Dogs are the descendants of wolves, however after years of domestication dogs can considered completely different animals, and their dietary requirements will then differ as well.

Wolves eat every part of their prey and let nothing go to waste.Many people believe that wolves and dogs are pure carnivores and do not need nutrients from plants. However, wolves consume plant material that is partially digested in the stomach of their prey. Canines, being descendants of wolves, also need nutrients from plants.

During early years of commercial pet food production, the industry started with incorporating only meat and meat by-products into their product. This resulted in a high number of renal disease in dogs. Interestingly, the advertisement stated that this was the most natural diet to dogs. After researching, the National Research Council discovered upper limits involved with nutrition for dogs (Nestle & Nesheim, 2010).