Senior Internet Culture & Trends Reporter
A canine fussy eater has left the internet in stitches thanks to a viral TikTok video.
The adorable clip, shared by user pb_and_j96, shows a dog being served his food with a sprinkling of freshly grated cheese on top. The text overlaying the video read: "When your Italian mom spoiled your dog and now he only eats his food with Parmesan."
The video has racked up 1.8 million views and more than 120,000 likes since it was posted on Saturday.
Hundreds of comments have been left on the clip too, with one viewer writing: "That's all he wants. The dog food is just in the way."
Many of us would admit that we spoil our pets. Crista Coppola, an animal behaviorist at SeniorTailWaggers, told Newsweek: "If spoiling is meeting all of the dogs' physical and behavioral needs, then yes, absolutely, people should spoil their pups!
"But if this means letting their dog have anything and everything they would want and on demand, then no.
"Dogs thrive with consistency and structure. You can teach your dog how to ask politely for things like playtime, treats and going for a walk."
Many of the comments on the Parmesan clip were about the treats best loved by TikTokers' dogs. One user posted: "We feed our dogs pasta with their food #justitalianthings." Another shared: "My grandma used to make a whole roast chicken for her dog."
"Just a sprinkle of cheese and they go to town," wrote another dog owner. "Mine's the same way!"
The American Kennel Club says cheese can be used as a training tool, particularly for puppies, or to conceal pills and medication. It recommends small doses, though, for digestive reasons and also because cheese can be high in fat and sodium.
In a follow-up clip posted on Wednesday, pb_and_j96 shared the dog's reaction when he is given dinner without his favorite cheese topping. The video shows the disgruntled pup sniffing at his food before looking up and simply walking away.
One commenter joked: "He said excuse me waiter this isn't what I ordered." Another wrote: "Umm hello? Humans? There's something missing..."
The cheese habit appears to be spreading. One TikToker thanked the poster for sharing the video and wrote: "[I] just saw this, we brought home a 3-year-old pip from the SPCA on Thursday and he hasn't been eating, until I sprinkled Parmesan cheese on his food."
Pet cats have demanding palates too. According to one commenter: "If I don't give my cat a whole egg in his food he will sit there and look at me until I do it."
Newsweek has reached out to pb_and_j96 for comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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