Companionship and Food

Many of the pets I visit tend to not want to eat as that takes them into another room or away from connecting in the time we have together and rarely will they do so by themselves. What I have discovered is that if I sit adjacent to them and their bowl, I may have to hand feed them the first few times. Afterwards they will eat the majority of it on their own.

Recently a kid who I have been visiting for several years who would hold out for treats actually began eating her regular food first when I made it a one-on-one, face-to-face experience. And not only did she do it the first day, but every subsequent meal choosing this then the treat.

Others will eat it if you do something unique like add a little water making a gravy of sorts. I notice this is especially true for pets that drink a lot of water before and after eating the food.

Some dogs especially enjoy the companionship while they eat much like us. This is often the situation for those whose families eat or are in the kitchen or the same room at the same time as when the pups are eat. They get used to the extra energy and people in close proximity that makes up their norm.

It is very much the same with people. I know my body responds differently when I am eating with people versus alone. It feels comforting to be in connection with others. When eating alone, I often find it is necessary to come up with other things to do while eating. Pets are no different…whatever their usual setting equates to what makes the situation comforting to each.