The Hawaiian Poi Dog
The Hawaiian Poi Dog (‘īlio in Hawaiian) was a Pariah dog brought to Hawaii more than 1,000 years ago by Polynesian settlers. These island dogs lived amongst the tribes and sometimes played with the Polynesian children. Back then, the Hawaiian Poi Dog was bred to be eaten and was seen as a delicacy. In order to fatten them up, they were fed only poi, which is a granular paste made from the taro root. This vegetarian diet led to the dogs becoming fat and lazy with distended stomachs. They also were given as gifts to children at...
