Welcome to my blog post, where I jump straight to the point! Corn in dog food is not bad!
Corn has long been a contentious ingredient in dog food, with many pet owners opting for corn-free options believing it to be harmful, full of mold, undigestible, and devoid of nutrition. However, science paints a different picture.
Contrary to popular belief, corn can offer several nutritional benefits for our canine companions and may be one of the most nutritious ingredients in well-formulated dry kibble pet foods.
Don’t believe me? Read on…
Nutritional Composition of Corn in Dog Food
Corn is a rich source of carbohydrates, providing dogs with readily available energy to fuel their daily activities. Yes, domesticated dogs benefit from carbohydrates!
Additionally, corn contains protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for overall canine health. Perhaps its best nutritional benefit is its high content of linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid crucial for dogs’ health.
Linoleic acid supports skin and coat health, immune function, and growth and development. Corn provides a readily available source of this important nutrient, helping dogs maintain glossy coats, strong immune systems, and healthy growth.
Many people consider corn a “filler”, not realizing just how much nutrition is packed into it. Styrofoam is a filler, corn is not.
Pet food ingredients like ancient grains and pulses are not as extensively researched as common cereals such as corn, rice, and wheat. Marketing wants us to believe alternative ingredients are healthier, but there is no proof.
Is Corn Digestible For Dogs?
One of the main concerns regarding corn in dog food is its digestibility.
Critics argue that dogs cannot efficiently digest corn, leading to gastrointestinal issues. Their argument is based purely on speculation, not science.
Humans often remark on how corn appears whole in their waste, overlooking the massive distinction between whole corn and ground corn.
After all, pioneers enjoyed cornmeal-based foods like johnnycakes and cornbread because ground corn is both shelf-stable and packed with nutrients, not to mention delicious.
Research indicates that when corn is processed correctly, it can be highly digestible for dogs.2 98% percent or more digestible, to be more exact, making it more digestible than beef!
Modern processing techniques have improved the digestibility of corn, making it an easily digestible source of nutrients for canines.
It’s time to put this myth about corn in dog food to bed.
Does Corn Cause Allergies & Sensitivities in Dogs?
Another common misconception is that corn is a common allergen for dogs.
While food allergies do occur (rarely) in some dogs, studies have shown that corn is not a primary allergen for canines.
For dogs without specific sensitivities, corn can be a safe and nutritious component of their diet.
Because it is so digestible, it may be a cleaner and safer option for sensitive dogs than less researched and more heavily processed starches such as “ancient grains”.
Does Corn Contain Mycotoxins and Mold?
Yes, corn (and other ingredients) can contain mycotoxins and mold, which are produced by certain fungi that can grow on crops like corn, particularly if they are stored in warm, humid conditions.
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds that can pose health risks to both humans and animals if consumed in high amounts.
Additionally, processing methods such as cooking and extrusion can help reduce the risk of mycotoxin contamination in pet food. Mold is just one of many contaminants pet foods of all types might face if they are not manufactured, stored, tested, and handled correctly.
As a precaution, pet owners should store pet food properly in a cool, dry place and avoid feeding their pets any food that appears moldy or has an unusual odor. Steer clear of brands like Midwest Pet Foods, which have had warning letters from the FDA due to gross negligence resulting in aflatoxins and mold in their foods.
If you have concerns about mycotoxins in your pet’s food, consult with your veterinarian for guidance.
Is GMO Corn Bad for Dogs?
GMO corn, like any other food ingredient, is subject to rigorous safety evaluations by regulatory authorities before it enters the market. Currently, there is no scientific evidence suggesting that GMO corn is inherently harmful to dogs. GMO crops undergo extensive testing to ensure they are safe for consumption by both humans and animals.
The nutritional composition of GMO corn is comparable to non-GMO varieties, and it can provide valuable nutrients such as carbohydrates, fiber, and essential fatty acids in pet food.
GMO crops often have traits engineered to resist pests or tolerate herbicides, which can lead to reduced pesticide use and lower environmental impact. Additionally, some GMO varieties are designed to be more resilient to adverse growing conditions, such as drought or disease, which can help ensure a more reliable food supply for both humans and animals.
Overall, GMO corn has been extensively researched and deemed safe for consumption by regulatory authorities worldwide. Concerns about GMOs often stem from misinformation or misconceptions, and understanding the scientific evidence behind their safety can help alleviate any unnecessary worries.
We know that corn is highly nutritious and digestible, eliminating the possibility that it’s a “filler” devoid of value.
From a practical standpoint, corn offers a cost-effective source of nutrition for dog food manufacturers.
Its widespread availability and relatively low cost compared to other ingredients help keep the overall price of dog food affordable for pet owners without compromising on quality or nutritional value.
All dry pet foods require some kind of starch to bind the ingredients together, and the truth is that in many formulations, corn is the superior choice.
The vilification of corn in dog food is unfounded when considering scientific evidence. When properly processed and included in balanced formulations, corn can be a valuable source of energy and nutrients for dogs. Pet owners should focus on selecting high-quality dog foods that prioritize nutritional balance and digestibility, rather than simply avoiding specific ingredients like corn. By understanding the science behind canine nutrition, we can make informed decisions to promote the health and well-being of our beloved pets.
Corsato Alvarenga, I., Aldrich, C. G., & Shi, Y. (2021). Factors affecting digestibility of starches and their implications on adult dog health.Animal Feed Science and Technology, 282, 115134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2021.115134 ↩︎
Isabella Corsato Alvarenga, Amanda N. Dainton & Charles G. Aldrich (2022) A review: nutrition and process attributes of corn in pet foods, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 62:31, 8567-8576, DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1931020↩︎
As with all pet food content I write, I aim to provide transparency and useful information. This Honest Kitchen dog food review is going to cover everything from where the food is manufactured to whether or not it is nutritionally sound for your pet.
I’m tired of pet food reviews that simply regurgitate and endorse the company’s marketing. You won’t find that here.
