Why Pet Owners Deserve Better
As pet parents, we want the best for our pets, whether it’s their food, toys, or grooming products. But did you know that pet products in the UK aren’t regulated as strictly as human products?
While pet food must meet certain safety and hygiene standards, toys, grooming products, and accessories don’t always follow the same rigorous checks. This means many products on the market contain low-quality ingredients, undisclosed fillers, and even harmful chemicals.
So, how can you be sure that what you’re buying is truly safe? This guide will help you navigate misleading labels, avoid harmful ingredients, and choose only the best for your pet, all while showing you how Reva makes it easier to shop with confidence.
The Hidden Gaps in UK Pet Product Safety
Unlike human food and cosmetics, pet products in the UK lack specific, pet-focused regulations in many areas:
- Pet food is subject to over 50 pieces of legislation, ensuring its safety and nutritional balance. (UK Pet Food Association)
- Pet toys and accessories, however, fall under general consumer protection laws, meaning they don’t always undergo pet-specific safety checks. (Idea Reality)
- Grooming products aren’t classified as cosmetics, so they don’t need to meet the same safety standards as human shampoos or skincare. (CTPA)
The result? Many pet products contain hidden dangers, from toxic dyes in toys to preservatives in food that could harm your pet’s health.
How to Choose Safe and Trustworthy Pet Products
With so many products on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s what to look for when shopping for your pet:
1. Scrutinise Ingredient Lists (Especially for Grooming Products & Treats)
Pet product labels can sometimes be misleading. Even words like "natural" or "holistic" have no legal definition in the UK. (UK Pet Food Association)
🔍 What to look for:
✔ Clear, specific materials and ingredients (e.g., "organic cotton" instead of "synthetic fibres")
✔ No artificial preservatives, colours, or synthetic dyes
✔ Grooming products that are pH-balanced for pets, as their skin differs from humans
❌ What to avoid:
✖ Artificial fragrances, parabens, and sulphates (often found in low-quality shampoos)
✖ Cheap synthetic fabrics in bedding and toys (which may contain harmful dyes)
✖ Products with undisclosed materials, meaning brands aren’t transparent about what’s inside
💡 At Reva, every product includes a full breakdown of ingredients, so you always know exactly what you’re buying.
2. Look for Independent Certifications & Safety Standards
Since pet product regulations vary, independent certifications are a great way to ensure safety and quality.
📌 Pet Food Certifications:
✅ FEDIAF-approved brands follow European pet nutrition standards
✅ UK Pet Food Association members adhere to strict guidelines
📌 Toy & Accessory Safety:
✅ Look for products that comply with BS EN 71 (a European toy safety standard)
✅ Avoid toys with BPA, phthalates, and lead (often found in cheap plastic items)
📌 Grooming Products:
✅ Choose pH-balanced products designed specifically for pets
✅ Check for eco-friendly, non-toxic, and cruelty-free certifications
3. Understand Labelling Practices (What Brands Don’t Tell You)
Pet food labels in the UK follow animal feed regulations, which allow manufacturers to list ingredients under vague category names. (European Pet Food Industry)
⚠ Example: A brand advertising “with beef” only needs 4% beef in the recipe to legally use this claim. The rest could be fillers.
🔍 How to spot misleading labels:
- "With chicken" = At least 4% chicken
- "Rich in chicken" = At least 14% chicken
- "Chicken flavour" = No real chicken required!
💡 Tip: Brands that fully disclose their ingredients, like those found on Reva, are the ones you can trust.
4. Avoid Harmful Materials & Chemicals
Some pet toys, beds, and bowls contain materials that can be toxic over time.
🚫 Avoid these materials:
- Cheap plastic toys (often contain BPA and phthalates)
- Artificially dyed fabrics (can cause allergic reactions)
✅ Instead, choose:
- Natural toys
- Organic cotton or wool bedding
- Stainless steel or ceramic bowls
How Reva Ensures Product Safety and Trustworthiness
At Reva, we recognise the challenges pet owners face in selecting safe, reliable products. That's why we are dedicated to:
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Transparency: Providing comprehensive information about each product's materials and ingredients, enabling informed decisions.
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Curated Selection: Our team meticulously selects items from reputable brands that prioritise your pet's health and well-being.
Your Pet Deserves Better
Choosing safe and trustworthy pet products shouldn’t be complicated—but in today’s market, it often is.
That’s why Reva exists: to take the guesswork out of pet care, so you can focus on what really matters—enjoying life with your pet.
🔎 Explore our curated collection and discover products you can trust. Because your pet deserves the best. 🐾
👉 Shop now