Dog food ingredients. According to research, millions of dog owners have no idea what their pets’ Food contains. A survey of 2,000 dog owners found that 48% could only name up to three ingredients when asked what they feed their dogs.
Almost a quarter (23%) need help understanding the ingredients listed on dog food labels, while 44% need clarification on what they see as conflicting advice on what makes a healthy diet for dogs.
As a result, 36% admit to being concerned that their dog may not be eating a nutritious diet, and 40% feel that planning their dog’s diet is more stressful than deciding on their own. 41% call for more explicit labelling on dog food packaging.
The Confusion Around Dog Food Ingredients
The study was commissioned by Butternut Box, which unveiled an edible billboard in a south London park to highlight the need for fresh, healthy dog food.
The fresh dog food brand’s in-house veterinarian, Dr Ciara Clarke, said, “Food is a significant factor in our dogs living long, healthy, and happy lives.“
“A healthy diet can help prevent many problems and illnesses, but choosing the correct portion sizes and ingredients is crucial. It is clear from this research that dog parents are confused about what to feed their dogs and how much they should feed them.“
“We need more transparency and information about dog diets to help owners make better choices. Many people are unaware that dog food often contains harmful substances, such as rendered, hydrolysed or pasteurised animal by-products, artificial colours, flavourings and preservatives.“
“Many manufacturers avoid declaring that they use these ingredients, so it is best to be careful regarding vague ingredient references.“
For 45% of owners, price is the deciding factor when choosing which dog food to buy, while 13% are influenced only by the packaging. The study also found that 37% describe their pet as a ‘picky eater’, with 17% saying that their pet will not think twice about turning up its nose at what it is served if it is not up to scratch—and 11% consistently refuse to eat their Food.
It was also found that three out of ten tend to show more interest in what their owners eat for dinner than what they eat themselves.
As a result, 61% of dog parents feed their beloved dog ‘human food’ at least once a week—with a quarter of owners admitting to feeling guilty about sharing their meals. However, the study conducted via OnePoll found that 23% do so because they feel fresh, human-quality Food is better for their dog.
Tips for Choosing the Best Diet for Your Furry Friend
Dr Ciara Clarke added: “We encourage dog owners to read the label when choosing dog food, and I do the same with my clients when they are in veterinary practices.“
“It is important to pay attention not only to the ingredients but also to how the dog food is cooked. For example, dry dog food – or kibble – is produced through extrusion, which takes raw ingredients and cooks them at extremely high pressures and temperatures. This will probably deprive some beneficial nutrients, but dogs deserve the best.“
“It is important that dog parents understand what their dogs need from their diet and what to feed them, while also ensuring they have the correct portion sizes and balance of nutrients for all life stages.“
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