Years ago, I fed Honest Kitchen food to my little dog.
I distinctly remember preparing a bowl of it for my dog while my family was visiting, and they all kept saying that it looked like dog puke.
They weren’t kidding. It’s true.
Honest Kitchen invests heavily in marketing its brand, but whether its claims are supported by evidence justifying the extra expense remains to be seen.
The Honest Kitchen sells dehydrated pet food (that must be prepared before serving), wet food, and “clusters” (their take on kibble). This is not a typical pet food brand, and that’s part of the appeal.
Let’s dig in!
Honest Kitchen Marketing Claims
The Honest Kitchen pet food company makes the following claims in its marketing:
Human-Grade Ingredients
Wholesome and Natural
Balanced Nutrition
Convenient Preparation
Transparency
Limited Ingredient Options
Palatability
High-Quality Standards
These things are of course, very appealing to pet parents looking for a high-quality diet! Many companies make these same claims, so is Honest Kitchen different?
What is Human Grade Dog Food?
The Honest Kitchen claims to produce only “Human-grade” food and says that they are the only food brand authorized by the FDA to make that claim on their products. What they mean is that the FDA inspected their facilities and provided a letter of “no-objection” to Honest Kitchen using that term in their marketing.
It’s not that the FDA has a designated term that requires companies to adhere to it, it’s that they had no reason to object to the term when Honest Kitchen asked them to verify.
None of this is a bad thing! It shows a dedication to quality ingredient sourcing and manufacturing practices (which, can be possible in pet foods that aren’t labeled “human grade” as well).
The concept behind “human grade” dog food is that it will have been manufactured using the same strict attention to cleanliness, pathogen management, and quality as human food.
Boutique pet food companies, such as the Honest Kitchen, leverage this belief to their advantage by claiming that their food meets the supposedly higher “human-grade” standards.
However, food scientists know better than this.
The truth? In many ways pet foods have much stricter regulations on them than human foods, especially when it comes to raw meat!
Why is this? Because human food is meant to be cooked at home, which kills pathogens. Pet food must be safe straight out of the bag.
Additionally, humans handle pet food in their homes; it cannot contain pathogens and toxins that may be harmful to people.
I do not doubt that the Honest Kitchen has good quality control and sources high-quality ingredients. Where pet owners need to tread cautiously is in misleading marketing such as “human grade” that is meant to position food as superior.
Many pet food companies selling “pet grade” foods adhere to insanely high standards, and they have to (because the regulations, believe it or not, demand it).
A lot of the meat, grains, and supplements seen in more traditional pet foods are coming from suppliers who produce those same ingredients for human consumption.
In theory and according to some standards, the moment it’s shipped for use in pet food, it’s no longer “human grade”, even if it’s identical to the product shipped to a facility making food for humans. Based on that logic, Honest Kitchen is not actually “human grade”, unless you plan to pour yourself a bowl and eat it for dinner.
There are also major environmental and ethical considerations when it comes to using super high-quality anything for pets. Pets don’t need “top quality” anything in their diet. In nature, they will eat entrails, bones, bugs, and organs. In our homes, they will eat trash and poop.
When the human meat industry processes chickens, there are nutritious bones, organs, and tissues left behind. Many pet food companies use these ingredients instead of allowing them to go to waste, however, the Honest Kitchen would not because it goes against their beliefs about quality.
Food for thought!
Does Honest Kitchen Meet WSAVA Recommendations?
WSAVA’s recommendations for pet food focus on factors such as nutritional research, quality control, and manufacturing standards, which are essential considerations for any pet food brand claiming to offer balanced and high-quality nutrition.
I’ve dug into some very common WSAVA guidelines below to determine if Honest Kitchen adheres to them.
Who Formulates Honest Kitchen Dog Food?
The first place I look is the Pet Nutrition Alliance Manufacturer’s Report, which asks pet food companies to answer a few simple questions regarding their nutritionist and where the food is manufactured.
As of 2023, The Honest Kitchen had not responded to those inquiries. Based on my experience, when a company chooses not to publish such answers for the Pet Nutrition Alliance, it suggests that they may not adhere to the highest standards.
So of course, I had to go digging.
The Honest Kitchen states that they “work with a team of renowned veterinarians, including an ACVN-accredited veterinary nutritionist, to create each and every recipe“.
This means that they use unnamed consultants with variable credentials in their formulations, and none of them are on staff or employed by the company. Having an ACVN veterinary nutritionist involved in the formulation process is incredibly valuable, but without a direct relationship, it’s difficult to ascertain the extent of their contribution.
Where is Honest Kitchen Dog Food Made?
Most Honest Kitchen food is made in an unnamed “human-grade” facility that also manufactures soup, cereal, and milkshake powders.
In 2021 they opened a manufacturing plant for their “clusters” pet food (which is similar to kibble). I was unable to verify how much of their manufacturing is done at this plant.
I do believe that in general, the Honest Kitchen does meet high standards for ingredient sourcing, manufacturing practices, and overall management of pathogens and toxins.
Does Honest Kitchen Do Feeding Trials?
The Honest Kitchen brand has not completed traditional AAFCO feeding trials, instead indicating that they have “exceeded them” with a series of at-home trials.
At-home trials can be complicated, as pets in the home environment cannot be adequately monitored for accidental or intentional ingestion of other foods, treats, and supplements. Additionally, because each dog lives in a very different environment, it’s hard to objectively compare them.
In-home trials are helpful and can provide useful information, and it’s a far cry ahead of companies that do nothing at all. However, I’m not convinced that at-home feeding trials are all that superior.
The Honest Kitchen claims that their 6-month feeding trial of 24 dogs indicated positive results for each dog. However, they only tested three recipes among several in their product line.
The Honest Kitchen claims to be ethically and morally opposed to traditional feeding trials done in a laboratory environment. This take implies that dogs that participate in “traditional” tests are abused and live horrible lives locked in cages.
