Survey: Dog owners have difficulty choosing pet food

In light of National Pet Wellness Month in October, Just Right by Purina recently conducted a survey to find out what concerns dog owners have about their dog’s health and wellness, and which aspects they find the most difficult to make informed decisions on.
PSB conducted an online survey among 900 dog-owners in the US. Research was conducted between September 8 and September 11, 2015.

Survey findings

• Nearly half of dog owners surveyed agree choosing the right food for their dog is the most difficult part of pet ownership.
• Half of dog owners surveyed say they think about their dog’s nutrition often.
• More than half of dog owners surveyed (52%) and nearly 7 in 10 Millennial dog owners surveyed (68%) agree their dog’s nutrition is more confusing than their own.
• 70% of dog owners surveyed agree the dog food they select mostly fits their dog’s needs, but is not the perfect fit.
• Of those surveyed, 79% of millennials believe the pet food they select is not the perfect fit.
• Almost 1 in 4 dog owners surveyed say they felt overwhelmed with the amount of choices available the last time they purchased dog food.
• 1 in 4 dog owners surveyed estimated, on average, they spend more than 10 minutes in the dog food aisle deciding between the different blends, brands and flavors available.
• Nearly 4 in 10 (37%) of millennials say they spend more than 10 minutes choosing between the different blends, brands and flavors available.
• When asked about how they would feel if there were a food that could be personalized for their dog’s nutritional needs, dog owners surveyed were primarily positive about this opportunity, with 57% stating they were interested.

Survey examines US pet food spending

A recent Nielsen survey conducted by Harris Poll looked at how much money Americans spent on pet food in the past year. The English-language survey polled 2,205 US adults, 1,323 of whom have at least one pet.
Some of the survey findings:
US pet food spending

• Dog food: US$9.5 billion, US$2.6 million of which is spent on treats
• Cat food: US$4.9 billion, US$476 million of which is spent on treats
• Bird food: US$571 million
• Other pet food: US$115 million
• Fish food: US$60 million

US pet spending, non-food

• Cat litter: US$1.8 billion
• Dog control: US$250.1 million
• Litter supplies: US$136.3 million
• Bowls: US$66.8 million
• Houses and carriers: US$60.5 million
• Brushes: US$11.2 million
• Aquatic supplies: US$4.7 million

Freeze-dried pet foods show strongest sales growth

Pet owners who splurge on the freshest, healthiest food continue to spur sales growth at pet specialty retail outlets. According to new data from GfK’s point-of-sale panel in the US, freeze-dried products have shown the strongest sales growth at pet retail, but grain-free and other established categories remain “most valuable players” in this $7.6 billion market.
In the past year, pet specialty retail sales of freeze-dried dog and cat food have jumped 64%, from $25 million to $40 million. These figures do not include pet food products that combine kibble with freeze-dried pieces.
Grain-free also remains a powerhouse in terms of sales growth, posting a year-over-year rise of 25% and now accounting for $2.4 billion annually (dog and cat food only) at pet specialty. Over the past 12 months, there have been more than 1,500 new grain-free products introduced in the US for cats and dogs, compared with 1,280 the year before.
The natural category – which includes most grain-free, freeze-dried, and similar products – continues to dominate the pet specialty market, accounting for $5.2 billion in sales out of a total of $7.6 billion in total pet retail food sales. But non-natural still represents the remaining $2.4 billion in cat and dog food sales at pet specialty – roughly one-third of the market.
Other food categories (cat and dog only) posting notable growth at pet specialty retail include:

• “Part freeze-dried” – sales surged 83% in May 2015 year over year
• Frozen – sales rose 32%, from $52 million to $69 million
• Dehydrated – saw 42% growth at the register

“Having a data-driven, nationwide perspective on the pet specialty marketplace is essential for retailers and manufacturers alike,” said GfK’s Maria Lange, business group director, POS tracking. “With a clear view of the market, stores can make smarter stocking and discounting decisions, and manufacturers can design products that truly meet the needs of today’s pets and pet owners. While the natural trend is still driving most pet food growth in the specialty retail channel, stakeholders need to find the right balance between ‘rookie’ categories – like frozen and freeze-dried – and proven ‘stars.’”
GfK’s POS tracking division uses the world’s largest retail network to track products and deliver market insights based on point-of-sale (POS) data for countries worldwide. The team can look at which channels are popular with retailers and manufacturers and why, as well as which retail trends are affecting the overall market.

