Over a third of dog owners would describe their pooch as a 'fussy eater'
Over a third of dog owners (37%) would say their pet is a “fussy eater” – with one in ten canines (11%) consistently refusing to eat their food, research has found.
A survey of 2,000 adults, who have a pet pooch, revealed that 17% of dogs will turn their nose up at the food they are served if it's not up to scratch – and three in ten seem to be more interested in what is on their owner's plate, than what is in their own doggie dish.
As a result, two in five of the dog owners polled say they find it more stressful trying to plan their dog's diet than their own.
And this may be because almost half (44%) claim there is so much contradictory advice on what makes a healthy, nutritious diet for dogs.
When asked what is in the food that they serve to their furry friends, 48% were only able to name three ingredients or less – and 23% admit they struggle to understand the ingredients listed on dog food labels.
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Consequently, 36% worry their pooch may not have a nutritious diet – with 41% calling for clearer labelling on dog food packaging.
Over a third of dog owners worry their pooch may not be getting a nutritious diet (PinPep)The research was commissioned by Butternut Box, which has unveiled an edible billboard in a South London park, to highlight the need for fresh and healthy nutrition for dogs.
The fresh dog food brand's in-house vet, Dr Ciara Clarke, said: “Food is such an important factor when it comes to our dogs living long, healthy, and happy lives. A healthy diet can help to prevent many issues and illnesses, but getting the portion sizes and ingredients right is crucial.
“It’s clear from this research that dog parents are confused when it comes to what to feed their dog, and how much they should be feeding.
“We need greater transparency and information around dogs’ diets, to help owners to make better, more informed choices.
“Many people don’t know that dog foods are often packed with nasties, like rendered, hydrolysed, or pasteurised animal byproducts, along with artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives.
“A lot of manufacturers avoid stating that they use these sorts of ingredients – so it’s best to practice caution when it comes to vague references to ingredients.”
And nearly half struggle to name more than three ingredients in the food they serve to their pets (PinPep)Price is the deciding factor for 45% of owners when choosing which dog food to buy, while 13% are swayed by the packaging alone.
And a quarter of dog owners admit they feel guilt-tripped into sharing their own meals with their beloved pooch – with 61% feeding their pet “human” food at least once a week.
But the study, carried out through OnePoll, found 23% do so because they believe fresh, human-quality food is better for their dog.
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Dr Ciara Clarke added: “We encourage dog owners to read the label when selecting their dog food, and I do the same with my clients when in vet practices.
“It’s not only the ingredients to look out for, but the way dog food is cooked, too. For example, dry dog food – or kibble – is made through a process called extrusion, which takes raw ingredients and cooks them at extremely high pressure and temperatures.
“This is likely to strip a proportion of the beneficial nutrients away – but dogs deserve the very best.
“It’s important that dog parents have a good understanding about what their dogs need from their diet and what to feed them, ensuring they have the correct portion sizes and the right balance of nutrients for all life stages, too.”
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