South Australian pet owners are demanding the government monitor ingredients in pet food

Dog owners are increasingly concerned about what is going into their pets’ food and are demanding more transparency.

Michael Fiegert and his Staffie x Mastiff "Wally". Picture: Mark Brake

Australian dog owners are asking the government to impose regulations around pet food amid concerns about their pet’s health.

New data released from the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia shows that eight out of 10 pet owners want the government to enforce a standard for the manufacturing and marketing of pet food.

Pet Food Industry Association of Australia executive officer Carolyn Macgill said the top concerns pet owners have are the quality, nutritional value and ingredients in the food.

“This isn’t about wrapping the industry in red tape,” she said.

“It’s about clearly defining the standards by which we all make and market pet food, aligned with the beliefs of pet owners.”

Ms Macgill said the lack of regulation was resulting in companies having no obligation to comply with voluntary Australian standards.

“Pet owners have concerns that there is no mandate to comply with the standard,” she said.

“Compliance would support good manufacturing processes promoting pet food safety and consistent labelling.”

Michael Fiegert always tries to give “Wally” the best available food. Picture: Mark Brake

Dog owner Michael Fiegert said he had growing concerns about what is in dog food.

“There is no transparency to what’s in the food,” he said.

“They don’t have the best interest of your pet in mind and they just want to make money.

“It’s a concern because you love your pet, they’re part of the family.”

Mr Fiegert, who owns two-year-old staffie x English mastiff, Wally, said he used to buy dog food from Petstock but has recently resorted to Coles due to cost-of-living pressures.

“I’ve resorted to (buying a brand) that has natural written in the title,” he said.

Michael with Wally. Picture: Mark Brake

“I stay away from mainstream brands at the cheaper end of the scale.”

The devoted dog owner said he always makes a final decision based on the information on the packaging and online research.

Dr Derek McNair, from The Parade Norwood Veterinary Clinic, said it was important to look for packages stating the contents was balanced.

“To my knowledge, if packages say they’re balanced then they have to be,” he said. “It’s very important that foods are nutritious and healthy.”

Dr McNair implored pet owners to buy dog food that correlates with their pet’s needs, specifically their age.

“It’s about getting the food right for your dogs age,” he said. “Too much protein later in life can make it hard for the kidneys to work.”

The veterinarian said pet owners should carry out their own research to ensure they were buying the right dog food for their dog.

“If your pet has health issues then (you need) the right diet.”

Originally published as South Australian pet owners are demanding the government monitor ingredients in pet food