Protein For Pets launches raw dog food line

Protein For Pets (P4P), the rapidly expanding company that is revolutionizing the way people shop for natural pet food and supplies, is launching P4P Naked, an exclusive brand of raw dog food that will be available in its stores beginning July 2015.
The introduction of P4P Naked marks the latest of many steps Protein For Pets is taking to become even more eco- and economically friendly. P4P Naked raw dog foods are made in California and sold in California. In addition, the P4P Naked brand stimulates and strengthens the local economy because all dollars spent start and stay in California.
“As Protein For Pets continues to grow, we are taking significant strides to further enhance our easy, one-of-a-kind customer-friendly experience as well as help the environment,” said founder and CEO Marco Giannini, who plans to open at least four more locations this year. “We are thrilled to introduce P4P Naked to consumers who are looking for a top-quality raw dog food option that is both unique and cost-effective.”
“Just as with humans, there are many benefits dogs reap from eating a healthy diet. Shinier coats, healthier skin, higher energy levels, cleaner teeth and smaller stools are just some of the advantages dogs will experience as a result of eating raw food such as P4P Naked,” said Giannini. “In addition, and equally important, eating raw foods supports a healthy planet. The earth benefits from utilizing simpler food sources while great amounts of natural resources are spared.”
Among its new P4P Naked offerings, Protein For Pets will feature USDA Organic Chicken for dogs that is Non-GMO Project Verified and Step 3: Enhanced Outdoor Access. There is also a P4P Naked raw turkey for dogs that is hormone- and antibiotic free. Both the P4P Naked organic chicken and raw turkey for dogs are available in two-pound rolls.
But that is only the beginning. The forward-thinking company will also have a selection of P4P Naked dry kibble choices that are available in drop-down gravity dispensers and then packaged in recyclable bags. This allows Protein For Pets customers to choose the amount of food they want to purchase at a given time. The foods, which include grain-free chicken, chicken and brown rice and lamb and brown rice, all have no wheat, corn, soy or animal by-product meals.
The trend-setting company will also sell reusable food bags which customers can continue to bring to the store when they need to fill up during future visits. Offering customers the opportunity to purchase P4P Naked in bulk enables them to save even more. Fewer trips to the store requires less fuel which is a win-win for the planet as well as for pet parents’ wallets.
Protein For Pets has stores open in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Anaheim, Rancho Cucamonga, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Rancho San Diego and Santa Clarita. Having recently successfully secured additional funding through CircleUp, the ambitious company plans to further expand throughout California, and eventually the West Coast of the United States.
 Formed in early 2014, Protein For Pets was created to fill a void in the retail landscape for an independent pet food and supply store that is strictly driven by customers’ needs and convenience while also making the increasingly important natural pet food and supply concept more accessible to people of all income levels. With an emphasis on supporting health and the environment, Protein For Pets is dedicated to promoting its motto of “Happy Pets, Healthy Planet.”

