The Evolution of Dog Food

Dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, and their diets have evolved with them. Early dogs ate whatever their human companions ate, such as table scraps and hunting spoils. As agriculture developed, dogs began to eat more grains and vegetables. However, it wasn’t until the 1800s that people started to recognize that dogs required specific nutrients in their diets.

Early Days of Canine Nutrition

In the early 1800s, French physiologist Antoine Béchamp discovered that dogs needed protein, fat, and carbohydrates in their diets. This led to the creation of the first dog biscuits, made from meat, wheat, and vegetables. In the late 1800s, American James Spratt created the first commercial dog food, made from wheat, vegetables, beetroot, and meat. This was followed by F.H. Bennett’s dog biscuit, made from beef blood, wheat, and vegetables.

The Emergence of Commercial Dog Food

In the early 1900s, canned dog food became popular. In 1908, the first canned dog food was invented by American electrician James Spurling. It was called "Ken-L Ration" and was made from horse meat. In the 1920s, Purina created the first dry dog food, called "Dog Chow." This was followed by the introduction of semi-moist dog food in the 1960s. The 1950s and 1960s saw a rise in the popularity of dog ownership, which led to an increase in demand for commercial dog food.