Dogs have been domesticated and living with humans for thousands of years, yet the commercial availability of dog food is a relatively modern development. The first canned dog food was introduced in England in 1895 by James Spratt, an American who had previously been in the business of manufacturing lightning rods. It wasn’t until after World War II that canned and dry dog food became widespread in the United States and the rest of the world. What began as a way to feed dogs nutritional meals quickly became the norm and today is an essential part of pet care.
Commercial dog food was invented in the late 19th century, when the first canned foods were created for consumption. It wasn’t until the 1920s, however, that the commercial dog food industry began to take shape. Companies such as Kal Kan and Ken-L Ration, which were created by mixing grain and meat products, began marketing their products to the public. In addition to the emergence of the dog food industry, it was also during this period that veterinarians began to conduct research into the dietary needs of dogs.
The commercial dog food industry began in the late 1800s. Nearly two centuries later, the dog food industry is a multi million-dollar global enterprise. Today, pet owners are presented with an array of options concerning the type of food they should feed their canine companions. These varieties range from traditional dry and wet food to raw diets and per-made meals.