Humanization driving trends in pet food

American pet owners want the best for their pets, so much so that the pet food category is experiencing a trend in humanization evolving beyond flavors to ensuring nutritional benefits, ingredient quality and manufacturing standards are as high as human food.
Highlighting the impact this growth has had on American pet owners, new research from Mintel reveals that one-quarter of pet owners worry that the pet food they buy is making their pet obese.
Furthermore, 55% of all pet owners agree they worry about filler ingredients in pet food, including grains and meat byproducts. As pets are increasingly considered members of the family for many Americans, standards for pet food, including treats -- the fastest-growing segment in the pet food category -- are on the rise.
70% of households own a pet
Pet ownership is widespread in the US, with 70% of all households owning any type and any number of pets. The number of US households that dote after a single pet is 26%, dropping down to 19% of households owning two pets and 25% owning three or more. Among those who own pets, dogs are the most popular, with 73% of American pet owners owning a dog. As expected, cats are the second most popular pet, with 51% of all American pet owners owning a cat. America’s third most popular pet is fish with 17% ownership among total pet ownership. Pet ownership of small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and other types of pets, lags behind with less than 10% ownership.
Owners of other pets, excluding dogs and cats, are more likely to own three or more pets, reflecting the ease of ownership for these smaller, often caged pets. Households with children have considerably higher rates of pet ownership than those that do not. In fact, 84% of households with children under the age of 18 own pets compared with 63% of those with no children under age 18 in the home.
Diet and nutrition are top concerns for pet owners 
Forty-five percent of American pet owners consider whether their pet would like the taste of the pet food they buy as the most important factor in their purchase decision. Second is overall price, which 42% of pet owners identify as an important factor. Products made in the US and natural product offerings are also top purchase considerations for consumers (36% and 32% respectively). While pet owners’ interest in taste reflects perceptions of pets as family members, a growing trend Mintel has identified in American pet owners, overall price will limit the capacity for consumers to upgrade to premium-priced products.
Regarding pet nutrition, American pet owners are as concerned with what is not in their pet’s food as what is. More than half (55%) of pet owners are concerned about the amount of filler ingredients in pet food, such as grains and meat by-products. Nearly as many (49%) feel that the best diet for their pet is a “wild” diet - allowing their pet to eat only what they would have eaten in the wild, such as all-meat diets without artificial ingredients. Interest in pet foods that resemble “wild” diets is highest among millennial pet owners, 56% of whom agree that such diets are best for their pets compared with 47% overall.
Pet owners also express interest in organic diets for their pets with 39% agreeing that organic pet food options are better than non-organic options. Millennials are more inclined (37%) to worry than older generations that the pet food they are buying is making their pet obese (compared with 25% overall). Furthermore, millennials are more inclined (34%) to prepare their pet’s food from scratch (compared to 23% overall).
“The perception that pets are members of the family will continue to define the humanization trend in 2015 and drive price increases in the pet food category in the future. Manufacturers should note that the pet food humanization trend translates into pet owners wanting the same quality and safety standards for pet food as for their own food,” said Amy Kraushaar, US category manager, food and drink and foodservice, at Mintel. “As far as nutrition is concerned, some pet owners express interest in foods that cater to pet-specific diets, such as what their pets would have eaten in the wild. This entails reformulating products to be without grains, artificial ingredients or meat by-products. Consumer interest in pet food that meets human criteria for food health, safety and nutrition will drive pricing, particularly in the wake of ongoing concerns related to pet food recalls. Pet foods with specific attributes that mirror human food trends, like gluten-free, organic and locally sourced, may attract less price-conscious pet owners.”
Pet owners are highly satisfied with the brands of pet food they purchase, with 55% of pet owners reporting they are completely satisfied with their current brand. Experimentation with new pet foods is uncommon among US pet owners, with just 28% saying they sometimes experiment with other pet food brands. As few as one-fifth of pet owners (22%) would be interested in buying variety packs -- which allow them the opportunity to test out new products before switching brands entirely -- but this may be driven by desire for new flavors versus wholly new products or brands, and only 20% have changed pet food brands in the past 12 months.
Treats communicate love from owners
Pet treats are closely associated with the affection pet owners feel for their pets, with 45% of pet owners reporting treats are their way of showing their pet they love them. Mintel research shows that treat-giving behavior as a demonstration of affection increases with pet owner age: 49% of owners age 55-64 see pet treats as a way to show love, compared with just 41% of owners age 18-24. Nearly half of dog owners (48%) give treats daily, compared with 28% of cat owners. Habitual dog treat usage may relate to the role treats play in dog training.
Interestingly, few pet owners rely on the same brand for both pet food and pet treats, as just 16% of American pet owners use the same brand of treats as food. Mintel research suggests that pet owners likely buy different brands of treats and food because they hold treats and food to different standards. While food has to provide nutrition as well as taste, pet treats only have to be enjoyed by pets. Accordingly, 22% of pet owners look for unique flavors and ingredients in their pet treats to appeal to their pets.
“Treats are the fastest growing segment in the pet food category. Because treats are used primarily to demonstrate pet owners’ emotional involvement with their pet, pet owners assess treats more for the flavors and indulgence they offer versus nutrition – which they rely on pet food to provide. Pet treats that leverage this alternate need have more potential to grow,” said Kraushaar.
Humanization leads to market growth
Total US sales of the pet food category were $21 billion in 2014, an increase of 0.4%. Mintel forecasts the pet food market will grow to $22.8 billion in 2019, an increase of 9% from 2014.
 “Sales growth in the pet food category in 2014 was limited by lagging rates of American pet ownership. Demographic factors similarly showed slowed growth; households with children, which are most likely to own pets, continued to decline as millennials delay marriage and childbirth. Flat wages undercut expectations that premiumization would drive growth. While pet owners continue to see pets as members of their family, the humanization trend in pet food will more likely involve pet owners looking to healthier pet foods without filler ingredients rather than trading up to premium-priced products,” said Kraushaar.

