A good diet is the basis of health. No amount of medications, whether conventional, homeopathic or herbal, will work to their maximum effect unless the patient is on a nutritious and natural diet. The Campaign for Real Pet Food is at last opening pet owner’s eyes to the hidden ‘nasties’ and overall lack of nutrition, provided by much of today’s mass-produced pet foods.
What we feed our pets is the basis of their everyday health and well being. Most noticeably their behaviour, energy levels and waistline, and less visibly, but even more vitally, diet affects each and every internal organ system in the body. Food is providing the building blocks for growth, repair and everyday ‘body maintenance’ of a healthy animal. There is no truer saying than, ‘you are what you eat’!
Consumer power will be the key to a move towards better quality, ‘real’ pet food. The more informed pet owners are as to what they are feeding their pets and how this related to their health, the stronger the campaign will be! I fully support encouraging pet food manufacturers to use high quality and wholesome ingredients that they will not be ashamed to list on the packet.

I'm Nick Jones and I run 'Alpha Dog behaviour' in Bewdley, Worcestershire and cover the surrounding counties and beyond.
Diet is always discussed in detail during the consultation, and it's not unusual to receive positive feedback from dietary changes that have been made after my visit.
So many brands contain many unnecessary additives and poor quality ingredients, and it never fails to surprise me how little the general public know about basic canine nutrition.
I believe that we have fallen into a state of 'misguided trust', and in some cases our dear dogs are paying the price with poor health.
The big names sell their food based on glossy adverts and expensive campaigns to an unsuspecting public. A campaign to educate the public and raise awareness is long overdue,
and I am pleased to be a part of the CRPF! As we move forward in today's society, awareness of healthy eating and living has improved tremendously for us humans, now it's the turn of the canine!

Victoria is a world-renowned dog trainer, author and television personality. She is the host of her own Channel 4 dog training programme, ‘It’s Me or the Dog,’ which is airing in over 30 countries worldwide - and she is right behind the Campaign for Real Pet Food!

“As a dog trainer, I see behaviour issues in dogs every day that are directly related to their diet, so I wholeheartedly support the Campaign for Real Pet food as a way of combating not only dog obesity and malnutrition, but also food-related behaviour problems. It is vital that the public realise how important it is to be careful of what you feed your dog, as the only way to truly achieve positive change in the pet food industry is for individual dog owners everywhere to stand up and demand the opportunity to give their dogs the best without having to pay a premium. We’re on the right track, but a lot of work remains if we’re to really see lasting results in the industry.”

Away from her roles in business and on the BBC 2 series, Dragon's Den, Deborah is passionate about animals and has given the Campaign for Real Pet Food her full support:

“I share my home with my husband Paul, Friday the cat and our two dogs. We also have five horses, eleven chickens and four ducks. The well-being of all of our pets is as important to us as our own, and I fully support any calls for better labelling of pet food. With so much emphasis on ‘we are what we eat’, it’s about time we knew exactly what we were feeding our pets too.

Pet owners will no doubt find the information provided by Joe Inglis on the benefits of a natural diet for pets invaluable."

“The Campaign for Real Pet Food will draw vital media attention to the increasingly important subject of pets’ diets and make a real difference.”

Gwen was the behaviourist for one of the large animal welfare charities for 12 years before setting up Puppy School (www.puppyschool.co.uk), a UK network of puppy class tutors who use only positive methods. Gwen lectures nationally and internationally, runs training courses and has written 12 books about dog training and behaviour. She is a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and a Trustee for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

“I believe food is so much more than stuff to stop dogs feeling hungry. Good nutrition is so important, particularly for producing a well-behaved, content, and emotionally well-balanced dog. Sadly, there are few studies linking poor diet to behaviour problems in dogs, but, every day, we see the influence of some of the more popular diets on the puppies coming to classes in our Puppy Schools around the country. Some puppies are hyperactive, unable to concentrate and don’t seem comfortable in their own skin. A change of diet can work miracles. I know how a good diet can make me feel so much better than when I eat junk food – why should our pets be any different?

I fully support the Campaign for Real Pet Food and what it is trying to achieve. Owners need much more information about how to feed their dogs properly and how to choose wisely if they feed a ready-made food.”

