Buy Crikey: Gourmet food too precious for pets

Consumer NZ found in July that the cheapest dog food cost $196-a-year compared with $4,593 for the most expensive. Photo / Thinkstock

Gourmet-isation of pet food is on the rise. Owners of pets, like parents of babies, are made to feel guilty if they don't buy the right foods.

Consumer NZ found in July that the cheapest dog food cost $196-a-year compared with $4,593 for the most expensive.

For cats, the range was $65 to $2,405. Vicki Hamilton, corporate affairs manager at Mars, which makes regular and premium pet foods, says the reality is that people who really love their animals feed them the right amount.

Personally, I buy Whiskas, Chef and even budget brands, which infuriates some pet owners, who believe that only premium brands are any good.

Our very healthy fluffball supplements his own diet by hunting and begging.

A better criticism of my buying habits might be that I'm feeding my cat overly-processed food. That's the same whether it's Homebrand or Eukanuba.

Hill's Pet Nutrition "Science Diet" cannot possibly be better for my cat than a freshly caught rat. It's not rocket science.

Cats and dogs evolved to eat meat, not factory-formulated mush.

New Zealand's most exclusive pet-food brand, ZiwiPeak, is 100 per cent natural dried meat. It does not contain long lists of ingredients and fillers.

Some people prefer to make their own pet foods from scratch, and recipes can be found on the internet.

Most readers are probably set on their pet food choice, but if money is tight, consider this conclusion from Consumer: "Unless your pet has dietary problems, is struggling to maintain its body weight or is very active (such as a working dog), you probably don't need to buy a premium pet food."

Deals

• New World: Whiskas Dry Cat Food 1kg at $6.99; and Hound Log Dog Rolls 3kg at $5.49.

• Countdown: Tux dog biscuits 2.2-2.5kg at $7.99; or 10 cans of Fancy Feast cat food at $11, available from tomorrow.

• The Warehouse: Schmackos Marrowbones and variety packs from $6.79 to $9.19.

• MyPetShop.co.nz: Nutrience Medium Breed 14.55kg bonus bag at $97.90.

• Pet.co.nz: Royal Canin - 20 per cent off first autoship orders in December.