Cute Dog Names Based on Food
What's Your Favorite?

Dog names based on Food By Janice Jones  | Last Updated 01-13-2024

You don't have to be a foodie to consider a name for your new puppy based on food. There is something primal about food. We all eat to live, and many people go beyond their physical needs and attach emotions to their food.

Even the words we use to describe foods have an emotional connotation: full-bodied, earthy, woody, Exquisite, Heavenly, or Tantalizing.

It might seem weird, unusual, odd, or just plain wrong, but there is a definite trend to naming our dogs after food.

People want something beyond Fido, Bella, or Rover.

Many small dog owners want something unusual to stand out and create a character for their dogs.

Are you one of them?  Here's our list.  Please let us know if you have more suggestions, and we will add them.

Why These Dog Names Based on Food?

The names on this list have the following in common.

These names are short, one, two, or three syllables at maximum and have a nice "ring" to them.  Some are very common and may even appear on popular dog name lists.

If you speak English, all of these names are easy to pronounce.

They all work well with training commands.  This is important because most dog owners want a well-behaved, polite dog and will train them to use simple commands such as sit and stay.  Teaching that skill becomes more difficult if their name resembles a training command or prompt.

Inspiration for Dog Names Based on Food

Where does one get their inspiration for a dog name based on food? The most obvious place would be your kitchen pantry. Food supermarkets are also another resource, as are restaurants and even cookbooks.

Giant List of Dog Names Based on Food

Sometimes, dog names based on food lists tend to resemble the index of a cookbook.  That's boring, wouldn't you say?  Let's look at names from a different perspective.

I've categorized these names into sections found in a typical American supermarket or grocery store.  Let's go shopping.

The Produce Aisle

As we arrive at our store, the first thing we see is the produce aisle; well, actually, it is the florist, but dog names based on flowers and nature are the topic of another page.  The aisle is brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables, but here are the ones I found to make the best dog names.

Candy and Sweets

The candy aisle shares its space with other packaged goods but look at the long list of possible dog names based on the food that the candy section has given us.
Some of these candy names would make a great choice for a brown or black colored dog.

• Almond Joy or Joy for short
• Cadbury (Chocolate Candy)
• Dove (Chocolate)
• Fudge (A brown dog's dream name)
• Godiva (Brand)
• Hershey (Brand)
• Mary Jane (Brand), either Mary or Jane would work
• Peppermint Patty (Use both for your registered name and Patty for the dog's call name)
• Rollo (Brand)
• Snickers (Brand)
• Smores
• Twix (Brand)

Select a Candy Name for Your Black Dog

The quintessential black candy will always be Licorice, but you may also want to consider Raisin as in chocolate-coated raisins or black Jellybeans (Jelly Bean or Bean for short).  Black Cherry candies also appear black, so choose the name Cherry.

More Candy Names for your Colorful Dog

The remainder of this list could be used with any color dog except Marshmallow, which might make an excellent name for a white dog. Other possible candy names for a white dog include White Gummy Bears or Gummy for short, vanilla saltwater Taffy or Taffy for short, or rock candy, Rock for short.

• Bonbons
• Caramel
• Butterscotch
• Candy
• Cotton Candy
• Gumball
• Jujubee
• Marshmallow
• Pez
• Pixie (Sticks)
• Skittle
• Taffy
• Tic-Tac
• Toffee
• Twizzlers

Fresh Meat and Seafood

Moving on to the Meat and Seafood section, we spotted a few great foods that wouldn't mind you using their names.  Think Shrimp for a tiny dog, Lobster for a red-colored dog, or Oyster for a white or gray dog.

• Anchovy
• Giblet
• Ham Bone
• T-bone
• Lambchop
• Meatball
• Hotdog
• Prawn
• Riblet
• Shrimp
• Lobster

Packaged and Canned Goods

Most groceries can be found here, especially if you are not shopping fresh. It is a catch-all grouping, but many foods make excellent dog names.

• Current
• Cheerio
• Chex
• Graham cracker (Graham for short)
• Gravy
• Grits
• Chickpea
• Macaroni or Mac for short
• Nacho
• Nilla
• Noodle
• Nutella
• Oreo
• Pancake (flour)
• Penne
• Rotini
• Sugar
• Ziti

Snack Section Gives Rise to Many Clever Dog Names Based on Food

So, this is the snack section. Don't expect anything healthy here, but many items make great dog names based on food.

• Cheese Puff
• Cheeto
• Chip
• Cracker
• Dorito
• Frito
• Melba (Toast)
• Popcorn
• Pretzel
• Pringle
• Ruffles (type of potato chip)

The Bakery

As we head to the bakery, the aroma of freshly baked bread fills our lungs. This is the comfort food area so plenty of great dog names can be found.

