SIX MOST UNUSUAL PETS
WHAT IS REALLY
IN OUR PET'S FOOD?
The nameless
two-headed turtle
Pet owners favouring organic and natural
options for both themselves and their animals
Increasing numbers of pet owners are paying more attention to
what they are feeding their dogs, cats and horses, with many turning to organic,
natural and herbal alternatives. According to recent research from the United
States, spending on nutraceuticals and pet care supplements is expected to continue rising throughout 2011, with sales predicted to reach $1.6 billion by 2015,
a 27% increase from 2010. The senior and joints category is especially buoyant, accounting for approximately one-third of retail sales of dog supplements,
one-fifth of sales of cat supplements and almost one-third of horse supplement
sales.
Brookby Herbs founder and Managing Director, Jackie Rive, believes that the
growing popularity of these pet care supplements is due to an increased awareness of alternative treatment options in general.
"More and more people throughout both New
Zealand and the rest of the world are now taking
an interest in using non-pharmaceutical treatment
options to care for their own health as well as the
health of their families,"
Lance Corporal William
Windsor, alias Billy:
the parade Royal goat
Tommy Tucker:
the fashion modelling
squirrel
The Rothschild giraffes
who share a family
dinner table
explains Jackie. "Pets are an integral part of many households so it comes as no
surprise that people want to include them in their quest for healthier living."
"There has also been something of a backlash against unnatural processed foods
recently, " she adds. "Individuals are becoming much more aware of where their
food and supplements come from and just how much they are contributing nutritionally. This new found attitude is crossing over to how they look after their
pets and is driving purchases of natural and organic products."
Jackie also points out that the fact that herbal supplements are gentler and often
involve fewer side effects than the conventional pharmaceutical
medicines is also a draw card.
"Of course, the first step should always be to take your
pet to the vet if there is anything wrong," says Jackie.
"However, more veterinarians both here and
overseas are now recommending herbal treatment
alternatives for certain conditions. It is becoming
widely accepted that they can be kinder on the
organs, such as the liver and kidneys, than some
of the pharmaceutical options."
Jessica: the ¾ ton
hippopotamus
Nick Boing:
the lamb
who couldn't
adapt with
other sheep
Source: Oddee.com
www.h e rmagaz in e .co.n z | 71
