It is generally accepted that the wild dog began to be domesticated around 23,000 years ago. The wild dog had to work for his food. His diet was whole prey, berries, grains, and anything else he could scavenge. Food was seasonal, local, and varied. Instinct told him what food to avoid; wisdom, where to find it. Anticipation of a meal prepared his gut, physically and emotionally. He fasted between meals.
As the dog became an intrinsic part of human society his diet and habits changed as the need arose. The arctic dog became a meat eater; the monastery dog became a vegetarian. Food for the dog relied on tradition, knowledge, and necessity.
Although veterinary science has advanced, information about canine nutrition is now supplied by those who stand to gain: the pet food manufacturers. This leaves
