Pet Fooled

Pet Fooled is a documentary film that explores the pet food industry in the United States, shedding light on its regulatory environment, manufacturing processes, and the impact of commercial pet food on the health and well-being of domestic animals, particularly dogs and cats. Directed by Kohl Harrington, the film was released in 2016 and has since sparked discussions among pet owners, veterinarians, and industry experts about the quality and safety of pet food products.

Synopsis

Pet Fooled takes an investigative approach to understand what exactly goes into the making of commercial pet food. The documentary features interviews with veterinarians, pet food manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and pet owners. It delves into the history of the pet food industry, the lack of transparency in pet food labeling, and the potential health risks associated with some commercial pet food products. The film also explores alternative feeding practices, such as the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet, and discusses the benefits and drawbacks of such diets from a scientific perspective.

Key Themes

• Regulatory Oversight: The film highlights the minimal regulatory oversight of the pet food industry by agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). It questions whether the current regulations are sufficient to ensure the safety and nutritional adequacy of pet food.
• Ingredients and Labeling: Pet Fooled exposes the often misleading pet food labeling practices, where terms like "natural" and "healthy" are not clearly defined. The documentary raises concerns about the use of by-products, fillers, and artificial additives in pet food.
• Health Impacts: Through interviews with veterinarians, the film discusses the correlation between diet and health issues in pets, including obesity, diabetes, and allergies. It suggests that the rise in such health problems may be linked to the consumption of commercial pet foods.
• Alternative Diets: The documentary explores the growing interest in alternative diets for pets, such as raw food diets, and the debates within the veterinary community about their safety and efficacy.

Reception

Pet Fooled has received mixed reactions. Some viewers and pet health advocates praise the documentary for bringing attention to important issues within the pet food industry and encouraging pet owners to be more critical of pet food products. However, some industry representatives and veterinarians have criticized the film for what they perceive as a biased view, particularly in its advocacy for raw food diets without sufficient emphasis on the potential risks.

Impact

Since its release, Pet Fooled has contributed to a growing awareness among pet owners about the ingredients in pet food and the importance of nutritional quality. It has sparked discussions on social media, online forums, and among pet communities about the need for more stringent regulations and transparency in the pet food industry. The documentary has also encouraged some pet owners to seek alternative diets for their pets or to become more involved in preparing their pets' meals.