Growing pet ownership seeks excitement in pets’ diets

Pet ownership in the US has hit an all-time high, with 78 million dogs and 86 million cats in 65% of households, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA).

APPA says 80 million households in the US have a pet, including 8 million that are new pet owners. Thirty-three percent of minority households now have a dog or cat, also an all-time high.

The high rate of pet ownership means pet food sales will keep rising. Packaged Facts estimates that domestic pet food sales will rise 16% from 2015 to 2018 to reach $33 billion. Packaged Facts says frozen/refrigerated cat and dog food and cat treats led volume gains in 2014. The global pet care products market was $90 billion in 2014, according to Euromonitor.

In the US in 2014, 95% of dog owners bought dry food, 37% bought wet food, 34% bought both, and 78% bought biscuits/treats. Ninety-five percent of cat owners bought dry food, 51% bought wet food, 47% bought both, and 44% bought treats. Premium products made up for 42% of pet food sales.

Fifty-two percent of pet owners say they are looking for no byproducts in the pet food products they purchase, 50% are looking for all natural, and 47% are looking for real meat as the No. 1 ingredient.

Trends show pet owners are looking for exciting flavors and textures for their pets, such as gravies, juices, cheese and bacon. 

petMD: Nutritional value is pet owners' top petfood concern

petMD conducted a survey to determine what factors people consider most when choosing a petfood, and the survey revealed that a majority of pet owners are highly concerned about the nutritional value of their pet's food. When asked what factor is the most important in selecting a petfood, only 4% of respondents said price. And while 10% said their primary consideration is palatability, nearly 80% said they choose their pet's food based on how nutritious or healthy they believe it will be for their pet.

Sixty percent of pet food buyers claim to read ingredient labels, but most are unfamiliar with the official terms used in ingredient lists, according to the study. Experts recommend that consumers look to the following sources to gather information about the best food for their pets:

• veterinary recommendations
• brand reputations
• regulatory statements
• foods manufactured "by" a brand, rather than "for" a brand
• toll-free consumer lines

FreshPet sees more retailers carrying products, says CEO

Roughly 35,000 major US retailer stores are looking to stock FreshPet's fresh petfood, according to company CEO Richard Thompson, as FreshPet continues to benefit from the ongoing pet humanization trend.

"We're a very young company with a lot of runway in a very involved category," said Thompson. People are becoming more willing to spend on their pets, which is good news for specialty petfood manufacturers like FreshPet. In December 2014, the company announced revenue of US$22.5 million for the quarter, up 34.7% on a year-over-year basis.

Consumer-funded testing finds 11 of 12 petfoods contaminated

A number of petfood brands have tested positive for potentially harmful bacteria and other contaminants, according to a project funded by a group of pet owners and coordinated by the Association for Truth in Pet Food.

The project is the first of its kind to use crowdfunding to test pet products: In April 2014, an IndieGoGo campaign began to raise US$10,000 " to test many different brands and varieties of petfood for dangerous contaminants." The campaign said that all test results would become public  information, including brand names, and that all at-risk results would be provided to petfood regulatory authorities. Once the money was raised (US$15,705 by the time the campaign ended in June 2014), Association for Truth in Pet Food oversaw the project and documented each product tested, compiling results for dissemination to the public and authorities.
The Pet Food Test examined 12 petfood products, six cat foods and six dog foods, according to the association. Testing was performed with the assistance of INTI Services. Eleven petfood products were ordered online (shipped directly from the online retailer to INTI Services) and one petfood product was purchased directly from a veterinarian. Products were shipped "blind" to numerous laboratories contracted by INTI Services.
Products were tested for mycotoxins, guaranteed analysis/mineral content, cyanuric acid and melamine, euthanizing drugs and bacteria:

