Vet’s urgent warning to dog owners over cheap food brands making pets seriously ill
PET owners have been warned that their dogs could be seriously ill over cheap foods found in major supermarkets.
With the cost of living affecting nearly everyone in Britain, many owners may opt for cheaper food – but Dr Michael Lazaris of Channel 5‘s The Dog Rescuers has warned of the dangers involved.
Dr Lazaris said: “With so many pet food options on the market, it’s no surprise that so many pet owners are confused about what they should be feeding their furry friends.”
The respected vet said many of the cheaper brands in shops skimp out on good ingredients, which can come at the cost of your dog’s health.
In fact, many owners may not have any idea what goes into their food, according to Dr Lazaris.
He continued: “Learning how to read the ingredient list on the packaging can be easy to interpret, and can help pet owners pick the best food for their pet’s health and happiness.”
Statistics have revealed that many pet owners purchase their pet’s food in the supermarket, with 32% citing it as cheaper and 56% saying it’s more convenient.
One in five pet owners said they never check the ingredients in their pet’s food, and decide what to buy based off what their pooch prefers.
Aneisha Soobroyen, co-founder of Scrumbles said: “British pet owners love their furry friends, but are seriously unaware when it comes to their food.
“Without this knowledge, they could be exacerbating previously unknown symptoms such as sensitive stomachs, or even causing illnesses.”
But treating your pets too much can also result in our furry friends becoming overweight, which increases the chances of illnesses.
Dr Lazaris advises: “Choose a tasty, nutritious food appropriate for your pet’s life-stage and activity levels.
“This way you can ensure they will get all the nutrients they need to thrive, and not just survive, and have all the energy they need to enjoy every day to the fullest.”
Earlier this week, a vet warned of a harmless vegetable which could potentially kill your pup.
The expert behind TikTok account @lykapetfood told just how “toxic” feeding garlic to your pup could be.
Commercial pet food companies also sometimes choose to include garlic as a supplement due to its debated health benefits.
Garlic aside, broccoli the vet says is a strong yes. It “is rich in vitamins and minerals and is a great source of dietary fibre”.
Pumpkin is a “great source of dietary fibre and can help settle a sensitive tummy”.
Sweet potato also gets a thumbs up, but they recommend only purple and red sweet potato as they more slowly release sugar.