‘All of the Above’ and pet product channel shopping trends

Omnichannel shopping continues to evolve as pet owners eschew the either/or concept and use whatever’s most convenient.

January 23, 2025

The continued expectation of convenience in purchasing has led to the strengthening of the omnimarket approach to pet food shopping.

The continued expectation of convenience in purchasing has led to the strengthening of the omnimarket approach to pet food shopping.

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In an “omnimarket” world of pet industry competition, how do retail shopping patterns play out for pet food? Discount stores/supercenters (including Walmart) and supermarkets combined are the top channel for pet food shopping, according to MRI-Simmons Spring 2024 data, drawing 56% of category purchasers. Rounding out the top three channels for pet food purchasing are online (36%) and pet specialty stores (31%). Overall pet food shopping rates are fairly consistent across the Gen Z to Boomer generations for these top channels.

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Pet product retailing and political outlook

Data shows particular political leanings when it comes to who shops where for pet food.

Everyone agrees that their pets are the best — but when it comes to politics, there are some differences in shopping channel preferences.

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Pet food price inflation and retail shopping shifts

Price changes have affected how — and where — pet owners conduct their pet food shopping.

Pet food shopping continues to shift as inflation pressures, omnichannel options and pet owner preferences evolve.

Generational notes on pet food

The younger generations are firmly in the driver’s seat when it comes to pet food shopping trends.

Millennials are the current pet food purchasing powerhouse generation, but as more Gen Zers become adults, they’re throwing their preferences into the trends mix.

Cross-currents in pet food expectations

Pet owners provide clear preferences in surveys, but their actual purchases don’t always bear their thoughts out.

Pet owners treat their pets like family, and with that comes the same conflicts of desire vs. practicality in pet food purchasing that exist in human food purchasing.

Vets as pet care influencers are on a more crowded stage

Specialty pet shops and the internet have gained in influence in recent years.

Veterinarians remain a reliable source of pet information in pet owners’ eyes, but other sources of information are gaining ground among millennials and Gen Z.

Dry dog food update: Growth from ongoing premiumization

The top dog kibble companies continue to see growth in usage, as does the overall category.

Dog kibble brands continue to grow, alongside and perhaps in spite of novel ingredient and similar trends.

Pet food sales and retail shopping patterns: A side-by-side look

E-commerce and brick & mortar continue to grapple for share in an omnichannel market containing more players than ever.

Pet food shopping has far more consumer options than ever before, leading to a different experience for each pet owner depending on their needs.

Sales performance, growth prospects in US pet food

The trends are shifting in terms of pet ownership and pet food sales influences.

Dogs and cats are vying for the top spot in pet owners’ hearts more than ever, shifting pet food sales trends to match.

Pet food marketers begin to cat(ch) up

The cat segment may finally be getting its due as investors and companies alike see the available opportunities.

Cat owners have long known their animals are worth it, and now the pet food industry may be catching up.

The prognosis for prescription pet foods

Pet owners continue to shift the channels through which they purchase their pets’ diets.

Veterinary diet purchasing directly through the veterinarian is down, but that doesn’t mean pet owners aren’t spending their money on specialty formulations for their pets.

Pet supplement sales push past US$2 billion

An increased focus on pet health has pet owners looking beyond food for solutions.

The pet supplement space continues to grow as COVID has heightened pet owners’ awareness of their animals’ needs.

It’s raining kittens: Cat adoption in the spotlight

Learn about current trends in cat adoption, including a comparison to dog adoptions and a focus on kittens.

Dogs have been well-represented in pet food since pet food began, and now cats are getting some well-deserved attention.

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