You know the drill. The sound of a crinkling bag has your dog sprinting into the kitchen like a furry blur, tail wagging and eyes wide with excitement. Turns out, this age-old ritual of sharing food with our four-legged friends isn’t just modern-day bribery—it’s been happening for over 12,000 years!
A recent study has uncovered evidence that humans and dogs in the Americas have shared a bond over food since the Ice Age, 2,000 years earlier than previously believed. Researchers analyzed two ancient dog fossils from Alaska and found they were feasting on salmon—provided by their human companions.
“This is the smoking gun,” said archaeologist Ben Potter from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, explaining that dogs likely weren’t hunting salmon solo. It seems our ancestors were already treating their canine pals to tasty snacks long before kibble became a thing.
What’s even cooler? This discovery highlights how humans and dogs have been looking out for each other for millennia—building a relationship based on trust, loyalty, and yes, delicious food.
Want to dive into the science? Check out the full story.
So, next time your pup comes trotting in for a treat, remember: they’re not begging—they’re continuing a tradition that’s older than the pyramids. 🐾
