Market Trends and Reports: Page 331

Market Trends and Reports

Former Pets.com CEO explains reasons behind company's shutdown

Former Pets.com Chief Executive Julie Wainwright discussed why Pets.com shut down, after a recent sfgate.com article made the comparison between Wainwright's pets.com and startup company, PetFlow.com. In her comments , Wainwright said that her company did not go out of business because it was selling petfood for below cost, as the article claimed, and pointed out that the company's average order was around US$37, only half of which included petfood.

Market Trends and Reports

Something to Chew On: Food for thought

In January I was privileged to attend Global Pets Forum, an annual conference organized by Pets International magazine (www.petsinfo.net). This year’s event was in Barcelona, Spain, and drew about 200 pet industry professionals, mainly from Europe but also from all other continents.

Survey: 1 in 10 Americans consider pet's age when selecting petfood

According to a recent survey commissioned by Iams, 11% of pet owners consider age to be the most important factor when determining what food to buy their pets. There are three basic lifestages dogs and cats fall into, though precise ages vary between species and among breeds: kitten and puppy, 1 to 12 months; adult, 1 to 7 years; and senior, 7 years and older.

Felix Kitten Factor contest reveals most popular kitten names of 2010

Felix Kitten Factor held a photo contest for cute kittens, in which nearly 10,000 entrants were surveyed to find the most popular kitten names of 2010. The survey found that the most popular male kitten names in 2010 were Charlie, Felix, Alfie, Oscar and Jasper.

Market Trends and Reports

Using social media to promote your petfood brand

As any petfood professional knows, success takes an investment of time, money and effort. Social media is quickly becoming a new cornerstone for branding, sales growth and PR, but what exactly is the real value of social media?

Social media is simply a communications medium that provides interaction. This can be anything from sharing links, adding friends, joining groups and discussions, and uploading photos and videos.

Report: Cats' food tastes can change over time

Cats' tastes in food may change over time, even from dry cat food to human food, according to an expert. However, it is best to make sure pets continue to get the proper nutrients, said Erin Troy, DVM.

Market Trends and Reports

Protein’s influence on energy in obese cats

The influence of a high-protein (HP) diet on energy balance was evaluated in obese cats allowed ad libitum access to food. Energy intake, body weight, body composition, energy expenditure and concentrations of hormones and metabolites associated with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism (glucose, insulin, free fatty acids, triglycerides and leptin) were measured in cats after consuming either a moderate protein (MP) or HP diet for four months.

Zuke's doubles December contributions to Dog and Cat Cancer Fund

Zuke's is increasing its annual contribution to the Dog and Cat Cancer Fund (DCCF) by doubling December's donations. Each year, the company donates a portion of the sales from its natural pet treats and chews to DCCF in honor of the company's canine namesake, Zuke, who was a victim of cancer.

Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation to provide petfood to those in need

The Chicago Anti-Hunger Federation is expanding its services to pet owners in need by making petfood available to those who are struggling to provide for their animals. The Federation's petfood program will begin on January 1; pet owners will be able to acquire petfood through the distribution channels already in place for the organization's other services.

Market Trends and Reports

Americans spend more money on pets than children

Americans are spending more money on their pets than their children, according to a blog on The Telegraph's (UK) website. The pet market, which includes petfood as well as accessories and toys, is growing and outstripping the children's toy market, particularly around the holidays.

Market Trends and Reports

Sugar in pet treats may be contributing to obesity

Roughly 90 million pets in the US are considered obese, and part of the problem may be the sugar companies add to pet treats, say experts. Whether it's corn syrup used as a thickener or dextrose used to evenly distribute moisture, sugar can add calories to a pet's diet that tip the scales, according to veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Larsen, an assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the University of California's School of Veterinary Medicine in Davis.

Market Trends and Reports

Connecting with pet owners online

Today's pet owners are increasingly aware and interested in how their pets' food is made. Some even share their perceptions online and by word of mouth. How can you work with these highly involved consumers?

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