At Christmas, the spirit of giving extends to our furry companions, as many people take the opportunity to show their dogs love and appreciation through thoughtful gifts. Whether it is a new toy, cozy sweater, or special treat, these gifts reflect the joy and warmth of the season, reminding us that the holidays are about cherishing loved ones, both human and pets.
During the holidays, one gift we can give our furry companion is to ensure that their health is in perfect shape. It is thus important to check the label when buying food and treats.
The pet care industry has seen an explosive growth in recent years. A surge in pet ownership has led to an increase in the number of pet products on the market. Pet food and treats are among the most popular categories, and many brands proudly advertise their products as “premium,” “organic,” or “natural.” But experts caution that these terms can often be misleading.
Understanding the Misconceptions
Dr. Anne Dominique Reyes-Sy, an associate veterinarian at Vets in Practice Animal Hospital, says one of the biggest misconceptions pet owners have is equating terms like “organic” or “premium” with better quality. “These terms aren’t regulated in the pet food industry the way they are in human food. Many products make claims about ingredients and benefits without proper verification or documentation,” she explains. This lack of regulation means that pet owners must look beyond marketing terms to truly understand what is in the product and how it will affect their pets.
The Importance of Reading Labels
So, what should pet owners focus on when reading labels? Dr. Reyes-Sy emphasizes the importance of examining the order of ingredients. “Ingredients are listed by weight, so you want to see specific protein sources, like chicken or beef, listed first—rather than vague terms like ‘meat meal’ or ‘animal by-products’ which often hide lower-quality ingredients,” she says.
Pet owners should look for products that provide specific amounts of active ingredients, rather than vague promises. For example, if a product claims to support digestive health, the label should specify the quantity of probiotics or prebiotics it contains. This level of transparency can help ensure the product lives up to its claims.
Pet owners should also be cautious of certain ingredients that can raise red flags. Dr. Reyes-Sy warns against artificial preservatives and colors, which are often hidden behind chemical names. Instead, opt for natural preservatives, such as mixed tocopherols, which are less likely to harm your pet’s health.
Know Your Ingredients
Some ingredients are more beneficial than others, so it is important to understand what each one does for your pet. Dr. Reyes-Sy advises pet owners to pay attention to what is in the treats and supplements they choose. For instance, if a product claims to improve joint health, it should provide measurable amounts of key ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to support joint function.
“Look for transparency in the form of clear ingredient lists, and always research unfamiliar terms. Many products hide behind scientific-sounding names that may confuse pet owners,” she adds.
Verifying Health Claims
Dr. Reyes-Sy suggests that pet owners seek measurable and verifiable health claims. “A reputable manufacturer will provide clear information about their products, including specific quantities of active ingredients and details of any quality testing. For example, if a treat claims to support digestive health, it should list exactly how much of its active ingredients—like probiotics—are included,” she explains.
Industry leaders, such as Philipp Renner, chief executive officer (CEO) of Dr. Shiba, are helping lead this shift toward transparency. “At Dr. Shiba, we make sure that pet owners have full access to our ingredient lists, quality tests, and product registrations. We believe that transparency is key to building trust with our customers,” Renner says.
By making ingredient formulations and testing results publicly available, brands can show their commitment to quality and help pet owners make more informed decisions.
“The biggest challenge we see is how overwhelming the choices can be. Pet owners want to make informed decisions, but it’s not always easy to understand what’s in different products or how they’re tested,” Renner notes. To combat this confusion, Dr. Shiba focuses on providing detailed information to its customers, from ingredient sourcing to testing procedures, helping pet owners feel more confident in their purchasing decisions.
What Pet Owners Need to Look For
To help ensure that pet owners are getting the best treats for their pets, here are some tips from Dr. Shiba to navigate the market:
1. Check Documentation & Registration: Every legitimate pet treat or supplement should have proper documentation. In the Philippines, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) requires pet supplements to display their BAI License to Operate (LTO) number and Certificate of Feed Product Registration (CFPR) number. Pet owners can verify these numbers through the BAI’s Specialty Feeds listings at [www.bai.gov.ph](http://www.bai.gov.ph).
2. Look for Specific Ingredients: Always check the order and quality of the ingredients. Opt for products that list whole proteins and avoid vague terms like “meat meal” or “by-products.”
3. Verify Manufacturer Details: Confirm that the manufacturer’s name and address match official records. This step helps ensure that the product is legitimate and produced by a trusted company.
4. Check for Batch Numbers and Expiration Dates: Ensure that the product includes clear batch numbers and expiration dates.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pet Wellness Products
The pet supplement and treat market in the Philippines is undergoing significant changes, and Renner believes that pet owners’ increasing demand for transparency and quality will drive even greater improvements in the industry. “We’re seeing better regulatory oversight and more stringent standards for pet wellness products. The Philippines is in a unique position, with pet owners who genuinely care about the health and wellbeing of their pets,” he says.
