Does the majority of America feed their pets generic and economy brand pet foods?

Question

I'm presenting a speech on this subject and I believe that the majority of Americans do feed their pets cheap "grocery store" brands but it would be helpful to have some type of source stating this. If anyone knows of any websites or books which state that or anything closely related, it would be very helpful for my speech ;) Thanks I appreciate it.

lol most of these answers just answered my question.

Answer 1

I use Science Diet. So does the rescue group that I belong to.

Answer 2

Using a cheap dog food is equal to a high price one, after the air and light gets to the food the nutrients are gone.So I suggest an air-tight container or buying smaller bags. Adding in a supplement like nuproor missing link will not only help them get better health, but even lengthen there life span. Dog food is the same when it comes down to it, but by adding one of the two into there food daily they will get the nutrients the food has lost.

Answer 3

I think most people do feed what they can get at the sotre and what they see advertised on TV.
It is sad to me that people do not take the time to read the bag and have no clue what is in their pets food.
If they really loved thier pets they would read the bag and more people would start buying better quality food for thier pets.
I am not sure where you could find those stats. I too would like to see them. It would be interesting to know.

Answer 4

FYI, all the doggy folks I know who breed (seriously, not just pets, but "purebred show dogs) and compete in dog agility do not feed grocery store dog food, but a higher grade of dog food.

Over 30 years of "doing" dogs, that's a lot of people! But not as many as the average pet owner.

Good luck finding facts and figures

Answer 5

Well, given that the majority of pet foods are generic and economy brands, that would be a good conclusion.

However, these pets then show signs of malnutrition such as eating poop, eating grass, or straw-like hair and itchy skin.

Answer 6

First, as for ‘where’ people buy pet food, in the grocery store while they are doing their family shopping, it’s just convenient and we are a nation of convenience. I am by no means an expert (on anything, actually), and until recently I would buy the generic/cheaper foods for my guys (2 house cats and a dog). As in the past my animals didn’t eat the expensive stuff, including Iams, so I just got them whatever they seemed to like (and eat). But one day I decided to read the “ingredients” of each brand as I figured whatever ingredient was listed first, would be the predominating ingredient (duh…like in human food). I was totally shocked to find that even the high priced foods don’t list the word ‘meat’ or ‘meat byproducts’ as the first several words. Since realizing that my guys weren’t getting meat in their diets (since I am not a vegetarian, I do not raise my guys as one), so now I read and buy accordingly. And FYI, the only canned food for dogs that list meat first (that I have found) is IAMS. My cats are really fussy, but they do like Friskies dinners in gravy and they also list meat as first couple of ingredients. Also whenever you do switch foods on them, do so slowly (especially if you’re trying to pull a fast one on them, you know, like telling kids liver is just chicken fried steak, over-cooked) Good luck and if you love your pets, read…become aware…buy accordingly…

Answer 7

Some people get their dogs the expensive or the best food but some gets store brand or a low price one in my case i get the canned food expensive and the dry food just regular price . Why dont you check Animal Planet . com website maybe it could help you

Answer 8

I worked at 2 boarding kennels and I found that almost everyone who brought in their own food instead of letting them eat the kennel food brought in the store bought brands. 'pedigree' is very popular. However, its not a very high quality food. Iams is also popular, however, its nutritional value has GREATLY decreased in past years. So yes, alot of people use the commercial dog food that you can buy at supermarkets. (I am not talking about the high quality food, such as nutro, that you can ONLY buy at pet stores)

Answer 9

I feed my cat and dog both, Iams - expansive but heathier and they don't go to the bathroom as much - didn't know that one till the vet told me. In my coat his coat was awsome after i started feeding him it soft, silky.

Answer 10

i do not use the economy brands they are not as good for your dog as some of the others personally i use iams most other brands are corn based which is not as healthy for your dog it is just a filler to get them to be full

Answer 11

I used pedigree when we had our dogs its not that expensive and it was recommended by our vet my dogs were healthy and looked great I also use the pedigree line for my cats as well