Last year, veterinarian Anna Tebb’s encounters with several animals prompted a reevaluation of Australia’s pet food sector. Treating three dogs afflicted with vitamin D toxicity, confirmed through blood tests, Dr. Tebb observed symptoms such as increased thirst, urination, and vomiting among the afflicted canines. While two dogs eventually recovered, one suffered mild kidney failure, resulting in permanent damage.
Dr. Tebb noted the distress of the dog owners, who had diligently fed their pets with what they believed to be safe products. “It’s nothing that [the pet owners had] done … we put a lot of trust into pet foods and that what we’re doing is the right thing by our pets,” she lamented.
With nearly 40% of Australian households owning dogs and 27% owning cats, the lucrative pet food industry, valued at $5.7 billion, has come under scrutiny. Carolyn Macgill, executive officer of the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia (PFIAA), highlighted the absence of pet food regulation in the country, unlike counterparts such as the United States.
Despite calls for oversight following a 2018 senate inquiry into the industry, regulatory measures have yet to be implemented. The absence of a governing body leaves pet food safety largely in the hands of manufacturers.
PetFAST, an internet-based alert system facilitating the reporting of adverse pet food incidents by veterinarians, has seen an uptick in cases involving excessive vitamin D or mold. However, its effectiveness is hindered by limited industry participation and the absence of enforcement powers for recalls.
The case of vitamin D toxicity linked to a supplement from Prosperity Pet underscores the interconnectedness of the industry and the challenges of managing recalls effectively. While some companies voluntarily recalled affected products, inconsistency persists across the board.
Despite industry growth, characterized by a surge in new businesses, concerns over safety persist. Macgill advocates for government funding for PetFAST and its integration into comprehensive regulation to safeguard pet health.
The 2018 senate inquiry recommended mandatory industry standards and enforced recalls, yet progress remains elusive. RSPCA Australia’s Sarah Zito emphasizes the need for national leadership in regulating pet food safety, urging the adoption of mandatory standards akin to those in other countries.
While states and territories oversee pet food regulation, a collaborative effort is underway to develop a nationally consistent approach. However, tangible outcomes are awaited pending the recommendations of a working group convened to address the issue.
The emotional and financial toll of adverse pet food incidents extends beyond affected animals, impacting pet owners profoundly. The psychological burden, compounded by veterinary bills, underscores the urgency for robust regulation to mitigate such occurrences.
In the absence of stringent oversight, stakeholders continue to advocate for measures ensuring the safety and quality of pet food products. Dr. Georgina Child and veterinary nutritionist Nick Cave emphasize the imperative of testing and adherence to standards for the well-being of animals and their owners alike.
