Evaluating Nutritional Research: The Problems Meg Smart DVM, PhD

Research Funding

A recent article “Science under Siege” although about pharmaceutical research(Discover Magazine Oct2007)) reflects what is happening in the pet food industry . Private funding to academic institutions by big pharmaceutical companies is allowing science to become a powerful tool in their fight against regulation. Research in small animal nutrition has been traditionally underfunded or more accurately seldom funded by independent granting agencies. This has left the field wide open for the pet food industry to control and direct the research done in an academic institution, and within their own facilities. Research into pet foods is seldom at “arm’s length”.

Canadian Broadcasting Cooperation documentary “Pet Food A Dog’s Breakfast”.

This documentary can be viewed on UTube.ca Pet Food A Dog's Breakfast CBC Doc Zone