensure your dog has a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Misusing or overusing treats can reduce their appeal to dogs. For example, if you’re using treats to lure your dog into doing a lot of daily activities like sitting or walking, then your dog might start to associate treats with routine tasks, which reduces their value as a special reward.
If dogs think treats are a regular part of their routine, it could make them less motivated to respond when used as training rewards.
Not all dogs share the same attention span, and especially puppies are known for their shorter attention spans. They’re easily distracted by their environment, which is filled with various sights, sounds, and smells.
Therefore, choosing a quiet and distraction-free setting for training sessions can be better to help them maintain their focus.
Dogs can be negatively associated with many daily tasks, including bathing, brushing, or nail trimming. If you have ever used treats to trick them into doing these activities, they might think the same treats are traps. They may develop a negative context with the treats, resulting in them not responding to them altogether.
How a dog will respond to treats when training can vary depending on its breed. For example, breeds like Labradors and beagles are usually highly motivated and respond well to treats. On the other hand, terriers, herders, and guardians breed dogs tend to be less food-motivated. For these breeds, you’ll likely have to find alternative methods for training.
Here are a few things you can do when your dog isn’t treat-motivated:
You don’t have to limit yourself to treat rewards while training your dog. You can also use non-food rewards and positive reinforcement techniques to engage them during training. It all comes down to your dog's preferences and understanding what motivates them.
Some of the most common alternatives you can use while training your dog include
If treats become a regular part of a dog’s daily routine, they might lose their appeal and motivation during training sessions. You can address this by getting different high-value treats reserved exclusively for training. This may help keep the treats unique and ensure their effectiveness as rewards during training sessions.
The timing of the training session may also affect its success or failure. For example, if you train your dog after their meal time, they could have low energy levels and be less motivated to respond to treats. You can adjust the training sessions to work around your dog’s meal times and other routine habits.
Dogs can be distracted easily and even experience stress by the slightest change in their environment or any unfamiliar object. Thus, it’s essential to choose their training location wisely.
It is ideal for the space to be safe, calm, and familiar so your dog doesn’t feel anxious or stressed. It should also be free of distractions so they can focus on the training session and respond to your cues appropriately.
Establish a proper routine for your dog to promote a positive response. Choose specific times and spaces for training sessions each day. Use consistent commands and cues to avoid confusion.
Remember that this predictability will help your dog thrive in training and reduce stress and distractions.
There’s a chance your dog might feel overwhelmed by the training session. It can make them less likely to respond to treats and your commands. You should consider adding positive reinforcement to make your dogs feel more confident.
If you have tried everything to motivate your dog and nothing seems to work, then you may want to consult a professional. A veterinarian or animal behaviorist can help you understand your dog’s behavior and why they aren’t responding to treats during the training.
They can even help you diagnose any underlying health problem that may impact your dog's behavior.
When your dog isn't treat-motivated, it's essential to avoid certain pitfalls, such as:
It’s often challenging to train a dog that isn’t treat-motivated. However, the most important thing is first to determine the underlying cause of why the dog isn’t responding to the reward treats. If it’s caused by a health problem, stress, or anxiety, you can seek professional help from a veterinarian.
In other situations, you can change your training approach and try different alternatives to understand what motivates your dog. You can adjust the training time and environment or incorporate high-value treats to see how your dog responds.
If the problem persists, we recommend you consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to understand why your dog isn’t treat-motivated.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about training a dog that isn’t food-motivated:
When training a non-food-motivated dog, you should understand the underlying reasons for their lack of interest in treats. If it’s caused by a health problem, stress, or anxiety, you can seek professional help from a veterinarian.
You can also change your training approach and try alternatives like their favorite toys and verbal praises. You can adjust the training time and environment or incorporate high-value treats to understand your dog’s preferences.
There can be various reasons why a dog is not treat-motivated. It can include health issues (like dental problems and digestive discomfort), stress, taste aversion, satiety, external distractions, or a history of negative associations with the same treats.
