5 of 11

Write now Article Tools

The outbreak of illnesses and death among pets in the United States, due to contamination of pet foods, prompted many pet owners, like myself, to look into the regulations regarding ingredients used in, and quality standards applied to, the production and sale of pet foods in the United States.

The FDA does not require any type of premarket inspection of pet food products. The main role of the FDA is to ensure that food consumed by human beings is safe, and healthy for us.

A different standard is applied to the food eaten by our dogs, cats and other household pets.

The FDA does require pet food manufacturers to list all ingredients used in their pet foods. Most ingredients, such as meats, poultry, or grains do not need to pass any further inspection. Some additives and preservatives must be approved by the FDA before they may be used in animal food.

Different states may also have specific laws regarding the manufacturing of pet foods, and quality assurance policies that apply at the state level. You can check with your state governments web-site to find out what your state requires of a pet food wholesale manufacturer.

Do laws need to be rewritten, and new standards applied, to ensure the safety of our family pets?
If so what changes should be be made, and should they be instituted at the state or the Federal level?

Many people are asking these and other questions.
Concerns about the safety and quality of pet foods being sold in our country have many individuals looking for alternatives to store-bought pet foods.

Some are now considering the wisdom of making their pets food themselves. It may be time consuming, however there is much better quality assurance, when you put the ingredients together yourself. Most homemade pet foods are also quite cost efficient, when compared to the more expensive varieties of pet food on the shelves today.

Learn more about this author, Randa Morris.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Pet food: Questioning what it contains?
We want to hear your view. Write now!