It seems that there are two types of dog: the dog who will eat anything in front of him, whenever it is available (like my dog Moose) and the dog who only eats when she’s hungry (like my dog Lally).
When it comes to snacks, Moose and Lally are also very different. Moose will try anything once. Twice. Seventeen times. Lally is a much pickier eater. She only likes certain things and will disdain anything that isn’t on her list. Her likes include chicken jerky, chicken or beef flavored chewy treats, and the occasional rawhide (but only when she’s in a chewing mood).
Since the dogs and I moved to the west coast last May, I’ve been a lot more reserved about giving handouts from the table. Partly because of Moose’s weight issues and partly because I’d rather they not be annoying visitors for snacks. But giving the occasional treat from the table does help reinforce the pack bond — you, the Alpha Dog, are sharing your hard-won meal with your pack. So I do share once in a while.
Again, Lally has very specific tastes when it comes to handouts. Just about anything meat is okay with her, though chicken is a special favorite. She loves scrambled eggs and (strangely enough) spaghetti sauce. Moose, on the other hand, has a cast iron stomach and will sample whatever is available.
Yesterday, I was making a tomato salad — diced tomatoes, oil and vinegar, and some spices. Quick and easy. But Lally was dancing around me like this was the Best Food Ever and she wanted some. So I offered a cold, raw tomato, thinking she would sniff it and walk away. To my surprise, she gobbled it right up! I guess I shouldn’t be TOO surprised — she does like spaghetti sauce, which is mostly tomatoes! But I’ve never seen her eat any raw fruit or veggie before.
I have seen Moose eat lettuce before… but only if there’s salad dressing on it.