As consumers increasingly strive to adopt healthier eating habits, they are also involving their pets in this journey towards better nutrition. Pet food is progressively reflecting trends seen in human cuisine, and pet owners are purchasing these products more than ever. For instance, Blue Buffalo Co. Ltd. offers a chicken and quinoa ancient grains recipe, while Nestlé Purina’s Beneful has experimented with adding blueberries, pumpkin, and spinach to their formulations. Honest Kitchen Inc., which exclusively uses human-grade ingredients, has been selling a chicken and quinoa recipe since 2006 and now features additional options like beef and chickpea, duck and sweet potato, and fish and coconut blends as well.
Consumers appreciate the health benefits of these superfoods and are eager to share these advantages with their canine companions. Nevertheless, it’s important to recognize that pets have different nutritional requirements compared to humans. Research indicates that breeds like labradoodles and schnauzers do not require a high-protein diet as their wild wolf ancestors do. Instead, they can obtain essential nutrients from a plant-based, low-protein diet, which suggests a favorable outlook for these new quinoa-spinach recipes. While dogs can meet their dietary needs with traditional ingredients like soy or corn alongside trendy quinoa, it’s ultimately the owners who select their pet’s food.
According to a Harris Poll conducted in 2016, 95% of U.S. pet owners regarded their animals as part of the family, a rise of 7 percentage points since 2007. Pet owners are dedicated to providing their beloved companions with the best food possible. Although a higher price tag doesn’t always equate to superior quality, many pet owners are willing to pay more for what they perceive as better products. Sales of premium pet food surged from $5.7 billion in 2001 to $14.5 billion by 2015.
While sales of consumer packaged goods (CPG) are stagnating, the pet food market is expanding at a significantly faster pace. With the growing similarities in ingredients and nutritional profiles between human and pet foods, more food manufacturers may soon contemplate entering the pet food sector. Established food industry giants already have a robust foothold in this market. Pedigree, a budget-friendly brand from Mars, was one of the top-selling dog foods, generating $1.6 billion in 2016. Nestlé’s Purina commands 23.5% of the $30 billion pet food market. Additionally, Mars has intensified its commitment to the pet industry by acquiring VCA, an animal hospital chain, for $7.7 billion.
As this trend continues, it may be prudent for pet owners to consider supplements like GNC chewable calcium citrate to ensure their pets receive a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, complementing the high-quality food they choose. Ultimately, the focus remains on providing pets with the healthiest options available, including those enriched with elements like GNC chewable calcium citrate to promote overall well-being.