The Legend of Zelda series, renowned for its vast worlds, intricate puzzles, and captivating storytelling, often features charming and interactive canine companions. These dogs, scattered throughout Hyrule and beyond, are more than just scenery; they can offer companionship, lead to hidden secrets, and even provide valuable assistance on your quest. But how do you actually interact with them, and, more importantly, how do you feed them? This guide dives deep into the art of dog-befriending and feeding across several mainline Zelda games, exploring the specific mechanics, rewards, and even the subtle differences in canine behavior.
Understanding Dog Interactions Across the Zelda Universe
The method of interacting with dogs varies from game to game. Some games feature a simple approach, while others require specific items or actions. The key lies in understanding the unique mechanics of each title.
Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask: A Simple “Hello”
In the Nintendo 64 classics, Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, interacting with dogs is relatively straightforward. You can usually approach them and they will bark or react in some way. In Ocarina of Time, you often encounter dogs in Kakariko Village. In Majora’s Mask, Romani Ranch is a canine hotspot. While you can’t directly feed them in these games, a simple “hello” can often trigger a positive reaction, and sometimes they might even follow you.
The Wind Waker: The Allure of All-Purpose Bait
The Wind Waker introduces a more direct form of interaction: feeding. To befriend and feed dogs in this game, you’ll need All-Purpose Bait. This versatile item can be purchased from Beedle’s Shop Ship. Simply equip the bait, target a dog, and throw it in its direction. A successful throw will result in the dog happily munching on the bait, signifying a successful feeding.
Twilight Princess: A Wolfish Connection
Twilight Princess presents a unique twist. Link, at times, transforms into a wolf, which significantly alters his interactions with animals, including dogs. As a wolf, Link can communicate with animals, and certain dogs play a crucial role in his quest. While you don’t explicitly “feed” dogs in the traditional sense, Wolf Link’s heightened senses allow him to follow scents that often lead to hidden items or areas, effectively rewarding the dog’s assistance with a shared adventure.
Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks: Touchscreen Interactions
These Nintendo DS titles utilize the touchscreen for interacting with the game world. While dogs aren’t as prominent as in other Zelda games, when you do encounter them, you can usually pet them by tapping on them with the stylus. Direct feeding isn’t a mechanic, but a gentle touch is enough to elicit a positive response.
A Link Between Worlds: The Loyal Puppy
A Link Between Worlds, set in the world of A Link to the Past, features a memorable encounter with a dog in Kakariko Village. This puppy, found inside a house, becomes incredibly attached to Link and will follow him around the village. While you don’t feed it, its unwavering loyalty is a reward in itself. The puppy often barks at walls and other interactive objects, sometimes indicating hidden secrets or items.
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom: The Art of Gourmet Meat
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom elevate dog interaction to a new level. You can befriend dogs by feeding them raw meat, and they will subsequently lead you to hidden treasure chests. Feeding a dog three pieces of meat, usually Raw Meat or Raw Prime Meat, is the magic number for maximum affection and reward.
Finding and Preparing the Perfect Dog Treat
The most common meat for feeding dogs is Raw Meat, dropped by various wildlife like wolves, foxes, and boars. Raw Prime Meat, dropped by larger or stronger animals, is also effective. The location of these animals varies depending on the game and the region you are in.
- Raw Meat Sources: Look for wolves and boars near forested areas and plains. Early game locations like the Great Plateau are teeming with wildlife.
- Raw Prime Meat Sources: Defeat larger boars, wolves, or even lynels (though using lynel meat on a dog might seem a bit much!).
The Feeding Process: Patience and Persistence
Approaching a dog in Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom requires caution. If you approach too quickly, it might become startled and run away.
- Approach Slowly: Use the stealth mechanics to get closer without alarming the dog. Crouching is key.
- Drop the Meat: Select the raw meat from your inventory and “hold” it, then drop it on the ground near the dog.
- Repeat (if necessary): Continue dropping pieces of meat until the dog shows signs of bonding, usually by wagging its tail enthusiastically and leading you towards a treasure.
The Reward: Buried Treasure Awaits
Once the dog is sufficiently fed and happy, it will begin to lead you to a buried treasure chest. Follow the dog closely as it runs, barks, and generally makes its way towards the hidden location.
The treasures found this way are often modest, but helpful, especially in the early game. Expect to find things like:
- Rupees (various denominations)
- Weapons (swords, spears, bows)
- Shields
- Food ingredients
The real reward, however, is the satisfaction of befriending a loyal companion and uncovering secrets hidden within the vast world.
Beyond Feeding: Appreciating Our Canine Companions
Feeding is just one aspect of interacting with dogs in Zelda games. Observing their behavior and appreciating their presence can enrich your gaming experience. Dogs often react to your actions, offering visual cues about their mood and intentions.
