For dogs with or without pedigree

South African premium dog food brand, Canine Cuisine, has launched a cheeky branded content piece that takes aim at Pedigree Dog Food for surreptitiously discontinuing the Pedigree Dry Dog Food range from the South African market.

In the pet food market, competitive advertising is extensively regulated, so competitors can't directly communicate to South Africans that Pedigree Dry Dog Food is making an exit.

However, this isn't just a superficial advertising debate, this is a pet wellness issue.

Leading veterinarian Dr. Carra Walters, of Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital says, 'Unlike human diets, where we are able to immediately substitute one food source for another, pets require a gradual transition from one type of food to another. Changing your pet's diet too quickly can cause gastrointestinal upset, with symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea. This is because the new food may have different ingredients, nutrient levels, or fibre content than what your pet is used to, which can be difficult for their digestive systems and gut microbiomes to adjust to.'

Dr. Walters concludes, 'As per the above information, it's at least a seven-day process for your dog to safely transition to a new diet, and that's why I recommend starting this switch as soon as possible, before you complete the remaining quantities of your existing dog food. If you have any concerns, contact your local vet.'