The Pet Food Institute (PFI) has made a US$25,000 contribution to support research on the benefits of the human-animal bond for people and pets conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI).
HABRI has assembled a growing body of scientific evidence showing that pets improve heart health, alleviate depression, increase well-being, support child health and development, and contribute to healthy aging. In addition, companion animals can assist in the treatment of a broad range of conditions from post-traumatic stress to Alzheimer’s disease to autism spectrum disorder.
“Research shows that healthy pets make healthy pet-owners, and HABRI is proud to have the support of PFI, an organization committed to supporting long and healthy lives for pets,” said Steven Feldman, executive director of HABRI in a press release.
The benefits of the human-animal bond can be found at both ends of the leash. Findings from a recently-published HABRI survey of 2,000 pet owners demonstrate that the more they know about the scientific research on the human-animal bond the more likely they are to take better care of their pets, including providing pets with higher-quality nutrition and keeping up with visits to the veterinarian.
“Spreading awareness of the health benefits of pet ownership improves pet health and welfare,” Feldman added. “PFI and its member companies are great partners to share this message.”
PFI, whose members make up 98 percent of all U.S. pet food and treat products, is dedicated to:
PFI joins a broad array of organizations and individuals that help HABRI fund innovative research projects to scientifically document the health benefits of companion animals; maintain the world’s largest online library of human-animal bond research and information; and inform the public about human-animal bond research and the beneficial role of companion animals in society.
Make it simple, make it complex: the pet food dichotomy
Pet owners want a lot from their pet food brands. They want primary proteins that suit what they believe is best for their animal. They want grains or they don't. They want something customized, but it has to be easy to understand.
3 tips for sustainable pet food innovation
Constraints and crises, like those experienced in 2020, help drive innovation and sustainability offers context.