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‘Real Housewives of Dallas’ star Kameron Westcott is taking heat from dog lovers after launching a pink dog food line targeted to female pet parents.
For stars of the “Real Housewives” franchises, using their celebrity to sell products is nothing new. Between clothing lines, makeup, skincare, handbags, jewelry, and pet supplies including collars, leashes, and toys, there’s no shortage of products being peddled to fans of the hit series.
But, for the first time, one ‘Real Housewife’ is facing major backlash from dog lovers after launching her self-proclaimed “groundbreaking” idea – pink dog food.
‘Real Housewives of Dallas’ star, Kameron Westcott says she was inspired to launch SparkleDog, described as a premium grain & gluten free dog food, after noticing that dog food brands were not marketed to women, the primary buyer of the products.
To target women, Westcott designed bold pink packaging, a unique, easy-to-carry bag, and – most questionable – a chicken-based dry food mixed with bubblegum-pink heart-shaped kibble.
The pink dog food is made in Texas by family-owned manufacturer, TFP Nutrition, and is formulated to meet AAFCO requirements for a dog’s nutritional needs.
But, upon closer inspection, the ingredient label – which isn’t so spectacular when compared with other premium brands, uses the controversial Red Dye #3 to create that bubblegum-pink color that’s making the dog food famous.
Veterinarian Dr. Cindy Bressler told Page Six, “In general, food dye is not great for animals, just like it”™s not [great] for people. It can cause, in some cases, allergies, hypersensitivity and skin problems.”
Bottom line, the pink dog food is little more than a gimmick. Although the company has partnered with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and committed to donating at least $10,000 to the foundation that supports women and families affected by breast cancer, it does little to address the growing concerns of cancer in dogs, a problem compounded by the feeding of dry kibble diets loaded with artificial coloring.
Perhaps most telling are the scathing reviews the product has already received on Amazon.
“Disgusting and stains- stay away! This food is gross and will stain your carpets and everything your dog comes into contact with. Please also note that most of the positive reviews are not verified purchases. Don”™t buy product. Gross concept, gross food.”
“Mediocre food with dues for a high price. Certainly not worth it. Do your dog a favor and do some research on proper diet, he will thank you.”
“I really hate to give this even one star. It doesn’t deserve it. I love the RHOD and was excited to try this product! My dogs are my babies. I love them more than most people. I’m willing to spend whatever it costs to keep them happy and healthy. However, spending this much on a “Natural” dog food is a joke. It’s not all natural. My dogs have severe food allergies to any processed food or additives. It only took about 10 minutes after eating this that both my dogs were itching, had hives, and both got diarrhea. Please don’t feed this to your dogs!!!”
“This product is NOT “all natural.” It contains Red#3 — a synthetic coal tar dye that is considered a carcinogen. Possible health effects are breast cancer, thyroid tumors, hyperactivity in children, and allergic reactions.”
Still, despite negative reviews, Kameron stands by her product, saying the reviews are coming from “Twitter trolls” and “hired sabotagers from other jealous brands and people” citing third-party testing that proved 20 dogs offered the food ate all or most of it.
As dog owners, it’s our responsibility to research and feed a diet that is nutritionally appropriate for their individual and specific needs, not choose a food based on fancy packaging or gimmicky pink heart-shaped kibble.
For more information about choosing an appropriate food for your dog, check out this Guide to Understanding Dog Food Ingredients.
JP
Jan 14, 2020 at 7:43 pm
Welcome to the ugly world of reality TV and social media, Kam! You put yourself out there on a (bad) television show and INSTAGRAM / Twitter in an attempt to by-pass the normal “blood, sweat and tears” path one takes to start a real company and then get upset that that platform you choose to try to fast-track a “company with a bad idea” also contains “trolls”? Sure there are a group of folks who want to feel they are a part of “famous” rich folks lives and getting that “oh you’re so sweet!” reply from you on IG may cause them to frantically go search out and buy your pink dog food not even concerning themselves with the health benefits or lack thereof to their dogs; but there are certainly a lot more that just shake their head and wonder why a woman like you “in Dallas society” would need to lower themselves to the world of IG and reality tv. I doubt that Purina is jealous of or nervous about Sparkle taking their market share and probably are not part of the crowd posting one star reviews on Amazon.
Deb
Dec 19, 2019 at 9:28 pm
Not to mention that it’s potentially insulting to assume that women buyers would purchase this dog food because it’s pink, sparkly, and easy to carry? I look at the ingredients that are used in the dog food to determine what my furbabies eat. Easy to carry? I promise you that I’m more than capable of hoisting even the largest bag of dog food sold at the grocery store and putting it in my grocery cart. Ridiculous!! Please step out of your “bubble” and join the real world, where real women live.
Linda
Jul 22, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Dogs also eat each other’s poop Kameron so when you say with pride that 20 dogs ate most or all of your food when offered it, I have to laugh.
This is a ridiculous product. My dog doesn’t need red dye #3.