Every time a pet food manufacturer sponsors something, be it a lecturer at a vet school, a vet student, ‘independent' research at a vet school or university, an animal welfare organisation, an animal shelter, a dog/cat/ferret show and so on, or host a conference or symposium, they are attempting to keep their name and products at the forefront of the public’s mind. To that end the pet food manufacturers invest enormous sums of money, which their customers pay for in the price of the products, in advertising, publicity, and the provision of freebies through breeders, animal shelters, pet show prizes and the like. The pet food manufacturers want to give the impression they are altruistic and benevolent and acting in the best interests of animals. They are actually attempting to maintain or increase their share of the pet food market.
