The aging pet population and the epidemic of overweight/obese pets are two emergent trends in the health product segment of the US pet market, according to the report "Senior, Weight Management and Special Needs Pet Products in the U.S." from market research publisher Packaged Facts .

The US$4 billion market for senior, weight management and special needs pet products is expected to increase 55% over 2008 sales to almost $7 billion in 2013.

"In light of the humanization and premiumization trends, it's a market segment that will only broaden in the years to come," said Tatjana Meerman, publisher of Packaged Facts.