When we think of dog treats today, we picture shaped biscuits, chewy snacks, or a plethora of creatively designed goodies for our furry friends. But did you know, the history of dog treats stretches back centuries?
Reflecting the ever-evolving relationship between humans and their loyal furry friends.
From Roman recipes to modern innovation, let’s take a fun journey back through time exploring how dog treats came to be.
The Roman Era: A Practical Start
Around 50AD, Columella, a prominent Roman writer on agriculture, documented the earliest approach to feeding dogs. His advice included a diet of whey and barley flour or emmer wheat bread soaked in the liquid from boiled beans. Practical and resourceful, this diet provided dogs with the necessary sustenance during the early era of agriculture. But… how tasty was it we wonder?
The 18th Century: A Balanced Diet
Fast forward nearly 17 centuries to 1785, The Sportsman’s Dictionary – written by British Poet Laureate Henry James Pye – outlines a more structured daily diet for dogs. The book recommended ‘barley meal, the dross of wheat flour, or both mixed together, with broth or skimmed milk’. This advice reflected the increasing awareness of providing balanced nourishment for working dogs, especially those involved in the British past times of sporting and hunting.
Soon followed the first significant shift towards specialised treats for dogs in 1828, when Mr. Smith’s dog-biscuit manufactory in Maidenhead began producing over five tons of dog treats a week. These early biscuits marked the transition from dogs simply eating scraps to having food specifically designed for their needs.
The Birth of the Modern Dog Biscuit
The dog biscuit as we know it today – complete with its signature shape – was supposedly invented in 1860 by James Spratt from the US. Inspired by sailors who fed their dogs hardtack (a form of dry biscuit), Spratt created the first commercial dog treat. His innovative product quickly gained popularity in the United Kingdom among country gentlemen who sought a convenient nutritious food for their sporting dogs.
By 1890, a British public company had taken over Spratt’s formula, and began mass production in the United States. This expansion marked the beginning of the humble dog biscuit becoming a staple in canine care worldwide.
The Pointer Pet Treat Revolution
In 1959, a new era of dog treats began in South Yorkshire.
Inspired by a passion for Pointer dogs, our founder envisioned a line of creative and delicious biscuits catering to puppies and adult dogs alike.
Now based in the heart of Lincolnshire and stocked in pet shops across the whole of the UK, Pointer is still a leading biscuiteer, offering both tasty baked and semi-moist treats, (you may even see our purple pick n mix stands filled with delicious Pointer treats in your local pet shop).
We even bake our biscuit treats here in our family run, farm bakery, using barley and wheat harvested from our fields.
Although Pointer have grown considerably in their offerings of innovative dog treats, and the Pointer purple packaging has seen a few changes recently, our original values remain at the heart of our brand.
From our traditional Beef Flavoured Gravy Bones, to our innovative Bacon and Cheese Flavoured Toastees, to our new Grain-Free range, Pointer Pet Foods has continued this rich tradition of crafting high-quality snacks for dogs.
A Legacy of Love
From whey and barley during the Roman period, to the wide range of treats we see today, the evolution of dog treats mirrors our deepening understanding of dogs – not only their dietary needs, but how we show our enduring love for them.
At Pointer Pet Foods, we are proud to be a part of this legacy, ensuring every treat we produce is a testament to that bond between human and their pup.
To find more information about our journey and to find our full range, head to our website.