Individual preferences and breed characteristics can also play a role in some dogs feeling less motivated by treats.
Several health problems can make a dog non-food-motivated. For example, dental issues such as tooth decay can cause pain and discomfort while eating. Even digestive issues can lead to nausea and discomfort, which affects that appetite.
In such cases, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian to identify and treat the underlying health concern.
Yes, specific strategies can be implemented to help motivate dog food. You can start by incorporating high-value treats reserved exclusively for training. Setting a proper routine and choosing specific times and space for daily training sessions is also essential.
Also, ensure the training environment is safe, calm, and distraction-free. It’ll help your dog feel less stressed and more motivated during the training session.
However, if the problem persists, we recommend you consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to understand why your dog isn’t treat-motivated.
Pet owners usually take note of the ‘best before’ date printed on the dry dog food label. However, do you know that the actual shelf life of the food can vary depending on your storage solution?
You heard that right! Properly storing your dog’s food is essential to maintain its quality, safety, and nutritional value. This statement raises many concerns, especially “What’s the best way of storing dry dog food?” and “How long can dry dog food sit out?”
In this article, we’ll answer all these questions and guide you through adequately storing your dog food to increase its shelf life.
Dry dog food has a long shelf life, but exposure to air, moisture, and temperature fluctuations can accelerate its degradation. If you leave some kibble in your dog’s bowl, it can become rancid quickly.
Ideally, the food should be consumed in a bowl immediately. However, if you have accidentally left some food out, you should be safe to feed it to your dog within 24 hours.
Also note that the 24-hour time limit depends on various factors, such as the food's ingredients and the area's temperature and conditions. Depending on the conditions, food can stay out for a shorter or longer time than 24 hours.
Look out for the following signs if you’re unsure about whether the dry food is safe for your dog:
If you have been buying dog food for a long time, you’ll probably recognize its smell. Therefore, when the food goes bad, you should be able to tell by how the scent changes and becomes unpleasant.
Kibble loses its crunchy texture when it becomes stale. It will often turn soft and can crumble when touched.
Stale kibble can become moist, and moisture attracts mold. Mold can appear in white, gray, or green patches and poses a health risk for your dog.
Pests like ants, rats, and roaches love dog food. If left in the open, it can attract these insects and lead to a potential infestation.
Does your dog love his kibble but is suddenly turning up his nose to the food bowl? This could be a sign that there’s something wrong with the food.
Below are seven ways in which you can adequately store your dog food to extend its shelf life:
High-quality dog food comes in packaging designed to keep it fresh for a longer period of time. However, this can get messy, especially if the food doesn’t come in resealable plastic bags. Thus, the best option is to keep the food in its original packaging and put that packet in another airtight container. It’ll provide a double layer of protection.
Airtight packaging protects the food against external elements such as moisture, air, and pests. That’s why it’s recommended always to store dry dog food in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.
Pet owners often refill the storage container when the pet food runs low. Remember to wash the container, especially when the food is stored in the original packaging. You should clean the container regularly, even though it may not be in direct contact with the food. It’ll help maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness.
Also, after washing the container, ensure it’s properly dry before putting the dog food pack back inside.
Dry dog food should be stored in a cool and dry place. It’s crucial because when the food is exposed to direct sunlight or heat, it will start to lose its essential nutrients and can become rancid. It can also lead to temperature fluctuations, creating a moisture-prone environment that promotes mold and bacteria growth.
Depending on your dog’s food ingredients, there can be different storage instructions. Therefore, it’s essential to read the food label properly and follow all the instructions given by the manufacturer.
Dry dog food left out should be consumed within 24 hours. Food that has been out for more than the recommended time should be discarded to ensure your dog’s safety. Additionally, it’s recommended that you properly store your dog’s dry food to maintain its freshness and nutritional integrity.
