Debbie Phillips-Donaldson Debbie Phillips-Donaldson is editor-in-chief of Petfood Industry magazine and Petfood Forum.From the Author - Page 3Adventures in Pet FoodClean Label Project redux: We’ve seen this playbook beforeThe Clean Label Project’s recent report about supposedly high levels of heavy metals in dry dog food revives memories of a similar pet food report in 2017.Something to Chew onDo pet owners consider all pet food ingredients functional?“Functional” typically means an ingredient with a specific health-related benefit — but in a complete and balanced pet food, don’t all ingredients have a function?Adventures in Pet FoodPet food safety update: Some companies have work to doWhile a sizable portion of pet food companies are focusing on supplier verification and ingredient tracing, other important safety areas may need more attention.Adventures in Pet FoodPet food acquisitions starting to heat up in 2026?February has suddenly become an interesting month in terms of pet food mergers and acquisitions, especially for companies in Europe and Canada.Adventures in Pet FoodCultivated meat in pet food: Closer to consumer acceptance?Cultivated meat faces obstacles like scalability and high costs, but pet food may provide a path to success, particularly in terms of consumer acceptance.Something to Chew on2026 human food, pet food trends: Value, resilience, healthThe latest trends reflect economic uncertainty and consumer anxiety, yet also ongoing demand for health and nutritional benefits in both human food and pet food.Adventures in Pet FoodSustainability-health link: Reaching value-minded pet ownersConsumer and pet owner data show connecting sustainability and health offers strategic opportunities for pet food brands, especially when affordability is a key concern.Adventures in Pet FoodPeople: The foundation and future of pet food industry successThe pet food industry is fortunate to have a deep roster of experienced veterans with a wealth of expertise and knowledge, but is it well positioned for the future?Adventures in Pet FoodUnpredictable consumer behavior? Turn to innovationIn a climate of constantly evolving consumer demands, many pet food companies are prioritizing innovation and new product development in 2026.Adventures in Pet FoodGlobal consumer mindsets at 2026 start: Where does pet food fit?Economic volatility has become a semi-permanent condition that consumers have adapted to, affecting their spending and how they think about product purchases.Something to Chew onHow health and wellness are transforming premium pet foodIn pet food, health has become a cornerstone of premiumization as more pet owners seek products for their pets with functional and health-related claims.Adventures in Pet FoodWill pet food M&A activity pick up in 2026?Pet food and pet industry M&A has declined over the last three years, though categories like cat food and pet treats remain attractive to investors.Previous PagePage 3 of 86Next Page
