Dogs and wolves
Do you know how wolves evolved and became our loyal friends?
There are several theories about the origin of our dogs, but studies based on genetic markers reveal that we share our lives with slightly modified wolves.
In 1997, a scientific paper was published in the prestigious journal Science confirming that all modern dog breeds originate from a single ancestral species: the wolf. The dog and the wolf share a genetic similarity of 99.8%. If you are reading this and live with a Chihuahua, you might think that your little friend does not appear to have anything wolfish about him or her.
Remember, it is not all about appearances: deep down, your dog is a wolf. It is curious that two animals so different externally, such as a Dachshund and a Pyrenean Mastiff, belong to the same species. If you wonder when wolves became dogs, it is difficult to give a precise answer because it is said that humans and dogs coexisted 10,000 to 15,000 years ago, but there are also references to 40,000 and even 200,000 years ago. Wolves began approaching human settlements in search of food.
Ancient dogs helped humans guard their settlements and hunt, while humans provided them with protection from other predators as well as easy access to food.
Let me guide you on a brief journey through their gastrointestinal system. The differences from humans appear repeatedly. Right at the start of our journey, we observe that dogs have 42 teeth and strong jaws that allow them to cut, tear, and grind, including molars adapted for crushing heavy bones. Furthermore, they lack salivary amylase, an enzymatic protein whose function is to pre-digest carbohydrates found in food, such as starch from grains.
Their intestines are short and adapted to digest proteins and fats, but not significant amounts of plant material, which typically contains carbohydrates. Longer intestines, like those of humans, are necessary for digesting such food. Animals that consume diets rich in vegetables and fruits usually have longer intestines, as these foods take more time to break down. Dogs cannot be fed in the same way as cows or humans, as their mouths and gastrointestinal systems lack the necessary adaptations
Are you willing to make a change to your four-legged friend's diet but do not know how?
At this point, you might wonder what your dog should eat. Dogs are classified as mesocarnivores, meaning their diet should consist of 50-70% animal-based foods. Additionally, they are scavengers, which means they can feed on prey that has been dead for a few days, and they have not lost the ability to taste sweetness.
How many times have you heard about dogs knocking over the trash can to get food?
Maybe you share your life with one who does it too?
Do you still believe that your friend should eat ultra-processed foods that contain grains and legumes?
Have you ever seen a wolf wandering through a wheat field or carrying a bag of processed food tied around its waist?
Can you imagine a wolf eating lentils?
