Current consumer trends in dry dog food purchases reflect a desire for choices that reflect similar attributes to those currently in high demand among human foods, for example grain-free products.

People with companion animals are making more personalized decisions about their dog’s diets, and in response dog food manufacturers are emphasizing certain ingredients more and more. There is growth, for example, in premium dog foods such “grain-free” products, as consumer demands spill over from the human food world.

Also related to the increase in demand for premium diets, there is a trend toward the simplification of dog food recipes. Consumers want labels that are clear and understandable, on both their own food and their companion animal’s food.

The companion animal food industry has addressed older age-related and breed specific formulas for a while now, and breed-specific puppy diets are on the rise as a form of early stage prevention for known breed health issues. Despite economic difficulties, companion animal food manufacturers expect consumers to continue to place a priority on their companion animals and their companion animals’ diets.