(PRESS RELEASE) ROCKVILLE, MD — Crickets, fungus and wood pulp are only some of the unique ingredients on offer as pet treats marketers look to stand out on store shelves and online, market research firm Packaged Facts reports.
In addition to unusual or exotic proteins, treat marketers are relying on functional ingredients to capture pet owners’ attention, making it possible for them to address pet health and wellness issues while enjoying “treat time,” the company states in a new study called Pet Treats and Chews in the U.S., 3rd Edition.
One of the most buzz-worthy functional ingredients, CBD, is already making waves in the pet supplements market and is positioned to make an equally impressive impact in pet treats and chews as pet owners seek out natural alternatives for anxiety and pain management. Some 11% of dog owners and 8% of cat owners have used cannabis (CBD/hemp) supplements or treats for their pets, according to a Packaged Facts survey.
Aligning with pet health and wellness is an intensive emphasis on product safety, which is top of mind among pet owners and marketers alarmed by the spate of recalls involving pig ear chews from South America. Because of the seemingly continual cycle of recalls, addressing issues of transparency has become essential in the market.
“Pet owners are demanding an ever-increasing level of detail about what exactly is in the treat products they feed their pets, and marketers are touting safe, reliable sourcing. It’s even gotten to the point of putting the specific location of the ingredient source on product packaging,” says Packaged Facts Research Director David Sprinkle.
Throughout Pet Treats and Chews in the U.S., 3rd Edition, Packaged Facts discusses these trends and others, providing an in-depth look at the sales drivers in this $6.7 billion market, including humanization, natural, grain-free, limited ingredient, made and/or sourced in the USA, functional ingredients and exotic proteins.