Pet owners sometimes blame pet food for causing an overweight pet. Pet obesity discussions generally follow one of two main themes: that many pet owners are in serious denial about their pets’ weight or that pet food may play a role in the pet’s obesity.
Both lines of thinking originate because some pet owners don’t understand pet nutrition or the ingredients in pet food. And, veterinarians often are unable to provide much help.
Source: Pet Food Industry, September 13, 2016.
Regarding pet nutrition, American pet owners are as concerned with what is not in their pet’s food as what is. More than half (55%) of pet owners are concerned about the amount of filler ingredients in pet food, such as grains and meat by-products. Nearly as many (49%) feel that the best diet for their pet is a ‘wild’ diet—allowing their pet to eat only what they would have eaten in the wild, such as all-meat diets without artificial ingredients.
INSIGHTS: Whether working as a retail associate or part of a veterinary team, pet food questions need sound answers based in science, not packaging jargon. Work with your sales representatives to acquire pet food basics collateral and videos. Make them available in digital communications as well as point-of-purchase locations whenever possible.