Why does my dog…

Why does my dog stare at me while I eat?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

If your dog stares you down, paces the kitchen, or insists on a “good boy” before dinner, turns out, you’re far from alone. A new survey of 2,000 dog owners found that nearly half say their pup has a signature mealtime ritual.

Some routines are classic: whining, dancing, or wiggling with joy. Others are impressively specific. Around 14% of owners say they set the table for their dogs, while 12% use special utensils. And nearly 1 in 10 admit they sing or dance to encourage their pups to dig in.

Dogs also seem to know exactly when dinner is due, with 69% of respondents saying their dog lets them know if food is even a minute late. The most common signals? Sitting with a stare, following them around, or a persistent paw tap.

The takeaway? For many dog parents and their buddies, mealtime isn’t just about eating. It’s a daily ritual shaped by affection, personality, and a shared love of routine.

Think happy tail wags, clean bowls, and zoomies across the living room floor. That’s the kind of joy pet parents are seeing with The Pets Table, a personalized meal plan from the team behind HelloFresh, made to support your dog’s health, happiness, and digestion.

Choose from human-grade Fresh or gently Air-Dried recipes crafted with vet nutritionists. Each meal keeps nutrients intact and tummies feeling good (thanks to ingredients like added postbiotics for gut health). You’ll even get a plan tailored to your dog’s needs: Just take a quick quiz, and their food ships right to your door.

Even better? Their Air-Dried plan is up to 40% more affordable than most Fresh options, and there’s a 100% money-back guarantee if your pup’s not a fan.

Take the 2-minute quiz and get 50% off your first box + 20% off your second.

See what’s on the menu.

Thank you to The Pets Table for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Daily Dig reader Kelly shared this snapshot of Molly, the ultimate cool girl. rocking shades and ready for splash time!

Molly’s favorite hangout is the Fetch dog park, where she lives her best life zooming through sprinklers and making new friends along the way. Equal parts social butterfly and style icon.

Thanks for sharing your fun-loving girl with us, Kelly! Want your dog featured as the Daily Dig Dog of the Day? Send in a photo and a few fun facts—they might be next!

If your dog insists on eating straight from your hand, it might be more than just pickiness. Some pups associate hand feeding with comfort, especially those dealing with separation anxiety or stress after a big change, like moving or boarding.

Other dogs might be recovering from illness or adjusting to a new diet, and your hand offers reassurance. Even something as simple as a loud noise during dinner can cause lasting food bowl avoidance. In multi-dog households, hand feeding might help more timid pups feel secure enough to eat.

Vets say hand feeding isn’t necessarily a problem, but it can be a clue. Rule out any health concerns first, then gently retrain your pup to eat from their bowl. Try calm meal settings, puzzle feeders, or switching up locations.

With patience and a few small changes, your dog can learn to love their bowl again, while hand-fed treats stay a sweet bonus, not a daily requirement.

The Pets Table is a personalized meal plan from the team behind HelloFresh, made to support your dog’s health, happiness, and digestion.

Design your dog’s meal plan when you take the 2-minute quiz and get 50% off your first box + 20% off your second.

From therapy heroes to pageants, here’s what’s trending:

• 🍔 Take a quiz to find your dog’s favorite food

• 🎓 12 heartwarming dog stories (including a dog who earned his doctorate)

• 🏆 Who will win “World’s Cutest Rescue Dog 2025”?

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

🤔 Why does my dog: Besides hoping for scraps, they’re watching your social cues. Food equals bonding time in pack mentality.

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