The Importance of Pet Food Sourcing Transparency

Posted on July 12th, 2023 by showes

The health and well-being of pets matter a great deal to pet parents, which is why they are increasingly concerned about what goes into their pets’ food.

Pet Food Industry Trends:

9 out of 10 American pet parents want transparency in pet food ingredient sourcing.
In a survey, 43.6% of pet owners prioritized the health of their pet’s food over their own.
More than 50% of pet parents are now paying close attention to pet food humanization and its carbon footprint.

The pet food industry is evolving rapidly and pet parents are driving this change. They ensure that the food they give to their beloved pets is eco-friendly, safe, high-quality, and meets their specific dietary needs.

This demand has sparked a need for transparency in the pet food sourcing and production process. The American Pet Products Association, also known as the APPA, estimates that pet food sales will reach $62.7 billion in 2023. Due to this increased demand, manufacturers must enhance production to meet demands for transparency, quality, and sustainability.

Why Pet Food Sourcing Transparency Matters

Transparency in pet food sourcing and ingredients is essential for several reasons. In a groundbreaking study conducted by the Food Marketing Institute in partnership with Deloitte, shopping behaviors for human food exhibited a remarkable shift. Instead of drivers such as taste, price, and convenience, consumers focus on:

Transparency
Supply Chain Visibility
Food Safety
Health and well-being

Since pets are like family to their owners, this trend also applies to pet food as well.

Moreover, using low-quality and poorly sourced ingredients in manufacturing pet food leads to health issues in our beloved furry friends. Some of these issues include:

Pet Allergies

Just like us, pets also suffer from allergies to certain substances. Ingredient transparency enables customers to make informed decisions in buying pet food and prevents pet allergies.

Gut Health

Pet food ingredients that are high in carbs can lead to digestive issues in pets including upset tummies, diarrhea, and nutrient deficiencies.

Heart Health

As they say, pets have hearts too. Certain substances in pet food might impact their hearts. For instance, sodium-rich food can strain the heart and lead to cardiovascular issues.

Another reason why transparency matters is the increasing awareness of sustainability among new-generation pet owners.

As consumers prioritize buying healthy, ethically sourced, and earth-friendly products, pet health producers need to choose whether they will become a sustainability leader, a sustainability follower, or get left behind.

With the growing focus on health and sustainability, formulators prefer using balanced ingredients. Dr. Maygane Ronsmans, Product Manager for Animal Nutrition at Beneo, says that pet food ingredients including plant or meat-based foods usually lack certain vital nutrients. That is why blends of plant-based ingredients are gaining more traction among manufacturers and consumers alike.

And that’s where the manufacturers’ role becomes clear. To make such blends, pet food producers can use advanced equipment for the mixing process which is the heart of pet food production.

How to Help Maintain Sustainability at the Production Level

Besides being picky in sourcing ingredients, processors must keep up with sustainability practices in their production processes.

At S. Howes, we understand the importance of sustainability and its impact on the pet food industry. Our commitment to the environment is reflected in our equipment which is designed to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. Pet food manufacturers can use our Mixing Systems to ensure that ingredients are mixed evenly which reduces waste and maintains consistency in every batch.

Our mixers are built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing environmental impact. We prioritize durability and longevity, allowing pet food manufacturers to focus on producing high-quality food while reducing their carbon footprint.