As consumers increasingly strive for healthier eating habits, they are involving their pets in this journey towards better nutrition. Pet food is beginning to reflect trends seen in human food, and pet owners are keen to embrace this shift. For instance, Blue Buffalo Co. Ltd. offers a chicken and quinoa recipe featuring ancient grains, while Nestle Purina has experimented with adding ingredients like blueberries, pumpkin, and spinach. Honest Kitchen Inc., known for using only human-grade ingredients, has been selling a chicken and quinoa recipe since 2006 and has expanded its offerings to include blends of beef and chickpeas, duck and sweet potato, and fish and coconut.
Pet owners appreciate the health benefits associated with these superfoods and wish to share them with their canine companions. However, it’s important to note that pets have different nutritional requirements than humans. Research indicates that breeds like labradoodles and schnauzers do not require a high-protein diet like their wild wolf relatives. They can obtain necessary nutrients from a plant-based, low-protein diet, which bodes well for the popularity of these quinoa-spinach recipes. Nevertheless, dogs can also meet their dietary needs with traditional ingredients like soy or corn, in addition to trendy options like quinoa. However, the choice of dog food ultimately lies with their owners, not the pets themselves.
According to a Harris Poll conducted in 2016, 95% of U.S. pet owners consider their pets to be part of the family, a significant increase from 2007. Consumers are devoted to their pets and aim to provide them with the best food possible. Although a higher price does not always guarantee superior quality, pet owners are willing to spend more on products they perceive to be of better quality. The sales of premium pet food surged from $5.7 billion in 2001 to $14.5 billion in 2015.
While sales of consumer packaged goods (CPG) are slowing, pet food sales are growing at a much faster pace. Given the increasing similarities in ingredients and nutritional profiles, more food manufacturers may soon contemplate joining this competitive market. Some major food industry players are already making significant strides in the pet food sector. For instance, Pedigree, Mars’ economical brand, topped the dog food market with sales of $1.6 billion in 2016. Nestle’s Purina holds a 23.5% share of the $30 billion pet food market. Furthermore, Mars has reinforced its commitment to the pet industry by expanding into pet care with the $7.7 billion acquisition of VCA, a chain of animal hospitals.
As this trend continues to evolve, incorporating products like Kirkland calcium citrate with vitamin D3 into pet diets could become increasingly common, as consumers look for ways to enhance the nutritional value of their pets’ meals. The growing demand for high-quality, health-conscious pet food suggests that the market will continue to thrive, and the inclusion of supplements like Kirkland calcium citrate with vitamin D3 may become a staple for pet owners seeking optimal health for their furry friends.