Rebecca Wright07.24.07
Just as Americans are becoming more aware of the important role nutritious food plays in their overall health and well-being, they are transferring that awareness to their cats and dogs. According to a recent survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Purina Pro Plan Selects, 90% of those surveyed said they always try to purchase foods with the most health benefits for themselves and 82% look for foods with the most wholesome ingredients to feed their pets.
Consumers are even demanding specific healthy ingredients. According to the survey, specific nutrients and ingredients such as antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids are leading the pack in what pet owners are demanding in the foods they enjoy, and it's no different for the pets that share their lives. For example:
High-quality Protein: While 83% of pet owners purchase high quality protein foods for themselves, 91% rank it as the most important nutrient to consider when purchasing food for their dogs and cats.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids: When it comes to this ingredient, more than 80% of pet owners believe omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most essential nutrients to have in the food they and their pets eat.
Antioxidants: Ninety percent of the pet owners surveyed always look for foods rich in antioxidants for themselves and their families. The same number of pet owners (90%) said they also want to serve their pets foods rich in antioxidants.
Vitamin A: Survey respondents not only look for vitamin A to maintain healthy eyes and good vision for themselves, but they also find this nutrient important for their pets' eyes. Seventy-nine percent said vitamin A is an important nutrient in their food and 74% said it was important in their pets' food as well.
Overall, when Americans are shopping for their own food and pet food, they are looking for natural ingredients. More than 75% of respondents consider natural ingredients in the foods they purchase to be important and more than 65% search for natural ingredients in pet food. And when it comes time to make the purchase decision, most respondents (31%) said natural ingredients dictate what they buy for their families and 38% said the same for the food they buy their pets.