• Bagel
• Baguette
• Brownie
• Biscuit
• Cannoli
• Cookie
• Cream Puff
• Crêpe
• Cheesecake
• Cobbler
• Crumbs
• Crumpet
• Cupcake
• Donut
• Éclair
• Honey Cake
• Muffin
• Pita
• Scone
• Shortcake
• Torte
• Twinkie

Herbs, Spices and Condiments

The condiment aisle of the local store is likely to house dry herbs, spices, condiments, and an assortment of other foodstuffs. Some of these names may be a bit long for a dog but can be shorted for a clever nickname.

• Anise
• Basil
• Chipotle (Maybe Chip for short?)
• Chutney
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Curry
• Dandelion (Dandi for short)
• Dijon
• Dill
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Honey
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Nettle
• Nutmeg
• Pennyroyal (Penny for Short)
• Pepper (Black)
• Pesto
• Pickles
• Poppy (seed)
• Poupon (type of Mustard)
• Relish
• Sage
• Vanilla

Nuts as Dog Names Based on Food

There are far more types of nuts worldwide than what I have listed here. The ones chosen are short and easily rolled off the tongue. There will be a section at the end of the page if you want to add more names to this page.

• Almond
• Cashew
• Chestnut
• Hazelnut
• Peanut

Coffees and Teas

Coffees and Teas are popular dog names such as Mocha, Jasmine, and Chai. You don't need to enjoy these beverages, but those who do often find they make the best dog names based on food.

• Cappuccino
• Cocoa (OK, so it isn't exactly coffee)
• Coffee
• Chai
• Dandelion
• Espresso
• Frappe
• Jasmine
• Kona
• Latte
• Mocha

The Deli

World wide, there are so many different types of cheeses and the selections in delis around the world vary widely.  Here's a few we found in our local deli that would make great dog names based on food.

• Brie
• Cheddar
• Cheese ball
• Colby
• Feta
• Gouda
• Jack

The deli in this virtual supermarket also carries ready-made foods that require little or no prep or cooking.  Let's head over and see what types of Chinese, Korean, or Mexican foods they serve today.

Anyone reading this who has never been to the U.S. doesn't expect to see this list in any grocery store or supermarket.

• Barley Soup Barley for Short
• Burrito
• Caesar Salad Caesar for short served with Crouton(s)
• Chop Suey
• Chow Mein
• Dumpling
• Eggroll
• Goulash
• Hoagie
• Hummus
• Gumbo
• Gyro
• Kabob
• Kimchi
• Moo Goo (Gai Pan)
• Nugget
• Oscar
• Pizza
• Ratatouille
• Reuben
• Sausage
• Sushi
• Scampi
• Taco
• Wonton

Dessert, anyone?  This local deli is also serving a few desserts for those with a sweet tooth.

• Brûlée
• Custard
• Flan
• Mousse
• Sorbet
• Strudel

More Dog Names Based on Food

Some of the following would fall into multiple groups, so I've listed them here to reduce confusion. For example, find fresh coconut in produce, flaked packaged coconut in packaged goods, coconut milk, and coconut water in drink isles.

• Caviar
• Churro
• Coconut
• Couscous
• Date
• Flapjack
• Fritter
• Guava
• Lentil
• Meringue
• Tater Tot
• Tofu
• Waffle

Great Dog Names Based on Food Restaurants and Fast Food

Sometimes, people find their dog liking a particular fast food restaurant while out and about socializing with their puppy.
Many restaurant names would make perfect puppy names. Other times, the owner loves the restaurant and will return leftovers to their favorite pooch.

• Arby (Arby's fast food restaurant chain)
• Bistro
• BJ (BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse Chain)
• Baskin (as in Baskin Robbins Ice Cream)
• Bonefish (Bonefish Seafood Restaurant Chain
• Chili (Chili's Restaurant Chain)
• Chang (P.F. Chang Chinese Restaurant Chain)
• Cheesecake (Cheesecake Factory Restaurant Chain)
• Chipotle (Mexican Grill)
• CiCi (Pizza)
• Colonel (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
• Denny (Restaurant)
• Domino (Pizza)
• Longhorn (Longhorn Steakhouse)
• Olive (Olive Garden Italian Restaurant Chain)
• Panda (Panda Express Chinese Fast Food)
• Papa (Papa John's Pizza)
• Popeye (Popeye's Chicken Restaurant Chain)
• Quiznos (Subs)
• Red Robin (Hamburger Restaurant Chain)
• Ruby (Ruby Tuesday's Restaurant Chain)
• Starbuck (coffee)
• Taco (Taco Bell fast food Mexican)
• Wendy (Wendy's Hamburger fast food)

Combining Food with Your Breed’s Country of Origin

Many countries have one or many dog breeds that were developed to fill a certain need. Why not blend food and the country of origin for the perfect dog name based on a country’s cuisine?

