colour of the bags. And be ever on your guard over the advertised level of protein.

Words of wisdom Bermudian animal lovers should have ringing in their ears the next time they set out to buy food for their pet.

They come from American pet experts Mr. Douglas Sutherland and Mr. Donald Kapper, who have been in Bermuda holding seminars about feeding animals.

"We were really pleased with the attendance, and reckon about 100 people in total turned up,'' said Mr. Sutherland.

The pair, from Ohio-based Buckeye Feed Mills, were invited here by Noah's Ark, a new Bermudian animal feeding and supplies business run by Miss Carol Terceira, Miss Karen Terceira and Miss Nadine DeCouto.

"It is the first time we've had anyone come here to address the issue of nutrition of animals. People were really excited about it,'' said Miss Carol Terceira.

The seminars at the Horticultural Hall in the Botanical Gardens -- supported by Government vet Dr. Neil Burnie -- were wide-ranging, covering dogs, horses, rabbits, poultry, dairy goats, and cows.

Pet specialist Mr. Sutherland said dog owners often selected food without proper information.

"One of the questions we got asked related to feeding dried dog food versus canned food.

"We were asked whether dried dog food was safe? The fact is dried dog food is normally less expensive, more economical, and does not spoil in high humidity.

"It always keeps teeth clean, which is very important. I would certainly recommend dried dog food over canned.'' Mr. Sutherland added: "Too often dog food quality is judged by price, colours of the bag and the level of protein.

"What needs to be pointed out is that prices are not an indication of quality.'' Mr. Sutherland said he also drove home the importance of keeping a vet involved in a pet's health.

Vice-president of Buckeye Feed Mills, Mr. Kapper. said much of his focus had been on horses, and the importance of foraging.

"You have to realise horses are foraging animals, who spend at least 18 hours a day foraging.'' Mr. Kapper said horse owners had to avoid over-feeding their animals with grain.

He added he and Mr. Sutherland had visited farms on the Island to get an understanding of the way livestock was managed.

"We found people were very open-minded and wanted to do better, and were open to suggestions.'' And as for a return visit? "We would like very much to come back, and hope to do so,'' said Mr.

Sutherland.

ANIMAL WISDOM -- American pet experts Mr. Douglas Sutherland and Mr. Donald Kapper have been in Bermuda holding seminars about feeding animals.