Many pet owners are taking a closer look at their pet’s health and wellness but recent data from Tractor Supply confirms that dog parents don’t always follow vet recommendations for food, dental care and other treatments. Here are some of the notable findings:
- Dog parents are drawn to ingredient-purity buzzwords far more than vets: “free from artificial additives” appeals to 39 percent of owners but only 24 percent of vets, and “free from fillers like corn, wheat, or soy” sways 35 percent of owners compared to just 12 percent of vets.
- 71 percent of vets recommend probiotics or digestive health products, yet only 31 percent of dog parents use them.
- 69 percent of vets recommend cognitive enrichment toys, but just 45 percent of dog owners use them.
- 31 percent of vets recommend alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage, compared to only 3 percent of dog parents who actively use them.
Source: Tractor Supply, September 11, 2026. Link.
25 percent of dog owners take their dog to the vet more frequently than they go to the doctor”
INSIGHTS: There is always something to learn from studies like this. The discussion of product representations as premium, natural or organic, human-grade and veterinarian formulated are worth noting, as well as the states with the most health-obsessed dog owners.
Leave a Reply