PETS International Magazine September 2021

The best marketing is by word of mouth, whether from consumer reviews, social media comments or a salesperson’s recommendation.

Today’s pet consumer in the world’s most populous country is young and upwardly mobile. The COVID-19 pandemic has made them more particular about the products they buy for their pets.

During COVID-19, the Thai domestic market has been booming. But not only the domestic market has been given a boost.

The pet healthcare industry in Asia is relatively new but evolving at a steady pace. What are the latest developments?

As one of the biggest markets in the Asia Pacific region, Japan is fascinating to analyse.

There are plenty of opportunities for products and services that foster emotional connections while helping pet owners to monitor and manage the physical and mental wellness of their pets.

Fishmeal and fish oil tick all the boxes when it comes to meeting the essential pet food requirements of safety, palatability and nutrition.

Alternative proteins are a solution to the ‘protein gap’ but implementing them in pet foods is not without its challenges. Food neophobia is one of them.

Lab-grown meats in pet food are getting closer. How close?

Easing regulatory restrictions on permitted substrates for insect farming would boost sustainability, industry voices say.

Sustainable, ethical and health-promoting: edible insects are an exciting resource, not just for pet food but also for pharmaceuticals. How much do we know?

The most recent FONA International survey reveals some interesting insights relating to pet food, including about product claims, flavour and feeding behaviour.

Many dog owners assume that wolves are the ancestors of dogs and that grains should not be part of their dog’s diet. But are the eating habits and digestive tract of our domesticated four-legged friends really identical to those of wolves?

Biotics can be used to create pet products with improved health benefits and marketable points of difference.

Sales of complete and balanced pet food diets labelled as grain-free have increased significantly over the past decade.

The ketogenic diet is often advertised as having health benefits for dogs, despite physiological differences between people and pets. What does the research say, and why is MCT oil essential?

Wearable fitness technology is a growth market. But are pet owners making good use of the support available to keep their pets fit and healthy?

If your company would like to export pet food to the largest market in the world, what requirements should you expect to face?

The re-opening of the world economy is causing a rise in food commodity prices, while import dependence is stretching trade and the environment to the limits. Time to look at the pros and cons of regional sourcing.

What is the story behind a product? Today’s consumer is not only attracted to the colour of the packaging. They need to know more to make their choice.

Bacteria and viruses do not stop at borders ... and it is not only pandemics that cause serious harm to humans or animals.

Pet product design is constantly evolving, as it responds to increasingly specific requests for reconciling the natural needs of puppies and kittens with the aesthetic needs of pet parents.

In the EU, obesity levels among pets are rising steadily. Read FEDIAF’s five tips for industry professionals to help pets live longer, healthier lives.