A new survey has revealed that nearly half of dog owners engage in elaborate “meal rituals” with their pets, some of which are surprising, and even extreme. The research, conducted by Talker Research for JustFoodForDogs, surveyed 2,000 dog owners and found that 44% of dogs have a specific routine or behavior around mealtime.
Some of these rituals include whining or barking (21%), jumping up and down (21%), doing a little dance (21%), or wiggling their whole backside (19%). These behaviors signal that it’s time for a meal, but it doesn’t stop there—many owners are involved in the rituals too.
Almost half of the dog owners (48%) reported they place the food in a specific spot or bowl. Thirty-eight percent add a little extra ingredient, like fresh food, to make the meal more enticing, while 30% hand-mix the food. Some owners even say a special phrase (22%), give a treat before the main meal (20%), plate the food like a gourmet dish (16%), or heat it to a certain temperature (15%).
Surprisingly, 14% of dog owners go as far as setting the table for their dog and sitting down with them to eat. Another 12% let their dog choose their meal, and the same percentage use special utensils, like a spoon, to serve the dog.
In even more unusual cases, nearly 10% of owners sing a little song or do a dance to encourage their dog to eat.
Carey Tischler, President of JustFoodForDogs, commented on these rituals, saying, “It’s clear mealtime has become more than just nutrition. With many serving fresh, human-grade food, they’re feeding their pets the way they feed themselves—with love, intention, and plenty of personality on both ends of the leash.”
It isn’t just about the food itself; dogs are quite particular about timing as well. A staggering 69% of respondents said their dogs will let them know if they are even a minute late for their meal. Dogs often communicate their hunger by sitting in front of their owners with an intense stare (39%), following them around the house (34%), whining or barking (33%), nudging their owners’ legs (26%), or pacing near the food area (24%).
The survey highlights the deep emotional bond between humans and their dogs, showing just how much effort and personality are involved in mealtime routines for many pets. For these pet parents, feeding time is more than a routine—it’s a moment to connect with their furry companions.
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