I often think that
the explosive market in the specialty pet food industry has overall created an
incredible level of confusion-even causing pet owners to viciously attack one
another over what brand is 'better' and how if you feed a certain brand of food
you should be criminalized and never own pets again. I see this so often
on many sites-FB groups being among the worst-and have left many because of it.
When I worked in pet retail years ago
there were maybe 10 premium brands. We had to go to pet food 'school' to learn about the ingredients. (Boy was that
eye opening).
Several years later
our Shih Tzu Ming had serious food sensitivities and I felt so lucky we were
able to easily find a formula that fit; however, looking for a basic good food
for Misty has been really overwhelming. A very honest store associate told me
the other day that among the premium foods, they all accomplish the same
thing-providing accurate nutrition but the only real difference are the
ingredients that get you there. (I'm not talking about the grain free, etc.,
but the 'normal' formulas)
Whether it be a high
end super organic formula (like Merrick), a warehouse brand (like Kirkland), or
a smaller basic brand no one should be
afraid of sharing what they feed. Most people talk to their vets and the vet
will let them know if they should use something better.
I talked to mine today and they suggested a
food that is a bit more economical for me. They told me that it was a perfectly good food and the retailer assured me that there would be no problem with a
return if any issues came up. The key was to make sure it was a specific puppy
formula.
And even now, after my vet's approval I'm
apprehensive to share. When did it
become a competitive obsession to police each other's pet foods?
I know this isn't my normal vein of blog topics but with the continuing viciousness that has broken out from the Blue Buffalo court case and seeing people's reactions to it I felt I needed to share my thoughts on the topic.
Do I share what I know with friends who feed a food I think might not be so great? Sometimes-it depends but it's their pet. There is only one food I'm adamantly against and I won't name it here. If you know me you know the brand.
Until next time,
Robyn :)
