Introduction
Dogs have been our loyal companions for thousands of years. As our relationship with them has evolved, so too has their diet. Today, our furry friends enjoy a wide variety of commercial dog foods catered to their nutritional needs. However, it wasn’t always that way.
Back in the early days, feeding our canine companions posed quite a challenge. Dog owners had to get creative when it came to providing their dogs with sustenance. This necessity sparked an entire industry devoted to developing nutritious and appetizing food specifically for dogs.
One of the earliest controversies in commercial dog food history centered around the use of horse meat. Although it provided key proteins, many objected to its use. Public perception and government regulations eventually led most brands to eliminate horse meat from their recipes.
In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating origins of commercial dog food, including the once common use of horse meat despite public opposition. We’ll learn how nutritional understanding and manufacturing innovation have dramatically changed canine cuisine over the past 150+ years.
Early History of Commercial Dog Food
Commercial dog food first appeared in England around 1860, when an electrician named James Spratt introduced the first commercially-prepared pet food. Spratt formulated the food using wheat meals, vegetables, beetroot, and beef blood. He got the idea after observing dogs being fed leftover biscuits from a ship. Spratt founded the company Spratt’s Patent Limited, which began producing dog food under the name Spratt’s Patent Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes [1].
Initially, Spratt’s dog food was made from a variety of ingredients like vegetables, wheat, and meat by-products. Horse meat was one of the early ingredients used in commercial dog food production. Spratt boasted that the ingredients for his dog food included the “finest beef.” However, analysis at the time found horse meat was a major ingredient [2]. The use of horse meat allowed manufacturers like Spratt to produce dog food from animal products that were not considered fit for human consumption.
In the United States, commercial dog food production expanded greatly after the Civil War, when large amounts of horse meat became available from aging horses and the growing number of horse meat processing plants. Companies like Ken-L Ration and others incorporated horse meat into their early dry and canned dog foods [3].
References:
[1] https://www.petfoodinstitute.org/about-pet-food/nutrition/history-of-pet-food/
[2] https://www.thefarmersdog.com/digest/the-history-of-commercial-pet-food-a-great-american-marketing-story/
[3] https://www.stevesrealfood.com/2018/10/31/the-surprising-history-of-commercial-pet-food/
Horse Meat Usage
The use of horse meat in commercial dog food increased greatly in the early 20th century. According to the Pet Food Institute, canned dog food called “Ken-L Ration” was introduced in 1922 with horsemeat as the main ingredient (Source). At the time, horsemeat was considered an acceptable and nutritious ingredient for dog food. By the 1930s, over 50,000 horses were being bred and slaughtered each year in the United States to meet the demand for horse meat to be used in dog food (Source). The large-scale use of horse meat in dog food during this time period shows how widespread and accepted this practice had become.
Nutritional Value
Horse meat has been found to be a nutritionally rich source of protein for dogs. According to a 2007 study published in Meat Science, horse meat contains similar levels of protein compared to beef or pork (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2882581/). The protein content of horse meat was measured at 21.1% versus 21.0% in beef and 21.1% in pork.
However, horse meat contains much lower levels of fat compared to other meats. The fat content of horse meat was found to be 6.0%, versus 14.1% in beef and 16.1% in pork in the same study. This makes horse meat a lean source of protein for dogs.
In addition to protein and fat content, horse meat contains important vitamins and minerals including iron, zinc, and B vitamins. The nutrient profile of horse meat can provide balanced nutrition for dogs, while being lower in fat than traditional meats used in dog food.
Public Perception
The public perception of horse meat in dog food has been largely negative, especially in the United States. While the use of horse meat was once common, public opinions shifted in the 20th century to view horse meat as taboo and unacceptable for pet food. This led to regulations that banned the use of horse meat in pet food sold in the U.S.
Much of the aversion to horse meat stems from the cultural perception of horses as companion animals rather than livestock raised for meat production. Additionally, the use of horses not bred specifically for meat raises ethical concerns over the horse slaughter process and regulations around it. High profile recalls and controversies over undisclosed horse meat ingredients further shaped negative public sentiment.
Surveys indicate the majority of pet owners in the U.S. disapprove of horse meat in dog food and believe it should be banned. However, the objection seems to be primarily cultural as opposed to nutritional concerns. In contrast, European views tend to be more neutral regarding horse meat for pet food.
