Frequently Asked Questions
In these unprecedented times we are all concerned about each and every member of the family, including the four-legged ones. Our friends and expert partners at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute have been working tirelessly for more than 50 years to bring their scientific knowledge to benefit pets all around the world. Together, we are closely monitoring the latest events and scientific insights surrounding coronavirus. Please follow this link (opens in new window) to Waltham Petcare Science Institute’s latest guidance on how to care for your pet during Covid-19.
Please check our FAQs list below to see if we have already answered your most common questions. If your questions are not answered, you can call us at 1 800 525 5273, or send us an email (opens in new window) (opens in new window) , and we will respond to your inquiry promptly.
The FAQs are organized in six major categories listed directly below. Click on one to see all the FAQs within that category or scroll through the page to view all questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q:
I've heard I should not feed my dog food with corn in it. Is this true?
A:Corn is an excellent source of protein and energy in a balanced diet. It provides essential amino acids and carbohydrates (including fiber for healthy digestion) as well as being a good source of linoleic acid (a key driver of skin and coat health) and antioxidants (important for a healthy immune system).
Q:I've heard that most dogs are allergic to corn and wheat. Will my dog develop these allergies if I feed him food that contains one or both of these?
A:A small percentage of the pet population suffers from allergies, most of which are not related to diet. However, a small number of pets have sensitivities to food. It's important to know that pet foods do not cause allergies. The risk of developing an allergy is based on the pet's genetic profile, not related to diet. If you believe your dog has a food allergy, it is best to discuss this with your veterinarian to help you choose the right diet for your pet.
Q:What are meat by-products? Why are they used in dog food?
A:Animal by-products are excellent sources of protein and essential vitamins and minerals for pets.
By-products are the clean, internal organs, including liver, lungs, intestine, etc. In fact, when eating in the wild, dogs naturally gravitate toward the internal organs as their first choice of food. One reason may be because organ meats are a more highly concentrated source of essential nutrients, as compared to muscle tissues (meat), thus providing more nutrition to the dog.
The use of by-products not only provides the essential nutrients that dogs need, but they are also a sustainable source of quality protein to ensure the human food chain is not negatively impacted.
Q:I've heard that I should only feed my dog food that has "meat" listed as the first ingredient. Is this true?
A:It's a common perception that dogs should and want to eat high quantities of meat. However, in reality, dogs are semi-carnivorous, meaning they can thrive on a diet of both meat- and plant-based ingredients.
What is most important is not what the first ingredient of the diet is, but what the overall nutritional composition and digestibility of the diet is. All our products deliver all the essential nutrition dogs need, in a highly digestible formula. The PEDIGREE® Dry Recipes provide all dogs access to the professional nutrition often found only in premium diets, so that they can live life to the fullest every single day.