Benefiting pets and your back pocket

Choosing healthy eating options is a priority for many people these days, but tightening budgets mean that we are looking a bit more closely at the contents and cost of our shopping baskets. A recent survey has shown that food for the family pet hasnt escaped this scrutiny, with some pet owners mixing their normal pet food with cheaper alternatives or unhealthy table scraps to save on costs*. Further concern is raised by another survey amongst vet professionals where 83 per cent believe that pet health will suffer if owners trade-down on pet food**.

Great news though for family budgets, is that Vets No.1 choice pet food company Hills Pet Nutrition, is bucking the trend and reducing its prices by an average of 5 per cent on over 250 Hills products. The new lower price means that pet owners dont have to compromise when it comes to caring for their pet and can invest now for their pets long-term optimal health.

Hills produces Science Plan^TM, a lifestage range for healthy animals and a Prescription Diet^TM range for pets with specific health conditions, so top notch ingredients and precise formulation are very important. High quality pet foods are often cost effective, as more of the nutrients are absorbed and utilised and there is much less waste. You can feed your cat premium nutrition from only 25p per day***or your dog from 75p**** a day representing great value for money.

Company vet Adrian Pratt is hoping that the Hills initiative can make a contribution to pet health, The bond between an owner and their pet is so important and we want to do everything we can to ensure that pets live long, healthy and happy lives. If making petfoods more affordable helps pet owners to make healthy choices for their pets then it is the right step for us to take.

For further information about Hills products call 0800 282 438 or visit www.hillspet.co.uk.

*Hills Shopper Insight Study 2009

** Veterinary Matters A Survey of Veterinary Attitudes to Pet Foods September 2009

***Based on feeding a 4kg cat from a 15kg bag of Hills^TM Science Plan^TM Adult Optimal Care at the midpoint range of daily feeding guidelines, based on Hills RRSP.

****Based on feeding a 15kg dog from a 12kg bag of Hills^TM Science Plan^TM Adult Advanced Fitness at the midpoint range of daily feeding guidelines, based on Hills RRSP.

**The 100+ vets and vet nurses surveyed also raised some additional concerns.

• In the next two years, 66 per cent expect to see an increase in conditions such as gastro-intestinal disease and pancreatitis due to poor feeding practices. High fat foods, such as table scraps, are strongly associated with the development of pancreatitis.
• 75 per cent said that feeding quality food now will save owners money in the long term.