This is simply not true. It’s a complete myth and I have serious complaints about pet food companies that spread such misinformation.
Many people who work in pet food testing facilities will tell you that the dogs there receive tons of playtime, attention, enrichment, and care. They are groomed, loved, and trained. Those dogs receive regular veterinary care and are not subjected to torture or abuse as many would imply.
Is Honest Kitchen Endorsed by Veterinarians?
Kind of.
What I mean by this is that the only endorsements or collaborations I can find are with “holistic” veterinarians, and a review is hardly considered an endorsement.
Holistic and integrative veterinarians can be helpful in some situations, however, they are unfortunately known for denying published research and utilizing “natural” treatments and solutions with questionable efficacy and safety.
I’d like to see evidence-based veterinarians endorse or recommend Honest Kitchen as well, however, they don’t (at least not publicly or online). I’m always cautious when the only veterinarians that will recommend or endorse a food are “holistic”.
So while we cannot determine if this food is nutritionally sound, we can take a look at what’s in it. Their grain-free formulas ARE heavy in peas and potatoes, which may increase the risk of nutritional DCM (more on this below).
There is nothing wrong with any of these ingredients, and I do not doubt that they have all been purchased from quality suppliers. Beef, oats, and barley are traditional and well-researched pet food ingredients.
As a pet parent, I would not hesitate to purchase and use this food as a nutritious topper or to stuff puzzles such as the West Paw TOPPL!
Like the dehydrated beef recipe, this appears to be another food with several traditional, highly researched ingredients such as chicken, barley, and oats.
However, there’s a concern regarding the chicken content in this food. Although it is listed as the first ingredient, it doesn’t specify whether it was dehydrated or processed into a meal beforehand. This can suggest that its position as the primary ingredient may be due to water weight, not nutrient density in the finished food.
Honest Kitchen clusters are “cold pressed”. This means that individual ingredients are cooked before being pressed into shapes at low temperatures (around 100 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s not actually ‘cold’ nor is it raw.
What is the Carb Level in Honest Kitchen Pet Food?
I must admit, I was thoroughly impressed by the level of detail and comprehensiveness provided by Honest Kitchen. In contrast to many companies that make you hunt for such details or even refuse to provide them altogether, Honest Kitchen’s transparency is refreshing.
I used their tool to pull random samples of food and here is what I found.
Every sample was 42-50% carbs, which is in line with most dry kibble foods.
The Honest Kitchen contains average carb levels.
There is nothing wrong with carbs in pet foods and I appreciate that they embrace healthy grains such as barley and oats which provide amino acids and energy.
What is the Copper Level in Honest Kitchen Pet Food?
All of them fell right in range with the averages we see from science-backed companies such as Purina, Royal Canin, and Eukanuba.
In recent years, researchers have raised concerns about excess copper content in pet foods contributing to a rise in copper storage and liver diseases. The FEDAIF (European) recommends capping copper at 28 mg/kg. Many foods in the U.S. well exceed that level, especially from “holistic” and boutique-type pet food companies.
However, this value appears to be well controlled in Honest Kitchen, running in the neighborhood of 10 – 22 mg/kg of copper on average.
If you are concerned about copper levels in your pet’s food, verify that information with the company before feeding it.
Does Honest Kitchen Cause DCM?
This is where things get a little dicey.
Unfortunately, The Honest Kitchen has been seen in veterinary-confirmed cases of nutritional DCM (which can often be reversed with diet change).
The challenge with nutritional heart disease lies in its multifaceted nature, and fortunately, it’s relatively rare. It DOES happen, however, and it is 100% preventable.
Researchers know that N-DCM is seen as a problem with boutique pet food brands that do not have a qualified nutritionist on staff, in particular, if they use a lot of peas and legumes in their formulations.
Whether we want to admit it or not, Honest Kitchen shares those risk factors.
While the Honest Kitchen has exceptional feel-good marketing and wholesome ingredients, those things may not outweigh the risks of nutritional deficiencies.
These deficiencies can be a problem no matter how ‘healthy’ and ‘high quality’ a food appears to be.
Talk to your veterinarian about diet, especially if you have a breed prone to heart disease in the first place.
Can Honest Kitchen Dog Food Be Fed to Puppies?
As with all pet foods, it’s important to verify the AAFCO statement on the bag.
The statement should say something along the lines of this: “this formula meets the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for growth and development.”
Large and giant breed puppies require food where the AAFCO statement further indicates that the formula meets the nutritional levels established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for growth and development, including the growth of large breed puppies, 70+ lbs as adults.
This is because large-breed puppy foods have well-controlled calcium and energy levels.
No matter what Honest Kitchen food you choose, look for that statement.
The Honest Kitchen is a premium food that comes at a premium price point.
As with most similar foods, the added expense is more than what would truly make our pets healthy and thriving. Good marketing tells us that “high-quality human-grade food” is what we should buy when the truth is that many very affordable foods produce the same (or better) results.
I’m not convinced that pet parents should be shamed into spending big money on food like this under the guise that it would always result in a healthier, more robust pet.
However, if you have a pet that does well on expensive “human-grade” pet food, and you can afford it, there is nothing wrong with that.
I would use the clusters as training treats and the dehydrated food for stuffing enrichment toys. Honest Kitchen dehydrated food would make a great topper that is pretty close to fresh foods, while still being balanced and safe to feed.
Would I buy it? YES! Absolutely.
Would I feed it as my pet’s exclusive diet? No. I’d like to see the Honest Kitchen better adhere to WSAVA guidelines, and put to rest some of their more egregious marketing tactics.
Another day, another round of pet food lawsuits, recalls, misinformation, and drama. I suspect this is going to be a big one! On February 6th, 2024, Keto Natural Pet Foods filed a massive class action lawsuit against Hill’s Science Diet. Keto Natural Pet Foods vs. Hill’s Pet Nutrition is a hot topic, with a controversial argument.
