Thanks in part to consumer activism, pet-food ingredients such as ethoxyquin, carrageenan, canola oil, and meat and bone meal have come under fire.

July 11, 2014

1 Min Read
Report: Consumer Activists and Their Impact on the Pet Food Industry

Report Summary

From the melamine incident prompting the pet food recall of 2007 to the ongoing tally of canines suffering illness or death at the hand of contaminated jerky treats, the health and well-being of U.S. pets is certainly of great concern. In fact, on occasion, highly connected, impassioned pet owners have become a source of angst for pet food manufacturers. However, through cooperation and information, consumer activists can number among a company's greatest allies.

Editor's Take

As Americans strive to simplify their own dietsas well as becoming more educated about food productionhousehold pets are also experiencing a food revolution. Thanks in part to consumer activism, pet-food ingredients such as ethoxyquin, carrageenan, canola oil, and meat and bone meal have come under fire, as has the presence of pentobarbital. The public outcry isn't always justified; however, it can result in greater industry transparency and improved formulations.

Takeaways for Your Business

  • Offering activists a seat at the table can enlighten them and provide insights for companies.

  • Some federal human food-safety laws are not enforced by FDA in pet food product manufacturing.

  • Not all questionable ingredients prove harmful, but companies still need an activism strategy.

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