A new study discovered some surprising news about how we are feeding our pets…a significant majority of worldwide pet owners give their pets some real food each day.
The study – published by researchers from University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College in Canada, with ties to Trouw Nutrition, Royal Canin and Petcurean – discovered through pet owner surveys something that surprised them (and probably concerned the pet food industry manufacturers). After surveying “3673 English-speaking dog and cat owners in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA” they learned that…
Only “13% dogs and 32% cats were fed conventional foods (kibble or can) exclusively“.
Put another way, the study discovered that…
87% of dogs and 68% of cats are provided some real food in their diet.
This study compared their results with previous research into pet owner feeding practices. In 2008, research showed that 65% of dog owners surveyed exclusively fed a kibble or canned diet to their dogs. Ten years later, only 13% of dog owners exclusively fed their dog a kibble or canned pet food. In 2008, 85% of cat owners surveyed exclusively fed a kibble or canned diet to their cats. Ten years later that percentage dropped to 32% of cat owners exclusively fed a kibble or canned diet.
No data had been recorded previously for raw diets, but the new pet owner survey found that in 2018 – 9% of dogs and 6% of cats were fed exclusively a raw diet.
And the inclusion of homemade diets for cats and dogs has increased significantly over the past ten years. In 2008, 31% of dogs diets included some homemade food. In 2018 that percentage increased to 64%. In 2008, 13% of cats diets included some homemade food. In 2018 the percentage increased to 46%.
The new study provided this potential cause for the significant shift of pet owners providing their pets real food: “In comparison with earlier studies, the differences in feeding practices may partially be explained by a loss of trust in the pet food industry. In 2007, a large and highly publicised global pet food crisis occurred, where diets from many of the largest and most popular pet food brands were found to be contaminated with inorganic toxins. This crisis has had ongoing implications for trust in the industry; more than a decade later, respondents participating in this survey reported concerns regarding the origin of pet food ingredients and potential contamination.”
But…as remarkable as the findings were in the pet owner survey – the study repeatedly warned against what they perceive as dangers of “unconventional” pet foods (conventional being described as kibble or canned pet food, unconventional would be any diet other than kibble or can pet food). “Avoidance of conventional pet foods in favour of HM (Home Made) diets and RAP (Raw Animal Products) may put the health of dogs and cats at risk.”
Pet owners can read the abstract of this study Here; the study can be purchased for $27.00.
Personal Opinion: This study proves we (a world of pet owners and advocates) are making a difference. It proves that no matter how much ‘they’ try to hide the quality of the pet food – pet owners are taking the time to learn exactly what their pets are eating. It proves that every single day – more and more pets are being provided real food instead of highly processed ingredients often sourced from illegal (but allowed by FDA) waste. This was the best $27.00 I’ve ever spent.
Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan Thixton
Pet Food Safety Advocate
TruthaboutPetFood.com
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jeanann51
August 3, 2020 at 12:01 pm
Thank you, Susan! Well said!! We have “raw fed” our pups since Spring 2012 (I retired then!!). We have not regretted one iota of making this change! The dogs adapted to this like a fish in water (which gave us confirmation that this was the right way to go)! We now have a 12 year old Samoyed (in perfect health!) and a two year old Border Collie mix, who is also in perfect health! Our vet has supported us through this all … ya’ just cannot argue with success!! He made sure that we had the correct supplements that would normally be found in high grade kibble. It was scarey at first; a new “normal” for us!! We wouldn’t feed them any other way now! They get “people” food quality; their favorite is pork roast & the bones (neither of which is cooked)! The Samoyed will be 13 in October & the Border Collie mix (“young pup”) will be 3 in October … they have learned so very much from each other AND the younger Border Collie mix has done a remarkable job in keeping the Samoyed young! Julia has been our mentor through all of this (she has the patience of a saint!!) and was able to answer any & all questions we’ve had! We wouldn’t go any other way in what we feed our most precious pets!
Debra Ulrich
August 3, 2020 at 12:07 pm
Finally!! Some really great news!! Humans are no longer thinking processed food is good enough!!