• The budget allowed for testing of eight (of 12) petfoods for 37 different mycotoxins. Results found all petfoods had some level of mycotoxin contamination; four petfoods tested as Low Risk, two petfoods tested as Medium Risk and two petfoods tested as High Risk.
• All 12 petfood products were tested for Guaranteed Analysis nutrient and mineral content. Results were compared with AAFCO nutrient requirements and suggested nutrient maximum as established by the National Research Council’s (NRC) publication Mineral Tolerances of Animals. Testing found four instances in excess of nutrient maximum suggested by NRC in cat foods, five instances in excess of nutrient maximum suggested by NRC in dog foods and five instances of excess of AAFCO regulatory nutrient maximum in dog foods.
• All 12 petfood products were tested for cyanuric acid and melamine; results found no measurable level of either contaminant.
• All 12 petfood products were tested for euthanizing drugs; results found no measurable amount of these contaminants in any petfood tested.
• All 12 petfood products were tested for bacteria content (results stated in percentage of total bacterial content). Results found: nine petfoods contained one or more bacteria FDA terms as 'Qualifying Pathogens' which "have the potential to pose a serious threat to public health"; 10 petfoods contained one or more "Pathogenic Microorganisms" listed in the FDA's Bad Bug Book; nine petfoods contained one or more bacteria the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations links to "spoilage of meat"; and nine petfoods contained one or more potential pathogenic bacteria per analysis by Dr. Jean Dodds.
The full report can be found on the association's website, including infographics, an overview of results and the full results.

Natural pet products to exceed US$7 billion in 2014

Natural pet products are expected to exceed US$7 billion in 2014, and premiumization has been a primary driving force behind it, according to a Packaged Facts report.
The report, "Natural, Organic, and Eco-friendly Pet Products in the US, 5th Edition," says that natural petfood will account for US$6.6 billion in sales by the end of 2014, and natural pet care products will make up the remainder. Premium foods are doing better right now than other petfood segments, boosting the natural products category. Margins on superpremium petfoods can reach 40%, compared with 30% for premium brands and 20% or less for standard brands. As more of these higher-end foods take on the "natural" claim, sales will continue to rise for that segment, according to Packaged Facts.
On the other side of the coin, offering just a natural claim isn't enough for consumers anymore, and consumers are willing to spend more for additional health and wellness benefits. According to Packaged Facts’ April/May 2014 survey results, 64% of pet owners believe that high-quality petfoods are effective for preventive health care, and 68% are willing to spend extra money to ensure the wellness of their pets. Sixty-two percent of pet owners check product labels on the petfoods they buy, and 42% are concerned about their pet having food intolerances or allergies, according to the survey.

Webinar to discuss natural, organic trend in petfood

The adage in journalism has always been “follow the money,” but the business wisdom in the pet nutrition industry might be “follow the human.”

More than ever, people buying natural and organic for their table are buying natural and organic for their pets. In today’s rapidly growing natural products industry, innovation and an intimate understanding of consumer wants and needs are a precious resource driving the industry forward.
Join us for a webinar to discuss the consumer trends driving growth in the natural pet products space. Learn about the link between human and pet trends and what innovators in the space are doing to take advantage of this dynamic market growth.
This educational webinar, “Consumer trends driving growth in natural pet products,” is brought to you by Trouw Nutrition and sponsored by Trouw Nutrition and presented by WATT Global Media. It will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at 10 a.m. CDT. Register at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/141264704?linknumber=website to attend.
Petfood manufacturers, nutritionists, veterinarians, petfood professionals and petfood suppliers should attend this webinar to learn:

• What consumer trends are driving growth in natural pet products
• What fears and values are playing a role in this growth
• How the lines are being blurred between supplements and treats
• How innovators are playing with ingredients and marketing claims to take advantage of growth opportunities
• Recommendations for those committed to serving the growing natural pet product market
The speaker for this webinar will be Eric J. Pierce, director of strategy and insights at New Hope Natural Media. Pierce is a proven strategic marketing and market research leader with nearly 20 years of research and insights experience. In various consulting roles, he has been instrumental in maximizing the value of his clients’ business and marketing investments and has built a reputation for being a great partner, problem solver and adviser.

