Pet parents have always loved naming their companions after favorite foods, but 2025 is turning into a full-blown flavor war. According to Rover’s latest report, dogs are going savory while cats are indulging their sweet tooth. The result is a menu of names that would make any chef—or diner—smile.

Food-inspired names are dominating this year’s trends.

Dogs With Bite

Move over, “Cookie.” This year’s top canine names are bolder, saltier, and downright satisfying. Hoji (up 930%) tops the list, followed by Asiago, Bisquick, Hashbrowns, and Benihana—all climbing more than 500%. There’s also Mr. Biscuit, Pancetta, and Chive, names that sound lifted from a brunch menu rather than a dog tag.

These choices tell a story about personality as much as appetite. Food names make dogs sound approachable, mischievous, and a little indulgent—exactly how many owners describe their pets. “People form emotional connections through food,” one Rover trend analyst explained, “so it’s only natural they’d use it to express affection for their animals.”

Pet parents are finding flavor in every name.

Cats Go For Dessert

While dogs chew on savory snacks, cats are diving headfirst into dessert. Adzuki beans, Nutter Butter, and Toffy each climbed more than 600% this year. Macaron and Kokonut aren’t far behind, while Apple Fritter and Soufflé give the trend an artisan twist. It’s hard not to smile at a name like Jams or Suika—they sound like they belong in a pastry case or an anime café.

The rise of global dessert names mirrors our evolving palates. As international flavors like mochi, kolache, and taiyaki gain fans, their names naturally migrate into pet culture. Naming a cat Macaron or Adzuki suggests not just sweetness but sophistication.

Culinary creativity is changing the way we name pets.

Culture On The Menu

This trend also reflects how food connects identity and storytelling. A pet named Benihana might honor family traditions. Kolache could recall a trip abroad. And Mr. Biscuit? Pure comedy. Whatever the origin, food names feel universal—they make strangers smile and spark instant conversation at the vet’s office or dog park.

What’s Cooking For 2026

Global flavors are gaining steam. Rover predicts more international influence ahead, with Japanese-inspired picks like Maitake and Wasabi on the rise, along with new contenders like Kebab, Ghee, and Esti. The pattern fits an era where food content fills social feeds—and where naming your dog after your favorite dish feels like an inside joke everyone can appreciate.

In the end, these culinary monikers do more than make us hungry. They turn daily life with a pet into something playful and flavorful—proof that love, like a good recipe, is best when shared.