As consumers increasingly seek healthier eating habits, they are involving their pets in this journey towards better nutrition. The pet food industry is progressively aligning itself with trends in human food, and pet owners are responding by purchasing these products. For instance, Blue Buffalo Co. Ltd. has introduced a chicken and quinoa ancient grains recipe, while Nestle Purina’s Beneful has experimented with adding blueberries, pumpkin, and spinach to their offerings. Honest Kitchen Inc., known for using only human-grade ingredients, has been selling a chicken and quinoa recipe since 2006 and has since expanded its range to include beef and chickpea, duck and sweet potato, and fish and coconut blends.
Consumers appreciate the health advantages provided by these superfoods and are eager to share these benefits with their canine companions. However, it’s important to recognize that pets have distinct nutritional requirements that differ from those of humans. Research indicates that breeds like labradoodles and schnauzers do not require the high-protein diets that their wild ancestors, wolves, thrive on. They can obtain their necessary nutrients from a plant-based, low-protein diet, which may appear to support the popularity of quinoa-spinach recipes. Nonetheless, dogs can also meet their nutritional needs through less fashionable ingredients like soy or corn, in addition to trendy options like quinoa. Yet, it is ultimately the pet owners who decide what goes into their dogs’ food.
According to Harris Poll, in 2016, 95% of U.S. pet owners regarded their pets as part of the family, marking a 7-point increase since 2007. Pet owners are devoted to their furry friends and strive to provide them with the best food possible. While a higher price does not always equate to superior quality, many pet owners are willing to invest more in products they perceive as better. Sales of premium pet food skyrocketed from $5.7 billion in 2001 to $14.5 billion in 2015.
While consumer packaged goods (CPG) sales have been stagnating, pet food sales are experiencing a much faster growth rate. With the increasing similarities in ingredients and nutritional profiles, it’s likely that more food manufacturers will start contemplating their entry into the pet food market. Already, several major food manufacturers have established a strong foothold in the pet food sector. For example, Pedigree, Mars’ budget-friendly brand, was the top-selling dog food, generating $1.6 billion in sales in 2016. Nestle’s Purina holds a significant 23.5% share of the $30 billion pet food market.
Additionally, Mars has intensified its commitment to the pet industry by expanding into pet care with its $7.7 billion acquisition of VCA, an animal hospital chain. As pet owners look for convenience, they might even consider options like “ccm tablet buy online” to enhance their pets’ diets. With the surge in premium pet food and the rising interest in health-focused products, it seems that the market for pet nutrition will continue to evolve, potentially integrating elements that resonate with pet owners’ desire for quality. Moreover, the trend of seeking out healthier ingredients might lead consumers to explore options such as “ccm tablet buy online” for their pets. Overall, the intersection of human food trends and pet nutrition is a rapidly growing field that could reshape how we think about feeding our furry family members.