The Origin of Canned Dog Food

The first mass-produced canned dog food was made entirely of horse meat. This product launched in 1922, turning a cheap supply of surplus horses into a staple for pets across America.

During the early 20th century, the pet food industry was practically nonexistent until an entrepreneur named P.M. Chappel realized he could use surplus horses to create a commercial meal. By canning horse meat, he created the first convenient, shelf-stable option for dog owners. This radical idea quickly transformed the way people cared for their animals and paved the way for the modern pet food market we know today. It is quite a shift from how we view our canine companions now.