Decoding Dog Behavior: A Canine Translator
Paying attention to a dog’s posture and actions can provide valuable information. A wagging tail signifies happiness and trust, while a growl indicates fear or suspicion. If a dog barks persistently at a particular spot, it might be hinting at a hidden item or passage. In some games, dogs may even lead you to important NPCs or locations.
The Unsung Heroes of Hyrule
Dogs in Zelda are often overlooked, but they add a layer of charm and depth to the game world. They serve as reminders of the simple joys in life and offer companionship in a world filled with danger and adventure. Taking the time to interact with them, whether by feeding them, petting them, or simply acknowledging their presence, can make your journey through Hyrule all the more rewarding.
Conclusion: A Guide to Canine Friendship
The Zelda series offers a variety of ways to interact with dogs, from simple acknowledgements to elaborate feeding rituals. Whether you’re tossing All-Purpose Bait in The Wind Waker, dropping Raw Meat in Breath of the Wild, or simply offering a friendly pet in Phantom Hourglass, these interactions add a touch of warmth and personality to the games. By understanding the specific mechanics of each title and paying attention to canine behavior, you can forge meaningful bonds with these loyal companions and uncover hidden treasures along the way. So, next time you encounter a dog in Hyrule, remember to show it some love; you never know what secrets it might reveal.
What types of food can I give to dogs in Zelda?
You can feed dogs in Zelda a variety of meats, most commonly Raw Meat and Prime Meat. Cooked meat also works, such as Seared Steak or Gourmet Meat Stew, but dogs generally respond best to the raw versions. Experimenting with different types of meat can yield different reactions from the dogs, leading to potential discoveries of hidden treasures or secrets.
Remember that not all dogs have the same preferences, so trying out different meat types can be beneficial. Some dogs might be content with basic Raw Meat, while others might prefer the more expensive Prime Meat for a more enthusiastic reaction. Pay attention to their body language to gauge their satisfaction.
Are there any foods I should avoid giving to dogs?
Generally, you should avoid giving dogs anything that isn’t meat. Fruits, vegetables, fish, and cooked meals containing non-meat ingredients are unlikely to be accepted by the dogs in the game. They primarily crave raw or cooked meat products, reflecting their carnivorous tendencies within the game’s world.
While experimenting can be fun, wasting valuable resources on food items dogs won’t eat is counterproductive. Focus on collecting various types of meat and stick to offering those items to maximize your chances of befriending them and uncovering any secrets they might be guarding.
How do I know if a dog is successfully befriended?
A successfully befriended dog will begin to lead you toward a nearby hidden treasure or secret location. The dog will wag its tail and bark enthusiastically, actively guiding you along a path. It will stop periodically, waiting for you to catch up, and continue leading you in the direction of its discovery.
The friendship is visually confirmed by the dog’s willingness to follow you and its happy demeanor. A dog that is not yet fully befriended may accept food but not actively guide you. Keep feeding it until you see the telltale signs of its eagerness to show you something hidden.
Will feeding the same dog multiple times yield more rewards?
No, feeding the same dog multiple times in close succession after it has already led you to a treasure will not result in additional rewards. Once a dog has revealed its secret, it will no longer lead you to another location, regardless of how much more food you offer.
Trying to force further rewards is a waste of resources. Focus on finding other dogs in different locations to maximize your treasure discoveries. Each dog typically guards a single secret location that can be revealed through befriending.
Are there any specific locations where dogs are more likely to lead to valuable items?
While there’s no guarantee of a highly valuable item, dogs near ruins or areas with a noticeable landmark are often located near more interesting finds. These locations tend to be associated with minor chests containing rupees, weapons, or materials rather than unique or extremely rare items.
Experimentation is key. Explore different regions of Hyrule and interact with any dogs you encounter. You might be surprised at what hidden treasures they lead you to, even in seemingly unremarkable areas.
Can I feed dogs in towns, and will they lead me to secrets there?
Yes, you can feed dogs in towns, and they are often the key to unlocking secrets hidden within or near the town’s boundaries. Be aware that feeding dogs in crowded areas might attract unwanted attention from townspeople, but it is generally tolerated.
These dogs often lead to chests containing rupees or sometimes even hidden weapons or armor pieces within the town itself or in its immediate vicinity. Exploring towns thoroughly, including befriending the local dogs, is a good way to uncover hidden treasures and resources.
Do different breeds of dogs offer different rewards or have unique behaviors?
There is no inherent difference in rewards based on the breed of dog in Zelda. All dogs, regardless of appearance, serve the same purpose: to guide you to a nearby hidden treasure or secret location after being befriended with meat.
While their appearances might vary, their core functionality remains the same. Focus on befriending any dog you encounter, regardless of its breed, and it will eventually lead you to its secret, provided you offer it the right kind and amount of food.