As consumers increasingly strive for healthier eating habits, many are including their pets in this journey toward better nutrition. Pet food brands are increasingly reflecting the trends seen in human food, leading owners to make healthier choices for their furry companions. For instance, Blue Buffalo Co. Ltd. offers a chicken and quinoa ancient grains recipe, while Nestle Purina’s Beneful has ventured into incorporating blueberries, pumpkin, and spinach into its offerings. Honest Kitchen Inc., which utilizes only human-grade ingredients, has been providing a chicken and quinoa recipe since 2006, and has expanded its menu to include beef and chickpea, duck and sweet potato, and fish and coconut blends.
Consumers recognize the health advantages of these superfoods and wish to share these benefits with their beloved pets. However, it is important to note that pets have different nutritional requirements compared to humans. Research indicates that breeds like labradoodles and schnauzers do not require the high-protein diets typical of their wild wolf ancestors. Instead, they can obtain their essential nutrients from a plant-based, low-protein diet, which may lend favor to the new quinoa-spinach recipes. Nonetheless, dogs can also meet their nutritional needs with traditional ingredients such as soy or corn, just as easily as with trendy quinoa. Yet, it’s the pet owners, not the pets, who make the final choice in dog food.
A Harris Poll from 2016 revealed that 95% of U.S. pet owners consider their pets to be part of the family, a notable increase from 2007. Pet owners are eager to provide their pets with the best food possible, even if it comes at a higher price. While a premium price does not always guarantee superior quality, many pet owners are willing to invest more in what they perceive to be better products. Consequently, sales of premium pet food surged from $5.7 billion in 2001 to $14.5 billion in 2015.
As sales of consumer packaged goods (CPG) have stagnated, the pet food sector is experiencing robust growth. Given the increasing similarities in ingredients and nutritional profiles, more food manufacturers may soon consider entering the pet food market. There are already several major food corporations with a significant foothold in this sector. For example, Pedigree, a budget-friendly brand from Mars, ranked as a top-selling dog food, generating $1.6 billion in 2016. Nestle’s Purina commands 23.5% of the $30 billion pet food market.
Additionally, Mars has intensified its commitment to the pet industry by venturing into pet care with its $7.7 billion acquisition of VCA, an animal hospital chain. As pet owners seek the best for their companions, some may even consider supplements like the ccm 250 mg tablet to enhance their pets’ diets, reflecting the trend of prioritizing health in all aspects of life. The demand for such products, along with premium pet food, indicates a growing awareness and willingness to invest in the well-being of their furry family members.