Many of our panel members have pets in their homes. Pets aren’t just a part of our panel members’ families, they’re a part of the NCP family, too! Pet-related purchases such as food, treats, toys, bedding, and so on, are an important part of the shopping data we collect.
When it comes to feeding your pet, a balanced and nutritious diet is important. Over the years, the variety of food options has increased, and it can be overwhelming at times. There are dry, moist, and wet foods (as well as homemade and raw foods); so which one(s) do you choose?
Dry food seems to be the most popular and cost-effective, but wet food is also a good option especially since lots of factors come into consideration when choosing a pet food.
What are some things to consider when it comes to pet food? There’s the pet’s age and breed, along with any health conditions. As for the food itself, it’s always a good idea to review the ingredients list on the bag or can. And, of course, a veterinarian can recommend the best options for your pet!
Do you have pets in your home? If so, what type of food do you buy for them most often? Let me know in the comment section, I would love to hear from you!
Did you know?
Businessman James Spratt introduced the first commercially prepared pet food in England in approximately 1860. After seeing dogs being fed leftover biscuits from a ship, Spratt formulated the first dog biscuit: a mix of wheat meals, vegetables, beetroot and beef blood.*
NCP Panel Facts About Pet Food
NCP panel members share important shopping information and influence what you see on store shelves. If you’re not a member and want your consumer voice heard click here or go to the Join NCP section of the blog to learn more and sign-up!
Let’s take a look at some NCP purchase data for pet food reported to us by panel members in 2022.
The number of unique UPC barcodes scanned by NCP panel members for pet food was 12,464.
The five months in which the highest quantity of pet food purchases was reported by panel members:
1. March
2. October
3. July
4. January
5. April
The five states in which panel members purchased the most pet food:
1. Delaware
2. New Jersey
3. Massachusetts
4. Rhode Island
5. Wyoming
(Note: the NCP data includes wet, moist, and dry foods.)
Pet Feeding Tips
I came across some interesting feeding tips from the Pet Food Institute to help keep your pet at a healthy weight. Check them out!
– Schedule regular visits to the veterinarian – Pets should visit a veterinarian regularly to ensure their overall well-being.
– Avoid feeding table scraps – Think twice before slipping pet foods from the dinner plate.
– Feed pets a complete and balanced diet – Treats should never be a substitute for a meal.
– Follow feeding guidelines on pet food and treat packaging – A pet’s calorie requirements will vary based on factors such as age, size, lifestyle, and breed.
– Find fun activities – Spending quality time with pets while keeping them active will help dogs and cats maintain a healthy weight.
Panel Members: Please remember to scan and report all your pet-related purchases! Manufacturers and retailers really want to know about who’s buying what type of pet food and other pet products. Thank you!
*Source: Pet Food Institute
Regards,
Taylor
I am having issues serving my Dog pet food no matter what I try he won’t eat it nothing seems to work even the most expensive and the cheap he won’t eat could somebody give a recipe that might help I am running out of ideas..
Have you tried making your own pet food? My brother cooks chicken, rice, veggies, etc. No additives what so ever. But I would definitely check with your veterinarian.
I have the same issue, but mine is spoiled. I’ll get small snap pea and chop it into tiny pieces and stir into his food. He gobbles it right up
I tried to buy the best pet food for my animals that recommended items for my kitty so that’s what she’s been on for years after several tries and fails after 1 month of my dog liking one kind of food and she didn’t like it again after that I ended up with arms for her and she’s been satisfied with that for a couple years now. I do spoil her though she does get her table scraps but I don’t give her anything that she can’t eat like grapes or onions or garlic or any of that or avocados usually she’ll get carrots meat she loves bananas I try not to give her anything she can’t have and if I don’t know for sure I look it up