<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>The Real Pet Food Campaign Ltd: CRPF Blog</title><link>http://www.crpf.org.uk</link><description>CRPF Blog RSS feed from The Real Pet Food Campaign Ltd</description><language>en-gb</language><lastBuildDate>Wed, 3 Feb 2010 09:31:00 GMT</lastBuildDate><ttl>1440</ttl><item><title><![CDATA[]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1588]]></link><description><![CDATA[As you may have seen there was an article in The Daily Mail recently about pet food (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1244595/Is-food-youre-feeding-pet-killing–making-vet-rich.html) and the dangers some processed foods can potentially pose to pets’ health. I was interviewed briefly for this and I’m quoted talking about the problems that artifical additives can cause.

The rest of the article is not so great though, pedalling many of the myths and un-scientific arguments that are put forward by people who believe that all commercial pet foods are terrible and the cause of all ill health in pets. In particular the arguments that feeding foods containing carbohydrate is responsible for urinary and renal disease in cats, something which has been clearly shown not to be true, and the claim that the only healthy way to feed a pet is on raw chicken wings.

To set the record straight, I've published a response on my website - you can read it at http://www.petskitchen.co.uk/joespages/?p=237 
]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 3 Feb 2010 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1588]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Holistic vet Holly Mash joins the campaign]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1587]]></link><description><![CDATA[Bristol-based veterinary surgeon Holly Mash, who has a particular interest in acupuncture and homeopathy has joined the campaign. 

Holly says "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."]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 3 Feb 2010 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1587]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[We are off to the BBC Good Food & Gardeners World Show]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1211]]></link><description><![CDATA[From 10th - 14th June we will be at the BBC Good Food, Gardeners World & Countryfile Live Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

This is a very big show and we hope to recruit lots more members to the campaign.  Obviously, a lot of the people who attend this show are interested in food & nutrition so it seems the ideal place to chat to them about food and nutrition for their pets!

If you are going too, please come along and say hello - we will be on the Feelwell's stand C244.
]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 8 Jun 2009 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1211]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do you understand your pet?]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1161]]></link><description><![CDATA[Just because I'm wagging my tail doesnt mean I am happy: Thought you understood your pet?  Think again.

This is an article that appeared in the Daily Mail on Tuesday and is an interesting read.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 8 May 2009 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1161]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Joe talks to Dog World about the Campaign]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1147]]></link><description><![CDATA[Joe recently did an interview with Dog World which has just been published in their Nutrition Supplement - you can read it here.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1147]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ultimate Pet Show]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1149]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Ultimate Pet Show is on at the NEC this weekend and the Campaign for Real Pet Food will be there.  

As usual we will be on the Feelwell's stand so come along and say hello, its always so nice to meet some of the lovely people who care about their pets nutrition and help to support our Campaign, we really do appreciate it!]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1149]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Campaign for Real Pet Food goes to Crufts!]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1003]]></link><description><![CDATA[Love it or hate it - Crufts is still the largest dog show in the UK and the Campaign for Real Pet Food camped out on the Feelwell’s stand in order to spread our message to as many as of the 145,000 visitors as possible. 

The Barking Heads team worked very hard for the whole four days and were joined by Joe on Thursday – chatting to people and handing out stickers and leaflets.  As usual the response was always very positive – everyone we speak to wants to know more.  We also realised that more people are starting to become aware of the Campaign and some had heard of it even if they hadn’t joined up yet.

We also had a dog basket of natural pet food on the stand that we will give away – a name will be drawn at random at the end of March from all the supporters of the Campaign and the lucky winner will get the lot – food, treats, basket and a t-shirt.

Thank you to everyone who came along to say hello and especially to Jim, Dave & Paul from Barking Heads who worked tirelessly and went home with sore feet and very sore throats.  although Paul did cheat a little on Sunday by bringing along his two delightful children and then shamelessly putting them to work giving out stickers and leaflets.
  ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=1003]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top behaviourist backs the campaign]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=996]]></link><description><![CDATA[One of the UK's leading pet behaviourists, Gwen Bailey, has given her backing for the Campiagn for Real Pet Food. Gwen runs Puppy School (www.puppyschool.co.uk), a UK network of puppy class tutors who use only positive methods, and 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.

