Certainly, many researchers have conducted studies on the perspectives of dog owners, which may or may not accurately reflect the experiences of the dogs themselves. It is common to use questionnaires directed towards owners to assess canine behavior. This is based on the belief that the strong emotional bond between owner and dog provides insight into the dog’s emotions and behaviors.
However, it is worth noting that many dog owners remain unsure about their dog’s weight because they are unaware of what a healthy weight should look like. Nonetheless, these findings are significant and indicate the need for further investigation. Emotional eating is just one aspect of a broader and intriguing range of eating behaviors in dogs, which requires more attention.
In a 2013 paper published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, it’s suggested that emotional eating could be a welfare concern for pets, including dogs, who often experience higher levels of emotional distress than their owners realize. It’s proposed that emotional eating can serve as an indicator of negative emotions in animals. By considering the role of food and eating behaviors in relation to emotions, we can effectively address issues of obesity and overweight in pets.
This paper was apparently the first exploration of emotional eating in companion animals. Other researchers have now contributed important insights to our understanding of this issue specifically in dogs. To better comprehend and care for our canine companions, we should pay closer attention to their relationship with food, their eating behaviors, and the connections between food and mood. It is important to consider individual differences in food responsiveness, motivation, and pickiness.