Evolving Pet Food Trends in India: Healthier Choices for Your Dogs

What has changed in the past decade or so, in India? Pet food in India has changed the way we feed our dogs. We’re feeding our dogs like we’re feeding ourselves with quick fix meals. We eat easy on the go food, which fills us up, but does not keep you healthy.

To keep your pets healthy we continue to bring you relevant information from across the globe. Education is the key to eliminating harmful foods or products for your pets. For the reasons Rodney Habib elaborates in this TedTalk, we do not sell dry/ kibble/ pellet pet food. Pet owners see a rapid rise in kidney ailments, heart diseases, obstacles to mobility in young and older dogs.

Pedigree dogs or mixed breeds, pet health is a concern for a pet parents. Poor health, internal or physical is diet related to diet in human beings and pets can be managed through diet.

When you think of how pet food is made, do not be fooled by advertising of individuals in white coats, and suggestions of a family run business stirring a pot of goodness with the “freshest ingredients”

Now for the scary stuff. When pet foods are recalled the reasons for it are often not clear. Blurred lines and scientific terms may confuse and concern a pet owner. With few sources of truthful information, we’re here to make sure You have access to the truth.

Why are we talking about Aflatoxin? Because – a couple of years ago a major pet food company recalled their products after 7 dogs died from consuming food with aflatoxin poisoning. Here are two scientific papers detailing the dangers of aflatoxin poisoning. One is an international study and the other is close to home, from a university in south India.

What is Aflatoxin?
Defined as any class of toxic compounds produced by certain moulds found in food, which can cause cancer liver damage and cancer.

Aflatoxicosis- A Case Report from the Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathandu, Tamil Nadu, India. From the Indian Journal of Canine Practice. Download Aflatoxicosis in dogs and dealing with suspected contaminated comDownload

https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisettevoytko/2019/06/28/16-pet-foods-possibly-linked-to-heart-disease-in-dogs-fda-reports/#486aa2dd3ac4

What all this tells us is that nutrition is not derived purely from consuming food. We often feed our pets like they are mini human beings. This puts them at risk because your dog which may be your “fur child” is in fact a different species. Foods deemed appropriate for human health and wellbeing do not automatically convert to healthy dog food.

Canines are carnivores, we may adapt them to vegetarian diets, and some dogs do live active healthy lives on such diets, but they are not optimal. Pet food in India is on a rapid journey. Feeding the family pet has changed from home prepared food, to kibble and kibble has numerous options. Making the correct choice for your dog based on age, physical activity and breed are as essential to your dogs wellbeing and health as a daily walk and grooming routine.

Vegan dog food, raw feeding- a back to basics diet may sound good in theory, but be mindful of the source of your pets food. Human food choices must never be applied to an animal to assuage your mind.

What should you consider when putting together your dogs daily feeding routine?

1. You need to establish a time and place to feed your dog
2. Do not feed table scraps, a treat now and then is ok, but do not make it a habit
3. Take into consideration how much exercise your dog gets in a day.
4. Make sure to research your dogs breed and function, if your dog is bred to be a working dog, such as a Labrador Retriever, choose an appropriate diet which delivers your dogs energy requirements.
4. Fresh food is widely accepted to be the best option, but be careful, you can feed your dog well and still deliver little to no nutrition.
5. Do not try fad diets for your dog! Social media influencers, while most are well meaning, may not be nutritional experts.
6. Always, always talk to your veterinarian about your chosen diet path.