Gwen says "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.”]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=996]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Crufts 2009]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=991]]></link><description><![CDATA[Crufts 2009 is on at the NEC from 5 - 8th March and the Campaign for Real Petfood will be there spreading the word and explaining to all who will listen about natural petfood.

Please come and say hello, we will be on the Feelwell's stand in Hall 2, Stand 90.

There will also be a hamper of natural pet food goodies to be won!

We look forward to seeing you there!

]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 1 Mar 2009 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=991]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Merry Christmas]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=955]]></link><description><![CDATA[And a happy New year from all of us here at the Campaign for Real Pet Food!

Thanks for your support in 2008, and let's hope 2009 is a great year for everyone, but especially our pets!
]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=955]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Support from the Daily Telegraph vet!]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=953]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Telegraph online vet has obviously heard of the campaign and is recommending us in his answers which is great!
 
By Pete Wedderburn 
Last Updated: 5:35PM GMT 08 Dec 2008
I give home-cooked food to my wire-haired dachshund, but am not sure if this provides all the nutrients he needs. I feed him a mixture of cooked chicken and rabbit, vegetables and vermicelli. I add a teaspoon of steamed bone meal and a teaspoon of sunflower oil. Do I need to put in anything else? My vet doesn't seem to be too interested whenever I try to discuss it with him. 
ID, by email 
Your home-made diet is probably missing adequate levels of some vitamins and minerals, but it's difficult to tell without exact descriptions and quantities. Home-made diets are complicated. It's best to formulate them with appropriate computer software and, ideally, to analyse their ingredients at a reference laboratory. One advantage of commercially prepared pet foods is that this work has already been done on your behalf. The website www.petdiets.com offers a customised home-cooked diet for your pet. Alternatively, the book Dog Health and Nutrition for Dummies (Hungry Minds Inc, 2001) contains home-cooked recipes formulated to be properly balanced. To make life easier, consider trying a "natural" commercial pet food, see www.crpf.org.uk 

]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=953]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Case studies up on the website]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=952]]></link><description><![CDATA[I've added some of our best case studies to the website in a new section (unsurprisingly called 'Case studies'!) - they really show how crucial diet can be in the health and wellbeing of our pets.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=952]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Essay on additives and pet behaviour]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=929]]></link><description><![CDATA[Polly-Anne Lloyd is currently studying for her Advanced Diploma in Canine Behavioural Management, and is right behind the campaign - so much so that she's kindly sent me her latest essay for the course on the effects of colourings in pet foods on behaviour. Follow the link below to read her essay - and let me know what you think...]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=929]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Campaign supporter scoops national award!]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=928]]></link><description><![CDATA[A pet food retailer and keen supporter of the Campaign for Real Pet Food in Surrey has won a national Kennel Club award after providing innovative ways to beat the credit crunch and broaden its client base by offering specialist services that cater for our four legged friends. 

The Haslemere Pet Company, an independent business in Haslemere, won the Open for Dogs award after dog lovers up and down the country voted for the most dog-friendly businesses – from hotels and pubs to visitor attractions and restaurants – that are pulling out all the stops to accommodate our four-legged friends. The owners were presented with their award at the Kennel Club’s annual Discover Dogs event, in Earls Court, London, on Sunday 9th November. 
]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=928]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Discover Dogs]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=927]]></link><description><![CDATA[Last weekend the Campaign set up its stall at Discover Dogs at Earls Court and set about chatting to as many people as possible about real pet food and we were quite proud to see so many people sporting our Campaign stickers!

The response was fantastic.  It is amazing how many owners say straight away that they don’t want to feed their dogs food that contains additives or derivatives.  Just goes to show how important this campaign is.

We did a photo shoot and Joe borrowed a lovely English Cocker Spaniel called Honey for the occasion.  She is absolutely adorable and so well behaved and her owner Christina West is quite rightly very proud of her little dog.  

