Did you know…

Dogs can recognize their owner’s ____ before they see them?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

If your dog suddenly knows every command the second a treat appears, there’s a good reason for that. Dogs are naturally food-motivated thanks to instincts passed down from their wolf ancestors, who spent much of their lives hunting and scavenging. Even though today’s dogs don’t need to work for meals, their brains still treat food as a powerful reward worth paying attention to.

Some dogs are especially wired this way. Labrador Retrievers, for example, are known for their legendary appetites, partly due to a genetic quirk that makes food extra motivating for them. That’s why treats work so well in training. They tap into a survival-driven reward system that helps dogs learn faster and stay engaged.

That said, food motivation can be a double-edged sword. If a dog gets too focused on snacks, switching to lower-value treats or mixing in praise, play, or toys can help balance things out. And for dogs who aren’t big food fans, motivation can come from attention, movement, or simply wanting to please. Either way, understanding what drives your dog makes training smoother and snack time a lot more strategic.

Hollywood actor and leading pet advocate Rob Lowe recently went on camera to reveal 3 "forbidden" foods he feeds his 6 rescue dogs.

These are foods most owners think could harm their dogs—but they might actually help your pup live healthier, move more easily, and feel years younger.

The first food on Rob’s list is something you’ve probably been told is "unhealthy" for dogs—but it’s the ONLY thing his pickiest eater will touch when she’s sick and refusing everything else.

The second food hides in your grocery store’s freezer aisle and is one of Rob’s favorite "low-budget hacks" for dogs’ joints, skin, and digestion.

The third food is so controversial that most people would lose their minds if you suggested it… but top veterinarians now say it might be one of the most beneficial things you can add to your dog’s bowl.

Click here to see the 3 "forbidden" foods to feed your dogs daily.

Thank you to Ultimate Pet Nutrition for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Today’s Dog of the Day is bringing full holiday sparkle. From the glittery red dress to the peppermint-perfect pose, this photo feels just like a ‘season’s greetings’ card.

Want to see your dog featured as a Daily Dig Dog of the Day? Send in a photo, your dog’s name, and a few fun facts for their chance to be showcased next!

If feeding your dog sometimes feels like convincing a toddler to eat vegetables, you’re not imagining it. A survey of dog owners found that more than half consider their dogs picky eaters, with many pets turning their noses up at food they happily ate just weeks earlier. Nearly half of owners say they often struggle to get their dog to eat without adding something extra to the bowl.

A big reason is boredom. Many dogs tire of eating the same food every day, and quality matters more than people think. Foods made with real proteins and fewer fillers tend to be more appealing. Age can also play a role, since dogs’ sense of smell and taste can decline over time, making meals less exciting.

To help, try slow transitions when switching foods, mixing new food with the old over several days. Adding simple toppers like warm water or dog-safe broth can boost aroma without overdoing treats. Cutting back on table scraps also helps reset expectations, so dinner feels rewarding again instead of optional.

Hollywood actor and leading pet advocate Rob Lowe recently went on camera to reveal 3 "forbidden" foods he feeds his 6 rescue dogs.

Here are our favorite picks of the week, featuring sweet signs of love and a hilariously devoted pup:

• 🍖 3 foods that help your dog feel younger

• 🐾 7 sweet signs you’re their favorite human

• 🧽 Dog’s favorite toy is… a sponge?!

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 Did You Know: Dogs can recognize their owner’s footsteps before they see them.

🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! Reply to this email with the best pictures of your dog. Be sure to include their name and a short description so they can be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

🥰 Spread positivity: Do you enjoy starting your day off with our community? If so, please consider forwarding this email to help us spread our love of all things dogs!

💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with your dog’s favorite food for a surprise in your inbox!

Welcome to Daily Dig! We’re a small team of dog lovers who strive to bring a pawsitive dose of pup content to your inbox every morning. Join our pack of over 180,000 paw pals when you subscribe today!