Nestle's recent sales of pet care products under the Purina name rose at more than double the rate of food and beverage sales,  according to reports .

The company's pet care sales have increased by 8.8% this year, compared to food and beverages growth at 3.5%.

Del Monte's petfood profits also have risen 20%. Industry experts forecast petfood sales will increase an average of 2.5% each year through 2014, compared to 1.1% for packaged food.

Nestle plans to bring new petfood plants to Russia and Thailand.