An analysis of an ancient canid bone that was recently discovered reveals that canids may actually have been omnivores. The finding counters the established theory that canids were strictly meat-eaters. But the ancient dog belonging to the Borophaginae classification, otherwise known as “bone-crushing dogs,” is believed to have died out in competition with ancestors of today’s coyotes, wolves, and foxes, the Tech Times reports. Borophaginaes existed in North America between 10 million and 30 million years ago.
Scientists also refined their theories with other species as well, including the Cynarctus wangi, which they believed were carnivores because of the ancient animal’s powerful jaws. But further study indicated they showed similar behaviors with modern hyenas. Steven Jasinski of the University of Pennsylvania said that roughly two-thirds of the animal’s diet comprised of insects and plants resembling mini-bear’s diet.
Yet conflicting speculations exist relating the anatomy, behavior, and diet of canids. One study postulates that dogs can’t be 100 percent carnivores because their molars have flat surfaces designed to crush and grind food particles. Yet a conflicting school of thought believes that modern dogs don’t have flat molars but that their set of long and sharp teeth are adapted for shredding and ripping the meat of prey.
But modern dogs are confirmed to have evolved from carnivorous wolves 15,000 years ago, explaining their modern formed teeth, jaws, gastrointestinal systems, and behavior. But they also possess omnivore characteristics, however, such as the ability to digest roughly 100 percent of carbohydrates in their diets. Also, they can metabolize fat and starch despite their external anatomy adapted for meat consumption.
And dogs have large stomachs with a high concentration of acids to break down animal protein. But historically, dogs were able to survive on human leftovers pointing to the conclusion that dogs can have vegetables in their diets.
President of Maybeck Animal Hospital and veterinarian Roger Welton advises that dogs today should have a combination of protein and complex carbohydrates in their diets.