08/30/2024
# # # Unmasking the Pet Food Industry: What’s Really in Your Pet’s Bowl?
Few topics stir up as much passion online as what we feed our pets. Whether it’s the raw versus kibble debate, the push for grain-free diets, or the avoidance of certain proteins like beef, opinions abound, and emotions run high. This week, as I was troubleshooting a glitchy TV, I came across an article revealing that most modern televisions, regardless of brand, are manufactured by just a few nameless companies. It was a bit of a shock to realize that the big names of yesteryear are now just labels licensed out to third parties. And that got me thinking about our time in the pet food manufacturing business—a world where, much like the TV industry, a few large players dominate the landscape, and the reality behind the labels might surprise you.
# # # # The Quiet Giants of Pet Food Manufacturing
What many people don’t realize is that about 90% of the pet food brands on the market today are made by just three companies. Beyond that, there are numerous other companies that specialize solely in manufacturing pet food for other brands. It’s a hidden truth of the industry that can be easily uncovered by simply turning the bag around and checking the fine print. If it says “Made for,” or “Distributed by,” you’re looking at a product made by a contract manufacturer. If it says “Made by,” the name on the label is also the manufacturer. Contract manufacturers, or copackers, produce pet food for multiple brands, meaning that the difference between your premium label and a budget-friendly option might not be as vast as you think.
Even more interesting is that almost all the ingredients used by these pet food manufacturers are sourced from just two suppliers. So, in essence, the brand you choose might matter less than the specific ingredients it uses. Yet, the complexity of pet food marketing and the numerous misconceptions that surround it make it difficult for even the most conscientious pet owner to know what to buy.
# # # # Debunking the Myths: Chicken Meal vs. Whole Chicken
One of the most persistent myths in the pet food industry is the belief that “whole” meat, such as chicken breast, is inherently superior to meat meals like chicken meal. The reality is that chicken meal contains about 2.5 to 3 times more protein than whole chicken breast. How is that possible? The answer lies in the water content. Whole chicken breast is about 70-75% water, while chicken meal has had most of its moisture removed, making it a much more concentrated source of protein. So, when you see chicken meal listed as the first ingredient in your pet’s food, that’s not necessarily a bad thing—it could actually mean more protein for your pet.
# # # # The Corn Controversy: Overblown or Justified?
Another hot topic in pet nutrition circles is the inclusion of corn in pet food. Corn has been vilified as a “filler” with little nutritional value, but the truth is more nuanced. While it’s true that corn is less digestible than some other ingredients, it does provide valuable nutrients, including carbohydrates, fiber, and essential fatty acids. The key is balance. Corn should not be the primary ingredient in your pet’s food, but in moderation, it can be part of a healthy diet. In fact, I’d rather see a pet owner feeding a corn-inclusive food like Pedigree than risk an animal going hungry.
# # # # Navigating Pet Food Regulations: A State-by-State Patchwork
As if the landscape of pet food weren’t confusing enough, the regulatory environment adds another layer of complexity. While the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets guidelines for pet food, enforcement is left to individual states, each of which can have its own rules. For example, in Indiana, the Office of the Indiana State Chemist governs pet food regulations, and in my experience, they do an exceptional job. They not only care deeply about their role in ensuring pet food safety, but they are also approachable and helpful. I remember needing to get our labels approved and finding them to be incredibly supportive. However, this is not always the case everywhere. While Indiana was fine with how we labeled citric acid (either as a preservative or as vitamin C, though I can’t quite recall), Kentucky required us to label it differently. Indiana’s response? “We’re cool with that.”
# # # # The Bottom Line: What Really Matters
In the end, the pet food industry is a maze of brands, labels, and ingredients, with a few powerful players pulling the strings behind the scenes. While it’s easy to get caught up in the marketing and the latest trends, what really matters is the quality and balance of the ingredients in your pet’s food. Understanding what’s in that bag or can, and knowing that sometimes, things aren’t what they seem, is the first step in making informed choices for your furry family members.
