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Pet
Food Institute clarifies misconceptions about commercial pet food
At this age of technology, where all kinds of information are available online, most pet owners rely on the internet for any pet query without verifying it with their local veterinarians. Responsible pet owners must be wary not to fall victim to false claims about pet food.
The Pet Food Institute, together with its members who make pet food and treat products, reinforces its position as a partner for pet owners in ensuring the wellbeing of pets by spreading information and de-bunking myths pet owners have on commercial pet food.
Myth 1: Dehydrated pet food will “de-hydrate” pets
Pet owners often fear that dry pet food will leave pets dehydrated. However, most commercial pet food recipes – such as wet, dry or fresh - have been carefully formulated to provide a well-balanced diet for pets with the more than 40 nutrients that dogs and cats require.
Veterinarians remind pet owners to ensure that their furry companions always have fresh, clean water available, especially during summer when the temperature rises, to avoid dehydration.
Myth 2: Carbs are bad for pets
While not identified as an essential nutrient, carbohydrates provide many benefits for dogs and cats. This macronutrient class can support pet health by providing a readily available energy source for your dog and sparing protein to support other bodily functions.
Carbohydrates also contain the class of nutrients known as dietary fibers. Dietary fibers are vital for the support of a healthy gut microbiome and thus healthy digestion of nutrients, and they encourage the movement of waste materials out of the body.
Myth 3: Commercial pet food causes allergies and seizures
Just as some people are predisposed to food allergies, or develop an allergy later in life, so are some pets. Less than 10% of pets are diagnosed with a food allergy. If you think that your pet is suffering from a food allergy, it is critical to take your pet to a veterinarian, who can help identify the environmental factor that may be bothering your pet. The most common causes of allergies for pets are fleas, pollen and mold.
Veterinarian urge owners to bring their pets in when he or she is suffering from allergies. From there, pet owners can work with veterinarians to identify the exact issue that is bothering the pet.
Myth 4: Commercial pet food is the cause of rising pet obesity
It’s easy for several pet owners to hold commercial pet food responsible for their pets’ obesity. Regardless of the food, pets will gain weight if owners do not watch their pets’ caloric intake. To ensure pets do not become obese, veterinarians strongly urge owners to regulate their pet’s diet, to give food in moderation, and lead a healthy and active lifestyle by walking their pets around the block regularly.
Pet Food Institute (PFI) is committed in educating pet owners about proper pet nutrition to keep pets healthy and happy. Through its local initiative, Well-Fed, Well-Nurtured campaign in partnership with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines (VPAP), PFI seeks to advocate responsible pet ownership to the ever-growing Filipino pet community.
About the Pet Food Institute
Since 1958, the Pet Food Institute has been the voice of the U.S. pet food industry. PFI is the industry's representative before Congress and state legislatures, as well as state and federal agencies; public education and media relations resource; organizer of seminars and educational programs; and liaison with other organizations. PFI represents the companies that make 98 percent of U.S. dog and cat food, an industry with more than $20 billion in U.S. retail sales and $1.3 billion in exports in 2015.
