Feeding the modern dog : an examination of the history of the commercial dog food industry and popular perceptions of canine dietary patterns

Summary

The commercial dog food industry in the US has grown significantly over the past century. Fifty years ago feeding dogs "table scraps" was the norm; however, as dogs went from "pets" to "family members," the dog food industry convinced dog guardians that feeding table scraps was inappropriate. Commercial diets grew in popularity because nutritional science made dog food seem complicated; veterinarians recommended them; effective marketing convinced guardians they were ideal; and socio-economic... Show moreThe commercial dog food industry in the US has grown significantly over the past century. Fifty years ago feeding dogs "table scraps" was the norm; however, as dogs went from "pets" to "family members," the dog food industry convinced dog guardians that feeding table scraps was inappropriate. Commercial diets grew in popularity because nutritional science made dog food seem complicated; veterinarians recommended them; effective marketing convinced guardians they were ideal; and socio-economic conditions made purchasing processed dog foods highly acceptable. Today most dogs eat commercial diets, which consist largely of by-products from the human food industry. Problems with commercial dog food include diet-related health problems, animal welfare concerns, human dominance issues, and food safety concerns like the 2007 pet food recall. As a result, demand for alternative dog foods has risen. In addition to tracing the rise of the dog food industry, I use a dual methodology--personal meaning maps and surveys--to explore popular perceptions of canine dietary patterns in a convenience sample of dog guardians. Specifically, I examine whether the notion of dogs as family, factors leading to the growth of the pet food industry, and critiques are present in my findings. The majority this sample viewed dogs as family. Perceptions of commercial diets varied: some trusted the dog food industry's nutritional expertise, while others expressed concerns about food safety and knowing what is best to feed dogs. Several participants sought alternative qualities in commercial diets (e.g. sustainable, organic) and others feed home-prepared diets. Show less