[kogens]

It's an interesting take, but wouldn't it be more favourable for the humans to simply dry the meat and save it, e.g. for summer where there are enough other food sources to mix it and avoid the protein overconsumption?

Cold, dry areas are ideal for drying meats, like they do with Norwegian stockfish https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockfish

[cmrdporcupine]

If you watch Werner Herzog's "Happy People" documentary about trappers in the Siberian Taiga, and see the relationship between dog and man there, it's easy to see how this relationship could have played out. A bit of frozen fish or meat for the dog, but not too much, means protection and assistance on the trap line, and a companion through the winter.

EDIT: My border collie currently lying behind me on a bed is anxiously and steadily watching me because what she really wants me to do is put on my skis and go for a hike in the woods with her. She won't really be happy until I do that.

[virgulino]

Herzog's documentary is just a new cut of the original Russian documentary, adding Herzog's old hippie narrative.

The original version is fantastic, and much more authentic. Available on YouTube, with subtitles, on the director's own channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbhPIK-oBvA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIdHG9zyrtE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnAF_amhups https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjCs8qi3R0U

[benglish11]

If a dog is useful it may be a better use of the excess protein, especially for nomadic peoples. The dog will carry around all of that extra meat and provide a service. Drying/storing the meat may also attract predators.

[xwdv]

Depends, you want to get fucked up by bears?

[m45t3r]

Did they known how to dry meat though?

[AlotOfReading]

Yes, foraging groups in dry climates are quite sophisticated at short-term meat preservation. I know the Hadza for instance regularly dry meat on nearby tree branches or cook it over a fire.