They claim that Hill’s Science Diet and a handful of top veterinary specialists “participated in an egregious, wide-ranging, and damaging campaign of coordinated, for-profit, faux-scientific misinformation.”
Here is the list of Defendants listed in the lawsuit:
Hill’s Science Diet
Morris Animal Foundation – Mark Morris Institute
Dr. Lisa M. Freeman – Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionist
Dr. Darcy B. Adin – Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist
Dr. Joshua A. Stern – Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist
Dr. Ryan C. Fries – Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist
Dr. John E. Rush – Board Certified Veterinary Cardiologist
To put this in simple terms, Keto Naturals pet food is alleging that Hill’s Science Diet and the above list of highly-educated veterinary specialists fabricated the entire grain-free DCM heart disease debate to gain back lost market share from boutique and small food brands.
What is the “Grain-Free DCM Heart Disease Debate?
This issue in pet food revolves around concerns that certain grain-free diets may be linked to an increased incidence of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. While some believe that grain-free and boutique diets can contribute to DCM, others argue that insufficient evidence exists to establish a direct causal relationship, prompting ongoing discussions and research in the pet food industry. You can learn more about this HERE.
I have so many thoughts. As always, our blog relies on published evidence, common sense, and cited research. We do not resort to fear-mongering or insincere sensationalism! This blog post is your one-stop place to learn more about this issue. Please like, share, and follow. Read on, friends.
Keto Naturals Ketona Pet Food
To better understand the source of this lawsuit, I did some digging into the company behind it.
Keto Naturals is a boutique pet food company in the truest sense of the word. According to Grips Intelligence, their yearly sales revenue is below $1 Million U.S.D.
Compare that to Hill’s Science Diet, whose 2023 revenue sits at $4 Billion U.S.D.
If they wanted to, Hill’s could buy Keto Naturals and stuff it in a closet. Their measly revenue is not, and has never been, a threat to Hill’s Science Diet.
Keto Naturals markets their pet food as a low-carb Keto and “natural” diet option for pets.
However, while some pet owners are drawn to these products due to their alignment with human dietary fads, there is an ongoing debate among experts about the suitability and safety of ketogenic diets for animals. There is minimal research supporting the use of Ketogenic diets, while a considerable body of evidence suggests various potential problems associated with them.
Here are some other things we know about Keto Naturals / Ketona Pet Food and its founder:
Their food is co-packed by big factories that make many other brands for other companies.
There is no qualified nutritionist on staff.
It is unclear where the recipes are from, and if a qualified nutritionist consultant was used in their creation.
Keto Naturals does not participate in or publish peer-reviewed research or feeding trials.
They have a “science” page on their website pointing to a belief that carbs are fattening for humans and dogs. That is a theory that has remained unsubstantiated and is often refuted in published research.
A lot of their marketing is centered around bashing competitors (Such as the Farmer’s Dog) and other food types (including raw and fresh), as well as AAFCO regulations and standard practices for food nutrient testing.
Their website states that their foods have never been associated with a single case of nutritional DCM. However, their market share is abysmal. Some of the revenue comes from supplements they sell, not complete diets. The company has only been around since 2018, and very few dogs eat their food.
Keto Naturals’ outspoken founder and CEO Daniel Schulof is a lawyer. He is not an animal scientist, biologist, qualified nutritionist, or veterinarian.
Despite having no formal education in animal nutrition, biology, or veterinary science, Daniel Schulof has positioned himself as an expert authority on this topic and even published a book that he says has been critically acclaimed.
He does have a $200 certificate in pet nutrition from a RACE-approved veterinary CE online course. He openly declares his readiness to challenge anyone with superior credentials, firmly believing that his knowledge exceeds theirs.
This information is easy to find via a quick Google search, where his LinkedIn profile is publicly visible.
He is boldly challenging a group of veterinary researchers and specialists who possess significantly more education and expertise than he does.
I’m going to say something controversial about Keto Natural Pet Foods vs. Hill’s, but hear me out.
I believe that the Keto Natural vs. Hill’s Science Diet Lawsuit is a brilliant marketing move.
This news has spread rapidly across social media, leading to increased interest in Keto Naturals and higher engagement with their content.
By submitting a controversial and potentially frivolous lawsuit, costing around $400 U.S.D., the brand has garnered significant attention in the pet community. Holistic veterinarians and “consumer advocates” are buzzing, selectively promoting information that supports the arguments presented in the lawsuit.
How ironic.
Keto Naturals History & the DCM Debate
Daniel Schulof (founder of Keto Naturals) is no stranger to engaging in this controversy. He practically invented it.
He wanted that article removed, so he created a website called “Veterinary Integrity” and collected the signatures of veterinarians, scientists, human medical providers, representatives of grain-free pet food companies, and individual pet owners. His petition demanded the removal of the above editorial commentary piece from the JAMVA. (Read his demand letter HERE). 5
Despite the submission of the petition to JAVMA, the article was not retracted.
Certainly, the signatures he amassed predominantly reflected the views of a minority subset consisting of “holistic” veterinarians, pet food companies, and individuals inclined towards extreme “wellness” ideologies that often overlook scientific evidence. These signatures did not align with the sentiments of the majority of veterinarians and pet owners.
Keto Natural Pet Foods vs. Hill’s Lawsuit & Arguments
Determining whether Keto Naturals has a case against Hill’s Science Diet would depend on various factors, including the evidence presented, legal arguments, and the interpretation of relevant laws and regulations.
Author’s Note: Hello Danes does not necessarily agree with the following statements and arguments made in the Keto Naturals vs. Hill’s Science Diet lawsuit filing. This is being provided for informational purposes only:
Hill’s Science Diet collaborated with several veterinary specialists to falsely claim that all “non-traditional” dog foods raise the risk of canine DCM.
They deceitfully encouraged the FDA to investigate DCM cases by cherry-picking data.
Studies have not proven definitive causation.
