Where Did The Term Dogfooding Come From? Unveiling Its Origins

The origin of the term “dogfooding” is a topic of debate, and several theories exist. One widely discussed theory connects it to 1970s and 1980s commercials featuring actor Lorne Greene, where he enthusiastically endorsed Alpo dog food while feeding it to dogs. Another theory traces the term to a story about a Kal Kan executive who purportedly consumed the company’s dog food during shareholder meetings. These different explanations shed light on the possible inspiration for the term “dogfooding,” which is commonly used today in the context of companies and organizations testing their own products or services. However, it’s important to note that the exact origin remains uncertain.

What does the term “dogfooding” mean in IT slang? “Dogfooding” is a colloquial term in the tech world that refers to the practice of individuals or companies using their own products or services. This can extend to using their own software, applications, or hardware in various contexts, including the process of beta testing to identify and fix any issues or bugs. Embracing dogfooding not only highlights a company’s confidence in its own offerings but also helps ensure that they are of high quality and meet user expectations. This practice demonstrates a commitment to delivering products that are both reliable and effective.

The alternate term for “dogfooding” is “fishfooding,” a term favored by Google. Both “dogfooding” and “fishfooding” involve a similar approach, which entails releasing a product for testing within an internal team of individuals. A notable example of the consequences of neglecting the principles of “fishfooding” can be seen in Google’s experience with Google+. Without adequate attention to this testing process, Google+ struggled to attract a substantial user base, underscoring the importance of rigorous internal testing and refinement before a product’s public release.