Cannoliamo
August 3, 2020 at 12:08 pm
Thanks Susan,
I’ve found that chicken, turkey, ground beef and pumpkin is not only more wholesome, but also a lot cheaper than the name-brand cat food and Wysong (and others) sell nutrient packets to add to the home-made formula In addition, I know what I’m feeding feeding the cats as opposed to the “secret” ingredients that AAFCO says is in the can or bag.
Joanne
August 3, 2020 at 12:25 pm
I feed Ziwi, human grade, no chemicals added, canned food and Bravo human grade freeze dried treats. This is after thousands spent on vet Bill’s and cats being euthanized with cancer.
Tina
August 3, 2020 at 12:30 pm
Thank you Susan that is so good to read, it says we can purchase the study for $27.00 I clicked the link to purchase the pdf but do you have to be a vet. or a special organization as I could not see where just a pet parent could purchase it?
Susan Thixton
August 3, 2020 at 12:37 pm
I had to register an account with them – but was able to purchase it.
Tina
August 5, 2020 at 12:51 am
Thank you Susan,and for all your hard work to help feed our pets the best food we can.
Zoe Precious
August 3, 2020 at 1:53 pm
How about that! Susan your influence is worldwide, we companions are family and are treated as such with respect, lots of love and attention along with “healthy balanced food”. All in all a balanced life for us. Thank you for your tireless dedication in bring us the truth. Dictated by, Zoe Precious
Susan Thixton
August 3, 2020 at 2:24 pm
While I so appreciate your kindness – this shift in pet owners is thanks to all of us. We all have played a role in this – and we should all be proud of what we’ve accomplished.
readerguest9
August 3, 2020 at 2:59 pm
This is great news. Finally pet owners are learning that real food is better then over processed chemical toxic kibble. Years ago, we started feeding cooked eggs and frozen veggies and banana and apple slices. Then we started feeding raw eggs for more nutrients. Then the local livestock feed store got a freezer for raw. They now carry NO HPP frozen ground raw. Affordable so now feed raw complete with raw meat, ground up bones, veggies, fruits, seeds and supplements. They also sell Raw natural organs, so we alternate with raw complete and raw organs and raw eggs. We add KELP HELP ground up kelp greens powder for iodine for both cats and dogs. We add a teaspoon to tablespoon of plain KEFIR like yogurt but better more probiotics. Sprinkle CHIA Seeds, 2 pounds for $6, so lasts a long time. Sprinkle CHIA seeds on the raw food or raw eggs for fiber and firm poop. Add a GARLIC capsule to prevent yeast overgrowth. Yeast overgrowth causes ear issues, hot spots and smelly pets. This diet has been loved and healthy pets with no allergies and no health issues. Literally no vet bills as we do most everything natural now. Learn more, sign up for free enewsletter at VitalAnimal.com with Dr Will Falconer and also sign up for free enewsletter from DoctorDeva.com for Dr Deva Khalsa Those two vets have informative tips that will save on vet bills. After their help, I literally have no vet bills now. I spend less on my pets and have healthier pets. Follow the Natural Path as nature intended. With my savings, I am hoping to adopt another senior dog on the kill list or on craigslist and or another senior cat. So hopefully with my knowledge, I can help another pet become more healthy.
Seth
August 3, 2020 at 3:27 pm
And thanks to you Susan and this website, I’ve been giving my cat a high quality canned food option for many years. She’s a lot healthier for it.
Wendy Galinn
August 3, 2020 at 5:29 pm
I have gotten to the point where I only feed my pup food from your top 20 list. Best money I have ever spent. Thanks for all you do to help the consumer who wants to to well for our fur babies.
Brenda Hartley
August 4, 2020 at 12:35 am
Thanks to you and your dedicated work and research as well as advocacy!! The Truth is spreading that our pets can benefit from real food!!
Thank you for sharing this report
Mette
August 4, 2020 at 4:36 am
I hope that feeding conventional foods exclusively, in this study, means feeding kibble and/or canned food exclusively. Otherwise the results are easy to misinterpret I think. Read the study abstract, but couldn’t tell if it they asked for kibble or canned exclusively, or kibble and/or canned exclusively.