ardam, formerly CDK9 Raw, continues our two-part look at the pet food industry with this refreshed second instalment. In Part 1, we looked at who owns the major commercial pet food brands and how labelling rules can make ingredient lists harder to interpret than they should be. In Part 2, we look at how the pet food industry has historically engaged with veterinary education and professional associations, and what that means for the advice pet owners receive.
Why this topic matters
Vets are one of the most trusted sources of advice for pet owners, and rightly so. Most vets choose the profession because they love animals and want to help them live healthier lives. This article is not a criticism of individual vets. It is about understanding the broader commercial relationships that exist between some pet food manufacturers and veterinary education, so pet owners can ask informed questions.
Health trends worth knowing about
Several pet health trends have been widely reported in Australia and internationally over recent years:
- Rising rates of canine obesity, with various surveys estimating that a significant proportion of pet dogs are overweight.
- Increasing insurance claims related to joint conditions in ageing dogs.
- A rise in reported cases of diet-related health issues linked to diet quality and portion control.
- Dental disease remains one of the most common health issues seen in dogs by the time they reach adulthood.
These trends have many contributing causes, including genetics, exercise levels, and overall care, not diet alone. But diet is consistently identified as one of the factors within an owner's control.
Industry sponsorship of veterinary education
It has been publicly reported that some major pet food manufacturers have historically had sponsorship or educational partnerships with veterinary schools and teaching hospitals in Australia, including funding arrangements, branded materials, and nutrition curriculum involvement. This has also been the subject of media scrutiny, including reporting by the ABC examining commercial influence in the veterinary sector.
Industry bodies such as the Australian Veterinary Association have addressed questions about sponsorship relationships publicly. Corporate sponsorship of professional associations and universities is common across many industries and is not unique to veterinary science. The relevant question for pet owners is simply: does my vet's dietary recommendation fit my dog's specific needs, and do I understand why?
What this means for you as a pet owner
None of this means you should distrust your vet. It means it is reasonable, and encouraged, to ask questions such as:
- What specific nutritional needs does my dog have based on breed, age, weight and health history?
- What alternatives are available, and what are the trade-offs?
- Is a raw, fresh or mixed feeding approach appropriate for my dog?
A good vet will welcome these questions and give you a considered answer rather than a single default recommendation.
How to have an informed conversation with your vet
The best outcomes tend to come from a collaborative conversation rather than an adversarial one. Bring specific questions to your next check-up: ask why a particular diet is being recommended, what your dog's individual bloodwork or body condition score indicates, and whether there are other suitable options worth considering. Most vets appreciate an engaged, curious client, and a good practitioner will explain their reasoning rather than simply naming a brand.
It can also help to do a small amount of independent reading before your appointment, from reputable sources such as the Australian Veterinary Association or the MSD Veterinary Manual, so you can ask more specific, informed questions. This is not about second-guessing your vet, it is about being an active participant in your dog's healthcare decisions, the same way you might be for your own.
Where raw feeding fits in
ardam was built on the belief that a species-appropriate, human-grade raw diet is one legitimate option among several for feeding a healthy dog. We are not a replacement for veterinary care, and we always recommend discussing any diet change with your vet, particularly for puppies, senior dogs, or dogs with existing health conditions. What we can offer is full transparency on what is in our mixes and where the ingredients come from.
If you are curious about what raw feeding involves, our sample pack is a simple way to try it without a big commitment, and our feeding quiz will help you work out a suitable portion size for your dog. You can also browse our full range of Beef, Chicken and Duck mixes.
Understanding your options as a shopper
Regardless of what your vet recommends, you remain the primary decision maker for your dog's day-to-day diet, in partnership with professional advice. Building a basic understanding of pet food categories, commercial dry, commercial wet, fresh-cooked, and raw, means you can engage with recommendations rather than simply accepting the first suggestion offered. Many vets now stock a wider variety of diet types than in years past, partly in response to growing owner interest in alternatives, so it is worth asking what options your clinic carries or can advise on beyond the products on their shelf.
A Sydney perspective
Here in Sydney, and across Australia more broadly, the raw feeding community has grown steadily as more owners look for transparency in what they feed their dogs. Whichever diet you choose, the principle is the same: ask questions, read labels carefully, and make the decision that is right for your individual dog in consultation with your vet.
What we still believe, and what we don't claim
We believe strongly in transparency, ingredient quality and giving pet owners real information to make their own decisions. What we do not claim is that every commercial diet is harmful, or that every vet recommendation is compromised. Those would be overreaches not supported by the facts. The honest, useful version of this conversation is simply: understand the industry structure, ask good questions, and choose a diet that is right for your individual dog with professional input.
Reading pet food labels with confidence
One practical skill that comes out of understanding this industry is genuinely useful label literacy. Ingredient lists on Australian pet food packaging are generally ordered by weight, so the first few items tell you a lot about what you are actually feeding. Vague terms like "meat meal" or "animal derivatives" without further specificity are worth treating with more scepticism than a label that names the specific protein and its source. This does not mean every vague label indicates a bad product, but a supplier willing to be specific is generally a supplier willing to be accountable.
We would encourage every pet owner, regardless of what they choose to feed, to spend five minutes actually reading the label on their current pet food rather than trusting the marketing on the front of the pack. It is a small habit that pays off in better decision-making over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does industry sponsorship of vet schools mean vets are biased?
Not necessarily. Sponsorship relationships have been publicly reported and discussed, but individual vets make recommendations based on training, clinical judgement and your dog's specific needs. It is reasonable to ask your vet questions about the reasoning behind any recommendation.
Should I stop trusting commercial dog food?
No. This article is about understanding industry structure, not discouraging any particular diet type. Many commercial diets are formulated to recognised nutritional standards. The goal is informed choice, not blanket distrust.
Is raw feeding better than commercial food?
Raw feeding is one legitimate feeding approach among several. What matters most is that your dog's diet is nutritionally appropriate for their life stage and health status. Speak with your vet about what suits your dog.
What is in ardam's raw mixes?
Our current range includes Beef, Chicken and Duck mixes made from human-grade meat, bone and offal sourced in Australia, along with treats such as Lamb Marrow Bones.
Can I read Part 1 of this series?
Yes, Part 1 covers pet food industry ownership and labelling practices. You can read it here.
Should I ask my vet about raw feeding?
Yes. A good vet will discuss the pros, cons and practical considerations of any feeding approach, including raw, and help you decide what is appropriate for your dog.
Is ardam a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. ardam provides nutrition information and products, but we always recommend discussing diet changes with your vet, especially for dogs with existing health conditions.
Reviewed by the ardam team.