They popularized the term “BEG” diets (Boutique, Exotic, Grain-Free) to implicate competitors and used blogs, websites, and social media to shape the narrative.
This led to significant losses for “BEG” pet food companies like Keto Naturals, which alleges its reputation was unfairly damaged.
Veterinarians who spread information about grain-free diets received it from Hill’s Science Diet and the Veterinary Defendants, raising concerns about funding and influence.
The Veterinary Defendants also have a conflict of interest due to their involvement in research funded by Hill’s Science Diet.
In this specific case, it seems like a class action is being pursued. This means that other small pet food companies could potentially join the case and seek compensation from any eventual judgment or settlement (if there is one, and that is a big if).
As a journalist, I typically strive to remain impartial while supporting my argument with published research and science.
It’s worth pointing out that the founder of Keto Naturals seems quite upset by what he feels is a loss of consumer trust in his brand (and thus, revenue), and he wants somewhere to place the blame.
Conveniently, his argument also happens to stand on a very controversial platform.
Controversy sells.
Grain-Free Diets and DCM Heart Disease in Dogs
In 2014, Veterinary Cardiologists initiated communication with the FDA regarding an alarming trend they had been noticing of atypical heart disease. This led the FDA to begin collecting data from Veterinary Specialists (some of whom are defendants in this lawsuit).
An announcement from the FDA in 20187 (four years later) aimed to gather more information from affected pet owners, sparking a prolonged debate that continues into 2024. Coincidentally, Keto Naturals Pet Food was started in 2018. The discussion had already been happening, and they were late to the party.
Despite the implication made in the lawsuit that “no research has proven a link between grain-free foods and heart disease in dogs”, there is a lot more to that story.
The FDA has a helpful Q&A page8 that beautifully explains a lot of the information available to us regarding DCM and Nutritional Factors.
Veterinarians nationwide consistently observe a rise in atypical heart disease cases among patients fed non-traditional, BEG, or grain-free diets. Many instances reportedly show improvement or reversal with diet change.
While it’s very possible that most dogs can eat BEG-style diets their whole lives without issue, some cannot. It may take years to sort out why.
The Keto Natural Pet Foods Inc. lawsuit against Hill’s Science Diet is adding fuel to the flames. To deny the hundreds of pet parents, whose pets were diagnosed with nutritional DCM and were harmed by boutique pet foods, is disingenuous.
Moreover, nutrition science is a highly complex and expanding area of research. It’s concerning that the owner of a small company, who is a lawyer and not a veterinary scientist, feels confident in arguing so egregiously against something about which he has limited knowledge and personal experience.
Given his background as a lawyer, one would anticipate his understanding of the peer-review process in research and science. However, it is troubling that he dismisses any critical studies and discussion on this topic, attributing it all to perceived financial influence and conflict of interest.
Does Keto Naturals Have a Case Against Hill’s Nutrition?
I’m not a legal professional, so I can’t provide a definitive answer. However, I’m open to sharing my thoughts and speculations on the matter.
Frivolous lawsuits are often considered baseless, lacking in legal reasoning or evidence to support the claims made. They may be filed for reasons such as harassment, intimidation, or to exploit the legal system for personal gain (see above, this is exceptionally good marketing for Keto Naturals brand).
Frivolous lawsuits can waste time and resources for both parties involved and can clog up the court system.
I observe a fledgling brand (Keto Naturals/Ketona) investing its limited time and resources into challenging top veterinary specialists and a large company (Hill’s Pet Nutrition) that is backed by extensive volumes of peer-reviewed scientific research.
At its core, that is frivolous.
The suggestion that multiple veterinary researchers have colluded with a single company to deliberately undermine small brands like Keto Naturals (whose revenue, even when combined with several other smaller brands, poses no threat to Hill’s bottom line) is far-fetched.
To prevail in this case, they’ll need to provide substantial evidence that these events occurred and were intentional. Many statements in the legal filing appear akin to a toddler’s tantrum, which may not be taken seriously by a judge.
Keto Natural Pet Food attributes its stagnant growth to the DCM “scheme” allegedly orchestrated by Hill’s Pet Nutrition and its purported co-conspirators, overlooking the simple fact that there may just not be much interest in Keto Dog Food among consumers.
The popularity of the human Keto diet trend is waning as people become more aware of the health risks associated with extreme and restrictive diets. It’s logical to assume that a boutique pet food company attempting to capitalize on this trend would face challenges, regardless of external factors.
With many things in the world of pet food, there are two sides.
On one side, there’s the often anti-science “holistic” faction, advocating for what they view as a more “natural” approach. Unfortunately, many adherents to this philosophy regularly undermine the credibility of experts and engage in the propagation of conspiracy theories. This side stands firmly with Keto Naturals, as for years they have shared the same unsubstantiated arguments that he does.
On the other side, there’s the pro-veterinary research faction, committed to uncovering the truth through scientific methods, diligent peer-reviewed research, and evidence-based practices.
It will be interesting to see how this shakes out, but for now, I’m choosing to continue standing with science.
Disclaimer: The information provided regarding the KetoNatural Pet Foods Inc. vs. Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. lawsuit is for informational purposes only. We are not legal professionals, and any information presented is a journalistic interpretation and should not be construed as legal advice. Additionally, our site is not affiliated with, or funded by the FDA, Hill’s Science Diet, or Veterinary Researchers.
