U.S. pet store chain bans artificial ingredients in foods

(14 Nov 2018) LEADIN:
In the United States, demand for healthy, natural food is extending from the grocery store to the pet store.
For dogs, there are bags of organic, vegetarian and grain-free food.
STORYLINE:
Lauren Ray never had a dog before Bear, a nine-month-old shepherd mix.
"I truly fell in love. So, I care about him like I would like a brother, sister, child, kind of a thing," she says.
That includes giving him the best food she can.
"Initially, I decided that he should probably eat organic food just because I want my dog to live as long as possible," says Ray.
She's not alone. According to research by Nielsen, the U.S. market share of natural pet products more than doubled to 6.5 percent between 2013 and 2017.
And now U.S. based pet store chain Petco says it plans to stop selling dog and cat food and treats with artificial colours, flavours and preservatives.
The move is thought to be the first of its kind among major pet stores.
The company says it's making the change because artificial ingredients are a big concern for pet owners.
But one Chicago veterinarian says consumers shouldn't be overly concerned about artificial ingredients in pet food.
"I unfortunately do think it's a marketing ploy," says Donna Solomon, a veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center of Chicago.
"I think they're trying to differentiate themselves from other companies. And I don't know if it has a lot of weight. Most canned food do not contain preservatives."
But Solomon agrees with eliminating artificial colouring.
"Cat and dogs do not use colour as a way to decide what food to choose. So, why put unnecessary items in their food?" she says.
Petco expects to remove all food with artificial ingredients by May 2019 - both online and in its 1,500 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Ray supports the change and says she will likely visit the retailer more now.
"I mean, I think it's pretty cool cause they're kind of paving the way for other dog stores, shops, whatever," she says.
One pet owner wanting to ensure her new buddy is around for a long time.

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