"I support the Campaign for Real Pet Food because, from my own experience, it’s incredible the effect that changing your pets diet can have on their health and well being.
In many cases our pets will eat what we put in front of them. Its down to us as pet owners to give them the best diet we can and if we are not entirely sure what is in the food we provide, how can we be sure we are doing what is best for our beloved pets?
Please give us the chance to choose which foods are best for our beloved companions by providing pet owners with accurate ingredient information."

“I have worked with many dogs that have been labelled as stubborn, hyperactive and/or unruly and in every case there were significant improvements in both their health and their behaviours once their diets were changed. A healthy dog is a happy dog and there is no escaping from the fact that a dog’s diet has a direct influence on how he thinks, feels and learns.
I am thrilled to be part of a campaign that not only highlights the importance of a natural diet for our canine companions but also asks pet food manufacturers to use only high quality, individually listed wholesome ingredients.”

“We own five dogs, all of which have had previous homes, and we also foster over the top puppies for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. We have achieved remarkable results with helping our dogs overcome some severe health issues, including skin and thyroid problems, by feeding them on a natural, high quality diet of both pre-packed and home-cooked food. – Many visitors to our home literally salivate at the sight of the dinners we prepare in our kitchen for our dogs!!
I applaud Joe Inglis for bringing the importance of a high quality diet for dogs to the public eye and fully support this important and worthwhile campaign.”

Colin Tennant and the organisations that he represents support the Campaign for Real Pet Food with regard to dogs and cats being fed foods that do not contain junk ingredients. As Principal of the Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training – Britain’s largest training organisation for degrees in dog behaviour and training - Colin has several hundred documented cases where he changed dogs from dry dog food (from commercial brands) to natural or home made foods. The results have been significant improvements in behaviour.

In training, Colin uses food as a motivator to change serious behaviour problems in dogs, such as aggression. ‘Real’ food has contributed to successful outcomes and problems being solved in some 4000 canine behaviour consultations at the Canine and Feline Behaviour Centre in Hertfordshire. Dogs simply know what is natural and their taste receptors work for real food.

Colin adds, “I am prepared to support any group, individual or organisation promoting good quality dog and cat foods because I have first-hand experience of their benefits”.

Mum to three boys, three dogs and three cats and an ambassador for health and fitness for families, Sally understands the importance of a well-balanced and nutritional diet alongside an active lifestyle for the whole family (pets included).

“The Campaign for Real Pet Food draws on issues that are important for us and our pets alike; the nutritional value of what we eat is vital. Having grown up on a farm, I was aware of the benefits of natural produce from a young age and to draw pet owners’ attention to the benefits of a natural diet for their pets can only be a good thing.”

To learn more about Sally and her work to keep families fit and healthy, please visit: www.sallygunnell.com.

Bruce’s dogs, Baz and Babe are lucky enough to have fresh cod, potatoes and vegetables prepared for them daily, as Bruce is as passionate about their diet as he is his own. He fully supports the Campaign, having had first hand experience of the benefits of a natural diet for his dogs.

"I'm pretty careful what I put into my own body so I think it's outrageous that the pet food industry should be allowed to act in a less than transparent way."

PETA are right behind The Campaign for Real Pet Food's calls for an end to animal testing of pet foods.

“There’s no need and no justification for invasive and harmful testing on animals to make companion-animal food and we welcome this campaign to help put an end to it.”

The Guild of Dog Trainers represents excellence in dog training, education and welfare issues in the United Kingdom. As such, we support the Campaign for Real Pet Food. A dog should have the right to be fed nutritious food, free of unnecessary chemicals and excessive processing, including taste enhancers, to make the unpalatable foodstuffs palatable. Good dog food requires no manipulation. We encourage our trainers to use real food - tripe, home made and, for those who have limited time, prepared natural foods.

At Natural Pet Choice our belief is ‘our pets are what we feed them.’ With that in mind we’ve only ever stocked pet foods which list ingredients in plain English and our customers notice a big improvement in their pets’ allergies, general health, focus and energy levels, when they switch to foods that are made from proper, whole, foods.