It is ideal to keep the food in its original packaging and the packet in an airtight container. Furthermore, the container must avoid heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. These simple practices will help extend the shelf life of your dog’s food and promote its overall well-being.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about storing dry dog food:
Ideally, the food should be consumed in a bowl immediately. However, if you have accidentally left some food out, you should be safe to feed it to your dog within 24 hours.
Also note that the 24-hour time limit depends on various factors, such as the food's ingredients and the area's temperature and conditions. Depending on the conditions, food can stay out for a shorter or longer time than 24 hours.
To be safe, discarding any food that has been sitting out for more than 24 hours is recommended.
Yes, dry dog food can go wrong if left out for a prolonged period. When the food comes in contact with air, moisture, and heat, it can lose essential nutrients and become rancid.
It depends on various factors, such as the ingredients in your dog food and the temperature conditions in the area. Ideally, you should avoid feeding your dog any food left out for more than 24 hours.
When the ingredients list says “salmon,” we know it contains nutritious and flavorful fish, but what if it says “salmon meal?” What does that mean? These two terms sound similar, but there are some distinctions.
This article should unravel the mystery behind "salmon meal" by exploring its composition and benefits. We’ll also discuss whether it is a safe and valuable addition to your dog's diet.
Let's dive right in.
Salmon meal is made by cooking salmon (including the meat, some skin, and bones) with high heat to remove all the moisture and water content. This process, called rendering, creates a highly concentrated and protein-rich product.
Salmon meal and salmon have a similar nutritional value but some of the natural nutrients with salmon meal are burned off during the rendering process. The result is a processed, protein-rich ingredient that can help add some health benefits to a complete diet, but shouldn’t be the primary source of protein in your dog's daily diet.
Apart from that, you can expect the following health benefits from adding salmon meal to your dog's diet:
Salmon meal is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that can positively affect your dog’s overall health. It can help give your dog healthy skin and a lustrous coat by reducing inflammation and skin allergies.
Additionally, these fatty acids can also have nourishing effects on the hair follicles, which helps reduce shedding.
Salmon meal offers anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in your dog’s body. It is especially beneficial for older dogs who may be more prone to inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or joint stiffness.
Furthermore, it can help prevent various other health complications, such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and autoimmune diseases.
Salmon meal is a concentrated source of protein. It contains all the essential amino acids that dogs need for various bodily functions, primarily muscle development. It also supports energy metabolism, immune function, and the repair and regeneration of multiple tissues.
Moreover, the protein in salmon meal is easily digestible, so your dog's body will easily absorb it.
After the rendering process, salmon meal still contains some essential nutrients, including vitamin A and B vitamins, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These nutrients are vital for bone health, energy metabolism, and immune system function.
In short, they help support your dog's overall well-being and promote a happy and healthy life.
Salmon meal is a popular ingredient in dog food. It is processed into a concentrated form that will burn off some of the natural nutrients but many remain to help provide health benefits, from improved skin and coat health to reduced inflammation.
However, as with any dietary changes, we recommend you consult a veterinarian to understand your dog’s nutritional requirements and how salmon meal will support their health.
If you already know that your pup will love salmon flavored dog food, we have a super gut-friendly, cold-pressed salmon dog food available for single purchases and subscriptions.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about salmon meal:
Salmon meal is made by cooking salmon (including the meat, some skin and bones) with high heat to remove all the moisture and water content. This process, known as rendering, creates a highly concentrated and protein-rich product.
Salmon meal is considered safe for dogs to eat. It has a similar nutritional value as salmon but some of the natural nutrients in salmon meal are burned off during the rendering process. The result is a processed, protein-rich ingredient that can help add some health benefits to a complete diet, but shouldn’t be the primary source of protein in your dog's daily diet.
Iron is an essential nutrient for dogs. It plays a vital role in various bodily functions, from transporting oxygen in the blood to supporting the immune system. That’s why your dog’s diet should have a healthy amount of iron-rich foods.
