In a non-scientific, informal survey, we asked FETCH readers to tell us if the pet food recall had changed their thoughts or behaviors around how they feed their pets. We got a lot of interesting responses, with fewer respondents saying they'd made changes than we expected. My own interpretation is that because so many FETCH readers already fed premium foods and/or homemade diets, that they don’t feel the need to make huge changes.
Fourteen percent of the respondents said they had been feeding their pets a food that was involved in the recall. Our respondents were mostly dog owners (86%) but with so many multi-species households, 64% also reported having cats as well.
When asked if the recall had changed their thoughts around feeding their pets, 36% said no, 57% said yes, and 7% were still researching the issue. "The recall has made me feel less comfortable about what is on the shelves…. We do not have to do the home made or raw foods for our canine and feline companions but we do need to ask questions about what is in the packaged foods that are available," noted one respondent. "We need to be more aware consumers for them since we are their voices and they depend on us."
Only 24% said that they had changed how they feed their pets since the recall. The most common change reported was switching brands, with the second most common change was adding or switching to homemade cooked or raw diets.
Our survey respondents indicated a heightened awareness of the pet food recall as being about global food and economic isses.
"When this tragedy came to light, it is clear that this pet food company made a decision to use a supplier in China to save money... and to make more profits for themselves," said one respondent. Another noted, "This should send a message about using food products from China. Any country that would slaughter pet dogs rather than give them rabies vaccinations certainly has no regard for companion animals."
Some respondents also expressed a sense of guilt over feeding their pets the contaminated food. "I know the difference between good food and bad food and I blame myself for not reading the ingredients list; I should have known better," said one respondent.
Thanks to all who responded to our survey; we appreciate the input from our readers. --SLL
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