The probe follows more than 100 dogs falling ill and 18 dying from megaoesophagus and Mars, in March, voluntarily recalling its dry dog food product Advance Dermocare.

Dog owner and South Australian Senator Stirling Griff, a Centre Alliance party member, has pushed for the inquiry after hearing concerns of those with pets.

“We need better accountability,” Senator Griff said.

“We need to prioritise pets over profits.

“It’s ridiculous that people can pay up to $50 a kilo for premium pet food, thinking it’s the best, and yet they cannot have confidence it’s safe for their pet to eat.

“This is a $4 billion industry and it is self-regulated – it looks after its own compliance and its own recalls.

“It’s hardly a model for transparency and assured good practice.”

The inquiry will look at existing national and state rules and assess the feasibility of introducing an independent regulatory body or extending the remit of Food Standards Australia New Zealand. 

In a statement, Mars proclaimed “it supports the introduction of regulation that continues to strengthen our local industry and demands the very best for pets”.

“If any recommendation of this Inquiry could save one pet’s life, or save them and their owner from pain they may experience, then we want to embrace a discussion on it,” Mars stated.

The company will put a submission to the inquiry.

The Pet Food Industry Association of Australia, whose members include Mars and other Howlong firm Cool Off and Corowa-based Rivalea, also supported the parliamentary investigation.

Its executive manager Duncan Hall, a former Mars corporate affairs manager, said that the inquiry was “timely, appropriate and welcome”. 

Submissions are being taken until July 20.

Hearings, involving the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee, are then expected to occur before a final report is presented by August 30.

Despite extensive testing of the dog food through the Melbourne University veterinary school, and internationally, experts are yet to be able to determine the specific cause for the megaoesophagus. 

Hundreds of analytical examinations on returned products and retained samples have been done.