Can Round Goby Win Over Dogs - and Their Owners?

Project partners at TFTAK conducted a consumer study to evaluate the sensory acceptability of dog snacks made with round goby. The study involved 49 dog owners who tested three different snack formats: freeze-dried, raw, and biscuit.

The products were evaluated through home-use tests combined with structured sensory feedback. Owners assessed each snack on appearance, odour, texture, canine response, suitability for training, and purchase intent, providing insight into both human and canine preferences.

The results were encouraging. All three round goby–based snacks achieved an average score above 4 on a 7-point scale, indicating solid overall acceptance. Among the formats, the raw snack emerged as the top choice overall, driven largely by strong canine enthusiasm. Many dogs ate the treats eagerly and frequently looked for more.

From the owners’ perspective, the biscuit format stood out, particularly for its appearance, making it the most visually appealing option. The freeze-dried snack received positive ratings as well, though its crumbliness was noted as a drawback compared to the other formats.

Key learnings from the study were clear. Texture matters. Snacks should be easy to handle and not fall apart. Smell needs to appeal to dogs without being unpleasant for humans. Finally, shape and size play an important role in how suitable a treat feels for everyday use and training.

Overall, the findings suggest that round goby has strong potential as a sustainable, well-accepted ingredient in dog snacks. For a deeper dive into the data and methodology, the full study is available for review here.

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