‘They’ve been known to kill pets’: Florida woman walks into PetSmart. Then she issues PSA after seeing this brand on the shelf
When shopping for items for your pet, you likely assume that everyone on the shelves of pet stores is tested and safe.
This isn’t always true. Major retailers have been accused of not-animal-friendly practices. Furthermore, products intended for animals can occasionally lead to trips to the emergency veterinarian. This doesn’t even include all of the animal products that get routinely recalled for health violations.
Now, a user on TikTok is calling out pet stores that still sell a certain type of food. According to her, it’s been proven to cause issues in animals—but is that really true?
Is FreshPet Food Unsafe?
In a video with over 593,000 views, TikToker Aliyah Matta (@lusciouscurlsbylia) advises that viewers avoid a specific brand of dog food.
“For those who have pets and might not know, this brand right here, FreshPet, don’t buy them,” Matta says. “They’ve been known to kill pets. I don’t know why they sell them in-store, but if you didn’t know, now you know.”
In the caption, she elaborates. “Freshpet has been [known] to kill pets & or cause harm. I highly encourage pet owners to do their research when it comes to any food brand. Even our little bundles of joy aren’t safe from toxic & harmful foods.”
Is This True?
Matta seems confident in her video, and several commenters spoke to the veracity of her claim. That said, she also clarified in the caption that she is “in no way shape or form a food expert,” adding the hashtag #petsmart.
So, what’s the truth about FreshPet? Does food from the brand really “kill pets & cause harm?”
To start, there are stories on the internet of people who claim that their pet became sick or passed away after eating FreshPet food. That said, these stories are largely circumstantial. There does not appear to be a clear, definitive link between the consumption of FreshPet food and animal illness or death.
This does not mean, however, that illness never happens to animals after consuming FreshPet food. Many pets have stomachs that are sensitive to change. Additionally, some animals may not be able to handle certain diets. For example, grain-free dog food has become trendy in recent years. It has also been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), especially in breeds prone to the issue.
Is FreshPet Food Safe?
In the case of “FreshPet” and similar fresh food diets, the facts are simple. While these pet foods may be mostly safe, many experts agree that they do not offer benefits beyond what can be received in a normal dog food.
As noted by PetMD, the “benefits” of fresh pet food are limited. They mostly relate to easier digestion and the potential to offer long-term health benefits. The negatives, however, include price and the fact that some fresh pet food is missing key nutrients. Not to mention the potential for such foods to spoil or carry foodborne illnesses, and more.
Some pet owners may still choose fresh pet food. If they do, they should consult their veterinarian to make sure it’s the best choice for their pet. They should also see if their pet requires any supplemental nutrients along with their fresh food.
On FreshPet’s website, the company claims that “there are no health or safety issues with any of our recipes, and we have no current or pending recalls. Every batch of food undergoes extensive testing to meet strict safety standards.”
@lusciouscurlsbylia Never buy this brand for your pets ‼️ Freshpet has been know to kill pets & or cause harm, I highly encourage pet owners to do their research when it comes to any food brand. Even our little bundles of joy aren’t safe from toxic & harmful foods. Hopefully more people become more aware of this. I’m in no way shape or form a food expert. This is only to bring awareness. #toxic #freshpet #petsmart ♬ original sound – Aliyah Matta| Curly Stylist
Commenters Have Recommendations
In the comments section, users offered their own pet food suggestions.
“There is no real evidence of freshpet killing dogs….Fresh food period has a higher chance of bacterial contamination which can harm dogs, plus every dog should do an allergy test to truly know they can eat. My dog has eaten freshpet for 5 yrs ( and yes we tried everything else, even homemade food, but this has been the most beneficial for him),” explained a commenter. “And until deaths can be confirmed, Everyone should tailor their choice around their dog.”
“Hiya, vet tech here, at the clinic I work at we highly recommend Hill’s Science/prescription diet, Royal Canin (any), and Purina Pro,” offered another. “We have to explain to clients all the time why we don’t recommend certain brands like Fresh Pet or Farmer’s dog.”
“People don’t store it properly or use it after it goes bad which I believe only lasts a few days in the fridge after opening,” advised a third regarding fresh pet food.
The Mary Sue reached out to FreshPet via email and Matta via TikTok and Instagram direct message.
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