Last year, U.S. consumers spent nearly $15 billion on food for their pets, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. And as more people choose organic and natural foods for themselves, they are also choosing natural foods for their pets. Industry research shows that natural and organic pet food products are growing at 20 percent a year.
That growth promises to be even stronger with the arrival of natural pet foods on supermarket shelves. Previously, such foods were available only from pet specialty and natural food retailers.
Purina One Natural Blends, launched in March, is the first natural pet food with broad national distribution in grocery stores and mass merchandisers, as well as pet specialty retailers.
"The growth of natural products is making its way to the pet food aisle, as more and more responsible owners are making the same healthy food choices for their pets as they are for themselves," said Warren Eckstein, an internationally known pet and animal expert and Purina One spokesman.
Purina One Natural Blends dog and cat food is made with high-quality, natural ingredients formulated to deliver a healthy difference in pets' energy level, skin and coat, teeth, gums and digestion. The line features Chicken and Oat Meal and Lamb and Barley formulas for dogs and a Chicken and Oat Meal formula for cats. The ingredients are carefully selected for their nutrient content and steam-cooked at the start at an optimal time and temperature to help maintain vitamins, minerals and flavors, according to the manufacturer.
All include protein sources to help support strong muscles; whole grains for digestive health; and omega fatty acids from natural sources, including canola and soy oils for healthy skin and coat.