That’s why we’re proud to support the Campaign For Real Pet Food and it’s fight for a better deal for pets and their owners.

We should strive for transparency within the pet food industry and our pets deserve to live healthy, happy lives free from diseases previously only seen in humans, much of which can be attributed to a poor diet.

Full praise to Joe Inglis for putting the fight for quality pet food, front and centre.

Summer and her Maltese Chihuahua cross, Bam Bam are happy to support the Campaign for Real Pet Food. You can also see them in the 2009 PDSA Pet Pawtraits calendar.

“I am delighted to be involved with The Campaign For Real Pet Food. At Scampers we are all concerned with pet welfare and the awareness that this Campaign is raising can only be good for the health of this nation’s pets.”

" We believe that 'you are what you eat' and worry about the additives and E numbers in our own food; so The Campaign for Real Pet Food is a making a very positive statement by encouraging awareness and a transparency about what's in pet food. We like to feed our own dog Rosie on an organic diet and supplement this with salmon oils to ensure her Omega 3's are topped up for a silky coat. We have a responsibility to our pets and feeding them a well balanced, wholesome diet is the least we can do in return for their companionship and unconditional love. We developed Poopod to help owners clean up after their dog in line with responsible dog ownership and we hope food companies will face up to their responsibility and clearly explain what really is in most foods; so responsible owners can make an informed choice."

The Pet Owners Association support the Campaign for Real Pet Food.

Garry Chapman runs Scruffs hair salon (www.scruffs.co.uk) in Cambridge with his brother Grant. Consistently voted one of the top 50 hair salons in the UK, Scruffs is a family business with big personality! Garry’s dog Ted is a key part of his own family: “When Ted was younger, he suffered from stomach problems and so I know the importance that pet food plays in a dog’s health and wellbeing. I am a father too and so can relate to the similarities between the effect of additives in children’s food and the behavioural problems they can create in pets. That’s why I fully support the aims behind the Campaign.”

My lurcher, Teasel is a very aristocratic dog. I like to think of her as a Duchess, she certainly reigns over the store and is a bit of a flirt. She helps me to provide exceptional service to my customers and the thought of providing her with less than nutritious meals in return for all her hard work is concerning.
The generic terms frequenting pet food labels are deceiving and I fully support the Campaign for Real Pet Food’s calls for industry change.

“Feeding your pet a nutritious, quality, balanced diet containing the important nutrient groups specific to its needs - proteins, fats and oils, vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates, is paramount to ensuring a happy, healthy life.” Rachel Phelps-Allen - Bath Cats and Dogs Home.

“About time too! People really don't know what is in pet foods...the salt and sugar for example. They need to know, so that they can make and informed choice.” Suzanne Jones

“Thank you so much for highlighting a subject I hadn't even thought about.” Helen Pimlott
“As a cat lover with a beautiful moggy whose diet is limited by interstitial cystitis, and also co-incidentally musing only today about the truly unpleasant aroma of her favourite best selling pouch brand, I am very curious to find out more about what consitutes pet food and how it can be improved and hopefully brought to mainstream stores with competitve pricing.
Very well done for getting this campaign off the ground.” Rosie Cox

“I'd love to see the petfood industry stop using colourants and additives unecessarily in pet foods and treates. I don't want to have to pay for dog food shaped like bones and made multicolored... I'm more concerned about what's in it for my dog! A great cause to support.” Hanri Shaw
“Well done, it’s about time someone did this! As the owner of a hyperactive dog diet pays a big part in his 'energy management' and there are so many food out there that I can use due to all the additives.” Eve Walker

“We heartily support your campaign - good luck!” Carol and Nigel Croft
“As far as I see it, since our pets don't do the grocery shopping, it's our duty to choose wholesome, healthy food for them. I ALWAYS read labels and make sure I understand what's in my dog's food. In fact, I'm much more selective with her food than mine, she eats healthier than I do!” Jeannie Mizel

