Anyone else working in pet retail struggle with pet food misinformation?
So I'm actually 2 months into my new job. I work in a big European chain pet shop, and I didn't know a lot about pet food when I started.
My manager taught me how to read an ingredient list and judge it. She said Royal Canin and Hill's are not really good quality and that they're sponsored, while Orijen is the best. Acana and Carnilove are great.
I wanted to learn more about this topic, so I did a lot of research. I'm honestly overwhelmed by all the different opinions. I also often read that "pet store employees don't know anything," and I'm ashamed of that.
I'm now watching YouTube videos from Dr. Rea and Pet Food Puzzle Guy, who explain more about nutrition and not just ingredients.
I have no issues with recommending science-based foods for dogs and cats to customers. But then I hear my colleagues say something completely different to a customer.
For example, one month later, a customer came back and said that her senior dog, who had always eaten Royal Canin, sometimes vomits after switching to Acana. My colleague told them they could switch back for a while , but still told the customer that Royal Canin is lower quality.
And I'm in a difficult position. I can speak my opinion, but I don't want to look like a know-it-all — I'm only 2 months in. But I also can't stand watching my colleagues act like they know better when I'm not sure their advice is actually correct.
I like the job, but this has honestly been hard on me sometimes because I really care about giving people accurate information.
I'd like to know if there are any other pet store workers lurking on this forum who have had the same experience, or if anyone has any tips on how to deal with this.