Luxury Pet Food: The Rise of Human-Grade Nutrition
As consumers seek luxurious pet food options, dogs and cats are now eating as well as humans.
The Rise of Human-Grade Pet Food
Amy Barkham wanted the best for her dog Wednesday and spent time researching premium dog food brands. Despite her efforts, Wednesday showed no interest in the grain-free kibble Barkham had chosen. Frustrated, Barkham discovered the option of human-grade pet food, which is manufactured following regulations for ready-to-eat human food products. She decided to give it a try and found that Wednesday loved it.
Human-grade pet food is gaining popularity among dog and cat owners. It is characterized by being manufactured in a manner consistent with human food regulations. While early definitions of 'human grade' were vague, tighter regulations have been set in recent years in the US, UK, and Europe. This has led to an increase in high-quality pet food options that are attracting owners who want the best for their pets.
From Table Scraps to Pet Chefs
The pet food industry has grown exponentially in recent years. The American Pet Products Association reported that Americans spent $58.1 billion on pet food and treats in 2022. Similarly, the UK Pet Food market was valued at £3.8 billion in 2023. However, the premium pet food market is relatively new.
In the early 20th century, pets were often fed kitchen scraps. Commercial pet food companies didn't emerge until the 1950s, offering dry kibble as a convenient and shelf-stable alternative. However, a global recall of commercial pet food in 2007 led to a desire for more control over ingredients. This sparked the rise of alternative pet food options and premium trends like raw feeding, where owners source their own ingredients or purchase pre-prepared raw pet food.
Changing societal perspectives on animals and the humanization of pets have also influenced the pet food market. Owners now prioritize the health and well-being of their pets and are willing to invest in high-quality food. Luxury pet food brands are leveraging this trend by using marketing tactics that evoke the benefits owners would want for themselves, such as labeling products as 'human-grade', 'natural', and 'grain-free'.
The Controversy and Appeal of Human-Grade Pet Food
While human-grade pet food offers various benefits and is appealing to many owners, there is controversy surrounding its true impact on pet nutrition. Some believe that a more expensive specialty diet doesn't necessarily guarantee better nutrition. Veterinary research suggests that whole-food diets can have immune system health benefits for dogs compared to processed foods.
However, the impact of human-grade pet food on nutrition and sustainability is not clear-cut. Despite this, the demand for luxury pet food continues to grow, and more brands are entering the market to meet this demand. For owners like Amy Barkham, the choice to transition to human-grade pet food has been worth it, as they see improvements in their pets' overall health and happiness.
