Some food brands insist that the dog is a domesticated wolf and that, as a result, its diet must approximate what wild wolves eat. With pretty packaging depicting wolves and large herbivores, we are led to believe that to be fulfilled, the dog must eat like a wolf. Thelma, our little dachshund, can't eat grain, they say, because her cousins who roam the great Canadian wilderness do not. Lucky, the labrador, will only be satisfied and healthy if he eats bison or caribou meat, fresh if possible.
Clearly, she is not a wolf!
But a quick look at Thelma, leads me to believe that this argument is not entirely accurate. She may be a descendant and cousin of wolves, but clearly, she is not one. But when it comes down to it, what is Thelma's relationship to her wild ancestors?
The domestication of dogs is a fascinating topic that has been the subject of much research over the years. The process of dog domestication is thought to have occurred about 15,000 years ago, when human hunters began taming and breeding wolves for hunting and companionship. This partnership between humans and dogs had a profound impact on both species, and today the dog is considered the oldest domesticated animal.
Attracted by waste
It is thought that the process of dog domestication began when wolves began to prowl around human settlements, attracted by discarded food. Could this be where Thelma's fascination with garbage began? Over time, some of these wolves became accustomed to the presence of humans, and some of them began to form mutually beneficial relationships with the inhabitants of these camps.
Survival of the kinder
According to one theory, these early human-wolf relationships were based on the concept of "survival of the kinder." Less aggressive, more sociable wolves were more likely to survive in close proximity to humans. These wolves were more likely to reproduce and pass on their friendly traits to their offspring. Over time, this process led to the development of a new subspecies of wolf, better suited to living in close association with humans.
Another theory is that early humans actively bred wolves for protection, hunting, and companionship, selecting for docility and other favorable traits, resulting in a new subspecies of wolf that was easier to approach, train, and be more loyal: the dog.
Whatever the exact process, it is clear that over time, these early human-wolf relationships led to the development of a new subspecies of wolf better suited to living in close association with humans. This new subspecies, which we now call the dog, was smaller, more sociable, and had a more rounded skull and shorter snout than its wild ancestor.
Adaptation to human food
It is also possible to assume the existence of a process of adaptation to human food: wolves whose basic needs were met by what they found around human settlements were more likely to pass on this characteristic to their offspring. During the 900 generations of dogs that followed the advent of agriculture it can be assumed that their diet closely approximated that of humans and frequently included grains.
During the history of their domestication, dogs have shown a great ability to adapt to diverse and varied diets. Whether it was human food, what they found good in waste, grains dogs have always known how to make the best of it.
Alternatives using less meat
It is established that meat is the source of 20% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 20% of the meat produced is used to feed domestic animals. At Bazoef, we believe that dogs can and should adapt their diet towards alternatives that use less meat.
As long as the dog enjoys eating and the composition of its diet meets all its needs, the absence of meat is not a problem. That's why we've brought excellent quality dog food made with insect proteins to the market. These have a significantly lower environmental impact than other animal proteins, while being excellent for the health of dogs (and their masters!)
If we want that in 15,000 years our descendants can travel our beautiful planet in the company of their dog, it is essential, today to drastically reduce meat consumption in the world. Similarly, if we want wolves to be able to continue hunting bison and caribou in the great wilderness 15,000 years from now, humans must significantly reduce their impact on the environment.
Be demanding! Be responsible! Be Bazoef!"
