By Deborah Burrows, Founder and Managing Director, Healthy Pet Store, Totton
The phrase: ‘Humanisation of pets’ stirs up quite the debate, especially when paired with discussions about pet food.
For some, the idea of treating pets like humans, particularly when it comes to their diet, may seem over-indulgent, or even unnecessary. But let’s take a closer look at the concept of pet food and challenge some common assumptions.
Before the days of modern pet food – kibble in particular – feeding pets was simple: table scraps, butchery off-cuts, and other human food. Our early canine companions, sitting by the campfires of hunter-gatherers, ate the same food their humans prepared. In this light, the distinction between “human food” and “pet food” feels artificial. At Healthy Pet Store, we see food as food.
This isn’t to dismiss the advances in pet nutrition over the years – we’ve learned a lot about the specific dietary needs of dogs, cats, and other animals. But the concept of ‘humanising’ pet food should not be seen as a bad thing. It simply reflects a desire to provide high-quality, nutritious meals for the animals who share our lives.
Brands like Lily’s Kitchen have played a significant marketing role in changing perceptions around pet food. They used names like Campfire Stew and Chicken and Turkey Casserole, drawing parallels to human meals. Critics often cite this as an example of the humanisation trend. But what’s in these tins isn’t much different from what we’ve been feeding our pets for centuries.
At Healthy Pet Store, we make no distinction between pet foods that are raw, home-prepared, cooked-in-the-tin, or tray-prepared. What matters most is the quality and nutritional value of the ingredients.
In the UK, pet food must meet EU-derived standards, which means it’s made from animals deemed fit for human consumption. This ensures a baseline level of quality and safety for the ingredients in your pet’s meals. While most humans would probably turn their noses up at eating kibble, much of the pet food on our shelves – whether raw, tinned, or cooked – is technically fit for human consumption (green tripe being a notable exception!).
The so-called ‘humanisation’ of pet food doesn’t represent a radical shift – it’s a return to the basics. It’s about respecting the fact that pets deserve wholesome, high-quality meals, just like us. By embracing this philosophy, we’re not spoiling our pets; we’re ensuring their health, happiness, and longevity.
At Healthy Pet Store, we’re proud to champion this approach. Whether you’re looking for raw, wet, or home-cooked options, we offer a range of products that meet the highest standards – because your pet’s wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do.
Find out more about our products here and visit the Totton store at 27 Salisbury Road, or call 02380 868598 for advice.