September 2022

  • In 1922, Ken-L Ration became the first canned dog food in the U.S.

  • The world’s first commercial pet food was developed in 1860 by Jack Spratt. He noticed dogs eating hardtack, the dry biscuit sailors ate on long trips. Spratt’s Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes contained a mix of blended wheat, vegetables, beetroot, and "gelatinous parts of Prairie Beef." 

     

  • The machines used to make breakfast cereal use a process called extrusion. In 1956, that process was first used to make dry kibble.

     

  • When Sir Ranulph Fiennes and his wife, Virginia, explored around the world from 1979-1982, they took their 2-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, Bothie, with them. Bothie is the only dog to ever leave paw prints in both the North and South Poles. Dogs were banned from Antarctica in a 1994 treaty due to fears diseases could be spread to the native seal population.

     

  • Never use human toothpaste on a dog because it contains ingredients that shouldn't be swallowed. Plus, dogs tend to dislike the taste of mint.

R.U. Steinberg

Mr. Smarty Pants read the above information in a book, magazine, newspaper, or website; heard it on the radio; saw it on television; or overheard it a party. Got any facts? Email them to Mr. Smarty Pants for possible inclusion in the column at MrPants@AustinChronicle.com.

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