We provide consistent, truthful, easily understood, science/data-based information regarding pet food such that consumers feel empowered to make informed decisions.

You are here: Home / General / The Evolution of Pet Food

The Evolution of Pet Food

This article summarizes the history of pet food to date and the future of pet food as we become more aware of the relationship between diet and health for our pets. 

History:

  • Late 1800’s:  First commercial pet food offered pet owners the opportunity to purchase pre-made food called a “raw biscuit” since it included raw meat and other ingredients.
  • 1906:  As the commercial pet food industry grew, state regulatory agencies recognized the need to establish guidelines for nutrition and safety. Federal officials began to regulate pet food shipped across state lines.  
  • 1909:  AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) formed to work with FDA to establish national regulations and promote uniformity across states.  
  • 1920: 38 states established feed regulations for nutritional data and food safety.   
  • 1930: Congress gave authority for national pet food regulations to the FDA.
  • 1950’s: Extruded kibble became popular, offering companies a commercial use for leftovers from their human food processing, and a lower cost shelf-stable option for consumers.  As popularity of extruded kibble grew, there was a corresponding increase in health issues reported. (The correlations between diet and health are still being studied today.)
  • 1990’s: Consumer demand for healthier food increased demand for products made with fresher whole foods.  In turn, this fueled demand for fresh whole food diets for their pets in the form of preservative-free frozen raw diets.
  • Early 2000’s:  Gently cooked diets introduced.
  • 2020’s: Demand for fresh pet foods continues to explode as studies prove the benefits of fresh whole foods for pets compared to highly processed diets.

The Future

Growth of fresh whole food diets is outpacing that of ultra-processed kibble and canned, and pet food regulations need to evolve too.  Fresh pet food companies and organizations like NGPFMA (Next Generation Pet Food Manufacturers Association) are pushing for regulatory change that allows differentiation between pet foods containing highly processed ingredients and those containing fresh whole foods.  

Current regulations are geared toward highly processed foods, claiming that high heat processing is safer and lowers the risk of pathogens in the food.  But it also destroys all heat-sensitive nutrients (which must then be added back in the form of synthetic supplements) and may leave the pet more susceptible to other problems.  

Regulations also need to evolve. Human food standards have acceptable thresholds for bacteria that must be met for a food to be considered safe.  And just like in human food, there needs to be acceptable thresholds for certain bacteria in pet food that keep food both safe and healthful for pets and their families.

Scientists and pet food manufacturers are exploring new ways to reduce pathogens while preserving natural nutrients, pursuing solutions using smarter microbial management rather than traditional “sterilization” of the product.   

Pet parents have a role to play, too. By asking questions, demanding transparency, and choosing brands that prioritize nutrition along with food safety, consumers can shift the market toward better options.  Ultimately, truly safe pet food is more than just bacteria-free. It’s food that supports health, vitality, and a long, happy life. That’s the kind of food safety every pet deserves (this sentence isn’t wrong it just introduces a new topic).