We dog and cat lovers are a wonderfully crazy and doting group of people. We change our lives for our cuddly canines and cats. We buy them more toys than they could ever need or want, and their bedding is tempurpedic—better than my own. We buy them the best of the best of everything, but what about their food? “Pet Fooled,” a new documentary exposing the real contents of what’s inside that bag or can, by Kohl Harrington, features leading veterinarians and the research pertaining to the pet food industry. It’s a film that will change your life, or at least your pet’s life!
Harrington breaks down the entire pet food industry for us to see behind the curtain of this $60 Billion conglomerate. With 5 major companies ruling the roost, it would appear that there are a myriad number of choices out there, but in reality, according to Harrington, there are not. These few companies use ingenious marketing and packaging plans to lure us into buying what we think is good for our pets.
The film features experts in the field of veterinary medicine, Drs. Karen Becker and Barbara Royal who bring us back to the basics of the actual needs of dogs and cats or as they call it, a “species appropriate diet.” Our DNA dictates what we need to be healthy, but these major companies use ingredients that make them money, not what the animal actually needs. Royal points out that an increase in our pets’ health issues such as allergies, obesity, infections, and other diseases are a direct result of their diet. She says, “We are actually creating these problems…all of them I believe can be linked to a simple problem of diet.”
One of the many foods not recommended
The film goes on to dissect the packaging and materials within the bag. For example, if the bag says, “dinner,” “nugget,” or “formula” there needs to be no more than 25% meat, but the derivation of the meat is undisclosed as there is no regulatory agency grading this meat. And if the bag says “flavor” it doesn’t have to contain ANY meat at all! In 2007, animals were dying unexpectedly due to the addition of melamine which is a fertilizer used in Asia and is a component to manufacturing kitchen utensils—something not to be found in any type of food. And then there are the trace amounts of carcinogenic materials in bags of dog food. Law suits were filed, dog food companies were called on the carpet and government officials like Illinois’ representative Dick Durbin grilled these companies calling for better regulation and accountability.
The film is enlightening as you learn about what you’re really feeding your four-legged companion. The compelling testimonies of pet owners like you and me, recounting their losses and experiences are enough to make you want to change your pet’s diet. But it is the science and information that the two veterinarians share that persuade you to actually invest in a better diet for Fido.
“Pet Fooled” examines the pet food industry, shedding a bright light upon the realities of this money making industry and the marketing ploys that dupe us all. It’s a concise and thorough documentary giving viewers needed information about what they are actually feeding their pets. Information is knowledge and knowledge is power to make better decisions. Where the film lets us down is while it identifies the types of food that are not only not nutritional, but actually dangerous, it does not give us a clear list of what we can buy. Purina, ProPlan, Science Diet, Hills, Iams, etc. all do nothing for our pets.
After watching this film several times, I have a list of companies that appear to be safe and I can personally attest to the better hea
lth of my dogs, especially my 11 year old Cairn Terrier. After eating this diet for just one month, she is active again, has lost weight, and seems generally younger. The companies I noted in the film are the following: Darwin’s, The Honest Kitchen, Northwest Naturals, and Stella & Chewy’s. I am sure there are more and will add to this list as I learn.
See “Pet Fooled” available on digital platforms such as Amazon. WATCH THE FILM AT AMAZON It’ll not only change your life, but your pet’s as well.