As consumers increasingly strive for healthier eating habits, they are including their pets in this journey towards better nutrition. Pet food is starting to reflect the same trends seen in human food, and pet owners are responding positively. For instance, Blue Buffalo Co. Ltd. has introduced a chicken and quinoa ancient grains recipe, while Nestle Purina’s Beneful has experimented with ingredients like blueberries, pumpkin, and spinach. Honest Kitchen Inc., which exclusively uses human-grade components, has been offering a chicken and quinoa recipe since 2006 and has expanded its lineup to include beef and chickpea, duck and sweet potato, as well as fish and coconut blends.
Consumers recognize the health benefits associated with these superfoods and are eager to share them with their furry companions. However, it’s important to note that pets have different nutritional requirements compared to humans. Research indicates that breeds like labradoodles and schnauzers do not require a high-protein diet similar to their wild ancestors, the wolves. They can obtain their essential nutrients from a plant-based, low-protein diet, suggesting that these new quinoa-spinach recipes might be suitable for them. Yet, dogs can also meet their nutritional needs with less trendy ingredients like soy or corn, alongside the fashionable quinoa. Ultimately, it’s the pet owners, not the pets, who are making the food choices.
According to a Harris Poll from 2016, 95% of U.S. pet owners consider their pets part of the family, reflecting a significant increase from 2007. Pet owners cherish their animals and aspire to provide them with the best food possible. While a higher price does not always guarantee better quality, pet owners are willing to invest more in products they perceive as superior. Sales of premium pet food surged from $5.7 billion in 2001 to $14.5 billion in 2015.
As consumer packaged goods (CPG) sales stagnate, pet food sales continue to rise at a much faster pace. Given the growing similarities in ingredients and nutritional profiles, more food manufacturers may soon question whether it’s time to enter the pet food market. Several major food companies have already established a strong foothold in this sector. For example, Mars’ budget-friendly brand Pedigree generated $1.6 billion in sales in 2016, while Nestle’s Purina controls 23.5% of the $30 billion pet food market. Furthermore, Mars has reinforced its commitment to the pet industry by acquiring VCA, an animal hospital chain, for $7.7 billion.
In this evolving landscape, the incorporation of ingredients like citrate 1000 in pet food formulations might also catch the attention of manufacturers looking to capitalize on health trends. As the demand for pet food that reflects human health trends grows, the competition among food manufacturers is likely to intensify, with citrate 1000 potentially becoming a popular addition in this burgeoning market.