In a recent survey, petfood manufacturer Royal Canin set out to determine America's favorite breeds, uncover how "dog people" differ from "cat people," factors that come into play when choosing a pet and what influences pet owners' petfood choices.

The survey found that more than 55 percent of cat owners rank appearance as the most important factor when choosing a feline friend, while nearly 62 percent of dog owners look at size when choosing a dog. The survey found that cat and dog owners are similar in that nearly half (40 percent) of cat owners and a third (28 percent) of dog owners say a "mixed-breed" pet is their favorite type of cat or dog.

“It’s interesting to learn how different cat and dog owners can be when choosing, and making decisions for, their pets,” said Dr. Brent Mayabb, veterinarian and manager of education and development at Royal Canin. “Whatever factors come into play, understanding an animal’s physical and physiological traits is critical to providing the best care.”

When asked how they select a petfood , more than half of dog owners (56 percent) and cat owners (53 percent) said nutritional factors were most important.

“This is encouraging, as it shows that owners understand the importance of feeding pets according to their unique nutritional needs,” said Mayabb. “Whether they own a pure breed or a mixed-breed, owners should always aim to provide the most precise care and nutrition for their four-legged friends.”