PETS International Magazine October 2022

Richard Maltsbarger, CEO of Pet Valu, shares his thoughts on omnichannel, logistics and the retailer's plan to open new stores across Canada.

A younger generation of US pet parents is attracted to this booming market, while investors and policymakers around the world are following the developments very closely.

While the bricks-and-mortar channel continues to represent three-quarters of retail pet food sales in Canada, the country’s trade with the US and other parts of the world is increasingly important.

Raw pet food is claimed as being highly palatable and improving fecal consistency, but some effects on pet health have yet to be understood.

Pet parents are looking to give their pets diets that provide healthier nutrients and are easy to digest. And gently cooked meals are proving to be an optimal solution, according to scientific evidence.

Who will follow in Josera’s footsteps (the winner in 2022) and win next year’s prestigious GlobalPETS Forum Award?

These versatile plants, which have been used as medicine for thousands of years, are now seen as a useful opportunity to treat serious health conditions in animals.

Despite some recent health concerns, raw ingredients continue to increase in popularity – and manufacturers have a growing range of options for ensuring food safety.

Although the number of US households owning dogs or cats is 2% less than in 2019, the super premium category and increases in e-commerce sales are expected to drive the industry in the near future.

In January 2023, 240 executives from leading pet companies will gather in Berlin for 3 days of networking and inspiring speeches at the GlobalPETS Forum. Will you be one of them?

The overall lack of efficacy evidence of CBD products is dividing pet parents, veterinarians and regulators. But more education and research can change this status quo.

With an increasing number of new players recently entering the insect pet food market, competition is getting fiercer.

Pets are receiving a higher level of care than ever before, which means they’re much more likely to be diagnosed and treated for a lifetime pathology.

Feeding smaller rations may seem like the easy solution to make overweight pets fitter, but it can result in life-threatening conditions.

Some of the most popular dog breeds have the highest chances of suffering from skin allergies. So what are the main factors behind this increasing pathology?

Insects have fast become a go-to ingredient as an alternative and sustainable source of protein in dry pet food. However, there are still questions to be answered regarding the true nutritional value of insect-based proteins.

As insects have the potential of becoming a go-to source for pet protein, this niche market is gaining traction and the number of dedicated start-ups is on the rise. As is the interest of investors.

Pet parents are looking for products that have similar features to their own outdoor gear – namely performance, quality and technology.

From insects to worms, the potential of alternative proteins for the pet food industry is huge. Such proteins are not only a way to grow business but, importantly, they enable companies to achieve sustainability goals at the same time.

While the US pet population increased by 4% for dogs and 3% for cats last year, Canada experienced quite flat growth. The same trend was observed in pet food sales.

Companion animals, in particular dogs, benefit from the physiological advantages seaweed offers, including improved immune function, gut health, as well as joint and coat health.