Evolution of Dog Food

The Story Behind Modern Dog Food

Evolution of dog food is important as it tells us why modern dog food is as it is today. Dry dog food has always been very attractive to us dog owners.

Pet food manufacturing and commercially prepared pet food started back in 1860 in England. This food was prepared as a biscuit. Soon there were more sophisticated nutrients added which were necessary for the health of the dog.

Before this period, dog where feed primary on bread made on different grains. Meat was not used that much. Of cause, hunting dogs could get there share after an successful hunting.

Other dogs like herding dogs, could get dairy products and some kind of bread.

So, originally dry cereal was the main ingredient in dog food, expanding to horse meat after the first world war. That was available primarily in cans. It wasn't until 1930 that the innovative dry pet food emerged with any great quantity.

The massive business of pet food manufacturing originally was done with the use of cereals, other grains, meat, meat by-products and the introduction of minerals and vitamins to the formula to make dog food.

Today there are over 3000 different food products from which the consumer can purchase to suit their animals specific needs.

During the 1980's the trend toward dry pet food manufacturing increased and the desire for canned pet food declined. It was suggested by researchers that the canned food leaned itself to an increase in gum disease, thus the popularity of dry food increased.

An informed consumer base lead to the needs for special dietary needs such as special formulas for weight loss, aging and allergies.

Eventually the trend towards lower fat and higher protein emerged and was also carried in to the pet treats categories with many innovative shapes, colors and flavors.

Different types of dog food exists. Wet or dry. Dry dog food has less than 14 percent water content.

This type of food is the most popular and the cheapest way of buying commercial dog food. It is practical in use. But, it is also the food we less likely can identify us with eating ourselves.

This may be the reason why many owners feel its not natural food. We can not imagine ourselves eating this type of food day out and day in.

Why is it so popular then?

I would really like to know.

It is important to understand, that dog feeding at all times has been greatly influenced of human culture and tradition.

Evolution of dog food is driven by many factors and commercial reasons are very strong.

Today might be even stronger.

Now the social importance of dogs are so important, and therefore we "mirror" ourselves in them. Vegetables are often uses as a sales argument because we see vegetables as very healthy and important in our diet.

Modern dog food are balancing between nutritional facts and commercial laws. This is a fine line, and this line is probably going to change in the future - as it always have been doing.

The evolution of dog food would continue and who knows whats next.