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Grapeseed extract and grape pomace are very widely used in pet foods as they have excellent antioxidant properties.  Antioxidants in the diet are useful because they help combat harmful free radicals, support the immune system and may help to delay ageing.

Grape pomace is the dried and extracted grape skin and seed, rather than the whole grape. There's no risk in feeding it to dogs. Dogs can suffer from fatal renal failure after eating grapes or even raisins, but the seed and skin are considered safe. Studies indicate that the toxic element is in the flesh of the grape, which is not included in grape pomace.

Other alternatives commonly used in pet foods now are rosemary extracts, mixed tocopherols, Quercetin and green tea.  Antioxidants on a pet food label may be listed by name or may come under the catergory term ‘EC Permitted Antioxidants’. If pet owners want to find out what specific antioxidants are included in the recipe, they can contact the pet food manufacturer who is on hand to provide recipe information. 

When a label says meat and animal derivatives (4% chicken) on the pet food label does this really mean that there is only 4% meat in the products ?

No. Each recipe includes a blend of different ingredients including meats such as chicken, lamb, beef etc which are all combined into a food which will meet, in part or entirely, the daily nutritional requirements of the pet animal.

The 4% declaration is a legal labelling requirement which represents the minimum percentage content of the characterising ingredient guaranteed to be present by the manufacturer.

No. Members of the PFMA do not use horses or ponies in the manufacture of pet food. Our members only use materials from animal species which are generally accepted in the human food chain in the UK.

This rules out the use of material from horses, ponies, whales and other sea mammals, and many other species.

The use of additives in both human and pet food is based on the safety standards that the additive:

                       - must be necessary 

                       - must be effective

                       - must be safe.

Additives are used in both human and pet food to keep it's quality, texture, consistency, appearance, odour or taste. Additives are used in pet food in very small amounts. Some additives are derived from naturally occurring materials (usually plants) and others are artificially produced substances. They have been used for centuries to preserve food and provide a range of palatable attractive and affordable foods.

For foods which are not canned, preservatives and antioxidants are very important for maintaining the safety of the food supply as well as extending the product's shelf life. They help prevent spoilage from microbiological contamination and stop fats from going rancid. Spoiled foods carry the risk of food poisoning if consumed.

Pet food manufacturers adhere strictly to the legislation governing what can and cannot be used in pet food -The Feeding Stuffs Regulations 2005. These regulations lay down the categories and levels of additives permitted in pet food.

There is no veterinary evidence to suggest that additives used at permitted levels in pet food are in anyway harmful to healthy dogs and cats.

Members of the PFMA only use materials taken from animals which have been inspected and passed as fit for human consumption. Materials are carefully selected for the contribution that they will make to the nutritional value, quality and palatability of the finished product. Member companies only use materials from animal species which are generally accepted in the human food chain.

This rules out the use of material from horses, ponies, whales, and other sea mammals, and many other species.

The pet food industry uses materials from beef, lamb, poultry and pork origin, fish, shellfish, rabbit and game.

Ash is a legal term which represents the mineral content of the food and is determined chemically by the burning of the product. It is a legal requirement to include the ash content on a pet food label.

Meat and animal derivatives are legally defined in the Feeding Stuffs Regulations 2005. They are sourced from animals which have been inspected and passed as fit for human consumption and are the parts of the animal which are surplus to the requirements of the human food industry in the UK eg. heart, lung, or muscle meat, which may not be traditionally eaten by people in this country.

Is feeding semi skimmed milk as part of the main meals to help soften dry dog food harmful to the dog?

As with cats, most dogs tend to be lactose intolerant.  A puppy has the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the sugar in milk called lactose. Once the dog is weened, he generally stops producing lactase and loses the ability to digest it. Milk products can then cause an upset stomach and diahorrea. On the other hand, some dogs can tolerate milk and do enjoy small amounts.

Milk is a food and although skimmed milk has fewer protein and calories, this can add up, particularly for a small dog.  An alternative is to soften with warm water or speak to the manufacturer’s customer care team who will give you some tips.

In the UK there is no standard laid down which determines what constitutes a premium or super premium pet food. There can be a number of differences between a premium and super premium product and to some extent it depends on the focus and ethos of the manufacturer.

Factors include ingredients used, quality of ingredients and investment in innovation in the product. Manufacturers of a super premium product tend to include the latest nutritional developments in product formulation. As a result, Super premium diets will go beyond routine maintenance of health and see how health can be enhanced by using ingredients such as anitoxidants for immune support and glucosamine for joint care.

Obesity in rabbits, like cats and dogs and indeed people, is a growing concern. Like people, if rabbits eat too much and exercise too little, they will put on weight. Obesity can lead to other health complications so it is important to keep your rabbit at the right weight. To help owners keep their pets in good condition, we have produced a Pet Size-O-Meter. You can download the rabbit version from our website: Pet Size-O-Meter .

To help prevent obesity, it's important to provide a good diet for your rabbits. A rabbit's daily diet should mainly consist of large quantities of hay or dried or fresh grass and leafy vegetables. This will provide the necessary fibre for the rabbit and help keep the teeth in good condition. High quality specialist rabbit foods can make up the remainder of the diet. Always read the feeding guidelines to make sure you are giving the right amount. If sugar is added to a pet food, the levels are carefully controlled to ensure nutritional balance and palatability. Be conscious that some tasty morsels rabbits are typically known to enjoy can have high levels of sugar, for instance root vegetables such as carrots. These should be fed as occasional treats.

If you would like further advice, speak to your local vet, pet shop or pet food manufacturer.