Introduction
The relationship between humans and dogs dates back tens of thousands of years. Though the exact details are lost to prehistory, archaeological evidence suggests domestic dogs emerged during the late Paleolithic era as early humans began to transition from nomadic hunter-gatherers to more settled agricultural societies. These first domesticated dogs likely developed a close bond with humans, providing companionship, security, and helping with hunting. Over time, as civilizations advanced, so too did the role of dogs in human societies.
Today, dogs are beloved pets and companions in many homes across the globe. But the origins of our special connection with “man’s best friend” stretches far back in time. Understanding what ancient humans fed their canine companions provides a window into how dogs became domesticated and the changing nature of human-canine relationships throughout history.
The First Pet Dogs
Dogs were the first animals to be domesticated by humans, originating from the gray wolf over 15,000 years ago. Through a mutually beneficial relationship, wolves evolved into dogs that could understand human gestures, behaviors, and communication. They transitioned from wild animals into companions and workers who lived closely with people.
The earliest archeological evidence places dog domestication in Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia around the end of the last Ice Age. Partial remains and skulls of dogs from this period show they were already distinct from wolves in size and morphology. Genetic studies also reveal deep ancestry linking dogs to ancient wolf populations.
As hunter-gatherers began settling into agricultural civilizations, dogs became integrated into early human villages. Their domestication arose not from intentional human intervention, but through natural selection and adaptation. Wolves who were less aggressive and could tolerate human presence received food provisions in return. This allowed the first pet dog ancestors to thrive near people.
Early Dog Diets
In the earliest days of dog domestication, when humans were still hunter-gatherers, dogs likely ate a similar diet to humans. As hunters and scavengers, early humans ate a wide variety of wild game including deer, elk, bison, rabbits, birds, and fish. They also foraged for edible plants, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Back then, dogs primarily served as companions on the hunt and likely consumed much of the same wild game and foraged plant foods as humans.
As pack animals, dogs ate what the rest of their human “pack” ate. When humans made a fresh kill or foraged for plant foods, dogs would have been fed parts of the animal like organ meats or allowed to gnaw on bones. Any leftover meat, scraps, or unused animal parts provided sustenance. This scrap-based diet from human hunting and gathering allowed early dogs to thrive alongside humans.
In addition to scavenging human food scraps, early dogs were still skilled hunters and likely caught small prey on their own to supplement their diet. However, the bulk of their nutrition came directly from the fresh kills and foraged plant foods of their human companions. A diet of wild game, foraged plants, and food scraps from human meals fueled early dogs and allowed them to aid humans in the hunt.
Ancient Civilizations
Dogs have been companion animals to humans for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Romans. Evidence shows that these cultures fed dogs a diet similar to what humans ate at the time.
In ancient Egypt, dogs were kept as pets, guards, hunters, and working animals. Egyptian art depicts dogs being fed scraps of meat, fish, bread, and other leftover human foods. Bones excavated from ancient Egyptian sites show wear from chewing, indicating dogs gnawed on the bones from meals. Ancient Egyptians did not have extensive knowledge of canine dietary needs, but did their best to feed dogs whatever food was available.
In ancient Rome, dogs were also common pets and workers. Romans fed dogs a mix of grains like millet, scraps of human food, and animal-based proteins from meat and dairy. Higher class Romans could afford to feed dogs finer meats and white bread, while lower classes fed coarser grains and scraps. Writings from Roman philosophers advise feeding guard dogs a diet of bread soaked in milk or wine to make them fiercer. Overall, the average Roman dog ate much like an average Roman person.
Meat and Table Scraps
In ancient times, dogs were often fed whatever food scraps and leftovers were available from human meals and food preparation. Meat, organs, bones, and fat trimmed from wild game or livestock slaughtered for human consumption were readily given to dogs. These protein-rich meats and organs provided excellent nutrition for dogs. Bones provided not only nourishment but also helped clean dogs’ teeth.
Being opportunistic scavengers, dogs’ digestive systems evolved to metabolize nearly all foods edible to humans. They readily ate raw meats, fatty scraps, and a variety of discarded food bits. People recognized dogs could survive on diets humans could not thrive on long-term. Dogs could extract nutrients from things thrown away or considered waste products by human standards.
While the diets of human hunter-gatherers and agriculturalists were often sporadic or seasonal, dogs were able to eat all types of leftovers year-round. They provided pest control and companionship in exchange for this wide flexibility in their diets. Both nomadic and settlement-dwelling peoples developed close bonds with dogs, who became dependent on but benefited from close proximity to humans and their food waste.
