U.S. owners don’t plan to change pet diet despite economy

Seventy-one percent of survey respondents in the United States told the American Pet Product Association (APPA) that their pet’s diet was so important that they wouldn’t change it regardless of the economy or their finances.

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(Andrea Gantz)
(Andrea Gantz)

Many pet owners may plan to maintain their animals’ diets despite personal or widespread economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventy-one percent of survey respondents in the United States told the American Pet Product Association (APPA) that their pet’s diet was so important that they wouldn’t change it regardless of the economy or their finances. Nearly half of those strongly agreed with that statement in the survey, with a higher percentage of older pet owners in agreement. APPA shared their results in “COVID-19 Pulse Study: Pet Ownership During the Pandemic.” APPA researchers conducted the study’s first wave online during one week in May among 2,006 nationally representative individuals. The analysts conducted a second survey using the same methodology for one week in June, netting 2,008 respondents. The questionnaire surveyed both pet owners and non-pet owners.

COVID pandemic influence on pet food shopping and loyalty

While brand loyalty may have eroded as e-commerce and other factors encourage pet product promiscuity, more than half of APPA survey respondents consider themselves to be very brand loyal to pet food, treats and other products. U.S. residents in the Northeast and African-Americans reported the highest brand loyalty.

Less than half (44%) of U.S. pet owners stocked up on pet food and supplies in preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic, especially urban and younger pet owners. As the pandemic continues, the economic repercussions may begin to take a toll. While pets’ diets may be considered important, 19% of respondents worried about the expense of keeping a pet during the pandemic. Sixteen percent of pet owners plan to spend less on pet food due to their current finances. Another 16% reported plans to switch to a less expensive brand of pet food. Similarly, one-quarter considered pet supplies as discretionary and plan to reduce purchases. Less than 10% of pet owner respondents said they may need to give up a pet as a result of the pandemic.

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