chendongshan/AdobeStock.com
natural pet
Pet-Pleasing Food Trends What Dogs and Cats Will Eat This Year by Ronica O’Hara
D
og and cat food is becoming ever more humanized in the U.S. Market researchers and veterinarians report that consumers are increasingly demanding for their pets what they want for themselves: high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients that are free of questionable byproducts. “Organic, gluten-free and even vegan are now mainstream when it comes to Fido and Fluffy,” says integrative veterinarian Carol Osborne, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. “Fancy foods, gourmet treats, even personal pet chefs have become the norm.” In a turnabout on animal testing, some companies advertise that their pet food products are tested on humans. 28
It’s the logical outcome of an evolution in how pets are regarded, say psychologists. Only a few decades ago, most dogs slept in doghouses rather than in bedrooms, and most cats were free-range explorers of the outdoors. Today, two in three American households have a pet, and the animals are increasingly part of the family—sometimes even more beloved than human family members. One study, for example, found young children more likely to confide in a pet than in a sibling. A mattress company survey found that 71 percent of pet owners sleep with their furry friends. The forced togetherness of the pandemic drew pets and owners even
Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi Edition
NAGulfCoast.com
closer. “Today, pet owners want to reward their pets in every way possible to let them know how grateful they are for the unconditional love and companionship they provide,” says Osborne. The urge to lovingly pamper pets starts at the food dish with many emerging trends.
Custom Tailoring According to market analyst firm Mintel, three in five U.S. pet owners are willing to pay more for foods that are customized to their pet’s specific dietary needs, a trend being eagerly met by more than 700 brands and 10,000 products. Today, a dizzying array of foods are tailored to pets’ ages,
