Definition of the word kibble

The word "kibble" originally referred to small, hard-grained food items given to cattle as a supplement to their regular diet. It is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century from the Scottish Gaelic word "cibille," meaning morsel or tidbit. The term was later adopted by the dog food industry to describe similar small, dry food pellets used as a nutritional supplement for dogs. In fact, kibble has become a dominant form of dog food, with many pet owners choosing this type of food due to its convenience, longevity, and relative affordability. Interestingly, some dog owners have reported that their pets tend to prefer kibble over other types of food, possibly because of the unique texture and crunchiness that the drying process imparts to it. This has led to the popularity of "kibble addicts" - dogs that prefer kibble so much that they will turn up their noses at other types of food. Despite its widespread use, the exact etymology of the word "kibble" remains a subject of debate among linguists and etymologists, with some proposing alternative origins, such as the Dutch word "keibel," meaning crumble or balls, as a possible source. Nonetheless, it is clear that "kibble" has become an integral part of the pet food industry and the English language, demonstrating its durability as a term that has withstood the test of time and continued to evolve with the changing needs of dog owners.