Unveiling the Pitfalls of Commercial Dog Food: Why Most Big Name Brands Fall Short

24 Apr

As dedicated natural canine wellness specialists, our mission is to shed light on the intricacies of pet nutrition and guide pet owners towards making informed choices for their furry companions. When it comes to commercial pet food giants like Royal Canin, Hill's, Purina, and Pedigree, there are a myriad reasons why they may not be the best option for your beloved canine companion. Let's delve deeper into the multifaceted concerns surrounding these brands to understand why they may not meet the nutritional needs of your dog.

1. Facultative Carnivores: Dogs are classified as facultative carnivores, meaning they have evolved to thrive on a diet that primarily consists of animal-based proteins. While they can digest some plant matter, their nutritional requirements are best met with a diet rich in high-quality animal proteins and fats. Unfortunately, many commercial dog foods, including those from Royal Canin, Hill's, Purina, and Pedigree, contain an abundance of grains or legumes such as corn, wheat, lentils, and soy etc as primary ingredients. These grains serve as inexpensive fillers but offer limited nutritional value to dogs and may even contribute to allergic reactions and digestive issues. Instead, carbohydrates in dog food should be sourced from fresh fruits and vegetables, which provide essential nutrients, fibre, and antioxidants without the potential drawbacks of grains. Whilst legumes can be beneficial, they should be fed in minimal quantities due to their lectin content.

2. Recalls: The history of recalls associated with these commercial dog food brands is concerning. In 2019, there was a widespread recall due to excessive levels of vitamin D found in certain formulations of these brands, posing a serious health risk to dogs.

In the past ten years (January 2012 – October 2021), more than 327 million pounds of pet food has been recalled. That is similar to the weight of 91,000 Sport Utility vehicles. Pet food has been recalled for various reasons, including contamination with pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli. Notably, kibble has accounted for approximately 66% of the total pounds of products recalled.

Almost 49% of all pet food recalls over the past ten years was for pathogenic bacteria, more than 159 million pounds have been recalled. And while the FDA and CDC continually warn pet owners to the risks of pathogenic bacteria in raw pet foods, raw pet foods were only 1.2% of the total in this segment. Kibble on the other hand – which the FDA has never warned pet owners to the risks of pathogenic bacteria – made up 98% of the recalls.

Furthermore, studies have shown that consumers have a 400% higher chance of exposing their families to bacteria from kibble than from raw food, underscoring the significant safety concerns associated with these products.

Beginning in approximately December 2023, pet food consumers around the world began reporting serious health issues with their pets (cats and dogs) directly related to pet food. To date of this Petition, more than 2,600 pet owners have reported serious health concerns with their cat or dog. Symptoms reported are very similar; bloody diarrhea, bloody vomiting, in many instances seizures. More than 500 pet deaths have been reported by pet owners. One brand of pet food in particular, pet owners have reported 1,679 cat and dog illnesses, 23% of those reports (390) resulted in the death of the pet. You can learn more about this here.

You can learn more about the pet food toxicity issue here and if you believe your dog has been affected by any of the brands listed please consider reporting it to your local pet food authority as well as advising Dr Judy Morgan using the details provided later on in this article.

**List of currently affected foods as of April 2024 Image credit**; **saving pets one @ a time**

3. Nutritional Integrity: The manufacturing process used in the production of commercial dog foods can significantly impact the nutritional integrity of the final product. High heat processing and extrusion methods may degrade the quality of ingredients and destroy essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Additionally, the use of rendered meats and by-products, including 4D meats (meat from dead, dying, diseased, or disabled animals), (Learn more about 4D meats here) further compromises the nutritional quality of these foods. Instead of using high-quality, human-grade ingredients, these brands often prioritize cost-effectiveness and shelf stability, leading to a lower-quality product overall.

4. Contaminants and Toxins: In addition to bacterial contamination, commercial dog foods may contain harmful toxins such as aflatoxins and glyphosate. Aflatoxins are potent carcinogenic toxins produced by certain molds that can contaminate grains used in dog food production, posing a serious health risk to dogs. Glyphosate, a controversial herbicide commonly used in agriculture, may also be present in ingredients used in these foods, raising concerns about its potential health effects on dogs. Both aflatoxins and glyphosate have been linked to various health issues, including liver damage, cancer, and digestive disturbances.