A big thank you from all at the Campaign to everybody who came along and especially Christina & Honey.

Christina’s letter:
I attended Discover Dogs on Saturday 8th November.  We were there for the Companion Show where I showed my English Cocker Spaniel, Honey.  We were walking around after the class and were asked by Joe Inglis of CRPF if we would attend a photo shoot which we did and it was an amazing time to watch Honey sitting with Joe and being fed your treats.

Honey suffers from a food intolerance of some foods which makes feeing a little difficult.  I fed her your probiotic treats yesterday and they seem to have helped her problem.  For the first time in weeks, it seems Honey's stomach has settled down which means we will be using these in future. I will also let you know of Honey's continued improvement with using your product.  I wanted you to know that it looks as though your product is solving a problem for us.

Honey has been attending a dog training class since she was a puppy which is why she was so well behaved. This just proves the saying that a trained dog is a happy dog. She likes nothing better than being held and cuddled anyway.  I think she really enjoyed yourself on your stand.
You have made me feel really proud of my beautiful girl.

Thank you so much Helen - our trip to your stand was the absolute cherry on the cake.

NB Photo courtesy of Kennel Club Picture Library
]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=927]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Strength in numbers!]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=917]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Campaign for Real Pet Food would like to welcome on board Ann Shear from Europa Pet Foods. Ann joins the team campaigning for better quality food for the nation’s best friends, because she too is passionate about pet health and nutrition.
 
The more the merrier and the stronger our calls for change, so welcome Ann and we look forward to your help in making an industry-wide difference.
 
No more meat and animal derivatives, no more artificial additives - more real pet food!

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:30:00 GMT</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=917]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mars Petcare recalls pet food]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=911]]></link><description><![CDATA[More evidence that big brands are not necessarily better brands...

Mars Petcare in America have voluntarily recalled certain brands of dog and cat foods because of potential salmonella contamination.  Sales in nearly 31 American states are affected and the company stopped production at a Pennsylvania factory in July after officials learned of a possible link between dry pet food produced there and two isolated cases of people infected with Salmonella.  Brands affected include several varieties of Pedigree and Special Kitty Gourmet.
]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=911]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Glee at GLEE!]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=907]]></link><description><![CDATA[Glee Pet Index is the biggest pet trade show of the year, held at the NEC, and The Campaign for Real Pet Food was there in force!

We took over the Organipets and Feelwells stands and talked to hundreds of pet owners, pet shop owners and pet food companies about the campaign and our aims - and we even got a front page feature in the Glee daily paper (see link)!

In this picture you can see, from left to right, Inga MacKellar, Carol Wilcox, Liz Nuttal, Joe Inglis and John Rice.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=907]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Campaign is going global!]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=905]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Campaign for Real Pet Food is not just making a big splash over here - it looks as though we're starting to make an impact worldwide as well. Take a look at this article on the US pet site 'The Truth about Pet Food'!]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=905]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pet Street interview]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=902]]></link><description><![CDATA[I spent the day down in London yesterday, doing a round of interviews for the campaign, including an digital radio station called 'Passion for the Planet' and a really good pet website called 'PetStreet'. This site is a social network for pet owners, but also has lots of pet news and features, so it's well worth a look.

My interview should be up in the next few days, so take a look (and let me know what you think in the forum!)]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=902]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Victoria Stilwell is on board!]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=903]]></link><description><![CDATA[World-renown behaviourist and trainer Victoria Stilwell has heard about the campaign and pledged her support! She said:

“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.”

Great news for the whole campaign as she brings yet more independent credibility and high profile support! Welcome on board Victoria!]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=903]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Paws in the Park]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=898]]></link><description><![CDATA[I spent the weekend selling our treats at Paws in the Park in Kent.  The weather was glorious and there were thousands of people there, all out for the day with their dogs, it was quite amazing just how many different shapes, sizes, ages and breeds of dogs were around – even a couple with only 3 legs!

