Petco, the second-largest U.S. pet retailer is going all-natural. To a point. Representatives for the chain say that by next May, cat and dog treats and food sold at its retail locations and online will contain no artificial flavors, preservatives and colors. Company officials believe healthier foods and snacks that replace items with artificial ingredients will make up more than the $100 million in sales existing products bring in. It looks as if gerbils, mice, rats, snakes, birds and fish can still have the treat of their choice at Petco, at least for now.
Source: USA Today, November 13, 2018. Link.
Some may question whether this makes good business sense but putting pets’ health first has always been the right thing to do for Petco,” Petco CEO Ron Coughlin said in a statement. “We hope the rest of the pet industry will join us on this path.
INSIGHTS: The trend of pet food mirroring human food is now firmly cemented in American culture. This may represent a challenge for some science diets. Consider addressing any concerns about artificial ingredients with representatives before making a year-end stock-up purchase. Also consider home delivery options that eliminate lots of inventory duplications.