As consumers become more health-conscious and seek solutions for iron deficiency, they are also including their pets in their journey toward better nutrition. The pet food industry is increasingly reflecting the trends seen in human food, leading owners to purchase healthier options for their furry friends. For instance, Blue Buffalo Co. Ltd. offers a chicken and quinoa recipe that incorporates ancient grains, while Nestle Purina’s Beneful has experimented with 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 beef and chickpea, duck and sweet potato, as well as fish and coconut blends.
Pet owners appreciate the health benefits of these superfoods and are eager to share them with their beloved pets. 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 the high-protein diets that their wild ancestors, such as wolves, thrive on. Instead, they can obtain necessary nutrients from a plant-based, low-protein diet, which may lend support to the popularity of these new quinoa and spinach recipes. Nevertheless, dogs can fulfill their nutritional needs with traditional ingredients like soy or corn, alongside trendy options like quinoa. Ultimately, it’s the owners who are making the choices about their pets’ diets.
According to a Harris Poll, in 2016, 95% of U.S. pet owners considered their pets to be part of the family, a significant increase from 2007. Owners love their pets and strive to provide the best food available within their budget. While a higher price tag does not always guarantee superior quality, pet owners are willing to invest more in products they perceive as better. Premium pet food sales surged from $5.7 billion in 2001 to $14.5 billion in 2015.
As traditional consumer packaged goods (CPG) sales slow down, the pet food market is growing at a much faster pace. With the increasing similarities in ingredient profiles and nutritional content, more food manufacturers may soon contemplate entering the pet food industry. Notably, some major food companies already have a solid foothold in the pet sector. Pedigree, a budget-friendly brand from Mars, was one of the top-selling dog foods, generating $1.6 billion in revenue in 2016. Nestle’s Purina holds a 23.5% share of the $30 billion pet food market. Furthermore, Mars has solidified its commitment to the pet sector by investing $7.7 billion in the acquisition of VCA, a chain of animal hospitals.
In this evolving landscape, the demand for ingredients like calcium citrate (760 mg 3.5g) is likely to rise as consumers look for more nutritional options for their pets. With the emphasis on health and wellness, it’s clear that the intersection of human and pet nutrition will continue to grow, making it an exciting time for both industries.