We put campaign stickers on all our products, put a sign up in our marquee and told everyone who came to our stand about the Campaign.  The response was overwhelming, dog lovers obviously want to feed their best friends the very best food they can and are often shocked when they realise just what goes into some of the more main stream brands that they buy.

Lots of people would love to know more about nutrition but they don’t know where to go, who to ask or even what questions to ask but now they have this information available at the click of a mouse!

Helen Booth (Feelwells)]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=898]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sally Gunnell supports the campaign]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=894]]></link><description><![CDATA[I was at a charity do for the Co-op last week and who was there, handing out the cheques, but the wonderful Sally Gunnell, one of our top celebrity supporters! I had a very brief chat with her, and she was really enthusiastic about what we're doing - so thanks for your support Sally, and keep up the good charity work too!

You can read Sally's statement of support on her website at http://www.sallygunnell.com/?page=LatestNews&article=46]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=894]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=888]]></link><description><![CDATA[It's been an amazing first week for the campaign, with the website and forum in particular buzzing with activity - I knew this was a topic that would really interest people, but the response has been far bigger than I'd anticipated and keeps on growing by the day!

We've had loads of coverage during the week - and here are links to just some of it...

<http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=41252&print=true> 

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/chemicals-in-pet-food-can-lead-to-bad-behaviour-says-top-vet-913907.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1050954/Pets-bad-diet-develop-behaviour-problems-says-vet-leading-Jamie-Oliver-style-crusade.html

http://www.naturalmatters.net/newsview.asp?news=3794 

http://itchmoforums.com/your-problems-with-pet-food/campaign-for-real-pet-food-in-the-united-kingdom-uscanada-need-to-join-t6127.0.html;msg84592#msg84592> 

http://bigcatnews.blogspot.com/2008/09/uk-campaign-for-real-pet-food.html

http://www.animalsheltersdirectory.com/uk-campaign-for-real-pet-food/

http://www.gleebirmingham.com/page.cfm/action=Archive/ArchiveID=2/EntryID=539

http://www.ukpets.co.uk/ukp/index.php?rtn=temp89_251_195_164_at_1417&sf=10331699&section=Home&sub=News&rws=&method=fetch&item=1535&tb=introduction

http://www.allaboutfeed.net/home/id102-63446/uk_campaign_to_clarify_pet_food_labelling.html

http://www.obedienceuk.com/viewpost.asp?fid=31088

http://www.talkingretail.com/news/10686/Campaign-launched-to-clarify-p.ehtml 

http://thatsnews.blogspot.com/2008/09/tv-vet-launches-national-campaign-for.html

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/CampaignRealPetFood.html 

http://kobesan2000.blogspot.com/2008/09/pets-on-bad-diet-can-develop-behaviour.html

http://www.petfriendlyworld.com/chatforum/showthread.php?t=19437&goto=newpost

http://www.imperfectlynatural.co.uk/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=118

http://www.petfoodindustry.com/ViewNews.aspx?id=22590

http://www.petstreet.co.uk/petstreetblog/324157

http://chris-day.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/3/3866633.html

http://www.labradorforums.co.uk/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=47555

http://chris-day.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2008/9/4/3868140.html
]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 5 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=888]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Feature in The Weekly News]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=883]]></link><description><![CDATA[Joe's used his regular weekly column in The Weekly News to highlight the campaign and keep more and more supporters coming in!]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 4 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=883]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Response to the PFMA statement]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=884]]></link><description><![CDATA[The Pet Food Manufacturers have released a statement in reponse to our campaign (which you can read at http://www.pfma.org.uk/overall/press-office.htm) - and this is what we have to say to them!

“The PFMA states that commercial pet foods have improved pet health over the last 20 years, and while this is undoubtedly true, as pet owners moved from feeding leftovers and low quality mixers to modern complete diets, this doesn’t mean that there is no room for further improvement. The growth of new natural diets which don’t rely on artificial additives and don’t hide their ingredients behind misleading declarations clearly shows the direction that the pet food industry needs to be following if it is going to deliver the quality demanded by modern, caring pet owners.

