Dog Nutrition Trends for 2019
Pet food is a booming industry with sales of $27 billion in 2018, which is up over 4% from 2017.* It's also evolving in response to the needs and expectations of pet parents. Find out more about these trends and get tips on feeding your pooch.
5 Trends to Watch in 2019
Dogs are part of our families, so it's not surprising that nutritional trends for pets mirror those for humans. In general, we want the same kinds of healthy food choices we want for ourselves.
1. Ingredient Lists and Labels
Consumers have been looking more closely at ingredient lists on dog food products, and the industry is responding with easier-to-read labels. They're also touting claims that appeal to pet parents, such as "natural," "organic," or "non-GMO." Some companies also make claims regarding their focus on environmental friendliness and sustainability, which is something that has become increasingly more important to millennial consumers.
Navigating claims on dog food labels can be as confusing as it is with human food labels. For instance, "organic" doesn't necessarily mean "natural" although they sound similar. Some are also the subject of debate, such as "human-grade." This claim is supposed to indicate that the food is edible by humans, but it has no official definition by animal feed regulations.
One thing you should look for on dog food labels is "complete and balanced." "Complete" lets you know the product has all the essential nutrients, including protein, fats, and carbohydrates. "Balanced" tells you that the nutrients are represented in appropriate proportions. You can gloss over claims such as "premium," "ultra-premium," or "gourmet" since there are no regulations mandating higher standards for products using these claims.
If you have questions about dog food claims or ingredients, you should talk to your veterinarian. Additionally, you can review the detailed guides offered by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
2. Healthy Choices
Many people are striving to make healthier diet choices for themselves, and they want to do the same for their dogs. This is driving interest in ingredients that may enhance your dog's health, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and vitamins. Caution should be used when supplementing diets with additional vitamins and minerals. Dog foods are carefully balanced, so additional supplementation can create imbalances leading to health problems. Talk with your veterinarian about any supplements to ensure you're not providing too much of a good thing!
There are also prescription products to help with specific conditions, like arthritis or digestive issues. Since your veterinarian knows your dog's current health status and history, they're your best resource for figuring out the optimal diet for your pooch.
3. Personalization and Control
Consumers are increasingly looking for more opportunities to customize and control what they feed their pets. Here are a few ways pet parents are personalizing their dogs' meals:
Custom meals: They can go online and sign up for dog food delivery services that customize the food based on their dogs' needs and have it delivered to their doorstep.
Meal toppers: These products are designed to be added to your dog's usual kibble. They can add protein, vitamins, and flavor to liven up everyday meals.
Test kitchens: There have even been in-store test kitchens for dog food where you can see exactly what goes into the food and watch as it's prepared.
4. Online Shopping
One reason pet food personalization is trending is because of the rising popularity of online sales. The internet enables companies to offer pet parents more choice right from their laptops or other devices.
According to a Nielsen study, the sales of pet consumables online grew 53% in 2018.** This is remarkable when you compare it to the growth of other shopping methods they measured:
- Total Pet Consumables: +5% growth
- E-commerce: +53%
- Mainstream Retail: +1.7%
- Pet Superstores and Neighborhood Pet Stores: +.7%
- Veterinary Clinics: -5.8%
Shopping online offers pet parents the convenience of home delivery, as well as the ability to research different brands from the comfort of their homes. However, there are still many pet parents who prefer to shop at big box or neighborhood stores, as seen by the sales growth in those channels even though it is modest compared to online growth.
5. Different Protein Sources
You may have noticed more protein options in dog food in the pet food aisle of your grocery store. In addition to more common dog food proteins, like chicken, beef, lamb, and turkey, you'll find options that include duck, rabbit, bison, and salmon.
If you decide to try out a new protein, you may want to speak with your veterinarian first. You should also introduce it slowly by adding a little of the new food to your dog's usual meal and gradually increase the amount. Stop using the food if you notice any signs of allergies or stomach upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
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