5. Synthetic nutrients & artificial flavourings and dyes: It's crucial to address the use of synthetics in commercial dog food and the potential dangers they pose to our furry companions. Artificial flavors and colors serve no nutritional purpose for pets and have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer and diabetes. These additives offer no health benefits and are often utilised in pet foods to mask the taste of inferior quality ingredients, including spoiled or rancid meats, or to compensate for a lack of meat content altogether.

Synthetic vitamins, another common ingredient in commercial dog foods, are not metabolized by the body in the same way as natural vitamins. As a result, pets may not effectively absorb these synthetic nutrients, leading to potential deficiencies. Unlike natural vitamins derived from whole food sources, synthetic vitamins lack the complex nutrient matrix found in whole foods, making them less bioavailable and less beneficial for your pet's health.

In fact, a 2017 study conducted by Nottingham university found that Only 6% (6/97) of wet food and 38% (30/80) of dry food were fully compliant with FEDIAF nutritional guidelines. Some foods (20–30% of all analysed) had mineral imbalance, such as not having the recommended ratio of calcium. And foods with high fish content had high levels of undesirable metal elements such as arsenic.

This research underscores the widespread lack of adherence to pet food nutritional guidelines among various popular pet foods available in the UK. It revealed that 94% of wet foods and 61% of dry foods fail to meet these nutritional standards. Consuming these pet foods exclusively and over an extended period would have a detrimental effect to the overall health of pets.

The dangers associated with synthetic vitamins were tragically highlighted during a recall by Hills, where thousands of pets lost their lives due to complications related to synthetic vitamin supplementation. It's important to note that many synthetic vitamins used in pet foods are manufactured in China, where quality control standards may not be as stringent as in other countries.

In summary, there is no justification for the inclusion of artificial flavours, colours, or synthetic vitamins in commercial dog food. Pet owners should prioritise feeding their furry companions natural, whole food-based diets free from unnecessary additives and synthetic supplements. By choosing high-quality, minimally processed foods, pet owners can help safeguard the health and well-being of their beloved pets for years to come.

What to do if your pet food is a making your dog sick

If you suspect that any brand of pet food is causing or has caused illness or death in your pet, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect their health and well-being. Here are three essential steps to help determine the cause of the problem:

1. Report it to the FDA (USA) or FSA (UK): make a report to the FDA or https://www.fda.gov/safety/report-problem-fda/consumer-complaint-coordinators . If you are in the UK, You can report a food or animal feed incident to the Food Standards Agency(FSA) through their online incident report form . You can also contact the FSA Northern Ireland on Tel 0330 332 7149 or by email at incidents.ni@food.gov.uk.

2. Report to your local authority: Also, you need to report it to your State Department of Agriculture in the USA (go to their website for your State to report it) if you are in the UK you should contact your local council’s food safety team.

3. Complete this brief survey: This survey was put together by volunteers in the saving pets one pet @ a time group who have been tirelessly working alongside Dr Judy Morgan to get to the bottom of the ongoing pet food toxicity issue.

4. Contact your veterinarian. Request a copy of your pets medical records. Report your concerns to the pet food company and ask your vet to do the same. Veterinarians can also email Dr Judy to discuss directly.

What makes a good dry dog food?

Choosing the right dry dog food is paramount to your pet's health and well-being. With numerous options available, it's essential to understand what to look for to ensure you're providing your furry friend with the best nutrition possible. Here are key considerations to keep in mind when purchasing dry dog food:

1. Steer Clear of Wheat-Based Options:

Wheat is a common allergen for dogs and can lead to various health issues, including skin, ear, and gut conditions. Opt for wheat-free dry dog food to avoid potential sensitivities and promote better overall health. Additionally, be cautious even with products labeled as wheat-gluten free, as they may still contain hidden wheat antigens due to shared manufacturing facilities as well as grain free options with

2. Assess Meat Content:

Prioritize dry dog foods with meat listed as the primary ingredient. However, be mindful of products that boast high meat content but incorporate fresh meat, as water weight can skew the perceived protein levels. Look for products that use quality, whole meat ingredients rather than meat meals, which may contain undesirable by-products and fillers.

