Can people tell the difference? Not necessarily, according to a new study by Robin Goldstein of the American Association of Wine Economists and colleagues:
Researchers provided 18 volunteers five food samples to try in a blind taste test. Only three were able to identify the canine fodder. [...]
The five samples came from a wide price range and were processed to have a similar consistency. The foods were duck liver mousse, pork liver pâté, two imitation pâtés -- pureed liverwurst and Spam -- and Newman's Own dog food.
Eight participants believed the liverwurst was the dog food, and four thought the Spam was the culprit.
Two people identified the high-end pâté as dog food, and one identified the duck liver mousse as dog food.
Pate + crackers or bread is a meal in itself for me.