Deep-Dive into Pet Food: What do Cat & Dog Lovers Prefer?

In today's digital age, consumers' preferences and needs have tremendously evolved to adapt to even those beyond themselves, such as their pets. Wonderflow's Business Intelligence deep-dived yet again into another major industry but let's first explore the pet care market outlook.

Pet Food Market Overview

According to the National Library of Medicine, the United States has witnessed a steady rise in pet ownership, with 68% of households welcoming at least one furry friend. This surge in pet companionship is paralleled by a substantial growth in consumer spending on pets. Statista recorded that the global pet food market boasted an impressive revenue of US$143.60 billion, which is projected to grow annually at a rate of 5.32% between 2023 and 2028.

Here's where it gets intriguing: the choices in pet food have become bewildering for consumers. A survey of 900 dog owners revealed that nearly half found selecting the right food for their pets to be the most challenging aspect of pet ownership. Remarkably, 52% of dog owners and a whopping 68% of Millennials (aged 18 to 34) who own dogs found their pets' nutrition more perplexing than their own dietary choices, with a quarter feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of options and the benefits thereof.

The shift doesn't stop at traditional pet food. A recent New York Times article indicates that human pet owners are now adopting their own diets for their pets, including gluten-free, paleo, and even vegan options. This rapidly growing market demands the attention of pet food and pet care companies alike, highlighting the need for brand transparency and advanced customer sentiment analytics if they wish to succeed in customer-centricity.

At Wonderflow, we recognize the challenges and opportunities presented by this changing paradigm in the global pet care market, via our continuous voice of the customer (VoC) quantitative and qualitative analysis. We've analyzed over 80,000 ratings and reviews across 18 major retailers or eCommerce channels (eg (amazon.com, croquetteland.com, walmart.com, zooplus.co.uk, etc.). Additionally, comparing pet food brands and products across

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• The United Kingdom
• The United States

In our exploration of the realm of pet food reviews, we deep-dived into two main categories: cat food and dog food. Dividing this is critical to understanding the unique dynamics that shape each of these distinct pet food categories.

What are consumers saying about cat food products?

In the sphere of cat food, we encountered an interesting narrative driven by consumers' keen interest in the ingredients of their feline friends' meals (see graph 1), among other popular topics like Benefits and Defecation (effect of food on a pet's bowel stool). Reviews oscillate between positivity and negativity, reflecting the evolving tastes and preferences of both cats and their discerning owners.

According to our VoC analysis, some consumers expressed concerns about the presence of sugar in certain cat food formulas. This additional dimension of critique highlights the multifaceted nature of ingredient scrutiny. Reviews reveal a delicate balance between ingredient quality, nutritional content, and a cat's discerning palate. A formula change can trigger shifts in taste and texture, sometimes leaving finicky felines disinterested.

Throughout these reviews, a delicate balance emerges between ingredient quality, nutritional content, a cat's discerning palate, and concerns regarding sugar content. This multifaceted perspective underscores the intricacies of crafting cat food that not only meets nutritional requirements but also satisfies the individual cat's taste preferences.

What are consumers saying about dog food products?

Online reviews of dog food generally exhibit a more positive tone compared to reviews of cat food, as we've seen, with dog owners tending to leave less negative feedback overall. The focus of these reviews largely centers on the observed effects of dog food rather than a detailed breakdown of dog food ingredients. Dog owners commonly discuss the impact of the food on their pets, such as improved digestion, noticeable benefits, and healthier fur, among other outcomes. See below:

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In our dataset, we found ingredients were not as frequently discussed in dog food reviews. Yet, when they are mentioned, the emphasis tends to be on the nutritional aspects of the food and the perception of the dog food brand as healthy or not. This is in line with the overarching message for brand managers: to prioritize dogs' well-being and leverage the positive outcomes voiced by consumers associated with quality dog food.

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The reviews we've examined consistently emphasize the importance of nutrient-rich and healthy ingredients in dog food. Many pet owners are pleased with the nutritional value and quality of the dog food they've chosen. The small-sized kibble is often well-suited for smaller breeds and is easy on their stomachs. The reviews echo the sentiment that this food contributes to healthier digestion and helps maintain overall well-being.

Dog owners report noticeable improvements in their pets' coat quality, skin health, and energy levels, showcasing the benefits of feeding them nutrient-rich food. Even dogs with sensitive stomachs seem to thrive on this diet, experiencing fewer gastrointestinal issues. While taste preferences among dogs can vary, these reviews reflect a general consensus on the health benefits and nutritional value of dog food, affirming that providing nutrient-rich ingredients plays a crucial role in their pets' health and happiness.

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Best Pet Foods in 2023 Based on the Voice of the Customers

We can't leave you without a finale - a round-up of the three best cat and dog foods based on global customer reviews. These several, if not all, pet care brands have stood the test of time in delivering exceptional product experiences for both consumers and animals alike.

The healthiest cat food based on the VoC

The most affordable cat food based on the VoC

The best cat food brand based on the VoC

The most affordable dog food based on the VoC

The healthiest dog food based on the VoC

The best dog food brand based on the VoC

Global Pet Care Leaders Use Wonderflow to Win

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For mainly the cat and dog foods categories, consumer feedback plays a large role. The discourse surrounding cat food illustrates the delicate dance between ingredient modifications and the discerning tastes of felines and owners alike. In contrast, the summary of our dog food reviews analysis shows a generally satisfied consumer base, with an unwavering focus on the overall well-being and health of canines.

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Pet brand managers should take consumer feedback as a testament to the ever-evolving demands of pet owners, emphasizing the need for manufacturers to strike a balance between pet health and consumer satisfaction. Generative AI and powerful VoC analytics like Wonderflow's chatbot for VoC intelligence, Wonder (as seen above), are empowering industry leaders with instant access to consumer and market insights like never before. Contact us now to learn more.