In a 2022 survey of companion animal homeowners within the United States by Mintel, roughly one-third of shoppers recognized potential enhancements of their pets’ well being and wellness as the primary motive for contemplating switching their pet’s meals model. This emphasis on well being overshadowed causes such as style or value.
Cat homeowners reported considerably extra concentrate on well being (33%) in contrast to canine homeowners (32%). Palatability ranked a bit larger amongst canine homeowners than cat homeowners, whereas cat homeowners put barely extra significance on value. Nonetheless, well being and wellness stood out past each value and palatability as a motive for selecting a canine or cat meals product.
Shopper demand for wholesome pet meals
“Reflecting the rising client demand for more healthy pet meals choices is the increasing number of pet meals with well being claims,” Kate Vlietstra, world foods and drinks analyst at Mintel, wrote in her report on pet proprietor survey outcomes. “A big portion of the market is keen to go the additional mile to safe these well being advantages…
“In earlier years, insect protein emerged as a trending ingredient in pet meals, however pet meals shoppers now appear to be notably focused on how their pet meals is preserved. One of many key rising choices within the pet meals aisle is recent, frozen, and selfmade choices that lean into this demand for bespoke, freshly ready meals for our pets. Within the US, frozen pet meals noticed double-digit progress in 2020-21, whereas over half of pet meals consumers select freshly ready choices as they understand them to be more healthy than store-bought pet meals.”
