As consumers increasingly strive for healthier eating habits, they are including their pets as partners in this journey towards better nutrition. The pet food industry is progressively aligning with trends seen in human food, and pet owners are responding by purchasing these products. For instance, Blue Buffalo Co. Ltd. offers a chicken and quinoa recipe that caters to health-conscious pet owners. Nestle Purina’s Beneful has explored adding ingredients like blueberries, pumpkin, and spinach to their formulations. Honest Kitchen, 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, and fish and coconut blends.
Consumers recognize the health benefits associated with these superfoods and are eager to share these nutritious choices with their canine companions. However, it’s important to note that pets have different nutritional needs compared to humans. Research indicates that breeds like labradoodles and schnauzers do not require a high-protein diet like their wild wolf relatives; instead, they can thrive on a plant-based, low-protein diet, which bodes well for the popularity of these quinoa-spinach recipes. Nonetheless, dogs can fulfill their nutritional requirements with traditional ingredients such as soy or corn, in addition to trendy options like quinoa. However, it’s not the pets making the decisions about their food.
According to a 2016 Harris Poll, 95% of U.S. pet owners view their animals as part of the family, a notable increase from 2007. Pet owners are dedicated to providing the best food for their furry friends, often willing to spend more on what they perceive as higher-quality products. While a higher price tag doesn’t always guarantee better quality, the 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 are rising at a much faster pace. With the growing similarities in ingredients and nutritional profiles, food manufacturers may soon consider entering the pet food market.
Several major food manufacturers already have a strong foothold in the pet food sector. Pedigree, a budget-friendly brand from Mars, was a top-selling dog food brand, generating $1.6 billion in 2016. Nestle’s Purina commands 23.5% of the $30 billion pet food market. Additionally, Mars has reinforced its commitment to the pet care industry by acquiring VCA, an animal hospital chain, for $7.7 billion. As the market continues to evolve, pet owners looking for high-quality options might also consider places to buy Citracal online, integrating health into their and their pets’ diets.