Footnotes
Diet culture is rooted in racism, white supremacy, and colonialism, Marisa Crane BS↩︎
Ketogenic diet: What are the risks? U.C. Davis. Natalie Helms ↩︎
Cridge H, Lim SY, Algül H, Steiner JM. New insights into the etiology, risk factors, and pathogenesis of pancreatitis in dogs: Potential impacts on clinical practice. J Vet Intern Med. 2022 May;36(3):847-864. doi: 10.1111/jvim.16437. Epub 2022 May 12. PMID: 35546513; PMCID: PMC9151489. ↩︎
Freeman, L. M., Stern, J. A., Fries, R., Adin, D. B., & Rush, J. E. (2018). Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs: what do we know?. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 253(11), 1390-1394. Retrieved Feb 13, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.253.11.1390↩︎
Daniel Schulof Demand Letter to the AVMA, January 26th, 2019 ↩︎
Keto Naturals Inc. vs. Hill’s Science Diet Inc. Class Action Lawsuit Document ↩︎
FDA Investigating Potential Connection Between Diet and Cases of Canine Heart Disease ↩︎
Questions & Answers: FDA’s Work on Potential Causes of Non-Hereditary DCM in Dogs ↩︎
Owens EJ, LeBlanc NL, Freeman LM, Scollan KF. Comparison of echocardiographic measurements and cardiac biomarkers in healthy dogs eating nontraditional or traditional diets. J Vet Intern Med. 2023; 37(1): 37-46. doi:10.1111/jvim.16606↩︎
Welcome to the third installment of my series uncovering the controversial and misleading aspects of the documentary “Pet Fooled.”
In this chapter, I’m going explore the intricacies of pet food recalls, veterinary diets, and the rise of holistic pet food elitism.
Join me as I dissect the narrative presented in “Pet Fooled,” aiming to separate fact from fiction and shed light on the complexities of pet nutrition.
In case you missed it, I’ve linked Part One and Part TWO below!
Note: This is a multi-part series! Additional articles in this series will be posted below.
Part One: “Biologically appropriate” feeding, bacteria & pathogens in raw food, and the influence of “big kibble” on veterinary schools (See Part One HERE)
Part Two: Pet food marketing, ingredients in pet food (including corn and by-products), manufacturing, AAFCO, and FDA regulations (See Part Two HERE)
Part Three: Pet food recalls, veterinary diets, and holistic pet food elitism (See Part Three HERE)
Pet Fooled Recalls
In Pet Fooled, the narrator digs into pet food recalls, in particular notable ones such as Pentobarbital (euthanasia drug) and Melamine, which I will cover in depth below.
The narrator recounts the poignant narratives of several pet owners deeply entangled in legal proceedings linked to these specific incidents.
While these issues in pet food are inexcusable, there have been many dangerous problems associated with raw pet food, too, including bacterial contamination, nutrient deficiencies, and high copper levels.1
Pet Fooled advocates for raw feeding as a solution to what it perceives as shortcomings and safety problems related to commercial pet food. The documentary suggests that raw diets, which typically consist of uncooked meat, bones, and organs, mimic the natural diet of wild animals and offer superior nutrition for pets.
Consider Darwin’s raw food2 . This brand is promoted in the film as a safe food “free of pathogens”. Their use of a chemical called “PAA – Peroxyacetic Acid)”3 is not approved for use in pet food, and the company is well-known for its blatant and public refusal to recall contaminated food.
I believe the overriding theme here is that pet parents should be concerned about recalls and food manufacturing processes. However, Pet Fooled significantly neglects to address the substantial contributions of raw and boutique pet food brands to this issue.
Here is a great video that covers the issues with Darwin’s Raw Pet Food in more detail:
Replying to @Renn an absolutely interesting read! I’ve pointed out in previous videos that many raw food companies want salmonella to be allowed in pet food…to the point of suing the organizations to allow it. Their argument is not all salmonella is pathogenic. But what happens when a prominent raw company tests positive for pathogenic salmonella? Turns out…nothing good. There may one day be studies about PAA in raw pet food that make this discussion a moot point. Unfortunately, until then this raw food company uses an unapproved product on their pet food, ignores calls to recall their food and misleads their consumers about pets falling ill.
The melamine pet food recall of 2007 stands as one of the most significant incidents in the history of pet food safety.
It originated when an ingredient manufacturer deliberately adulterated their products with melamine, a toxic chemical compound used in plastics and fertilizers. Melamine had been added to wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate to artificially inflate the protein content, making the products appear more nutritious.
This ingredient was sold by the supplier for use in both human and pet foods. In other words, it was “human grade”.
Tragically, this adulteration led to widespread contamination of pet food, affecting over 150 brands and resulting in the illness and death of many pets across the United States.
The melamine pet food recall served as a wake-up call for the pet food industry, highlighting the importance of robust quality control measures, transparency in the supply chain, and regulatory oversight to ensure the safety and integrity of pet food products.
Adulterants like melamine and pentobarbital should never be present in pet food. Because of this, pet food companies, unfortunately, may not have been previously aware of the need to test for these particular substances. There are thousands of potential contaminants that might affect any kind of food on the market, including fresh and raw.
Pet Fooled portrays the melamine recall as evidence that commercial kibble pet food is inherently unsafe, while blatantly overlooking the crucial role that the recall ultimately played in enhancing the safety of pet food products.
The melamine pet food recall happened 18 years ago at this point, and many changes have been made since that time. Many (though not all) pet food companies have overhauled their sourcing and ingredient testing protocols, and that’s a positive move in the right direction.
Pentobarbital Euthanasia Drug in Pet Food Recall
The pentobarbital recall5 refers to a series of incidents where, before the melamine recall, traces of pentobarbital, a euthanasia drug, were found in certain pet food products.
Pentobarbital is sometimes used to euthanize animals, and its presence in pet food products raised questions about how it could have entered the supply chain. I covered this topic in depth, in an article titled “Are There Euthanized Animals in Pet Food”.6
The FDA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for pentobarbital in pet food and contrary to what is implied in Pet Fooled, this is not an ongoing or concerning problem.
Milo’s Chicken Jerky and Pet Fooled
Pet Fooled also talks about the social frenzy surrounding Milo’s Chicken Jerky treats, which lasted nearly 6 years.
The convergence of social media proliferation and heightened concerns about manufacturing processes and ingredient sourcing have created an ideal environment for pet owners to attribute illnesses to pet food and treats.
We saw this play out again in 2023-2024 with the “Purina Panic”7, a now-debunked social media phenomenon that led to thousands of people blaming Purina and other kibble brands for their pets veterinary problems and deaths.
