CURRENT AND FUTURE CHALLENGES IN PET FOOD INDUSTRY

Abstract

The pet food market has been very attractive and grown dramatically in the last decades offering a huge number of products that differ in physical form, composition of nutrients and physiological and pathological conditions. Approximately 30% of all pet food and pet care sales worldwide are made in Europe, which is regarded as one of the leaders in the sector. In Serbia as well, it is slowly starting to develop and gain importance. More and more families are acquiring pets causing the pet food industry to grow quickly. A recent research revealed that 99 percent of owners considered their pets to be "part" of the family. Over the years, dramatic changes in pet food industry making the basic pet foods more sophisticated that provide not only the right nutrients in optimal quantities but also much more than we call optimal. The main trend influencing the pet food market is the humanization of pets. Many pet owners seek pet food that is representative of their personal preferences. Due to the rise in "natural", "raw" and "organic" food, there is now a greater selection of premium products available to owners. Specialist products such as those focusing on a specific health benefits have been very popular and shown strong growth. As owners appear to be more concerned with their pet's diet, premium, luxurious, healthy, and functional foods are entering the mainstream. Pet foods can be in different forms as complete or complementary; wet, dry, snacks and treats or raw. A pet food manufacturer's skill bases on the selection and blending of various meat, fish, vegetables, cereals, minerals, and vitamins to create nutritious foods that pets enjoy. Owners have various options including fully prepared raw meals, a combination of wet and dry foods, and specially formulated pet treats. Trends in pet food are beginning to resemble those in human food. In the future, new formulated products based on insects can be expected on the market, as well as many others that have unique functional and sensory properties with authentic ingredients.