The first commercial pet food was developed in 1860 by James Spratt, an Ohio electrician. While in the UK selling lightning rods, he saw dogs eating leftover hardtack — dry biscuits sailors used on long journeys. Seeing a need for shelf-stable pet food, Spratt created the first dog biscuit, made of wheat, vegetables, beetroot, and dried parts of Prairie Beef. Despite their high cost — a 50-pound bag equaled a skilled craftsman’s daily wages — Spratt targeted wealthy English gentlemen.

The 1950s saw major growth in shelf-stable pet food. General Mills acquired Spratt’s U.S. business, and Ralston Purina used cereal-making technology to develop dry kibble. In 1956, Purina’s extrusion method enabled large-scale production of shelf-stable kibble, which gained popularity in the 1960s and 70s. By 1964, The Pet Food Institute’s ad campaigns successfully promoted kibble as the primary diet for American dogs.

In 1987, researchers from UC Davis identified the link between taurine deficiency and feline diseases, estimating that at least 1000 U.S. cats died annually due to insufficient taurine in pet food.

In 2019, several bald eagles and a red-tailed hawk died from secondary barbiturate toxicity after consuming a euthanized sheep. This incident highlighted the importance of proper carcass disposal to prevent poisoning of wildlife.

Spratt named his product “Patented Meat Fibrine Dog Cake” and expanded to America in the 1870s. He was also likely the first to produce commercial cat food and became a relentless advertiser. He cleverly marketed his products at dog shows, targeting participants and spectators. Throughout the 1900s, Spratt’s shipped products across Europe and the USA, becoming one of the largest livestock shippers. Although production started in England, the company expanded U.S. operations after being acquired, meeting the growing demand for pet food.

Starting in the 1970s, the United States entered a post-industrial society, where the service sector grew and generated even more wealth than the manufacturing sector. During this period, the emergence of pets as highly commodified and valued objects of affection helps explain why science has recently begun to study pets.

In early 2019, seven bald eagles and a red-tailed hawk were found dead within a small area in British Columbia. The birds were suspected to have consumed a recently euthanized domestic sheep. On examination, the birds were found to be in excellent health with no signs of disease or trauma. Their stomachs were filled with material consistent with sheep muscle, bone, and soft tissue.

Toxicological testing revealed traces of pentobarbital, a common animal euthanasia agent, in the liver and stomach contents of all birds. This incident is a case of secondary barbiturate toxicity, a common occurrence in free-ranging carnivores and scavengers. It emphasizes the importance of proper disposal of euthanized animal carcasses, as they can be a source of toxicity for various species. Veterinarians are advised to inform landfills of such disposals for immediate covering of the carcasses with waste material. Carcasses laced with toxins should not be left out intentionally for pest animals to consume, as non-target species may also have access and be affected.

In 1922, after WWI, the availability of cheap horsemeat led to the creation of Ken-L Ration, the first canned dog food in the U.S. Marketed as “lean, red meat,” it captured 90% of the market by 1941, with producers breeding horses specifically for dog food. WWII’s tin and meat rationing, along with animal rights pushback, opened opportunities for new pet food innovations。

In the mid-1980s, the National Research Council published nutritional guidelines for dogs and cats, offering pet food producers and owners guidance on feeding decisions and nutrient needs based on life stage and activity level.

By the 1980s, niche marketing emerged in the pet food industry. Hill’s Pet Nutrition introduced prescription kibble for ailments and later developed specialized formulations for small breeds, puppies, and specific health needs, including a fully plant-based line.