A family highlighted in Pet Fooled attributed the death of their pet to Milo’s Chicken Jerky.
However, their pet’s demise was actually due to a common condition known as “bloat” or “GDV” (gastric dilatation-volvulus), which affects large and giant breed dogs. This condition, often genetic, involves the dog’s stomach flipping, and the consumption of chicken jerky would have been unrelated to its occurrence in their pet.
The FDA looked into the reports and complaints and found nothing wrong with Milo’s treats until 2013 when trace amounts of antibiotics were found. They were recalled again in 2018 for elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone.
Neither of these contaminants would be associated with deaths or severe illness, and while both of those are inexcusable from a manufacturing standpoint, stories of widespread harm remain unproven.
Social Media & Its Role in Creating Panic
In the aftermath of the Melamine recall, single instances of pet illness have repeatedly triggered widespread social media frenzies or specific brands and ingredients.
These social media frenzies often lead to rapid dissemination of information, with pet owners sharing anecdotes and experiences, often without full context or verification.
While it’s essential for pet owners to stay informed and advocate for their pets’ health, the proliferation of unverified information can also fuel unnecessary panic and misinformation.
In many cases, a single story of illness can quickly snowball into widespread fear and distrust of specific pet food brands or ingredients.
However, it’s important to approach such incidents critically and seek out reliable sources and evidence-based information before drawing conclusions or making decisions about pet nutrition.
Pet Food Manufacturers Sourcing & Quality Control
For pet owners rightfully concerned about the sourcing practices of pet food companies, the most effective approach is to inquire directly. Regrettably, misinformation often circulates implying that certain brands source all of their ingredients from low-quality suppliers or China.
However, without thoroughly investigating each company’s actual practices, it’s challenging to ascertain the validity of such claims.
As part of my ongoing commitment to finding the truth about pet food, I found this incredible document from Nestle Purina8, which outlines their responsible sourcing standard in depth. This document is a great example of what you want to see from a pet food company.
As mentioned in part two, a demand for transparency is important. This demand must hold small boutique and raw pet food companies to the same standard.
Here are some things pet parents can do:
Ask the brand how many quality checks are performed each day, across all stages of production.
Verify that the brand is keeping batch samples and lab testing the food often for nutrient levels and contamination.
Look into the company recall history, and determine if the recalls were a sign of due diligence and a commitment to pet safety, or if they signal a bigger problem with quality control.
Verify that the brand has multiple highly qualified food safety, nutrition research, veterinarians, and board-certified nutritionists on staff who stand behind the food because they put their hard-earned education, sweat, and tears into it.
Dr. Em is a practicing veterinarian who posts science-backed information about pet health, including nutrition. This video on choosing pet food should provide valuable insight, and balance the often controversial and misleading content promoted by “Pet Fooled”.
Veterinary Prescription Diets
In “Pet Fooled,” veterinary prescription diets are subjected to scrutiny, with the documentary casting doubt on their formulation, marketing, and suitability for pets’ health needs.
However, it’s essential to recognize that veterinary prescription diets are meticulously formulated to address specific health conditions in pets, such as kidney disease, urinary tract issues, and food allergies.
These diets undergo rigorous testing and adhere to strict nutritional standards to ensure their efficacy and safety under veterinary supervision.
While “Pet Fooled” may question the ingredients used in these diets, it’s important to understand that ingredients such as hydrolyzed proteins, novel proteins, and therapeutic additives serve specific therapeutic purposes and are recommended by veterinary professionals based on scientific evidence.
Therefore, while the documentary may raise concerns about veterinary therapeutic diets, these concerns are only based on emotional reactions to the perceived “issues” with certain ingredients.
Pet owners must consult with their veterinarians to determine the most appropriate diet for their pets’ individual health needs.
Dr. Em hits it out of the park once again, with this phenomenal video debunking many common myths about veterinary prescription foods.
Holistic Pet Food Elitism & Final Thoughts
Holistic pet food elitism, as portrayed in various discussions and documentaries like “Pet Fooled,” revolves around the belief that select “premium” and minimally processed pet foods labeled as “holistic” or “natural” surpass conventional commercial pet diets.
The implication is that opting for anything other than raw, homemade diets, or certain premium kibbles may be seen as providing lesser care for your pet.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Becker asserts that feeding anything else amounts to “nutritional abuse.”
However, “holistic” and “higher quality” foods often come with a hefty price tag, placing them beyond the means of many devoted pet parents. Worse, many of these “better” or more “holistic natural” diets are unbalanced, may cause nutritional heart disease, can be subjected to recalls, and may contain pathogens and bacteria.
Science, and history, prove this.
“Higher quality” foods are not immune to any of the problems implicated by the film. They aren’t a magic solution, nor is there any proof that they are inherently and always better.
My point is to say that shaming pet parents for choosing the food they can afford to feed their pets is never ok.
Unfortunately, Pet Fooled staked a claim on that belief and used their platform to shame millions of pet parents into feeding their pets potentially unbalanced and often unaffordable diets.
There are many affordable, high-quality options out there and at Hello Danes, we will never, ever shame somebody for choosing a science-backed, well-studied food like Dog Chow.
While “Pet Fooled” raised valid concerns about pet food safety and manufacturing practices, it opted to sensationalize information, fostering an elitist mindset surrounding pet food selection.
Instead of promoting an informed and balanced discussion, “Pet Fooled” contributed to the polarization of perspectives on pet nutrition, hindering productive and science-backed dialogue on this important topic.
It is for that reason that Pet Fooled gets a resounding thumbs down from me.
In the wake of the social media frenzy about Purina Pro Plan, I was encouraged to create a pet food safety series (of which this is the first installment). The topic of this article is about euthanized animals in pet food, based on a comment that I’ve seen all too often being spread around on social media.
“Veterinarians and dog shelters sell euthanized animals to pet food companies. They are then ground up with their collars and everything, and put into pet food.”
