While you may be tempted to give Fido a bite off your plate the next time he’s giving you and your meal the side eye at the dinner table, take a moment to consider how far pet food has come since we first started spending quality time with our fluffy, furry companions. 

The evolution of pet food is a fascinating journey that mirrors societal changes, scientific advancements, and shifting perceptions of animal companionship. From table scraps to specialized diets, the history of pet food reflects our growing understanding of animal nutrition and the deepening bond between people and their pets.

In ancient times, domesticated animals like dogs and cats primarily subsisted on leftovers from human meals or even hunted their own food. This practice continued for centuries, with little distinction between human and animal diets. Pets were often fed raw meat, bones, and kitchen scraps, reflecting a utilitarian approach to animal care. 

The mid-19th century marked a significant turning point in pet nutrition, though. In the 1860s, James Spratt, an American entrepreneur, observed stray dogs in England scavenging for food. Seeing a gap in the market, he developed the first commercial dog biscuit, known as "Spratt's Patent Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes." These biscuits combined wheat meals, vegetables, beetroot, and beef blood, and were a convenient alternative.

Following Spratt's success, other companies got in on the game. In the early 20th century, canned pet foods arrived, primarily using horse meat, which was abundant and inexpensive. In 1922, the Chappel Brothers introduced "Ken-L Ration," a canned dog food made which gained widespread popularity. This period also saw the introduction of commercial cat foods, as more households began keeping kitties as indoor pets.

As the pet food industry grew, so too grew the need for regulation. In 1909, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) was established to oversee animal feed quality and safety. By 1917, they’d included specific language for pet food, setting standards for ingredients and labeling and, in 1969, they established the definition for "complete and balanced" pet food, ensuring products met the nutritional needs of pets.

The fifties brought with them dry kibble as a convenient and shelf-stable pet food option. Advancements in technology allowed pet food manufacturers to produce dry, palatable kibble in various shapes and sizes. These innovations coincided with the post-World War II economic boom, leading to increased pet ownership and a demand for more convenient pet care solutions.

In recent decades, there has been a shift towards natural, organic, and raw feeding practices. Pet owners, increasingly conscious of their pets' health and wellness, seek out diets free from artificial additives and preservatives. The raw food movement advocates for diets consisting of uncooked meats, bones, and vegetables, aiming to mimic the ancestral diets of dogs and cats.

Bored Panda reached out to Cindy Teubes, Chief Barketing Officer at Vondi's to get some insights on who's leading the way in pet nutrition - canned food and kibble manufacturers, or the raw diet movement.

According to Damian Stafford, Vondi's nutrition expert, "We now know that kibble and canned food produced using high-heat factory treatments are not the best options for pet nutrition. The modern pet food market has several competing approaches. One delineation lies between raw and cooked dog food."

Stafford goes on to add, "The raw diets are fizzling because they rely on misinformation about canine nutrition. Beyond optimizing the current standards for pet nutrition, the forefront of ground-breaking pet nutrition lies in sustainability without compromising the nutrients that dogs need. The future lies in integrating alternative, sustainable protein sources like insect-based protein."

The pet food industry often mirrors human dietary trends. As people gravitate towards gluten-free, grain-free, and plant-based diets, similar products have emerged in the pet food market. This alignment reflects the humanization of pets, with owners looking to provide their animal companions with diets comparable to their own.

Could you say no to a pet’s longing gaze at what’s on your plate, or would you crumble at the first loving glance? Which animals in this list could you not deny? Upvote your favorites and leave a comment on the stares that pulled on your heartstrings hardest!