National Pet Month: Experts urge swapping table scraps for science-backed nutrition

MANILA, Philippines — As April saw millions of Filipino households celebrate National Pet Month, Pet Food Institute (PFI) continues to remind pet parents on the health benefits of giving pets a proper diet, ideally one that does not contain human food.

Veterinarians and nutritionists warn that human food, especially leftovers and table scraps, can pose significant health risks to cats and dogs, ranging from minor digestive upset to life-threatening emergencies.

Great for humans, bad for pets

Tablescraps and leftovers can cause potential health risks to our pets because most human food contain ingredients that may be toxic to cats and dogs such as onions, garlic and other seasonings.

Most people are not aware of the types of food that are safe for pets, or the exact quantities that would present adverse effects, and so, in general, sharing people food with pets can be a health hazard.

Many common ingredients found in human meals are harmful to dogs and cats. For example, onions, garlic, spicy peppers—aromatics that are essential in adding flavor to dishes—are toxic to pets. Other food risks include:

• Grapes, raisins and the sweetener xylitol can cause organ failure

• High-fat scraps like ham trimmings or buttery leftovers can trigger painful inflammation of the pancreas
   
• Even small amounts of human food add significant caloric density, leading to weight gain that stresses joints and shortens lifespans

The precision of commercial pet food

In contrast to nutritional inadequacy of table scraps, commercial pet food is engineered to support a pet’s specific dietary needs. Modern pet nutrition is a science, ensuring that every bite provides the correct ratio of proteins, fats, fibers and micronutrients.

"Pet owners often think they are being kind by sharing their meal, but pets have vastly different nutritional requirements than humans," says Daniel Nat Davies, Vice President of Business Operations and Programs, Pet Food Institute.

"Commercial pet food takes the complexity out of the equation, providing a consistent, safe, and delicious diet that allows our companions to thrive."

US pet food leads in quality assurance

US-produced pet food stands as one of the most strictly regulated industries in the country, offering quality assurance and nutritional claims that are backed by long years of research and development, and regulatory compliance.

• Complete and balanced formulation: US pet foods are scientifically-formulated to be "complete and balanced," meaning they contain every single nutrient a pet needs in the correct proportions for their life stage.
   
• Rigorous oversight: From the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), US pet food undergoes stringent safety checks, ingredient testing and manufacturing inspections.
   
• Strict quality control: US manufacturers utilize advanced food safety protocols to ensure products are free from pathogens and contaminants, maintaining a level of safety that meets or exceeds human food standards.

This National Pet Month, PFI encourages all pet owners to celebrate by committing to a scrap-free bowl. By choosing high-quality, US-regulated pet food, pet parents aren't just feeding their pets—they are also investing in their quality of life in the future.

In the US, pet food is among the most highly regulated of all food products, and is regulated at both the federal and state levels. PFI believes that longer and healthier lives of pets starts with the right nutrition.

For more information on pet nutrition and safety, visit www.petfoodinstitute.org.

Editor’s Note: This press release is sponsored by Pet Food Institute. It is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.