Rising Pet Ownership Means More Furry Friends to Introduce to Healthy Eating

At Darwin’s, we know that the best pets are happy, healthy and well-fed. And, according to the American Pet Product Association (APPA), more Americans are adding furry friends to their family than ever before. 

Between 2020-2022, American pet ownership grew by nearly 10% — an increase the APPA attributes to many factors, including the rise of remote jobs due to the pandemic and simply wanting additional companionship at home. 

Pet Health in Focus 

As they care for more dogs and cats, families are seeking out premium food that helps their pets thrive. 

Our Chief Operating Officer, Steve Hofford, noted in a recent interview with Food Processing Magazine that fresh and raw foods are continuing to rise in popularity as owners explore the best ways to meet their pets' needs. 

“We think it’s wonderful that more pet owners are becoming ‘raw curious’ and exploring all the health benefits of providing a natural diet to their furry companions,” he said. “Darwin’s just celebrated our 20-year anniversary — and we’ve seen a sea change in that time.” 

Everything from daily food to indulgent treats has seen a shift in quality, with a specific focus on a short ingredient list that is nutrient-dense and minimally processed. Hofford went on to say, “The good news for pet health is that there are so many more alternatives to traditional kibble now, and dog and cat owners are increasingly discerning.”  

Merging Quality and Safety with Innovation 

Despite the rising demand for premium food like Darwin’s, we’ve never strayed from our high standards for quality and safety. 

In the 20-plus years since our inception, we’ve remained steadfast in our approach to making meals in-house – while also innovating to reduce waste and shrink our environmental footprint. 

For example, we’ve reduced our dry-ice usage by 50%, thanks to the introduction of a biodegradable cornstarch packing paper. We’re always on the lookout for new ways to improve how we bring healthy meals to pets. 

The Bottom Line 

The APPA expects pet ownership growth to continue – and that means more furry companions for us to nourish. While we continue to search for new and exciting ways to do so, our mission stays the same: to provide pets with the healthiest possible diet. 

Check out more of Steve Hofford’s commentary on pet food trends here. For more insights on some superfoods to share with your pups, check out this recent blog post.