Luckily, many delicious food options are safe to incorporate into your dog's diet. Below, we have listed seven foods that are a rich source of iron:
Organ meat, especially the liver and kidneys, contains a lot of iron. These animal tissues have significant amounts of iron which is easily absorbed by the dog’s body. Additionally, these organs are an excellent source of other nutrients, including vitamins A, B, copper, and zinc.
You can easily add organ meat to your dog’s diet by serving it raw or preferably cooked (to eliminate potentially harmful bacteria). Just chop or dice the meat into small bite-sized pieces and then mix those in with their regular food to elevate the nutritional content of their meals.
Many varieties of fish, including tuna, sardines, and salmon, are also good sources of iron. They also offer other essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and various vitamins and minerals.
Including a fish in your dog's diet can help provide them with a well-rounded nutritional profile, which will help improve their skin and coat health, cognitive function, immune response, and much more.
Lean cuts of beef, chicken, and turkey are good sources of iron. These meats provide iron, high-quality protein, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Due to their savory taste, texture, and aroma, lean meat will also appeal to your dog's instincts. However, offering your dog cooked lean meat is best to avoid the risk of bacterial contamination.
Green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, are excellent plant-based sources of iron. Although they contain non-heme iron, they’re also packed with vitamin C, which can significantly boost iron absorption in your dog’s body.
It’s also better to cook these vegetables for better digestion and nutrient absorption. If your dog is a picky eater, you can make a broth or a smoothie using these ingredients.
Legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans, are also good plant-based sources of iron. They can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, providing iron and high-quality protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Soak and cook legumes before feeding them to your dog, or buy canned ones with dog-friendly ingredients.
Even though egg yolks contain a relatively modest amount of iron compared to other animal-based sources, they’re still an excellent option to add to your dog’s diet. Egg yolks are a well-rounded source of protein, iron, and many other vitamins and minerals.
You need to be careful about how you feed eggs to your dog. Many veterinarians advise against serving raw eggs to dogs as they might contain bacteria such as salmonella and e. Coli. Also, raw egg whites have an enzyme called avidin, which is harmful to dogs when eaten in large amounts.
The best option is to feed your dog a soft-boiled or fried egg (without seasoning) as an occasional treat.
These tiny but mighty seeds are a rich source of iron and packed with other essential nutrients, including zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats. However, it is advised to avoid feeding your dog pumpkin seeds directly because they could pose a choking hazard. Instead, consider grounding a few pumpkin seeds and sprinkling the powder over your dog's regular meals.
An adult dog needs 0.5 milligrams of iron per kilogram of body weight every day. However, this requirement can change depending on a dog's health condition, age, weight, and breed. That’s why it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian about your dog’s requirements and ensure it receives the right amount of iron and other essential nutrients. Most complete and balanced dog food will contain some iron, although it may not be listed on the packaging. Brands will usually share the amount of iron within certain recipes if asked. At Nextrition, we strive for full transparency when it comes to what's in your pups meals. Whether it's our
cold-pressed lamb recipe,
cold-pressed salmon dog food recipe, or our
cold-pressed chicken dog food recipe you can trust that you're getting the highest quality ingredients.
Avoid feeding your dog too much iron-rich food because this can lead to potential health issues, including iron toxicity.
Pet owners should understand their dogs' nutritional requirements and provide healthy, well-balanced meals. If you feel your dog isn’t getting enough iron from their regular diet you can supplement it with other food such as organ meat, lean meat, fish, egg yolk, legumes, green vegetables, and pumpkin seeds.
However, we recommend you consult a veterinarian if you feel like your dog has an iron deficiency. This will help you understand your dog’s unique needs and customize a plan that aligns with your dog's specific health requirements.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about dog’s nutrition and diet:
Various foods contain high amounts of iron that are safe to eat if prepared properly. For example, lean cuts of beef, chicken, and turkey, as well as organ meat, are excellent sources of heme iron. Additionally, egg yolks and fish such as tuna, sardines, and salmon can increase your dog's iron intake.
If you prefer a plant-based source of iron, leafy greens such as spinach and kale and legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, and pumpkin seeds are some great options.
