SHELDON WILLIAMS, STAFF REPORTER

Dog owners have been diversifying the foods used to nourish their pets by feeding them pigs feed in a cost-saving effort, THE STAR has learnt.

Information reaching our news team indicates that some dog owners have discontinued the practice of purchasing meals packaged specifically for dogs in exchange for those made for swine that are lower priced.

A price comparison by THE STAR revealed that a 55 pound (25 kg) bag of pig grow pellet is priced at $1,286.16 at Hi-Pro Feeds, while a smaller bag of the same contents is priced at $626.40.

Pig grow mash can be purchased for $1,238.40 when bought in bulk.

A check of packaged dog foods at MegaMart Wholesale Club revealed that a 42 pound (19 kg) of Prime Cut Alpo dog food is priced at $5,092.70 plus tax.

" Dog owners like me who are finding it difficult to feed the mongrels, here is a solution ... PIG'S FEED," a dog owner revealed.

Feeding dogs scraps

"Cornmeal with scrap meat bought at the butcher shop or supermarket can be expensive. One 55-lb bag of the pig feed is only $1,200 in Mandeville, may be less up here! versus the brand-name dog food at popular stores for more that $5,000 per 50-lb bag! I have never believed in feeding dogs scraps, they are "people" too and they protect us so they deserve to eat well," the pet owner added.

In a show of satisfaction for the new-found source of nourishment, the proud dog owner said, "I no longer have to turn a big pot of cornmeal three times a week. Yesterday, the dogs ate it like they were feeding on Porterhouse steak".

THE STAR sought insight into the practice from veterinarian Dr Sarah Wilkinson-Eytle, who confirmed that she was aware of the trend.

Wilkinson-Eytle outlined that there is no major harm involved in the practice because of some commonalties between dogs and pigs.

" It depends on the age and phase of the dog. There are many similarities between pigs and dogs, they are both monogastric, which means they have a single stomach. The digestive ability is similar for both. The difference is in the balance of nutrients between pigs and dogs," the medical expert explained.