12 natural pet trends spotted at Expo West 2013
March 12, 2013
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Wellness stays on top of the grain-free pet food trend with their grain free formulas, especially their new formulas in the CORE Grain-Free foods for cats and dogs (not pictured). But it's not just grain free that's getting the attention: It's pairing grain-free with one whole ingredient. In this case, 95 percent of each can pictured here is a recognizable protein.
Joint health is still huge for pets as is the desire to extend our furry friends' lifespan. Foods formulated specifically for conditions are holding strong, such as Dogswell's Happy Hips (with glucosamine and chondroitin) and Vitality (with flaxseed for eyes, skin and coat).
While cats have typically been portrayed as eating fish, cats in the wild are much more likely to eat game such as a duck, Nulo Natural's CEO noted at Expo West. The latest addition to Nulo's cat food is this in-demand duck ingredient.
Vegan omega-3 oils are hot with humans, so it's no wonder they've made their way into the pet space. Koda by Keys' naturopathic remedies for dogs are a relatively new line for a company that has been around for eight years in the natural skin care business. The company makes a Vegan Oil Supplement because non-vegan fish oils contain high levels of Vitamin A, according to founders Wendy Steele and Bob Root, which can be toxic at high levels.
Will this brand soon take over the natural pet aisle? The "I and love and you" complete natural pet line was started by industry veteran Brendan Synnott, formerly of Bear Naked granola. The line includes raw, dehydrated food, pet treats, grooming care, supplements and flea and tick protection—but it's the packaging and message that make it come alive. Plus, the company's sustainability mission to "green up the pet industry" earned it a NEXTY nomination.
From fridge to freezer, Frenchie's Kitchen is a new line of all-natural cooked meals for dogs. These meals are human grade with ingredients you can see and pronounce, in flavors like Turkey, Quinoa and Veggies or Chicken, Brown Rice and Veggies. These recipes have proved to be particularly beneficial for aging pups or picky eaters, said CEO/Founder Sara Kuris.
The dehydration trend continues with Brad's Raw Foods branching out into Brad's Raw 4 Paws. Made from the discarded kale stems of Brad's Kale Chips, this dehydrated pet treat is organic, non GMO, gluten free, grain free and raw with living enzymes. Oh, and it's a huge hit with this author's canine pal.
Soft chews get some more love with the latest addition to Zuke's. Lil' Links sport real food ingredients with the addition of rosemary, turmeric and sage for a healthier counterpart to conventional soft treats.
Consumers' growing need to know what's in their food is also arriving in the pet space. The Freshpet Nature's Fresh brand is growing quickly for its grain-free and "real food fresh from the fridge" promise. Plus, FreshPet said their customers shop more frequently and spend more than other pet consumers, bringing more profit to retailers that carry the product.
The new canned Organix Butcher & Bushel line by Castor & Pollux appeals to the "epicurean dog parent" who wants to indulge their best bud. Flavors like Chicken Dinner and Carved Turkey Dinner don't sound far off from what the pet owner might eat, except some cans of this USDA Organic pet food include safe-to-eat, pressure-cooked bones.
Molly Mutt's reusable pet bed duvet designs have made their way onto pet owners' shoulders, but by accident. The need to reuse fabric from a production run led to the creation of doggy waste bag holders and these stylish totes, proving good design is for pets and people.
Processed natural pet foods, like human foods, are getting back to basics. The latest treats called Beams and Wishes from The Honest Kitchen exemplify this trend with "just one pristine ingredient," Icelandic catfish skin sticks and haddock fillets. We NEXTY nominated the company for its commitment to transparency and whole food nutrition.
Processed natural pet foods, like human foods, are getting back to basics. The latest treats called Beams and Wishes from The Honest Kitchen exemplify this trend with "just one pristine ingredient," Icelandic catfish skin sticks and haddock fillets. We NEXTY nominated the company for its commitment to transparency and whole food nutrition.
What's perking up the natural pet industry? At Natural Products Expo West 2013, we spotted a new all-natural complete pet care line, vegan omega-3s for dogs, nutrition that appeals to the gourmand pet owner and more.
Related: 7 pet nutrition trends that will change the market in 2013
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