Dogs and their owners took to the streets of London on Wednesday to protest for better dog food standards in the pet food industry.
The protesters, led by ethical pet food brand Edgard and Cooper, gathered at Potter’s Field near Tower Bridge, holding signs that read “We deserve better food” and “Stop feeding us junk”.
The protest is part of a campaign to raise awareness and petition the U.K government to improve the quality and transparency of pet food. The petition, which can be signed online, has three main demands:
- Increased meat content standards: Pet food should contain a high and honest proportion of the claimed meat source, ensuring that pets receive the nutrients they need. Currently, pet food can claim it is made with a specific meat even if it contains as little as 4 per cent of that meat.
- Transparent ingredient labelling: Pet food ingredients should be clearly and accurately labelled to empower pet owners to make informed choices about their pets’ diets. Many pet foods use vague terms like “meat meal” or “animal derivatives” that hide the true nature and quality of the ingredients.
- Improved handling and transportation: Pet food should be handled, stored, and transported under proper conditions to guarantee freshness and safety. Some pet foods use meat that is unfit for human consumption or has been exposed to harmful bacteria or chemicals.
The protest was inspired by a survey of 2,000 U.K dog owners commissioned by the dog food company, which found that two thirds (64 per cent) of owners believed their dogs should have the same quality of food as humans. The survey also found that three quarters (75 per cent) of dog owners would not eat the equivalent food of their dog, such as “meat meal”, an overly processed and nutritionally low value meat source food.
Edgard & Cooper is an ethical pet food brand that uses fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables in its products, with no artificial preservatives or fillers. The brand also supports animal welfare and environmental causes, donating 10 per cent of its profits to charity.
The protesters hope that their action will draw attention to the issue of pet food quality and encourage more dog owners to sign the petition and demand better food for their furry friends.
To sign the petition, go to: https://www.change.org/p/help-increase-pet-food-transparency
Pic credit: Jack Hall/PA Wire.