What people used to feed dogs: a history of dog food

Part 1

What dogs ate before commercial dog food

Street dogs in port cities once lingered by the docks to eat the moldy hardtack that sailors threw away. Hardtack was a simple biscuit made from flour, water, and sometimes salt. Many societies fed their dogs leftover bread, since carbohydrates were the backbone of early dog diets. In the Victorian era, some people even believed that feeding a dog meat was uncivilized and could revert the dog to wild instincts. Wealthy dog owners, meanwhile, fed their dogs diets rich in animal protein.

Medieval royal kennel masters prepared their dogs nutritious stews full of vegetables, grains, and meat. Dogs owned by peasants were not so lucky, since money was tight and these dogs shared their owner's plain diet. In Europe, that diet often consisted largely of potatoes and boiled cabbage. Modern pet food manufacturers still use potatoes and grain in commercial dog food, though potatoes should not be the only ingredient in your dog's diet.

Part 2

How horse meat and lard fed working dogs

By the mid-1800s, cities were full of working horses, and when the horses died in the streets, dog owners often used the meat rather than waste it. Horse meat was plentiful and inexpensive, giving owners a cheap way to add meat to their dogs' diets. Horse meat remained popular in dog food for decades because it was affordable. Farm dogs in the eighteenth century were fed lard, which is rendered pig fat, mixed with grain for a calorie-dense diet. That diet suited the long days of herding and guarding livestock, and lard is still occasionally fed to sled dogs on bitterly cold nights on the trail.

Part 3

Why some historical dog foods caused problems

Lard can cause gastrointestinal problems such as gastroenteritis and possibly pancreatitis, and it can lead to obesity, which makes it a poor everyday choice for most dogs. Diets built mainly on inexpensive carbohydrates, like the fillers used in some commercial dog foods, do not give your dog a balanced diet. Ask your vet before adding fats like lard to your dog's food.

Part 4

Why grains became fillers in commercial dog food

Like hardtack, commercial dog food often relies on grains and carbohydrates to act as fillers. Fillers make dog food more affordable to produce in large quantities and easier for owners to feed. However, a diet built mainly on inexpensive carbohydrates does not provide the balanced mix of nutrients your dog needs. You can look for foods that combine carbohydrates with fresh meat, vegetables, and healthy fats instead of relying on filler alone.

Part 5

What to feed your dog today

Modern dog foods still rely on carbohydrates such as corn, wheat, barley, oats, rice, potatoes, and sweet potatoes to supply much of their nutritional value. Carbohydrates are an important part of a balanced diet for your dog. Potatoes and sweet potatoes give your dog an easily digestible source of starch, but they should not stand in for a complete diet. Chicken and beef are the most common meats used in kibble today, though venison, fish, lamb, pork, rabbit, and turkey are also available.

Part 6

When to ask your vet about your dog's diet

If your dog shows digestive upset after a change in food, or if you are unsure what to feed them, ask your vet. Your vet can help you choose a diet that fits your dog's needs today, rather than the leftovers dogs often received in the past. A steady, balanced diet matters more for your dog's health than any single ingredient. Watching what your dog eats today, rather than defaulting to old habits like feeding lard or bread scraps, supports their long-term health. If you want to change your dog's food, introduce new foods gradually and watch for any signs of trouble.

• Hardtack biscuits made from flour, water, and sometimes salt
• Potatoes and boiled cabbage
• Horse meat, especially after horses died in city streets
• Lard mixed with grain