Every pet owner is familiar with a particular sweet moment. The crinkle of a snack bag, the click of the container lid, and a sound of treat hitting the bowl. These are the joyous symphonies to and fro and a happy purr. 

 

For pet owners, a treat is a simple happiness—offering something to eat to the furry friends, a small gesture of care or appreciation, or just a way to cheer them up. But where this culture came from is something to wonder about. What did pets enjoy as treats a hundred, or even a thousand, years ago?

 

The pet treat is a history that is intriguing and reflects our ever-changing bond with pets. It is about love, a whole lot of it, changing nutritional science, and convenience. Lets take a trip way back and explore the rich history of pet treats from the earliest scraps to today’s gourmet bites.

 

The Original Treat: The Humble Table Scrap  

For centuries, the relationship between humans and their domesticated animals was a purely functional one. Canine companions worked as dogs, herding sheep, guarding homes, and even hunting. Felines served as pest control as they kept barns and homes free of rodents. They lived accommodated alongside us, but their diet was far from ideal.  

The first ever discovered pet treats were the remnants of humans’ meals. Tossing bones or leftover bread to their dogs and cats was a common and practical effort to save leftovers and avoid waste. Dogs gnawing on bones was a way to strengthen and clean their teeth. This, though useful, served as a form of pampering as well.  

“Pet Treats” did not exist. The term structured off of aisles within supermarkets set aside for dog biscuits didn’t and borders separating human and pet food did not exist. Food for humans and their pets was determined by availability.

 

The Dawn of Commercialization: The Birth of the Dog Biscuit

 

The way we lived changed with the Industrial Revolution, and so did the world of pets. The dynamics of people living in the countryside shifted with the rise of the cities and the urbanization. Cats and dogs, which once served the utilitarian purpose of working companions, were evolving into familial companions.  

 

The evolution of cherished pets birthed the specialized products market. Eagerly sought after milestones in pet treats were marked in 1860, when an American electrician, James Spratt, observing stray dogs in London had an epiphany. Spratt became the first person to create a commercial. dog biscuit, a concoction of meat, vegetables and wheat flour. It was marketed as a complete food, and like other shelf stable products Spratt’s Patent Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes, which claimed convenience, became popular. It changed the dynamics of pet food and the business of catering to pets.   

 

Within just a few years and with the growing business of pet catering, other companies hopped in to create their versions of dog biscuits. They became the pet world's hard tack—biscuits; they were multifunctional, consistaw0nt and designed to be convenient. The notion of food specifically catered to pets and treats as an extension was no ingrained.

 

The Mid-20th Century: Treats Become More Enjoyable

 

The post-war boom brought a surge of affluence, and accompanied by a shift in spending habits, families were willing to spend more money on their pets. Satisfying a pet’s hunger moved from being the sole focus of feeding to providing a more creative and enjoyable experience.

 

The introduction of shaped biscuits like Milk Bone Biscuits, and jerky strips marked a new era in the pet food industry. Pets were no longer treated as mere animals that need food to survive, but as family members who should be showered with love. Advertising was accompanied with witty images of pets basking in joy and being entertained, selling the love and fun that these treats brought.

 

Cats were still accustomed to table scraps and hunting mice. The introduction of dry kibble in the 1950s, however, made room for small, crunchy nibble-sized treat that could be offered as a reward or a snack between meals. The treat revolution for cats was a more gradual shift.

 

The Most Recent Changes: Treats Evolved Into Gourmet and Functional  

In the past couple of decades—approximately 20-30 years—the changes made in the history of pet treats is the most drastic and the most rapid. Now, pet treats are a vivid reflection on the 21st century, redefining a pet-owner relationship and industry valued at billions of dollars.  

This new age of pet treats can be characterized with the following two traits:  

1. Humanization of Pet Treats: Just as pet owners think about the health of their furry friends, so do pet treats. Walking down a pet treats aisle, one would now find pet treats with the following gourmet items: freeze-dried liver, single-ingredient jerky, and baked biscuits with wholesome fruits and vegetables. Such gourmet treats opened a window for “all-natural,” “organic,” and “grain-free” treats.  

2. Functional Treats: Every pet owner now knows that treats are a tool for wellness. Functional pet treats are sold for particular purposes. Such as Pet treats designed for Dental Health, Joint Function, and age-related diseases such as pet diabetes, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis.

 

● Coat Shine: Nourishing treats rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help develop and maintain a healthy and beautiful coat.

 

● Calming: Sponsored treats with chamomile or L-theanine to help soothe anxiety.

 

Modern pet treats blend affection and nutrition perfectly. They do not “a biscuit” or “a leftover” like they used to be. Rather, they are a product with a precise goal and are tailored to enrich a pet’s life and the relationship with the pet owner.

 

Personalized functional treats available today tell the story of the journey we have traveled from simply co-existing with, to deeply cherishing and caring for, animals as family. Next time you offer a treat to your pet, pause and reflect on the journey and evolution of the simple act of giving a treat.

 

Read more about the fascinating history of dog treats.