Data released by PetFlow, a retail brand of specialty pet food and supplies, in honor of National Pet Month in May, shows dogs and cats aren’t just being treated as part of the family; they’re eating like human family members as well.
As Americans’ interest in more health-conscious food choices for their own diets grows, it is also impacting what they are feeding their pets. In fact, customer data from PetFlow over the past year shows nearly 33% of dog food purchases and 21% of cat food purchases are what many brands consider human-grade products, which include organic, gluten-free, GMO-free and low-glycemic products designed specifically for pets.
“What you put in to your pet has a direct effect on the behavior that comes out of them. It is also one of the single most important decisions in helping to ensure their health and well-being,” said celebrity dog trainer and YouTube star Zak George. “It’s encouraging to see consumers making more deliberate choices about what they’re feeding their pets.”
“While consumers are recognizing the benefits of higher-quality diets and ingredients for their companions, many are confused about how to select the food that is right for their individual pet,” said George.
“In our conversations with customers around nutrition, 93% of the time they are coming to us looking for guidance on the best type of food for their specific breed of animal,” added Mike Lackman, CEO of PetFlow. “They know they want to improve the quality of life of their pets by upgrading their diet, but they aren’t sure where to start.”
George and PetFlow offer these tips for selecting the right food for your pet:
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