A surprising number of people believe this gut-wrenching theory. Let’s dig in.
Are There Euthanized Animals in Pet Food?
Unlikely. This is not a widespread issue, nor are there any verifiable reports that this practice is done intentionally by any pet food company.
But as always, there is more to this story.
The theory about euthanized pets in dog and cat food has circulated on the internet from day one. In all fairness, some variation of this scenario has occurred.
Pentobarbital is a drug frequently used to euthanize animals, including pets.
A handful of pet food companies have faced issues involving recalls and FDA scrutiny due to the discovery of Pentobarbital in their products. It all started in late 2016 when one pet died and a few others became sick after eating Evanger’s canned food.
As a result of this, tests were done on more than a dozen pet food brands. The euthanasia drug was found in 9 out of 15 cans of Gravy Train.
Recalls were issued, and a media frenzy on this topic began.
The source of Pentobarbital in Gravy Train was determined to be beef fat, purchased from the JBS Souderton Inc. meat processing facility in Souderton, PA.
JBS had also supplied beef tallow Champion Pet Foods (Acana/Orijen Brand), and despite the potential presence of contaminated beef fat in their product, the company opted not to issue a recall.
Substantial inquiries arise regarding the circumstances surrounding this occurrence, the actions taken to address it, and the measures implemented to prevent its recurrence in the future.
Can Pet Food Companies Use Euthanized Animals?
Reputable pet food companies steer clear of this practice by meticulously selecting ingredients and enforcing rigorous quality control measures to detect any adulterated or contaminated products throughout the entire production process, from sourcing to final inspection.
There is a growing demand for clearer labeling and higher standards in the pet food industry.
It’s important to acknowledge that the majority of pet food companies prioritize the creation of a safe and nutritious product.
Their emphasis on these aspects is driven by the understanding that without a strong focus on safety and nutrition, consumers would likely refrain from purchasing their products, resulting in a loss of revenue for the companies.
Pentobarbital can potentially end up in pet food through various avenues, including the presence of euthanized animals in the rendering process, which is the process of converting animal tissues into usable materials like fats and proteins for various industries (including pet food).
If euthanized animals are not properly segregated from the rendering process, residues of pentobarbital from euthanasia drugs may remain in the rendered material and subsequently contaminate the pet food.
JBS Souderton Inc., the provider of the contaminated beef tallow used in various questionable pet food brands (Including Kibbles & Bits, Orijen/Acana, and Evanger’s), faced scrutiny from the FDA.
A warning letter to JBS Souderton dated April 23rd, 20193, reveals that repeated inspections of the processing plant uncovered numerous instances of cleanliness, sanitation, and sourcing violations, along with the discovery of Pentobarbital in product tanks at the facility.
While JBS Souderton bears initial responsibility, the pet food companies that incorporated the contaminated beef tallow into their products also have significant accountability to address.
Pet Food Myth: Shelter Animals in Pet Food
The above information has led many people to conclude that all pet foods contain euthanized, ground-up shelter pets.
To put this bluntly, that is a big stretch. There is no truth, let alone verifiable proof, of this claim.
We can substantiate past issues with Pentobarbital in pet food, particularly among brands sourcing beef tallow from JBS Souderton.
Beyond the brands that had Pentobarbital in their pet foods, any further claims remain speculative.
Of course, sensationalism SELLS.
The idea of using ground-up shelter animals in pet food is provocative, controversial, and deeply concerning to pet parents who prioritize the well-being and quality of nutrition for their beloved pets.
It is also a broad, sweeping generalization that has caused needless and untold amounts of fear and anxiety for pet parents.
How To Find a Pet Food With Good Quality Control
The trick to this is not to avoid commercially prepared pet foods. It’s to learn how to choose brands that are transparent, ethical, and have good quality control practices.
It doesn’t matter how nice, holistic, or organic the marketing of that brand is; they are still subject to making mistakes and engaging in questionable sourcing and testing practices.
To find a pet food with excellent quality control, consider the following steps:
Research reputable brands: Look for pet food companies with a strong reputation for transparency, quality ingredients, and rigorous quality control measures. Your veterinarian is a good place to start, as they often communicate directly with certain pet food companies and have insider information about their plants, quality, sourcing, and nutrition science. Here is a great example of a brand with exceptional attention to quality control5, where they indicate that over 1000 lab analyses are done every day during all stages of production.
Check for certifications & guidelines: Seek out pet foods that adhere to regulatory guidelines such as those set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
Look for quality control information: Check the manufacturer’s website or contact customer support to inquire about their specific quality control processes, including testing for contaminants and adherence to safety standards. Exceptional pet food companies are testing at all stages of production, and maintain batch samples for some time after the food is distributed.
Ask who formulates the food: companies that have several highly qualified nutritionists, food scientists, and veterinarians on staff are much more likely to produce food that is safe, nutritious, and bioavailable.
This is a big jump. No, your neighbor’s dog, your local shelter animal, and some dogs from a hoarding situation down the street are NOT in your pet’s food!
It is neither honest nor ethical to suggest that all brands incorporate ground-up euthanized animals due to the actions of a few companies that sourced low-quality ingredients.
Has euthanasia drug been found in pet food? Yes.
Have ground-up pets and collars been found in pet food? Not that I’ve seen, anywhere.
Is this a widespread problem? No.
Is Pentobarbital in pet food likely to harm your pet? No, because even if it does end up in the food, it is likely to be in very low and nearly untraceable amounts. While this doesn’t justify its presence, it does make the likelihood of harm extremely improbable.
Each year, 300-400 new pet food brands enter the market, attempting to compete alongside a small group of popular legacy brands with established practices.
The tiny handful of questionable brands that were caught with contaminated ingredients do not accurately represent the vast majority of pet food options available.
My opinion? When it comes to pet food safety, there are bigger fish to fry.
What do you think? Leave your comments below! Discussion is welcome and encouraged.
