FAQ: Additional Topics
Question
How many pet dogs and cats are there in the United States?
Answer
In the United States in 2007, the dog population rose to 67 million and the cat population grew to nearly 84 million*.
Question
Should I wash my hands after handling pet toys, treats or food?
Answer
Members of the Pet Food Institute encourage pet owners to practice proven sanitary practices and safe handling procedures for pet food and treats. While most pet foods and treats are produced to ensure microbial safety, pet owners should avoid cross contamination between pet food and human food, just as they should avoid cross contamination between the foods they eat themselves. Pet owners should wash their hands prior to eating and after handling pet treats and toys, especially those that have been chewed by a pet.
Question
I read that pet foods can be treated with radiation. Is this true and can it harm my pet?
Answer
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved irradiation as a safe and effective means of processing dog and cat food products and treats. The process is an effective and safe alternative to cooking foods and will not harm your pet.
Question
What is foot-and-mouth disease and can my pet catch it from pet food?
Answer
Foot-and-mouth disease, abbreviated FMD, is a foreign animal disease. It affects cloven-hoofed animals such as pigs, cows and sheep. Dogs, cats and people cannot catch FMD from infected farm animals. Pets and people can, however, spread the disease from one farm to another when travelling in infected areas. FMD is not present in the United States and there have been no cases of the disease in the US since 1929.
* Source: Euromonitor International
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Other Consumer FAQs
Proper Nutrition
Product Names and Labels
Regulation and Testing
Feeding Guidelines
Ingredients
Homemade Food
Additional Topics
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