Yes, chicken is a good source of heme iron for dogs. This means that it contains a type of iron that is highly absorbable by your dog’s body. It also delivers high-quality protein and other nutrients that can contribute to your dog’s overall health.
You can give your dog either raw or cooked chicken as part of its balanced diet. However, uncooked chicken can pose a bacterial contamination risk, so you must be careful about handling and hygiene. Cooking the chicken provides a safer option for your dog.
Yes, egg yolk does contain a relatively modest amount of iron. However, it’s a well-rounded source of protein, iron, and many other vitamins and minerals.
However, you should be careful about how you feed eggs to your dog. It’s best to avoid serving raw eggs to dogs as they might contain bacteria such as salmonella and e. Coli. Also, raw egg whites have an enzyme called avidin, which is harmful to dogs. The best option is to feed your dog a soft-boiled or fried egg (without seasoning) as an occasional treat.
You can incorporate iron-rich foods such as lean meats, organ meats, fish, eggs, legumes, leafy vegetables, and pumpkin seeds into your dog's diet. However, if you feel your dog isn’t getting enough iron from its regular diet, it's crucial to consult with your veterinarian. They can help you understand your dog’s nutritional needs and ensure it receives enough iron and other essential nutrients.
It's well-known that a balanced diet and regular exercise are pivotal for our dogs' happiness and well-being. So, it's understandably worrying when your dog suddenly turns up her nose at her usual food. If you've found yourself in this situation, it's natural to fear that it might be indicative of a serious health issue. A dog's loss of appetite can indeed be concerning, but it's important to approach the situation calmly.
If your furry friend is shunning her usual food, the first step is to stay calm. It’s not uncommon for dogs to skip a meal or two. This could simply be due to a minor ailment or a passing mood. However, if this disinterest in food persists for more than 16-18 hours, it’s time to delve a bit deeper.
Closely observing your dog is essential to determine the root cause of her reluctance to eat. Watch for any signs of illness, such as vomiting or lethargy. These symptoms, coupled with a refusal to eat, could point to underlying health issues, ranging from digestive troubles and dental pain to bacterial infections. In such cases, a vet visit is important.
Dogs cannot communicate through words, so we try to decode their actions to better understand their needs. That’s why pet owners are so observant about everything their dogs do—from how they tilt their heads to how they approach their meals.
One such curious behavior is how a dog will sometimes bypass the chewing stage and opt for a speed-eating frenzy. This is intriguing but also worrying because what if this rapid ingestion leads to digestive issues or, worse, a choking hazard?
Before you start panicking, let's understand why our dogs behave this way and the best way to address the situation.
Dogs skip the chewing stage for various reasons. In most cases, it’s instinctual—dogs are descendants of wolves and have certain instinctual behaviors related to food consumption. In the wild, dogs typically eat food fast before their potential competitors or littermates took it, which caused them to skip the chewing stage and directly gulp down the food.
While our domesticated dogs no longer need to compete for their food or protect it from others, they still retain certain primal instincts. This makes it natural and normal for them to gulp their meals in seconds.
Even though this can be worrying, dogs' teeth are fortunately designed to handle tearing and slicing food efficiently. They have sharp, pointy teeth instead of flat molar surfaces meant for chewing. This system facilitates gulping and allows them to swiftly consume large chunks of food.
Here are some cases in which a dog's not chewing the food can be a cause of concern:
If your dog has recently started gulping down the food instead of chewing, it could indicate an underlying health problem. Any sudden change in a dog’s behavior, especially regarding eating habits, can be a sign of concern.
A new habit of not chewing can be linked to dental problems because your dog might feel pain while chewing or has some digestive discomfort. In such cases, you should watch your dog for other symptoms, such as bad breath, inflamed gums, excessive drooling, etc. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, you should contact your veterinarian.
