Food Pets Die for: Shocking Facts About Pet Food Book

Ann N. Martin exposes a number of problems that she has uncovered in the pet food industry. She gathered information by making a number of calls and collecting "facts". The problem with her conclusions, however, is that they are circumstantial. For example,a phone call that is not returned, does not mean that there are unsavory practices going on, simply that heads of companies do not necessarily have the time to indulge a conspiracy theorist.

Martin makes many claims about certain ingredients contained in foods which simply do not occur. One argument says that rendered pets (collars included) are used in pet foods. According to regulations, this practice is not allowed - all ingredients have specific definitions when listed on the ingredient panels (and that definition includes what components can and cannot be a part of that description). Because of these regulations, a number of the situations she describes simply cannot occur.

Another complaint of Martin's is the use of pets in studies and experiments. While these practices may seem unsavory, the fact is, it is necessary. Controlled experiments are the only way that scientists and nutritionists can gain information on nutrient requirements for dogs and cats. Without these studies, we would not know how to properly formulated foods for them, which may help others live long healthy lives. Throughout experiments animals are treated humanely, their needs are taken care of, they have regular veterinary care, and tests avoid pain and discomfort to the animal. All of these points are forgotten or ignored in her book.

Martin does include in her book useful information about nutrients and how they contribute to the overall health of the pet. She also includes several recipes that an owner can prepare for his or her pet; however, there is no information about the nutrient component of the foods. There is no evidence that any of the recipes were formulated by a veterinary nutritionist; and, many of them are deficient in nutrients needed by pets.

Martin herself, is simply known for her distaste of commercial pet foods. While she is a known writer on the topic, her background, at least from the "About the Author" section of her book does not include any formal training in the area of nutrition, let alone pet nutrition. She has a B.A. in business, not even in biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or any other scientific area that may pertain to pets or pet industry.