3. Beware of Meat Meal:

Meat meal is a by-product of the rendering process and may include questionable sources such as diseased or disabled animals, roadkill, and restaurant grease. (Learn more about 4D meats here) If you cannot afford a food grade dry dog food, avoid dry dog foods containing generic meat meal and opt for those specifying the animal source, such as chicken meal. Similarly, steer clear of products containing ambiguous animal by-products, which may include undesirable parts like beaks and feathers. Opting for human grade (Food grade) pet food resolves this issue altogether and no meat meals should be present.

4. Prioritise High Protein Content:

Ensure that the dry dog food you choose offers a high protein content, as protein is essential for your dog's overall health and well-being. Be wary of products that artificially inflate their protein levels with low-quality plant by-products, such as wheat and corn gluten. Look for foods that provide a balance of quality proteins and fats derived from animal sources.

5. Avoid Artificial Colours:

Coloured dry dog food contains artificial dyes to achieve vibrant hues, but these additives offer no nutritional benefit and may be harmful to your pet's health. Avoid products containing artificial dyes such as Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, as these additives come with potential risks to your pet’s health. Opt for pet foods that are free from artificial colours and instead focus on natural, whole food ingredients.

6.Look out for ingredient splitting: Ingredient splitting occurs when manufacturers divide a single ingredient into smaller components to push it further down the ingredient list. This deceptive technique makes it seem like the product contains less of the main ingredient than it actually does.

For example, a label might list “corn” as the first ingredient, but upon closer inspection, it reveals that corn is split into multiple forms such as “corn gluten meal,” “corn flour,” and “corn bran,” effectively spreading its presence across the list. Ingredient splitting is most often seen with corn, corn byproducts and legumes and their byproducts.

By splitting ingredients, pet food companies create the illusion of a diverse and balanced diet. However, in reality, the primary ingredient may still dominate the formula, leading to potential nutritional imbalances and health issues for pets.

By following these guidelines and being vigilant about ingredient quality and nutritional content, you can make informed decisions when selecting dry dog food for your pet.

Questions to ask your dog’s food manufacturer

In light of the above, pet owners are urged to advocate for the health and safety of their furry companions by asking critical questions of their dog food manufacturers. When considering which pet food brand to trust, here are essential questions to pose:

Ask your manufacturer for a guarantee:

1. Do you guarantee that all food ingredients used are fit for human consumption?

2. Do you guarantee that all supplements incorporated into the food are of fit for human consumption?

It’s important to note that some manufacturers may utilise a mix of human quality ingredients and lower-grade feed-quality ingredients. In such cases, it’s crucial for pet owners to seek clarification from the manufacturer regarding which specific ingredients fall into each category. Armed with this knowledge, pet owners can make informed purchasing decisions and prioritize the health and well-being of their pets.

By advocating for transparency and quality in pet food manufacturing, pet owners can take proactive steps to safeguard the health and well-being of their beloved furry companions. Remember, your pet’s health is non-negotiable, and investing in high-quality nutrition is essential for ensuring a long, happy, and vibrant life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while commercial dog food brands like Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Pedigree may be convenient, widely available and they may even be recommended or sold to you by your vet, still they fall short of meeting the nutritional needs of our canine companions and do not allow our dogs to truly thrive. As responsible pet owners, it is crucial to prioritise the health and well-being of our dogs by opting for high-quality, natural dog foods made from wholesome ingredients.

Whilst we will always promote and encourage fresh diets for dogs first first and foremost, we understand that every dog is an individual and the diet your dog eats needs to be practical for both dog and owner otherwise it will not be a sustainable option long term. This is why, whereby commercially processed dry and wet foods must be fed, we recommend owners replace 20% of their dogs daily feed intake with fresh whole foods as often as your budget allows.

By choosing nutritionally balanced diets free from fillers, additives, and potential contaminants, we can help our dogs live longer, healthier lives.

If your dog has a particular illness or health concern you should consider consulting with an appropriately qualified canine nutritionist to develop a personalised nutrition plan tailored to your dog's specific needs and preferences. Our dog deserves the best, so let's feed them accordingly.

You can find our raw food alternatives for the uk here and the USA here.