Have you recently made any changes to your dog’s diet? If they used to chew their food and now they don’t, it’s possible your dog doesn’t like the taste of the food, and it’s showing its distaste by gulping. It might be hungry, but the lack of interest in chewing could show its dissatisfaction with the diet.
If this is the case, then you should try to revert to your dog’s old diet and observe if they start chewing again.
The age and weight of your dog can be a concern when it comes to their non-chewing behavior. For example, if you have a small puppy that refuses to chew, it could pose a risk of choking and impact their dental health.
This is also true for older dogs, as not chewing their food can make it challenging to digest larger pieces and strain their digestive system excessively.
Rapid eating without chewing can lead to overeating, which can cause obesity in dogs. If your dog constantly eats his food fast without chewing and struggles with weight management, it's important to address their eating behavior.
Furthermore, if your dog is already overweight, it might rush through meals, aggravating its problem. This situation must be adequately handled by addressing the non-chewing behavior and implementing proper feeding strategies.
Here are seven tips to help you encourage chewing behavior in your dog and prevent any health complications:
Your dog might feel competitive about finishing the food if you have multiple pets. You can avoid this problem by feeding them separately or by creating a safe feeding environment.
These bowls slow your dog's eating speed by incorporating small obstacles. This makes it harder for a dog to grab large mouthfuls of food and prevent rapid eating.
Some dogs fed kibble tend to simply swallow the bites without chewing. In such cases, you can add water to the kibble, transforming its texture and making it less prone to being eaten whole.
When adding warm water to Nextrition cold-pressed dog food, wait a few minutes, then press and mix with a fork to stir into a paste.
Suppose you believe that the cause of gulping down food is dissatisfaction with the taste. In that case, you can switch your diet and incorporate more flavorful alternatives to cater to their taste preferences.
You can introduce age-appropriate chew toys into your dog’s routine to help them train and encourage chewing.
Your dog might need more training to chew its food. You can start with basic commands like "chew" or "slow" during mealtime or consult a professional dog trainer for guidance.
You should schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure your dog is healthy and their chewing habits aren’t related to any underlying issue.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about why dogs don’t chew their food:
It can be considered normal for a dog not to chew their food because it’s an instinctual behavior. In the wild, dogs’ ancestors used to eat their food fast before their potential competitors or littermates took it.
The only reason to consider this as abnormal behavior is if it's a sudden change in their eating habits or if it’s accompanied by other signs that indicate an underlying health problem.
The habit of not chewing the food can be problematic if it has started recently. It could indicate an underlying health issue, dental problem, or discomfort. You should regularly monitor your dog’s behavior and contact a veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.
You can encourage your dog to chew its food by using slow-feeding bowls or training it to follow basic commands like "chew" or "slow." You can also try wetting the kibble and feeding it separately in a calm environment.
Seeing ants invading your dog's food can make your stomach churn. It’s a huge inconvenience and a dilemma for pet owners - should we discard the food, or is there a safe way to remove the ants and still feed the food to your dog?
In this article, we’ll explore some practical and pet-friendly strategies for removing ants from your dog’s food and keeping them out forever. We’ll also examine why these tiny intruders are attracted to dog food.
But first, let’s help you get rid of the problem.
Here are three practical ways to remove ants from dog food:
Put the ant-infested dog food in a large bin and sprinkle some cornstarch over it. You can even toss the food together to ensure it’s fully coated. Then, wait and allow the ants to detach from the food.
Once the ants have detached from the food, you’ll need to strain it to get rid of them and place the clean food in a new airtight container. This may be tedious since you have to clean the food in small batches, but it’s an effective way to get rid of ants and save your dog’s food.
Also, small amounts of cornstarch is safe for dogs.
Another method of getting rid of ants is to freeze the infested dog food. When you place the dog food in the freezer, the cold temperatures make it hard for ants to survive, eventually killing them.
Then, remove the dry food from the freezer and pour it into a strainer over a sink to remove the dead ants and leave the clean food.
Freezing cold-pressed dog food may result in harder kibble. Add warm water and mix with a fork to soften and break up the frozen kibble.
