Click the poster to reveal the trailer. Then press Play to watch with sound. Prefer IMDb? Watch it here.
“Pet Fooled” is a hard-hitting documentary that peels back the glossy marketing of the pet food industry to reveal what’s really inside many of the foods we feed our beloved dogs and cats. Directed by Kohl Harrington, the film features interviews with veterinarians, industry insiders, and pet parents who have all asked the same question: are big pet food companies really prioritizing our pets’ health, or their own profits?
What the Documentary Covers
- Corporate Control: The film highlights how a handful of giant corporations (Mars, Nestlé, Colgate-Palmolive) own most of the “trusted” pet food brands. This raises serious concerns about conflicts of interest, especially when these same companies fund veterinary nutrition programs.
- Questionable Ingredients: Pet Fooled exposes the use of rendered by-products, fillers, and even recycled waste materials in kibble. These ingredients often pass regulatory definitions but are far from the wholesome meats and vegetables pictured on packaging.
- Marketing vs. Reality: Packaging and advertising tell a story of premium health and natural goodness, but the documentary shows how labeling laws allow vague terms like “meat meal” and “animal fat” that hide the true origin of ingredients.
- Veterinary Education: The film points out how veterinary schools receive financial and educational support from major pet food brands, shaping what future vets are taught about nutrition — and what foods they recommend once in practice.
- Health Consequences: Experts in the film argue that highly processed, carbohydrate-heavy kibble contributes to rising rates of obesity, allergies, diabetes, and cancer in pets. Fresh, minimally processed diets are presented as a healthier alternative.
Why It Matters
Pet Fooled isn’t just about pet food — it’s about transparency, accountability, and our pets’ long-term health. It challenges us to look past flashy marketing and dig into what’s really in our pet’s bowl. If more pet parents saw what goes on behind the scenes, many would think twice before buying the same big-name brands.
Takeaway
After watching Pet Fooled, the message is clear: we can’t blindly trust the pet food industry to put our pets first. It’s up to us to educate ourselves, read labels critically, and choose foods that are as close to fresh, real nutrition as possible. Documentaries like this remind us that our pets deserve better than the leftovers of an industry built on convenience and profit.
Watch It Yourself
Pet Fooled is available on several streaming platforms and is worth every pet parent’s time. Watch the trailer above, and if it resonates with you, consider sitting down for the full film — your dog or cat’s health may depend on it.
