RESEARCH has revealed that more than half of Southampton’s pet owners don’t know what is in their pets food.

The poll of 2,000 dog and cat owners carried out by True Instinct, the raw and natural pet food experts, has revealed that 61 per cent of Southampton owners are not aware that mainstream dry pet foods contain high amounts unhealthy ingredients.

Many foods contain high amounts of sugar, meat derivatives, processed ingredients and artificial additives.

Less than 10 per cent of those surveyed were aware that ingredients such as bone ash, feathers and synthetics can be found in some of these foods.

This can cause digestion problems, skin irritations, gland issues, dental issues such as tartar build up, flatulence and an unhealthy coat.

Melanie Sainsbury, veterinary education manager for True Instinct, said: “We would always urge pet owners to read the on-pack ingredients label or online product description as unhealthy and unexpected products are often included. Many popular brands contain as little as four per cent meat as well as ingredients such as feather meal, sugars, meat and animal derivatives, and artificial additives with little or no nutritional value.

“The current pet food labelling code means that claims such has ‘high in’ and ‘rich in’ legally requires a minimum of 14 per cent of the named ingredient to be in the recipe, so we encourage pet owners in Southampton to take control over what they’re really feeding their pet, and to take time to check the ingredients on the label.”

The survey also revealed that two thirds of pet owners do not realise dogs can’t eat certain foods such as chocolate or onions - which are both highly toxic.

There are many foods which are good for your pets such as butternut squash, which is nutritious, and blue berries, which are full of antioxidants.

The poll showed that although knowledge of ingredients is low, 33 per cent of owners want to do good by their pet and that when selecting their pet food brand their dog or cat must visibly enjoy it.

A total of 17 per cent agreed the food must make a difference to their health and wellbeing.