While tackling food waste is a growing concern for many, a new survey by pet food brand Barking Heads has indicated that many dog owners don’t adhere to the same mindset when feeding their pets.
The survey of UK dog owners found that 58% admit to throwing away uneaten dog food every day, resulting in an average 85.2 kilograms of dog food wasted annually, equivalent to nearly four-fifths of a standard wheelie bin.
Wet food is the most commonly wasted dog food, with 45% of owners throwing it away most often, with 21% answering the same about homemade meals for their dog.
More than two fifths (41%) of respondents said that they throw away dog food because their dog is a ‘picky eater’, while 30% admit to serving more food than their dogs can finish.
A quarter (25%) said that they prefer to leave uneaten food in the bowl in case their dog returns to it later – although this isn’t always the safest choice.
Ensuring freshness
“Wet dog food should never be left out for more than two hours, as it can spoil quickly and pose health risks,” commented Barking Heads ambassador Dr Scott Miller. “Dry kibble is generally safe to leave out for the day, but be mindful of freshness, especially in warm or humid environments.
“To keep your dog safe, always wash food bowls daily, store kibble in airtight containers, and watch for signs of pests or mould. If your dog doesn’t finish meals right away, consider feeding smaller portions or using a timed feeder to maintain hygiene and avoid waste.”
Dog food donations
Despite a high level of dog food waste, just 11% of owners say that they donate unused or unopened food to animal shelters or food banks, while 77% of dog owners admit that they don’t donate their dog’s unwanted food.
Donation rates are lowest in Manchester, Norwich, and Belfast (9% each), while London and the Midlands have a donation rate of 12% and London has a donation rate of 22%.
According to Miller, ensuring a calm environment is one way to encourage your dog to eat up, “Encourage eating by limiting distractions during mealtime. Making sure they have a calm, distraction-free environment to eat comfortably is important for creating healthy eating habits without your dog feeling threatened or rushed.” Read more here.
