NORWALK, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Get Joy, a pioneer in holistic dog wellness, unveils a new research report entitled “Chasing our Tails: When it Comes to Maximizing our Dog’s Health and Wellness, Are We Just Running in Circles?” The report, compiled from a national online survey of dog parents, examines a major paradox between the intentions of dog owners and the reality of their actions in contributing to the longevity of their beloved canine companions.
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The Dog Diet Dilemma: Intentions vs. Reality (Photo: Business Wire)
This report reveals a major discrepancy between what dog owners think is beneficial for their pets and the actual practices they use, especially in the area of nutrition. While an overwhelming 97% of dog owners recognize the impact of their pet’s diet on longevity, only 12% currently feed their dogs fresh food – demonstrating a pervasive lack of processed foods that is endangering the health and vitality of our beloved pets can bring.
Tom Arrix, founder and CEO of Get Joy, identifies with this paradox, saying, “My life took a profound turn when our family dog Cooper battled lymphoma. While researching the healing power of food, I was awakened to the harmful effects of feeding my dog kibble – something we know is widespread in today’s marketplace.”
Arrix said: “It’s clear that dog families have the best intentions, but misinformation and a market flooded with processed options can cloud decision-making. Get Joy strives to provide information and a holistic approach to dog welfare, helping to better align the actions of dog families with their intentions.”
While the majority of survey respondents express unwavering confidence in their understanding of their pet’s health, this confidence often lies in a lack of awareness regarding the ingredients and nutritional value of the food they provide. The report also highlights the alarming prevalence of obesity in dogs, with 59% classified as overweight or obese – a statistic exacerbated by the consumption of processed foods. Studies have shown that switching dogs from processed diets to fresh foods can lead to a significant decrease in disease markers, highlighting the crucial role of nutrition in canine well-being.
Dr. Brett Levitzke, DVM, Chief Medical Officer at VERG Brooklyn and veterinary consultant Get Joy, emphasizes the importance of nutrition in pet care, stating: “Feeding is something we do twice a day with our pets. Even simple changes can have a profound impact on our dog’s overall well-being.”
In light of these findings, Get Joy urges dog owners to reassess their approach to nutrition and prioritize fresh, whole foods that promote gut health. By bridging the gap between intention and action, pet parents can ensure the long-term health and vitality of their canine companions.
Key findings of the study:
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Nine in ten adults (94%) say they would extend the lifespan of their beloved pets if they could
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Survey respondents rate their pets’ overall health as better than their own and nearly 70% are extremely or very confident in their understanding of their dog’s health and well-being
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Despite high confidence in the health of their dogs, there is a significant gap between perception and reality:
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Dog owners prioritize almost everything except – according to veterinarians – the most essential element for pet well-being: the dog’s diet. Only 53% say they regularly feed their dog healthy food, compared to other activities such as getting enough sleep (73%), spending time with family (73%) and going to the vet for routine checkups (68%)
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83% of pet parents are confident in their dog’s food contents, but only 58% can name three ingredients
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About 56% of dogs in the US are considered obese, highlighting the importance of addressing diet and nutrition to combat this problem
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Awareness of gut health: Despite widespread recognition of its importance, the majority of pet parents have yet to embrace gut-healthy feeding practices, with only 12% of parents feeding their dogs fresh foods that promote gut health
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Processed food diets, which more than 75% of respondents feed their dogs, can inadvertently contribute to longer-term health problems such as obesity, which in turn predisposes dogs to a host of health problems, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and more.
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This is surprising when we learn that a significant majority believe that a gut-healthy diet can extend their dog’s life (83%) and improve their dog’s quality of life (89%).
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Recommendations for dog parents:
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Look at the labels: Carefully examine the ingredients in your dog’s food and choose fresh options whenever possible for your dog’s optimal health.
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Go for gut health: Include probiotics and gut-healthy foods in your dog’s diet to promote overall wellness.
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Top It Off: Mix fresh foods with processed options or use as a topper to boost nutritional value.
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Invest Now to Save Later: Think of the long-term savings you can make by investing in your dog’s health through nutritious food choices.
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Take a holistic approach: Prioritize a comprehensive wellness routine that includes nutrition, exercise, preventive care, socialization and companionship.
Get Joy is committed to further research and promoting canine welfare through education and advocacy, giving dog owners the knowledge and resources they need. The company’s long-term vision is to bridge the gap between knowledge and behavior and provide tangible solutions for a holistic wellness routine that will ultimately extend the quality and longevity of dogs’ lives.
For more information and access to the full report, visit https://getjoyfood.com/blogs/the-daily-scoop/chasing-our-tails.
About Get Joy: Get Joy is on a mission to improve and extend the lives of dogs and their families through wellness and nutrition, by focusing on the body, mind and spirit of our canine companion. Founded in 2019 by Tom Arrix, the brand was born from a personal journey of dealing with Tom’s own dog’s health scare, creating a commitment to revolutionizing the dog food category. Get Joy offers science-based products optimized for canine health with gut-healthy nutrition at their core, from pantry-friendly fresh freeze-dried meals to the soft-cooked, expertly formulated Get Joy fresh meals, freeze-dried superfood treats, chews and more. Get Joy will soon introduce a line of daily Supplement Chews aimed at supporting the overall well-being and longevity of dogs. With a commitment to science, quality and holistic care, Get Joy empowers dog owners to prioritize their pets’ health outside the bowl.
Survey Methodology: A national survey of 1,000 dog parents aged 18-70+, spread across all regions, and approximately half male and half female. The survey was conducted by Torfac between February 1 and 5, 2024 using an online data collection method.
View the source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240404626322/en/
Brittany Eisenberg
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847.826.9665
Source: Get Joy