PETS International Magazine November 2022

Natural astaxanthin is a remarkable antioxidant that offers a number of benefits for aging pets.

While the pet food segment for cats and dogs grew exponentially during the pandemic, the market for bird food also experienced exceptional demand.

Palatable foods combine flavors, aromas, appearance and consistency. But is one factor more important than another? And what is the role of sucrose and salt?

Pet retailers are ramping up subscription programs and loyalty schemes to keep and grow their market penetration.

Many companies use direct-to-consumer (DTC) to reduce distribution costs and improve revenues. But getting the strategy exactly right is vital.
 

Direct-to-consumer has proven to be a successful model for new pet brands, but more players in the sector means more challenges too.

Despite often being associated with weight gain, fats are also an important source of energy – for pets too.

The number of older animals is rising, but age should no longer be a barrier to happiness. The market offers plenty of products to keep senior pets physically and mentally active.

Musti Group’s Chief Commercial Officer Ellinor Persdotter Nilsson shares what makes this leading retailer special and sheds light on Nordic consumers.

Vegetable and nut oils provide essential nutrients but need to be used in the right amounts.

Online sales that boomed during COVID-19 are now lagging behind in many sectors. Not so, it appears, where pet products are concerned. In this sector, sales continue to grow.

How popular are pet services? Which ones are used most often and how much do pet owners spend on them every month? What are key decision-making factors when choosing a service provider?

Having benefited from the pandemic, the pet care sector is bracing itself for a time in which life is returning to normal and inflation is on us.

Over the past decade, the number of US households with a dog older than 7 years of age has increased from 42% to 52%.

As consumers are postponing vacations, turning down thermostats, and buying fewer treats – for themselves and their pets – the pet food industry needs to look at ways to stay resilient.

New technological advances in electronic sensing increase precision and speed in pet food product development.

Pet food containing local products is particularly popular in the Nordics, while alternative proteins and cheaper private-label brands are also slowly finding their way onto shelves.

Achieving the desired palatability for pet food is not always a straightforward process. What issues do manufacturers have to deal with?

Researchers are looking to leverage the strong similarities between human and canine brains to advance the study of the cognitive disorder Alzheimer’s disease.

Healthy joints are essential for pet mobility and health. Which supplements are most beneficial?

The largest research project of its kind aims to better understand seniority in animals and humans and to expand canine lifespan.

Periodontitis is the most common disease that affects dogs and cats and oral hygiene is critical to avoid it.

‘What is good for me, is good for my pet.’ This saying is important for many pet owners across the globe, but it’s a way of life for those living in Nordic countries.

From topical medication to chewable products, companies are launching new formulas to cope with a higher demand for protection against ticks, fleas and parasitic diseases.

The industry is demanding more budget to end long delays in ingredient reviews and wants new marketing claims related to a pet’s well-being to be allowed.