Are We Being 'Fooled' by Pet Food?
Why I’ll Never Feed Kibble to My Dogs Ever
I’ve spent years caring for pets, researching their diets, and advocating for their health. But even I was shocked when I first watched Pet Fooled back in 2016.
Before I became “the pug mom”, I had experienced heartbreak: we lost our beloved family dog to a misdiagnosis in 2013 while she was eating both Hill’s and Blue Buffalo. Within the first three months, our other dog Xander suddenly passed away, and then she died on the operating table as it was too late to save her.
Watching Pet Fooled brought everything into sharp focus for me. This documentary peels back the curtain on the pet food industry, revealing how marketing, vague labels, and regulatory gaps can put our furry friends at risk. The film highlights uncomfortable truths: that “natural,” “healthy,” or “premium” labels don’t always guarantee quality, and that ingredients like by-products, fillers, and artificial additives are far more common than we think. Perhaps most eye-opening is the documentary’s look at recalls, safety lapses, and the minimal oversight provided by the FDA and AAFCO.
For pet parents like us, this isn’t just abstract information—it’s personal. Every meal we feed affects their health, from allergies and digestive issues to long-term chronic conditions.
Pet Fooled inspired me to never feed kibble to my own dogs ever again. The only exceptions are for my fosters and boarding clients—but for my own pets, I just can’t. If I’m in a pinch, I’ll lean on dehydrated options like Dr. Harvey’s or freeze-dried raw meals like Green Juju, but that’s as far as I go.
Here’s what the documentary really taught me:
1. Labels Can Be Misleading
“Natural” or “premium” doesn’t always mean safe or nutritious. Fillers, by-products, and artificial additives can hide behind words that sound wholesome.
2. Oversight Is Limited
The FDA and AAFCO provide guidance, but there are gaps. It’s up to us as pet parents to read labels, research brands, and make informed choices.
3. Recalls Are More Common Than We Think
Even trusted brands can have serious issues. Staying vigilant is part of caring for our pets.
4. Nutrition Matters
Feeding the same diet for years without rotating proteins or checking nutrient balance can leave pets lacking essential nutrients and even contribute to inflammation or chronic illness.
5. Advocacy Is Powerful
By questioning marketing and supporting transparency, we can make a real difference for our pets’ health and wellbeing.
Watching Pet Fooled changed how I feed my dogs forever. It made me double down on rotating proteins, questioning marketing claims, and truly understanding every label before feeding my pets. If you care about your pet’s health, I highly recommend watching the documentary. Be curious, question what you’re told, and never be afraid to advocate for your pets—they deserve nothing less.
If you’re looking for guidance on feeding your pets safely and holistically, I offer private home boarding, canine concierge referrals, and life coaching for pet parents—because our pets deserve more than just what’s convenient; they deserve what’s right.
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