44 Absolutely Adorable Photos Of Animals Staring Hungrily At People’s Plates

For many of us, ourpetsare part of the family. They get to ride in our cars, sleep on our beds, and, in some instances, even accompany us to work. And who can resist those puppy dog eyes when they beg for a morsel of mom’s meatloaf at the family table?One digitalcommunityposts pics of pets looking lovingly at their human’s food in the hopes of getting a scrap and, with 27K members, we’d say the theme is pretty popular. So, without further ado, here’s a collection of our favorites.More info:RedditThis post may includeaffiliate links.

One digitalcommunityposts pics of pets looking lovingly at their human’s food in the hopes of getting a scrap and, with 27K members, we’d say the theme is pretty popular. So, without further ado, here’s a collection of our favorites.

More info:Reddit

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Cat gazing at food with interest as a person eats fries at a restaurant, part of animals looking at food stories.

Dog looking at food on a table, eyes wide open, with a playful expression.

Cat curiously eyeing food on a table, representing animals looking at food.

While you may be tempted to give Fido a bite off your plate the next time he’s giving you and your meal the side eye at the dinner table, take a moment to consider how far pet food has come since we first started spending quality time with our fluffy, furry companions.The evolution of petfoodis a fascinating journey that mirrors societal changes, scientific advancements, and shifting perceptions of animal companionship. From table scraps to specialized diets, the history of pet food reflects our growing understanding of animal nutrition and the deepening bond between people and their pets.

The evolution of petfoodis a fascinating journey that mirrors societal changes, scientific advancements, and shifting perceptions of animal companionship. From table scraps to specialized diets, the history of pet food reflects our growing understanding of animal nutrition and the deepening bond between people and their pets.

Dog eagerly eyeing a steak on a plate, tongue out, in a cozy room setting.

Cat peeking over a couch, eyeing food on a table, with a hand holding a green toy gun. Animals looking at food.

Corgi lying on the floor, eyeing a bowl of food on a table, showcasing animals looking at food.

In ancient times, domesticated animals like dogs and cats primarily subsisted on leftovers from humanmealsor even hunted their own food. This practice continued for centuries, with little distinction between human and animal diets. Pets were often fed raw meat, bones, and kitchen scraps, reflecting a utilitarian approach to animal care.The mid-19th century marked a significant turning point in petnutrition, though. In the 1860s, James Spratt, an American entrepreneur, observed stray dogs inEnglandscavenging for food. Seeing a gap in the market, he developed the first commercial dog biscuit, known as “Spratt’s Patent Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes.” These biscuits combined wheat meals, vegetables, beetroot, and beef blood, and were a convenient alternative.

The mid-19th century marked a significant turning point in petnutrition, though. In the 1860s, James Spratt, an American entrepreneur, observed stray dogs inEnglandscavenging for food. Seeing a gap in the market, he developed the first commercial dog biscuit, known as “Spratt’s Patent Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes.” These biscuits combined wheat meals, vegetables, beetroot, and beef blood, and were a convenient alternative.

Cat staring at a pizza box, embodying the concept of animals looking for food.

Cat reaching for spaghetti on a plate, showcasing animals looking for food.

Cat on chair at table with red checkered cloth, eyeing food, depicting animals looking at food scenario.

As the pet foodindustrygrew, so too grew the need for regulation. In 1909, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) was established to oversee animal feed quality and safety. By 1917, they’d included specific language for pet food, setting standards for ingredients and labeling and, in 1969, they established the definition for “complete and balanced” pet food, ensuring products met the nutritional needs of pets.

Dog with a cone looking at a plate of toast on the couch, related to animals looking at food.

Two cats intently looking at a plate with sliced bananas and pancakes, representing animals looking at food.

Cat peeking over a bowl of purple cereal, embodying “animals looking at food” curiosity.

The fifties brought with them dry kibble as a convenient and shelf-stable pet food option. Advancements in technology allowed pet foodmanufacturersto produce dry, palatable kibble in various shapes and sizes. These innovations coincided with the post-World War II economic boom, leading to increased pet ownership and a demand for more convenient pet care solutions.In recent decades, there has been a shift towards natural, organic, and raw feeding practices. Pet owners, increasingly conscious of their pets' health and wellness, seek out diets free from artificial additives and preservatives. The raw foodmovementadvocates for diets consisting of uncooked meats, bones, and vegetables, aiming to mimic the ancestral diets of dogs and cats.

In recent decades, there has been a shift towards natural, organic, and raw feeding practices. Pet owners, increasingly conscious of their pets' health and wellness, seek out diets free from artificial additives and preservatives. The raw foodmovementadvocates for diets consisting of uncooked meats, bones, and vegetables, aiming to mimic the ancestral diets of dogs and cats.

A black dog standing on hind legs, looking at food in a kitchen with checkered floor.

Dog looking at food on the stove, with a towel featuring a dog’s silhouette in the kitchen.

Cat looking eagerly at a plate with salmon, pasta, and broccoli illustrating the animals looking at food theme.

Bored Pandareached out to Cindy Teubes, Chief Barketing Officer atVondi’sto get some insights on who’s leading the way in pet nutrition - canned food and kibble manufacturers, or the raw diet movement.According to Damian Stafford, Vondi’s nutrition expert, “We now know that kibble and canned food produced using high-heat factory treatments are not the best options for pet nutrition. The modern pet food market has several competing approaches. One delineation lies between raw and cooked dog food.“Stafford goes on to add, “The raw diets are fizzling because they rely on misinformation about canine nutrition. Beyond optimizing the current standards for pet nutrition, the forefront of ground-breaking pet nutrition lies in sustainability without compromising the nutrients that dogs need. The future lies in integrating alternative, sustainable protein sources like insect-based protein.”

According to Damian Stafford, Vondi’s nutrition expert, “We now know that kibble and canned food produced using high-heat factory treatments are not the best options for pet nutrition. The modern pet food market has several competing approaches. One delineation lies between raw and cooked dog food.”

Stafford goes on to add, “The raw diets are fizzling because they rely on misinformation about canine nutrition. Beyond optimizing the current standards for pet nutrition, the forefront of ground-breaking pet nutrition lies in sustainability without compromising the nutrients that dogs need. The future lies in integrating alternative, sustainable protein sources like insect-based protein.”

Cat curiously looking at a biscuit near a laptop, illustrating a scene fit for the theme of animals looking at food.

Two dogs eagerly eyeing a container of donuts, embodying animals looking at food.

A dog near seafood packages, eagerly eyeing food.

A cat intently looking at a plate of food with bacon, fruit, and pancakes.

A dog sits by a table with pizza and food boxes, looking at the food.

The pet food industry often mirrors human dietary trends. As people gravitate towards gluten-free, grain-free, and plant-based diets, similar products have emerged in the pet food market. This alignment reflects the humanization of pets, with owners looking to provide their animal companions with diets comparable to their own.Could you say no to a pet’s longing gaze at what’s on your plate, or would you crumble at the first loving glance? Which animals in this list could you not deny? Upvote your favorites and leave a comment on the stares that pulled on your heartstrings hardest!

Could you say no to a pet’s longing gaze at what’s on your plate, or would you crumble at the first loving glance? Which animals in this list could you not deny? Upvote your favorites and leave a comment on the stares that pulled on your heartstrings hardest!

Dog peeking through legs, appearing curious, as if looking for food.