| It is well known that the pet food industry is a | | | | answer was simple. In the past, more people |
| multi-billion dollar industry, which seems to be growing | | | | preferred to prepare food for their pets from |
| in terms of revenue each and every year. There are | | | | scratch, as opposed to today's practice of consuming |
| more and more pets that are either sold or adopted | | | | processed food. We all know the dangers of |
| and we are led to believe that we will be meeting | | | | consuming processed food, so was the massive recall |
| their daily nutritional requirements by feeding them | | | | really that surprising? |
| pet food sold off the shelves. Much to our surprise, | | | | We Are Now The Wiser |
| this is the power of marketing and advertising at its | | | | There are a growing number of pet owners that can |
| best. Through the power of suggestion, Dog owners | | | | now see the truth, despite the all out marketing and |
| believe that processed dog food will lead to a | | | | advertising campaigns. The saying, "Pet food is best |
| healthier and livelier pet dog. | | | | for pets." is now a myth. However, due to the |
| An article by Laura Cunningham was published in the | | | | demands of the western workplace, we often have |
| NY Times back in 1981. She reported that people | | | | less time to prepare our pet's meals from scratch. |
| spent about 4 billion dollars a year on commercial pet | | | | This is why we find purchasing pet food more |
| food. In 2007, a massive recall took place. It was | | | | convenient, hence, the misconception of pet food |
| then reported that people were spending more than | | | | being the most ideal for our pets. Due to the recent |
| 16 billion dollars a year on pet food alone. You may | | | | recall, a lot of dog owners are now waking up to |
| ask yourself how this figure is possible. The APPA | | | | reality. There is now a growing awareness regarding |
| (American Pet Products Association) in 1988 | | | | the true facts; commercial pet food may not have |
| conducted a study that came up with some | | | | been as healthy as we were led to believe. |
| interesting facts. They reported that 56% of | | | | Although there are still a lot of people who still fail to |
| American households either owned a dog or a cat. In | | | | see the truth, this does not mean that these people |
| a more current poll, it was stated that about 63% of | | | | do not care for their pets. We all strive to keep our |
| households across the United States owns a pet. | | | | pets healthy and happy. Unfortunately, there are still |
| Although a more accurate figure cannot be gathered, | | | | a lot of people who still believe in the wrong practice. |
| it simply shows that there has been approximately a | | | | Fortunately, the facts are too hard to deny as more |
| 7% increase in pet owners across the country. The | | | | and more of our pets are stricken by diseases and it |
| numbers just did not add up. How could this mere | | | | some cases, death. This will surely be an eye-opener, |
| 7% increase spend 16 billion dollars a year on pet | | | | which will make way for a healthy change. |
| food alone, compared to 4 billion dollars in 1981? The | | | | |