Although certifications are usually better than nothing, with no protections for human rights or for aquatic animal welfare in these certifications, MSC and ASC aren’t particularly ethical. Wild caught versus farmed aquatics Any commercially manufactured dog food in the UK that meets UK Pet Food guidelines will contain complete nutritional requirements for pets, says the British Veterinary Association (BVA).

Choosing the right food can make all the difference to the health and happiness of your pet, but it can be difficult to work out what’s actually best for your pet. As exciting as the addition of a dog to the family is, there are many considerations, questions, and research needed before thinking about whether adoption from a rescue charity or buying a young animal from a breeder is going to be the right thing, long-term, for both the animal and you.This recipe is suitable for dogs from 8 weeks to 8 months old. Depending on the size and breed, you may want to continue feeding this recipe until your dog is 14 months old. Brands on the PETA list (but did not apply to the whole company): Barking Heads, Lily’s Kitchen (Nestlé),

In the UK, 7% of dogs are fed a raw meat diet, with 5% fed commercially prepared raw meat and 2% given a homemade raw meat diet, equating to 790,000 dogs. The experts we spoke to don't advise DIY homemade dog food. This is because it can be extremely difficult to put together a balanced, homemade diet for your pet, so it's generally not recommended, unless it's supervised by a vet. Can I my dog have a vegetarian diet? Dry foods are usually the most economical, and easiest for you to feed and store. Owners who feed wet food should monitor their pet's teeth, as it can predispose them to dental disease.

The animals in dog food

A 2023 report from a three year project by Human Rights at Sea which investigated international certifications across fisheries and aquaculture found that MSC and ASC both scored 0 out of 16 criteria for human rights (with the exception of ASC’s seaweed and feed standards). Neither certification includes any criteria for animal welfare, either. GMO stands for genetically modified organisms, which is commonly found is non-organic farming. GMOs are a source of controversy, as animals and plants can be genetically modified with genes either removed or inserted. If not in ingredients directly, most non-organic farmed animals will be fed on corn and soya which is likely to be genetically modified. For some, the conditions of farmed and other food animals will matter rather than avoiding animal products altogether. But the need to drastically reduce consumption and the problems arising from mainstream animal farming is indisputable, with implications for animals (including wild populations), the environment, biodiversity, and human rights. As of 2021, Yarrah’s bags are fully recyclable, albeit made from plastic. It still uses individual food pouches which aren’t yet fully recyclable. Some dog food brands include multiple fish species in their products, and when compared to land animals, consuming aquatic species is often seen as better in terms of the environment and as a healthy option. But at what cost?

PETA has a list of companies that have signed a statement of assurance which guarantees it does not test on captive animals during the development, manufacturing, testing or marketing of its products. The companion animal food sector is booming, with new brands and different products appearing all the time. This guide covers adult dog food, although some of the brands also sell puppy food as well as supplementary treats and chews. We have included dry and wet food, but not raw meat brands or special diets, though raw meat diets are discussed in the guide. Customer scores are based on how satisfied they are with the brand overall and whether or not they would recommend it. Although left in peace for more time, the way in which wild caught animals are commercially extracted, captured, and killed, in the words of one researcher, involves suffering in a “vast range of violent and painful ways”. Capture, crowding, removal from water, and crushing is an acutely stressful chain of events for wild fishes. Some of the most commonly used methods of killing include mass death through suffocation on ice or in air.Weight-related problems can range from musculoskeletal conditions to breathing issues and diabetes, among others. Lily's Kitchen Wet Dog Food: complete wet food with nutritious ingredients, available in cans or trays There are risks to handling fresh, frozen or freeze-dried raw food. The UK Pet Food recommends the following: Your vet will be able to advise on the best diet for your pet’s life stage, breed and lifestyle, and tell you if your pet has any special dietary needs. My dog has allergies – should I buy hypoallergenic food?