Pet Food Industry Evolves: Consumers Demand Sustainability and Health
The pet food industry is evolving, with consumers increasingly seeking sustainable, healthy, and transparent options for their pets. Recent trends and statistics highlight a shift in consumer behaviour, driven partly by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pet owners are becoming more health-conscious, with 30% of U.S. buyers paying closer attention to their pets' health due to the pandemic. This trend is expected to continue for at least the next two years. To help owners make informed decisions, pet food brands are urged to leverage science and data.
Insect protein is emerging as a sustainable alternative, with 36% of U.K. buyers interested in pet food containing this ingredient. Successful European companies like Josera Petfood, Bellfor, and Wildes Land have already adopted insect protein, emphasizing sustainability and hypoallergenic benefits. The term 'co-products' could replace 'by-products' in pet food ingredients to improve consumer acceptance and understanding of sustainability.
Pet food products are also offering functional benefits. For instance, 28% of U.S. pet owners use supplements, while 35% of U.K. owners believe supplements are the most efficient way to deliver these benefits. Products supporting anxious pets and aiding digestive well-being are gaining traction.
Pet owners are demanding sustainability and environmental transparency. However, only 6% of global pet food product launches in 2021 carried an environmental claim, compared to 19% in human food. This gap indicates a significant opportunity for pet food brands to meet consumer expectations.
The pet food industry is witnessing a shift towards healthier, more sustainable, and transparent products. Consumers are seeking functional benefits and preventive health measures for their pets. To meet these demands, pet food brands must embrace innovation, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making. The future of pet food lies in products that prioritize pet health, environmental responsibility, and consumer understanding.
