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© History Oasis / Created via Midjourney
James Spratt was a business tycoon who seeded the multi-billion dollar pet food industry we know today.
Today, there are over 80 million dogs in the United States, and pet food represents an industry worth $11.5 billion.
The principles Spratt established—convenience, health benefits over table scraps, and targeted marketing—became the foundation for modern pet food as we know it.
James Spratt started as an electrician and lightning rod dealer from Cincinnati, Ohio.
He traveled to England frequently to market his lightning rods.
Spratt was also an active inventor who patented at least three inventions related to food preservation in jars, introducing a revolutionary rubber gasket and cement process that eliminated the need for soldering lids.
In 1860, while on a business trip to Northern London, Spratt observed dogs along the riverbanks eating leftover hardtack—dry, imperishable biscuits that sailors consumed during long sea voyages.
This observation sparked an idea that would transform dog food as we know it.
Recognizing that dog owners needed a shelf-stable food option similar to what sailors required, Spratt abandoned his lightning rod business to pursue this new venture.
Spratt patented his dog food in 1861.
His "Spratt's Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes" was formulated with a mix of blended wheat, vegetables, beetroot, and "the dried unsalted gelatinous parts of Prairie Beef."
Spratt remained notoriously secretive about his specific meat source throughout his lifetime.
This was the launch of commercial dog food and a departure from the common practice of feeding dogs table scraps.
In 1876, Charles Cruft left college and became an employee of James Spratt, quickly earning promotion to traveling salesman.
Spratt hired Cruft to promote his products at dog shows, targeting upper-class dog owners who could afford the premium-priced biscuits.
This strategic partnership proved transformational for both men.
Cruft created the famous Crufts Dog Show in 1891 in London, which continues today as one of the world's most prestigious dog competitions.
Spratt introduced the concept of animal life stages with foods designed for different aged pets.
The company produced a variety of products, including Dog Cakes, puppy biscuits, and malt Milk for puppies. It also offered specialty formulations like Bonio, Spix, and Ovals in multiple flavors.
Spratt targeted health-conscious pet owners by purchasing the full front cover of the first American Kennel Club journal in January 1889.
His products were expensive—they cost from $7.00 to $8.00 in the 1890s, when the average annual income was $1,500.
Spratt's company was the first to erect a colored billboard in London in the 1870s.
The billboard depicted a Native American buffalo hunt as the apparent source of meat for Spratt's Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes.
The billboard addressed consumer curiosity about his mysterious meat sources, which were still kept secret.
Spratt's built their first oven in 1870 at the old London Armoury Company factory in Henry Street.
Stephen Wingrove (1854-1923) joined the business and became its driving force, overseeing the development of Spratt's impressive Poplar factory.
By 1896, the Poplar facility was an engineering marvel.
The factory had 11 steam engines totaling 450 horsepower, plus eight additional engines with 100 horsepower.
It was the only way to keep up with the demand for Spratt’s pet products.
James Spratt died in 1880, but his innovation continued through corporate succession.
In 1885, Spratt's Patent Limited was officially registered and continued production of dog biscuits and various pet foods.
The company's American operations, launched in the 1870s, became so successful that General Mills acquired Spratt's US business in the 1950s.
In 1960, Spillers acquired the entire Spratt's Patent company for £3.94 million, gaining control of biscuit production facilities, canning operations, and dog meal factories.
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