What is the attitude of Italian pet parents towards supplements?
New data suggests that 3 out of 10 buy these products for their pets, most of them after receiving veterinary advice.
MEDIATIC’s Permanent Pet Watch survey concluded that 32% of Italian pet parents buy supplements for their pets, leaving 68% who don’t.
According to the data accessed by GlobalPETS, online (37%) and pharmacies (36%) are the most popular channels to purchase these products. They are followed by pet stores (17%) and the manufacturer’s website (7%).
More than half of respondents (58%) spend between €20 and €58 monthly. 3 out of 10 pet parents admit to spending less than €20 per month on these products.
The survey, carried out between June 1 and 17 to 242 pet parents, concludes that 53% of those who use supplements for themselves would buy these products for their animals.
Prevention vs. treatment
The survey also shows the existing division among pet parents about the role of pet supplements.
More than half (55%) of respondents use supplements as a preventive method, while 45% of them treat a specific health problem of their dog or cat – mainly issues related to the articulation and intestine.
Nearly 4 of out 10 Italian pet parents believe that supplements are a good way to prevent and safeguard the immune system of the animal.
Italian pet parents believe that the advice of a veterinarian is critical before giving any supplements to the animal. Actually, 77% of respondents claimed they bought supplements only after discussion with a professional.
Driven by price?
Over 80% of users in Italy give supplements to their pets frequently, 9% occasionally and 10% only in case of need.
The data from Permanent Pet Watch concludes that price does not appear to be a particularly decisive element – it is an important factor for less than 15% of respondents.
Nearly 7 out of 10 Italian pet owners state they would buy one supplement over another simply through taking into account the advice of a veterinarian.
For those that do not use pet supplements, more than half (52%) admit that the veterinarian never recommended it. However, 90% of them would be happy to buy them if a professional advises them to do so.
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