Milo's Kitchen launches petfood treat truck to travel US

Building on the popular food truck trend, Milo's Kitchen brand dog treats is launching the nation's first mobile food experience for dogs and their pet parents.

test
With planned stops in major metropolitan areas across the US, the Milo's Kitchen Treat Truck will offer pets the chance to:

• Taste real chicken and beef home-style dog treats like Chicken Meatballs and Grilled Burger Bites—all made in the USA with 100% domestically sourced meat and no artificial colors or flavors.
• Take a free family photo or "doggie selfie" in a professional canine-ready photo booth.
• Socialize with other pets in the backyard-style lapdog lounge.
• Take a "walk break" with dog beds, drinking bowls and puppy toys.
• Bring home a doggie bag of tasty treats.
The Milo's Kitchen Treat Truck is free to the public and will be making stops all over the country.

Champion Petfoods USA breaks ground in Kentucky

Champion Petfoods USA broke ground in Logan County, Kentucky, on July 23, 2014, opening its first US kitchen which will be sourced by local farmers. The Canada-based company specializes in biologically appropriate petfoods using fresh local ingredients.

test
“We welcome Champion Petfoods to the Commonwealth,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “Not only will the company create 147 jobs and invest US$85 million, it also will provide a significant boost to our local farmers and Kentucky’s food production industry. I look forward to seeing this Kentucky-made product on store shelves throughout the region.”
The facility is expected to be operational in 2016. “We found the perfect location to prepare our biologically appropriate foods made from fresh regional ingredients in the US,” said Frank Burdzy, Champion’s president and CEO. “Access to local farmers, growers and producers will allow our new Kentucky kitchen to advance our biologically appropriate mandate.”

PetSmart expands natural petfood options with Nature's Variety

Nature's Variety, an independent natural pet food company, and PetSmart have announced that the company's two petfood brands will begin selling at the specialty pet retailer.

test
"Pet parents are seeking natural diets that give their pets the nutrition nature intended," said Matt McAdam, PetSmart's executive vice president of merchandising and real estate. "Nature's Variety strengthens our natural selection and gives pet parents the variety of wholesome foods they desire. PetSmart is committed to meeting the evolving needs and preferences of our pet parents who deeply care about the health and well-being of their pets."
Nature's Variety produces petfood through two brands—Instinct, a raw petfood brand; and Prairie, a balanced holistic line of food. Instinct dog and cat foods include grain-free and gluten-free formulas, and come in a variety of forms, including kibble, can, raw frozen, freeze dried raw and treats. Prairie dog foods are available in kibble, cans and treats in an assortment of proteins.
PetSmart began selling both lines on June 9, 2014, in the US and began selling both brands in Canada in late May. In addition, PetSmart will carry Instinct Raw frozen diets in more than 575 stores throughout the US and Canada.
"Nature's Variety is committed to providing pet parents with superior quality petfood and giving them more options to incorporate raw into their pet's diet," said Reed Howlett, CEO of Nature's Variety. "We are extremely proud of this partnership with PetSmart. By expanding our distribution we are able to give more households access to the natural, holistic diets they are seeking for their pets."

Zuke’s pet products proudly ‘Made in the USA’

Following recent announcements by Petco and PetSmart that the retailers will discontinue sales of pet products made in China, Zuke’s Performance Pet Nutrition has issued a statement reassuring customers that its products are “Made in the USA,” with one new product line made in New Zealand. 

test
According to the company: “Zuke’s proudly manufactures in the United States and recently added manufacturing capacity in New Zealand for our Genuine Jerky, a[n] ultra-premium jerky treat. We set the bar high for each of our suppliers, demanding the highest quality ingredients and best-in-class, inspected manufacturing facilities. These practices ensure that all of our treats, biscuits and dental chews meet stringent US, or New Zealand, quality standards.” 
“For nearly 20 years, the health and wellness of our customers’ pets has been our priority. Period. That’s why we make our products here in the USA and in New Zealand,” says Chris Meiering, director of marketing. “When you choose a Zuke’s product, you can be confident that product provides dependable, wholesome nutrition that helps support a pet’s health, well-being and happiness.”