Experience from pet owners, pet trainers, vets and behaviourists has built up a formidable body of anecdotal evidence that shows just how significant the effects of artificial additives and poor quality ingredients are on pets, and pet food manufacturers and the PFMA ignore this at their peril. There may not be gold-standard peer-reviewed evidence from pets available yet, but this evidence certainly exists in the human food industry, which is why the FSA recently banned several additives from children’s food, and it is highly likely that this evidence is just as relevant to pets as it is to children.

Eminent behaviourists including Carolyn Menteith, Inga MacKellar and Sarah Fisher all support the campaign and are convinced of the link between poor diet and behavioural problems in pets.

The Campaign for Real Pet Food understands that pet owners view their pets as one of the family, and are no longer happy feeding their pets foods containing chemical additives and indeterminate ingredients. If the PFMA want to remain a credible and relevant voice in the pet food world, they need to be more forward thinking and understand why pet owners are so concerned about what they feed their pets, and help move the industry forward rather than concentrating on maintaining what is an unsustainable and undesirable status quo.”
]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 4 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=884]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Joe's YouTube Campaign video is live]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=881]]></link><description><![CDATA[I've filmed a short video explaining all about the campaign - you can see it at my Youtube page - http://www.youtube.com/user/joethevet

]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 3 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=881]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Loads of supporters signing up!]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=880]]></link><description><![CDATA[We've been inundated with support since we launched the campaign on Monday - here are just a few of the messages we've had through so far:

“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]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 3 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=880]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Joe's on Steve Wright in the afternoon...]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=878]]></link><description><![CDATA[Listen out for Joe on the Big Show with Steve Wright on R2 this afternoon, telling the world all about the campaign!]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 2 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=878]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Steve Wright interview]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=879]]></link><description><![CDATA[Really good interview with Steve Wright on R2 - and if you didn't catch it, you'll be able to listen again through the BBC website at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/wright/
]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 2 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=879]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Feature in The Daily Mail Online]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=877]]></link><description><![CDATA[We've got a big really positive feature in the Daily Mail website - take a look at http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1050954/Pets-bad-diet-develop-behaviour-problems-says-vet-leading-Jamie-Oliver-style-crusade.html
]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 1 Sep 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=877]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Naturediet join the Campaign]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=876]]></link><description><![CDATA[Just as we launch the campaign, we're delighted to welcome on board Naturediet. This independent company based near Norfolk, make wonderful wet meals for dogs using top quality ingredients and, of course, there's not an artificial additive in sight!

Owners Carol Wilcox and Robin Orrow are as passionate about pet food as all of the rest of us here at the campaign, so they'll be a great asset to what we're doing!

To find out more about Naturediet, visit their website at www.naturediet.co.uk.]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 31 Aug 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=876]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The big launch is nearly here...]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=875]]></link><description><![CDATA[It's only a couple of days to go until the campaign launch and we're all getting very excited - as you can see from my dog Jack!]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=875]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to get involved in the Campaign for Real Pet Food]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=836]]></link><description><![CDATA[If you're passionate about the food you feed your pet, help make a difference by signing up to support The Campaign for Real Pet Food!]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=836]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Welcome to the official website for our Campaign]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=835]]></link><description><![CDATA[Welcome to the CRPF blog!

This is where we'll be keeping you right up to date with the latest news and views from the campaign as we aim to put pet food at the top of the news agenda and make a real difference to what we feed out pets!]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 10 Aug 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=835]]></guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[New supporters on board]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=867]]></link><description><![CDATA[Things are really getting going here at the campaign HQ - the website is coming together, and we've got a new member on board. Helen Booth, who runs Feelwells natural treat company, is passionate about pets and what they eat, so she's signed up to be one of our founding members, which is wonderful news - more the merrier!]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 7 Aug 2008 08:30:00 BST</pubDate><guid><![CDATA[http://www.crpf.org.uk/index.php?simple=go&type=blog&id=867]]></guid></item></channel></rss>