Working Dogs
Dogs have worked alongside humans for thousands of years as herders, hunters, guardians, and more. The diets of these working dogs often reflected their jobs and environment.
Herding dogs like sheepdogs needed energy and stamina to work long days guiding flocks over rough terrain. Their diets consisted of meat scraps, milk, and grains to provide lasting fuel. Hunting dogs like hounds relied on meat and fat to thrive on all-day hunts through the wilderness. Sled dogs in Arctic climates ate fish, meat, and blubber to withstand the cold. Guard dogs were fed meat and bones to build strength and size to properly defend livestock and property.
Access to meat and fish scraps gave working dogs an advantage over dogs kept merely as pets or strays. Their active lifestyles and contribution to the livelihood of their owners made them more valued. While working dog diets varied by culture and region, animal proteins remained essential to power their labor and bond with humans.
Grains
The addition of grains and other plant materials to dog diets likely began several thousand years ago. In certain ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome where agriculture was widespread, grains became more available as a food source. Rice, barley, millet and wheat were staple crops in many early societies.
As humans transitioned to farming and grew grain crops to feed themselves, they likely started supplementing scraps and leftovers with grains to feed their dogs. Some of the earliest evidence of dogs being fed cereals comes from their remains in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back over 4000 years ago. Analysis of the teeth and bones showed signs of a diet mixed with grains.
This shift corresponded with dogs being increasingly domesticated as pets and workers, living in closer proximity to humans. With a more ready supply of grains for themselves, people found it convenient to add cereal mixes to the diets of household dogs and working dogs.
Regional Differences
The diets of ancient dogs varied across different regions and cultures. In some societies, dogs primarily ate the same foods as humans, while in others they were feed more scraps and meat. Here are some key regional differences:
In ancient Egypt, dogs were sometimes fed bread and milk as part of their regular diet. Meat supplements were given to working dogs like hunting hounds. The wealthy kept small lapdog breeds that were fed kitchen scraps.
In ancient Rome, many dogs were fed a combination of grains like millet with meat scraps and leftovers. Only the most pampered lapdogs of the elite received meals of fattened duck liver and exotic meats.
In ancient China, rice was a common part of many dog’s diets. Table scraps were also heavily relied upon to feed dogs. Aristocratic Chinese dogs were reportedly fed shark fins, abalone, and other luxury foods.
In Mesoamerica, dogs were fed maize (corn) and other grains alongside meat and bones. They relied on food scraps in ancient Aztec cities.
Across ancient societies, the diets of dogs depended greatly on their working roles and the relative wealth of their owners. Still, starchy foods and scraps supplemented with meat characterized most dog meals around the ancient world.
Modern Advances
In the past few centuries, developments in food technology and science have transformed dog diets. In the late 1800s, commercial dog food began to emerge. Companies like Spratt’s Patent Limited and Ken-L Ration started producing processed dog biscuits and canned moist foods using new methods of canning and cereal processing. This allowed mass production and distribution of standardized dog food with a consistent nutritional profile. As pet ownership grew more popular, demand for commercial pet foods boomed.
In the early 20th century, more research on canine nutrition and health was conducted. New formulations were developed based on scientific studies and trials. Kibble dry food was invented, providing a shelf-stable complete diet. Regulations and standards were introduced for pet food ingredients and labeling. By the mid-1900s, commercial dog food became the norm for owners who could purchase branded products at grocery stores and pet stores. Advanced diets targeted at different breed sizes, ages, and health conditions also emerged. Continued innovations in dog nutrition and manufacturing technology led to further improvements in commercial dog food quality and variety through the late 20th century to today.
Conclusion
In summary, the diets of ancient pet dogs largely reflected what was available to humans at the time as well as the dogs’ roles and status in society. During the first domestication of dogs thousands of years ago, canines likely scavenged and ate similar foods to their human hunter-gatherer companions, focused on meat and animal products. As agriculture spread and civilizations became more advanced, leftover scraps and grains increasingly became a part of dogs’ meals, although preference was still given to working dogs who assisted with hunting, herding and protection. Regional differences also emerged, with rice in Asia, barley and fruits in the Mediterranean, and corn in the Americas making their way into canine diets. It wasn’t until the 19th and 20th centuries that the modern understanding of dog nutrition advanced substantially and commercial pet foods took hold. While the diets of today’s dogs have moved far beyond table scraps, the history of how ancient humans fed their canine companions provides an interesting window into our shared story together over the millennia.