Our sense of smell as humans has deteriorated because it is not considered proper to notice certain smell that are around us. We are so bombarded with scents and smells that we have taught our minds to disregard most smells. Animals use their noses as their internet. As they go for a walk they smell all around and can tell you who, why, where and when others have been on that path. They know how they were feeling and what they were about.
Taste is another important method of learning about the world.
Humans think of taste as a food related sense, but it is far more. If you notice, given the opportunity, most animals will taste you. A dog comes up and licks your hand, a cat will sniff and sometimes lick or nip, a bird nibbles at your fingers, when first introduced to you. This is a method or another sense animals use to get to know you. It is important that the flavors you present represent how you want to interact with this new animal friend.