Peppermint essence is a more humane way of dealing with ants in dog food. Mix a few drops of peppermint essence with water in a spray bottle. Then, spray a little of this mixture onto the dog food.
Since ants don’t like the smell or taste of peppermint and should get out of the dog food themselves, the only drawback of this method is that if you spray too much peppermint, your dog might even refuse to eat the food.
Whether ant-infested food poses risks to dogs depends on the type of ants and any potential toxins they may carry. Generally, the most common household ants are not inherently toxic for dogs, especially when accidentally eaten in small amounts.
However, you should consider certain factors, including:
The above reasons highlight why it's important to address any ant infestations in dog food promptly. It is recommended that you remove the ants from the food or throw it away to prevent any unforeseen situation.
Furthermore, if your dog has accidentally eaten food containing ants, observe them for any signs of illness. If you notice something unusual, you should contact a veterinarian immediately.
Keeping ants out in the first place is a more favorable option and there are some preventative measures you can take to help keep ants out forever. Here are a few steps to help you get started:
You can create a barrier by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the potential entry points or the base of the dog food container. This method is effective because ants find navigating through the jelly's sticky texture challenging.
However, if this sounds messy, you can also draw a chalk line around the pet food bag. The calcium carbonate in chalk deters ants, disrupting their trails and preventing them from reaching the food.
A properly sealed, airtight container can also create a barrier that keeps the ants out. This secure seal prevents ants from detecting and accessing the dog’s food, ensuring that your pet’s food stays fresh for an extended period.
Diatomaceous Earth is a commonly used pesticide made from the fossilized remains of aquatic organisms. It’s safe for humans and dogs but contains abrasive microscopic particles that can quickly kill pests, including ants.
You will need to buy the food-grade version of Diatomaceous Earth and sprinkle it around any identified ant trails or your dog’s food bag. It’ll help eliminate the ant colony and keep your dog’s food safe.
Uncleaned areas in a home always attract pests. If you accidentally spill some food around the food bag, it’ll draw the attention of the ants and motivate them to seek out the food source. Therefore, it’s important to maintain a clean space, especially where the pet food is stored or served.
You can remove ants from your dog’s food, but it requires time and patience. The three strategies we recommended—cornstarch, peppermint essence, or freezing the food—are all effective.
However, in addition to these strategies, you should ensure your dog’s food is properly stored to prevent ant infestation. These include storing in an air tight container, creating barriers by applying petroleum jelly around the base of the dog food container or by drawing a chalk line around the food bag.
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about getting ants out of dog food:
Ants are attracted to the smell of dog food. Leaving the container open or spilling some on the floor will draw ants and lead them to seek out the food source. That’s why it’s important to maintain a clean space, especially where pet food is stored or served, to prevent ant infestation.
There are various ways to get ants out of dog food. You can sprinkle some cornstarch over the food and allow the ants to detach or freeze the food to kill the ants. You should strain the food to eliminate the ants in both cases.
Another way is to mix a few drops of peppermint essence with water and spray the mixture onto the dog food. Since ants don’t like the smell or taste of peppermint, they’ll get out of the dog food themselves. However, you must be careful when using this method because if you use too much peppermint spray, your dog might refuse to eat the food.
It depends on the type of ants and any potential toxins they may carry. Generally, the most common household ants are not inherently toxic for dogs, especially when accidentally eaten in small amounts.
However, ants may also carry bacteria and other contaminants that cause allergic reactions. It would result in symptoms such as swelling, hives, excessive licking, whining, etc. If this situation occurs, you should seek help from your veterinarian immediately.
You should create a barrier around the food container by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or drawing a chalk line. This method disrupts the ants' trails and prevents them from reaching the food. You can also store the food in airtight containers to prevent ants from detecting and accessing the dog’s food.
You can use a food-grade version of Diatomaceous Earth to eliminate the ant colony. This commonly used pesticide is non-toxic for both humans and dogs.