“Long overdue!!!!” Michelle Allen
“Hi, I will support any campaign that will improve the pet food that i feed to my cat i would like to see a more natural food available.I do try to give fresh whenever i can and not rely to much on commercial canned food. Good luck with this campaign.” Chris Savidge
“As people we want (or should) to eliminate all substances that continue to cause over time the problems that plague us due to artificial substances in our food, so as animal lovers, we should want to do the same for our beloved pets. I for one support your campaign 100%.“ Mary Shaw
“It's about time this industry was forced to reveal exactly what is in its food. No wonder we have so many pets with allergies.” Dawn Wilson

“Good luck - it just makes sense to have our pets on healthy foods just like we humans want for ourselves - pets don't need junk food either!” Elizabeth Marsland

“I totally agree with real food for pets instead of food with all of the unnecessary additives and nasties they seem to put in these days. Thank goodness we have people like you to do something good for our pets, you can count on my support.” Linda Yates

“At last something sensible is being done to help pet owners wade through the pet food jungle - THANKYOU and well done you !!!!” Trudi Johnson

“Hooray at last - I totally back this campaign and am glad that something is trying to be done about the situation. I have been concerned about all the additives/derivitives in pet food for a long time and feed my pets natural diet.” Margaret Pickering

“Well done on highlighting the appalling diet which many of our pets are fed on!
So many health problems (both physical and emotional) could be avoided if our pets were fed on food without all the 'nasties'. I wish you the very best of luck in your campaign!” Elizabeth Falconer

“Good for you - keep up the good work. This is why I always buy Joe and Jack's for our dog!” Karen Butcher

“Good for you, this is long overdue. If you haven't already done so I'll spread the message on D for Dog forum, also inform my friends.” Caroline Chapman

“Keep up the good work!” James King

“Surely there is no reason why Pet food manufacturers should not tell us just as much about the ingredients as Human food manufacturers?” Alec Crawford

“Pet owners have a right to know exactly what is going in their commercially bought pet's food, if they are unable to cook their own pet's food. We must protect our precious pets at all times.” Rita Overhead

“We have now been supporting and selling only real pet foods (in the form of natural, organic and holistic) for nearly two years now. Most of my time is spent in consultation with pet owners whose pets have a myriad of diet related health issues. A lot of the time is education, explaining what is actually in their current pet food, but also what is not in it - and suggesting alternative natural diet and supplement routines for their pet.
We have had a lot of success, and we are helping more and more people move away from poor, unhealthy foods and treats. The proof is in the pudding, and many pet owners keep coming back for the real pet food and expert nutritional advice. I support this campaign wholeheartedly, and if enough people turn away from additives and poor quality ingredients, then their pets will live healthier and longer lives.” Robin Wachlin (Petstums)

“Well done guys.” Penal Malby

“Anything which improves and prolongers the lives of our pets must be well worth supporting.” Rowena Smith

“As a newcomer to the pet industry and a pet owner, I am appalled at the amount of poor quality foods and treats on the shelves. I have decided to now look at what I sell in my shop and have started to change the direction to educating and providing diets that are healthy for the pet population in the area I live.” Melanie Coleman

“The more things are bought out in the open the better, our pets are important to us and we need to be fully aware of everything concerning their health, after all, they have to eat what we put in front of them. I am a big supporter of fresh food where ever possible, and following advice from Joe’s web pages feed my dog fresh chicken, vegetables and brown rice, alongside his dried complete meal. For food on the go, his high quality wet foods are great too. Good luck with the campaign!” Amanda Rhodes

“All animals should be provided with real food. Not the junk left over and sold as animal food that will make them sick. There is no difference between animals and humans when it comes to food quality. The last time this was done we ended up with Mad Cow disease.
Until we learn from our mistakes this will be a recurrence in the animal world.” Barbara Prescott

“We have been educating pet owners over a long period of time in our area.
We have tried to influence local veterinary centres and have often been reprimanded and ostracised for trying to get the truth out, although there are a couple of vets who are now openly supporting us. Please see our website section on nutrition. You might not like how far we go, but pet owners deserve the truth. Our pets deserve better.
www.acorndogtraining.co.uk/nutrition.htm” Fran Griffin

“Our pets can't speak - we have to speak for them - they deserve the best so it's up to us.” Jenny Matthews

“Better food equals better pets!” Kate Moore

“I’m really interested in this. Would love to feed my dogs a diet I know is healthy and safe.” Alison Gilbert