Regulations
The use of horse meat in pet food, including dog food, is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. According to the FDA, manufacturers are permitted to use horse meat as long as it is disclosed on the product label.
However, public perception of horse meat led to changes in regulations over time. In the 2007 FDA Amendments Act, lawmakers prohibited the use of funds for the mandatory examination of horses destined for food production. This effectively ended horse slaughter for human consumption in the U.S. [1]
While the use of horse meat is still allowed in pet food, many manufacturers have moved away from it due to consumer concerns. Major brands have changed their formulas to remove horse meat and advertise their products as free of it. Voluntary restrictions by companies have essentially phased out the use of horse meat in mainstream commercial dog food in the U.S.
Alternatives
Although horse meat was once commonly used in commercial dog food, over time other meat sources became more popular alternatives. Nowadays, most dog food contains protein from other animals like chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, or fish.[1] Chicken is one of the most affordable and nutritious meats for dog food.[2] Turkey and lean ground beef also provide dogs with high-quality protein sources. Fish like salmon and whitefish offer omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coats. Meat meals made from chicken, lamb, or beef offer concentrated sources of protein in dry kibbles. While horse meat provided ample protein, today’s dog foods utilize various animal and fish proteins to form nutritionally balanced diets without horse meat.
Modern Dog Food
Most modern commercial dog foods today contain a blend of ingredients to provide complete and balanced nutrition for dogs. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), dog foods must contain certain nutrients in the right proportions to meet a dog’s dietary needs.
The most common ingredients found in dry dog food today are cereals and grains like corn, wheat, rice, and oats. These ingredients provide carbohydrates for energy and fiber for healthy digestion. Meat and animal by-products like chicken, beef, lamb, and fish are also major ingredients, providing protein for building muscle. Animal fat and oils are added for essential fatty acids and to enhance palatability.
Other common ingredients include vegetables like potatoes, peas, and carrots which provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Natural flavorings, preservatives like vitamin E, and nutritional supplements like calcium, vitamins, and glucosamine are also regularly added. High quality dog foods may contain additional protein sources like eggs, duck, bison or salmon.
According to UK Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, the top 10 ingredients in dry dog food are typically cereal grains, meat & animal derivatives, oils and fats, vegetables, vitamins and minerals.
Specialty Diets
In recent years, several specialty and boutique dog food diets have become popular. These diets cater to owners who want more customization, or have concerns about ingredients commonly found in traditional kibble.
Some of the most popular specialty diets include:
- Grain-free – These dog foods do not contain grains like corn, wheat or soy. They may appeal to owners who believe grains cause allergies or other issues in dogs. Examples include Taste of the Wild, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness Core.
- Raw food – Consists of raw meat, bones, fruits, vegetables, and supplements. Proponents argue it mimics a dog’s natural ancestral diet. Some commercial raw brands are Primal, Stella & Chewy’s, and Nature’s Variety.
- Vegetarian/vegan – Contains no animal products. May be chosen for ethical reasons. Dogs can thrive on a carefully planned vegetarian diet. Brands like V-Dog and Natural Balance make vegetarian kibble.
- Limited ingredient – Uses a short list of main ingredients to minimize risk of allergies. Brands include Natural Balance L.I.D. and Wellness Simple.
- Prescription – Veterinarian-prescribed diets for dogs with specific health conditions like kidney disease or food allergies. Hill’s Science Diet and Royal Canin have prescription lines.
It’s important to consult with your veterinarian before switching your dog to any specialty diet, to ensure it will meet your dog’s nutritional needs.
Conclusion
In summary, the practice of using horse meat in commercial dog food had its origins in the early 20th century as pet food companies sought inexpensive protein sources. While nutritionally sound, public discomfort over eating horse meat and the difficulty of sourcing it ethically led most brands to discontinue using it by the 1980s. Today, premium dog foods emphasize high-quality proteins like chicken, lamb, and fish. Ultimately, dog owners should choose a diet aligned with their values and their pet’s nutritional needs. The key takeaway is that while horse meat was once common, changing societal attitudes and improved production standards mean dogs now have many healthy, humane options.