We’ve heard from dog owners struggling with diet-related concerns—dogs that are too thin despite professional advice, or expensive food that seems to ‘go in one end and shoot out the other.’
In New Zealand, there's a legal responsibility on those who have an animal under their 'care, control or supervision' to ensure their dog’s physical and health needs are met. That includes making sure they have 'proper and sufficient' food. That legal responsibility doesn’t stop at owners—breeders, vets, and pet food manufacturers all have obligations under animal welfare laws, consumer protection laws, and public health standards.
If a breeder requires a specific diet in a contract, a vet recommends a particular food, or a manufacturer makes claims about a product, they may also have legal liabilities if things go wrong.
Guardianz helps dog owners, professionals, and businesses navigate the legal side of pet nutrition—because what you feed your dog should be nutritionally - and legally - safe, sound and fit for purpose.