‘狗粮’ literally means ‘dog food’ — a compound noun formed by 狗 (dog) and 粮 (grain/food, often used for animal feed). It refers specifically to commercially prepared food for dogs, including dry kibble, wet canned food, and treats. Unlike generic terms like 食物 (food), 狗粮 implies nutritionally balanced, species-appropriate sustenance formulated for canine health.

In modern informal usage, 狗粮 has also acquired a playful internet slang meaning: photos or stories of romantic couples that make single people feel envious — as if they’re being ‘fed dog food’ while watching others’ affection. However, this figurative sense is context-dependent and mostly appears in social media or casual speech; the primary, dictionary meaning remains literal dog food.