In a 2022 survey of companion animal house owners within the United States by Mintel, roughly one-third of shoppers recognized potential enhancements of their pets’ well being and wellness as the principle cause for contemplating switching their pet’s meals model. This emphasis on well being overshadowed causes such as style or value.
Cat house owners reported considerably extra concentrate on well being (33%) in contrast to canine house owners (32%). Palatability ranked a bit increased amongst canine house owners than cat house owners, whereas cat house owners put barely extra significance on value. Nevertheless, well being and wellness stood out past each value and palatability as a cause for selecting a canine or cat meals product.
Consumer demand for wholesome pet meals
“Reflecting the growing consumer demand for healthier pet food options is the expanding variety of pet foods with health claims,” Kate Vlietstra, international foods and drinks analyst at Mintel, wrote in her report on pet proprietor survey outcomes. “A large portion of the market is willing to go the extra mile to secure these health benefits…
“In previous years, insect protein emerged as a trending ingredient in pet food, but pet food consumers now seem to be particularly interested in how their pet food is preserved. One of the key emerging options in the pet food aisle is fresh, frozen, and homemade options that lean into this demand for bespoke, freshly prepared meals for our pets. In the US, frozen pet food saw double-digit growth in 2020-21, while over half of pet food buyers choose freshly prepared options as they perceive them to be healthier than store-bought pet foods.”