Article advises consumers on purchasing safe, US-made petfood

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), China is the leading petfood exporter to the US, supplying about half of all imported petfoods. One recent article online from Hound & Gatos petfood company is advising consumers on purchasing safe petfood, encouraging them to purchase foods made in the US.
According to the article, there are a number of reasons to consider making sure the petfood you purchase is made in America. One reason is that you may be getting a product that is safer and reduces possible health risks. Companies in America are held to higher standards and more accountable than those in China, where there is little way to know what standards were followed in the petfood production process. 
The article says it is also important to read petfood labels and avoid ingredients such as soy, generic animal livers, wheat, corn and coloring agents. Additionally, the article advises consumers to look for a diet rich in animal protein.

BarkBox subscription dog treat delivery service aims for 100,000 customers by end of 2013

BarkBox, an e-commerce and content site for dog owners, was started in December 2011 as a subscription-based pet product delivery service in the US and Canada. The company rebranded in April with the help of US$5 million in funding, now calling itself Bark & Co.
Founded by Matt Meeker, Carly Strife and Henrik Werdelin, Bark & Co. is now offering a mix of products: BarkBox, the subscription service; BarkPost, an online content site; and BarkCare, 24/7 vet care.
To date, the company has raised US$6.7 million and grown to a customer base of more than 35,000. The company aims to have 100,000 users by the end of 2013, driven by word-of-mouth, Facebook marketing and a strong product. Meeker says half of the company's new customers are referred by existing customers.
"The key driver in growth and overall awareness is that we're very careful about building a brand," says Meeker. "We thrive on creativity, brand and living the product."

Pet owners' spending on cat, dog food up 62 percent since 2001, report says

Since 2001, pet owners' spending on dog and cat food has grown 62 percent to a record US$19 billion in 2012, according to a report. 
Euromonitor International estimated petfood spending at US$12.41 billion in 2000, measured in current prices, and says spending grew even in the recession to US$17.7 billion in 2008 and US$18.5 billion in 2009. 
The market's growth is attributed to more than just a rising number of households owning dogs and cats, as these numbers have stabilized to an estimated 75 million cats and 85 million dogs in the US.
One reason for the growth in petfood spending is the economy. “A Broadway show is really expensive for many people,” said Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, science adviser to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “But, for a couple of bucks you can buy a bag of treats for your dog or give them an extra scoop of food and feel good about yourself.”
Continued growth in petfood spending is also attributed to the humanization of pets. According to Paula Flores, head of global pet-care research at Euromonitor, as cats and dogs have become more important members in American families, this has driven premium petfood sales. 

US pet food manufacturing industry annual revenue nearly US$47 billion, report says

The US pet food manufacturing industry is comprised of nearly 200 companies with a combined annual global revenue of about US$47 billion, according to the Pet Food Manufacturing report from Research and Markets.
Eight of the largest pet food companies account for about 85 percent of sales, the report says. Major companies include Nestlé Purina PetCare Company; Procter & Gamble's Iams; Colgate-Palmolive's Science Diet and Prescription Diet brands; Mars' Pedigree and Whiskas brands; and Del Monte's 9Lives, Gravy Train, Milk-Bone and Meow Mix brands. These large companies have advantages of scale in manufacturing, marketing and distribution, while small companies can compete effectively by offering specialized products or serving a local market, the report says.
The report also identifies dry and canned dog and cat food as the industry's major products. Dry dog food accounts for about 45 percent of industry revenue and canned cat food accounts for about 25 percent of the market.
The full report can be purchased online. 

Hill's Science Diet petfood brand losing market share

Colgate-Palmolive Company, manufacturer of the Hill's Science Diet pet food brand, has been losing market share to competitors as consumers are increasingly choosing pet foods that more closely resemble their own foods.
The company brings in about 13 percent of a total US$17 billion in sales from the Hill's pet food division; however, it has been losing market share to smaller pet food companies that manufacture natural pet foods or premium pet foods with high-quality ingredients.
In an effort to compete, Hill's introduced the Science Diet Nature's Best line, which included ingredients like lamb, brewers rice, soybean meal and apples. But, "the consumer had a disconnect with this idea of Science Diet and a naturals product," said Ian Cook, Colgate CEO. The company also recently reformulated its Science Diet line to no longer include chicken by-products and feature a more prominent listing of ingredients.
Although Colgate posted higher fourth-quarter results overall, the Hill's pet food division's sales fell 1 percent and operating profit fell 2 percent. The company plans to launch a new brand of pet food in March, which will contain ingredients such as chicken, salmon, fruits and vegetables, with no corn, wheat or soy.