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Supreme Petfoods Ltd has published the results of tests on small animal petfood which, according to the company, highlight significant problems with the on-pack declarations and contents of a number of the leading brands.
The tests, which were carried out by Campden BRI on behalf of Supreme Petfoods, discovered:
Issues regarding high sugar levels which are not required to be declared under current rules. The highest average levels of sugar were found in Wagg Optimum (4.57%), Beaphar Care + (5.00%), Burgess Supa Fruiti (5.10%), Beaphar Extra Vital (5.35%) and Burgess Excel (4.04%).
In the company's press release, Chris Childs, Managing Director of Supreme Petfood, commented: "The results greatly concerned us. We were shocked to find food that is marketed for rabbits - ie: herbivores - had traces of mammalian and avian DNA in it. In my opinion, this can only be compared to vegetarian food being contaminated with meat. This was our main concern amongst many other issues revealed."
That strikes me as overstating the case somewhat. Aside from the fact that bunnies don't get quite as het up about their diets as vegans, the report does not define what 'trace DNA contamination is'. Going on the shock expressed by Mr Childs, I'm expecting a pork chop or a drumstick in every bag of Burgess Excel at the very least.
Molly Varga, BVetMed, DZooMed (Mammalian), MRCVS told VetSurgeon.org that she would expect rabbits to be exposed to trace amounts of animal DNA naturally and that the amounts found in the tests were not likely to have any effect whatsoever on the health of rabbits. Nevertheless, she did feel that the report highlighted important issues concerning the fibre and sugar content of various diets.
As a consequence of the report, Supreme Petfoods is calling for an overhaul of the rules and regulations which apply to pet food for small companion animals. The company suggests the introduction of an accredited quality scheme aimed specifically at pet food for small companion animals, containing strict conditions for the production, packaging and marketing of food for herbivores.
In response, Burgess Pet Care issued a statement expressing considerable reservations as to the timing, purpose and potential negative outcome for the welfare of pet rabbits of Supreme's report. Commenting on behalf of Burgess, Sharon Redrobe, Head of Veterinary Services, Bristol Zoo Gardens, and Head of Rabbit Clinic, Bristol, said: "Any research into small animal health should focus on the crucial role of fibre in a balanced feeding plan and how this can be communicated to rabbit owners, so discussions centring around the detailed contents of pellets are irrelevant in my opinion to this central welfare issue."
To read Supreme's report, click here.
PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.
i think that the foods should have hte correct levels of nutritents though i imagen that if you analysed alot of pet foods you'd probably find traces of things that shouldn't be in there. i always recomend feed hay and veg and only a few pellets to ensure the vitamins and minerals intake so it dosen't really concern me. i also worked at a rabbit rescue that fed mainly Excel and they all seemed happy and healthy enough!
Always been concerned about the high sugar levels in commercial rabbit food. Rate the Burgess products very highly though, and fed with lots of hay plu some veggies, surely it is the best. Certainly don't entertain the Russell Rabbit c**p!! PS Has anyone else tried the new Vetpet range by Alstoe (aka Burgess
?) My rabbits and guinea pigs love it, and I'm hoping that the glucasamine works for the arthritis...
I find this hard to believe that supreme pet foods have gone to all of this trouble to try and blight the reputation of some good food brands - when they themselves produce russell rabbit!!! POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK ME THINKS
Wasn't it the addition of animal derivatives in cattle meal, which cause all the fuss about BSE?? Are we going to have to stop eating rabbit now??
pleased I picked up on some of the points in the report before I actually read the report - it will put a lot of backs up!and worry a large number of consumers and for no good reason.It still looks to me like a point scoring exercise - has probably cost a shed load of money, still looks to me like dirty tricks tactics. Hope it was worth it?
Sorry - broken link my fault. Fixed now.
Supreme petfoods are so whiter than white they advertise pet shops that sell animals inc. puppies and kittens.
So where do they get the animals from? puppy and kitten farms, wild caught birds and reptiles and fish?
l would be interested to know as they are trying to be so perfect. I suggest they take another hard look at what the links on their site promote.
no pdf woudlnt open for me either, but in my case thought it must be pc
Hhmmmm I cant get the pdf to open. Is it just my PC or is anyone else having issues?
Now l know why some bunnies are evil. All they wanted was their meat supply upped.