French Dogs & French Cuisine

• Baguette
• Brioche
• Crêpe
• Croissant
• Éclair
• Quiche
• Ratatouille
• Soufflé
• Tartine
• Madeleine
• Cassoulet
• Gruyère (a type of cheese)
• Brie (another type of cheese)
• Crème Brûlée
• Fondue
• Coq au Vin
• Tarte Tatin
• Raclette
• Macaron
• Champignon (Mushroom in French)
• Pomme (Apple in French)
• Vanille (Vanilla in French)
• Chocolat (Chocolate in French)
• Truffe (Truffle in French)
• Pâté

Small French Dog Breed

Mexican Dog Breeds & Mexican Cuisine

• Taco
• Churro
• Salsa
• Enchilada
• Guac (short for Guacamole)
• Chili
• Tamale
• Tostada
• Chorizo
• Chimichanga
• Queso (cheese in Spanish)
• Jalapeño
• Carnitas
• Nacho
• Fajita
• Taquito
• Chalupa
• Bean or Frijol
• Pico (as in Pico de Gallo)
• Mole
• Flauta
• Chiles (Chili in Spanish)
• Torta
• Ceviche
• Tequila

Small Mexican Dog Breeds

Chinese Dogs & Chinese Cuisine

• Bao
• Wonton
• Dim Sum
• Chow Mein
• Peking (as in Peking Duck)
• Siu Mai
• Har Gow (famous shrimp dumplings)
• Mooncake 
• Pao (as in Char Siu Bao)
• Dumpling
• Sesame
• Lo Mein
• Moo Shu
• Bun (as in steamed bun or 'Baozi')
• Szechuan
• Congee
• Fuji (as in the apple)
• Lichee (also spelled Lychee)
• Tofu
• Chai (Chai tea)
• Xiao Long (as in Xiao Long Bao)
• Oolong (type of tea)
• Chop Suey
• Kung Pao
• Gyoza

Small Chinese Dog Breeds

German Dogs & German Cuisine

• Bratwurst
• Pretzel
• Sauer (as in Sauerkraut)
• Schnitzel
• Strudel
• Rouladen
• Pumpernickel
• Berliner (a type of pastry)
• Goulash
• Stollen (traditional German bread)
• Sausage
• Lebkuchen (spiced cookie)
• Marzipan
• Frikadellen (meatballs)
• Kuchen (cake in German)
• Knodel (dough dumplings)
• Sauerbraten (pot roast)
• Riesling (type of wine)
• Kolsch (type of beer)
• Lager (type of beer)
• Dunkel (a dark German beer)
• Pilsner (type of beer)

Small German Dog Breeds

Why Choose Dog Names Based on Food?

At some point in your life, you’ve no doubt met a dog named Coco, Hershey, or Mocha.

They were probably brown dogs that fit the name entirely.  But what about the dog named Chai?

Can you form a mental image of a dog with this name?  Maybe not.

It is easy to see how people choose a food name based on their dog’s hair color.

Even the texture of the fur can suggest an appropriate name.  Consider a white, fluffy dog.

What could be cuter than marshmallow, cream puff, or Meringue?  So why choose a food name for your dog?

The owner craves or loves a particular food.  Are you a chocolate lover or perhaps your favorite type of cheese is Brie?

The dog finds the food irresistible.  Does that new puppy love Cheerios, Crackers, or Bacon?

Children name the puppy.  Often, children are given the responsibility of naming the new dog.  Expect a name such as licorice or skittle in this situation. 

If the whole family has a voice in the decision, they may decide to go with the food or drink the entire family enjoys.  One family I know chose Chai because that was the whole family’s favorite tea.

The owner’s emotions about food spill out onto the dog.  What types of food make you happy?  What blissful childhood memories were associated with food? 

Often, bringing home a new puppy brings back all those joyful feelings.  Perhaps you remember your grandma’s homemade biscuits, cookies, or pastries and decide your new puppy should be named Biscuit.

If the dog comes home around a major holiday, the choice of names might be influenced by the food associated with it.  Consider Jellybean for an Easter puppy, Pumpkin for a fall holiday, or Cinnamon for Valentine’s Day.

The dog’s appearance somehow reminds the owner of the type of food. Consider Snickers for a brown dog, Oreo for a black and white dog, Blueberry if the dog has blue coloration, and Custard for a light-colored dog.

A person’s mood or state of mind influences the decision to choose a dog name based on food.

My state of mind influenced a litter of puppy names...

After a long labor night, my female Shih Tzu finally gave birth to six brown and black puppies.  As usual, I wanted to give each a name to keep them straight in my mind.

It was 5:30 in the morning, and I hadn’t slept much since midnight.  I was exhausted.  Can you guess what names I gave to the puppies?

They were Mocha, Latte, Pepsi, Coffee, Coco, and Cappuccino.

Their appearance probably had something to do with it, but my state of mind greatly influenced the name choices.

No matter what choice you make, be sure the name is something that is easy to say and can be paired with commands when training begins. 

Have a Great Dog Name Based on Food

I'd love to hear from you.  Please use the form below to tell me what ideas you have and I will place them on this page for future visitors to enjoy.

If you want to see your name ideas on more than one page, please indicate on the form where your names should appear.

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More information on dog breeds and selecting names can be found at the American Kennel Club.