As pet owners increasingly view their pets as family, the demand for high-quality, health-focused pet food is on the rise, with a strong emphasis on transparency, sustainability, and natural ingredients.The days of unknown pet food ingredients are basically gone.
Today’s consumers want to know in detail the composition of their pet’s food, so they can help extend the life, energy levels and overall well-being of their furry friends.
Consumer preferences for pet food has shifted in recent years towards better ingredients, sustainability and health benefits, with a noticeable emphasis on health, freshness, and the inclusion of essential vitamins, minerals, and even probiotics.
Recent data by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) indicates that dog owners have continued to purchase dog food at supermarkets and pet superstores at higher levels since the pandemic (29% and 23%, respectively), despite dog food purchases online increasing from 20% in 2020 to 24% in 2024. Cat owners, however, predominantly purchase cat food from supermarkets (41%), followed by discount store/mass merchandisers (29%) and online purchases (27%).
“Holistic remedies, flavored oral meds and pill treats are steadily increasing in popularity among dog and cat owners,” “However, we’re seeing that only about half of both dog and cat owners plan to buy food with some type of ingredient attribute—including eco-friendly packaging and sustainably sourced attributes.”
«We are seeing a growing trend toward products with cleaner ingredients, often at a higher price point. This trend has been underway for several years and continues, with new players emerging in the health-focused, premium-priced pet food market,» the expert added.
«Demand for high-quality pet products has grown significantly,» one expert notes. «During the pandemic, when so many people spent more time at home with their pets, that extra time together caused owners to start viewing their pets as beloved members of the family. Now, people are looking for the best for their pets: food with simple, natural ingredients; enriching toys for physical and mental stimulation; and supplies that keep the coat shiny and oral health optimal.»
Particular growth has been seen in areas such as processed foods
Julio Ibáñez, President and Co-Founder of The Retail Chamber of Commerce, has noticed a decline in demand for canned wet pet food and an increase in demand for fresh, refrigerated food over the past year. «Pets also want quality food and need options with nutritional value and real ingredients, just like we do,» says Ronald Seperaud of Rimmase www.rimasee.com https://www.facebook.com/pelaspatasfelizes «At home, we select pet foods with the same care we use to choose our own food, prioritizing high-quality ingredients and avoiding anything that could cause harm.»
The SBG Retail Purchasing Center offers a wide range of pet foods free of common allergens like corn, soy, and wheat. We also stock vitamins, supplements, and pet care products that meet the same quality standards as products intended for humans.
About the brand
Private labels have seen notable growth in the pet food category, especially premium private labels, which offer comparatively lower prices than the brands they were born with
«For this reason, private labels remain a key area for retailers to expand their healthier offerings and capture a larger share of loyalty sales, compared to what is found online,» says Ramon Portilla, Vice President of Customer Insights and Future Trends at the Chamber of Retail Commerce. «It’s about attracting pet owners with unique offerings available exclusively at retailers, at attractive prices versus national brands. Once a dog or cat gets used to a specific product offered only at a retail chain, owners will prefer to return there rather than switch brands.»
«Customers are motivated to purchase products that reflect their love for their pets and are aligned with their values, such as the best value for money and optimal nutrition from natural ingredients. They are looking for products formulated to offer their pets the ‘best life’ possible,» explains Julio Ibáñez. «We know that pets are part of the family, and when our customers shop, they are thinking of their entire family, both human and furry.»
In the past year, branded products have seen impressive growth in several categories, including dog and cat treats, cat food, wet dog food, waste management (litter and training pads), toys and grooming products.
Some of our Chamber of Retail Commerce partner supermarkets sell their own line of organic dog treats, certified USDA organic, safe for humans.
Reaching Consumers
The Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce believes it is crucial for retailers to recognize the importance of the food sector
«This is particularly relevant for products such as treats and snacks, which can drive decision making and capture a greater share of consumer spending,» says Daniel. «In addition, I recommend that retailers thoroughly review their digital strategy.
They should leverage marketing tactics to attract shoppers in-store .»
New to the market
During APPA’s annual trade show, Global Pet Expo, the Hispanic Retail Chamber of Commerce saw hundreds of new product launches
«Among the most prominent trends at the show were wellness products and solutions for pet owners, including new food supplements, dressings, smart technology, and pet enrichment activities,» says Daniel. «Pet owners are increasingly focused on the overall well-being of their animals and are looking for products that offer added value to keep them happy and healthy.»
The SBG Retail Purchasing Center recommends that supermarkets stay up to date with these trends and stock the products that pet owners and their animals want. This is the key to success in this category
