<P> Dogs have been described as carnivores or omnivores . Unlike obligate carnivores, domestic dogs (and wild canids) can adapt to a wide - ranging diet, and are not dependent on meat - specific protein nor a very high level of protein in order to fulfill their basic dietary requirements . Dogs can healthily digest a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits and grains, and can consume a large proportion of these in their diet, and some sources do not recommend all - meat diets for dogs, due to their lack of calcium and iron . Compared to wolves, dogs have genes involved in starch digestion that contribute to an increased ability to thrive on a starch - rich diet . </P> <P> As a domesticated or semi-domesticated animal, the dog is nearly universal among human societies . Notable exceptions once included: </P> <Ul> <Li> Aboriginal Tasmanians, who were separated from Australia before the arrival of dingos on that continent </Li> <Li> The Andamanese, who were isolated when rising sea levels covered the land bridge to Myanmar </Li> <Li> The natives of Tierra del Fuego, who instead domesticated the Fuegian dog, a different canid species </Li> <Li> Certain Pacific islands whose maritime settlers did not bring dogs, or where dogs died out after original settlement, notably: Palau, Marshall Islands, Gilbert Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Tonga, Marquesas, Mangaia in the Cook Islands, Rapa Iti in French Polynesia, Easter Island, Chatham Islands, and Pitcairn Island (settled by the Bounty mutineers, who killed off their dogs in order to escape discovery by passing ships). </Li> </Ul> <Li> Aboriginal Tasmanians, who were separated from Australia before the arrival of dingos on that continent </Li>

Animals that are part of the dog family