Singapore, (ANTARA/PRNewswire)- Recently, a new study, using the PetCubes product, revealed insights into changing pet food preferences among pet owners in Singapore. In a comprehensive independent market study conducted by Singapore Management University (SMU) in 2022[1], a noticeable shift in pet food preferences toward fresh pet food was observed among pet owners. This change is mainly driven by the increasing awareness of pet owners about the importance of high-quality pet food that can provide their pets with essential nutrients.
Despite this interest, pet owners experience confusion in choosing suitable diets due to the perceived high cost of fresh pet food, which hinders its adoption despite the potential health benefits. Additionally, recent studies in 2022 by the International Trade Administration (ITA) highlighted a 30% increase in dog ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic.[2]. As the pandemic approaches its fourth year, pet owners are faced with important considerations that influence the health and well-being of their beloved companions.
The SMU study further reflects the evolving landscape of pet food preferences. Although kibble remains the main choice, making up 77% of pets’ diets, 9.6% of pet owners opt for a commercial freshly cooked food and 9.0% opt for a commercial raw food. This indicates a growing preference for the superior quality and ingredients found in fresh pet food over highly processed alternatives.
For example, based on data from a well-known pet food retailer in Singapore and considering the 12-year life expectancy of a 5kg dog, feeding kibble incurs a lifetime cost of SGD 3,942 to SGD 7,815. In contrast, the lifetime cost for choosing fresh food from PetCubes averages about $23,337 for a similar-sized pet.[3].
The study conducted a comparative analysis of lifetime costs associated with different pet food strategies, showing that while fresh food is more expensive than canned wet food, it offers a more comprehensive financial perspective by researching potential savings in veterinary costs.
In Singapore, ensuring optimal pet health emphasizes the importance of quality veterinary care, with regular check-ups and treatments for cats and dogs typically ranging from SGD 300 to SGD 800 annually. Costs can skyrocket if pets develop chronic conditions due to a poor diet, ranging from SGD 1,000 to SGD 5,000 or more and up to $20,000 annually for pet cancer treatments. Considering the veterinary fees and potential costs associated with processed diets, the total cost for pets fed kibble or wet canned food can potentially double or triple compared to those fed fresh food throughout their lives.
Cutting-edge research from Purdue University[4], emphasizes the transformative effect of incorporating fresh food into livestock diets, showing a dramatic 70 to 90% reduction in cancer cell growth with only 20% inclusion of fresh food (Raghavan et al. 2005; Knapp et al. 2014). In addition, dogs on a fresh diet show a significantly lower probability of obesity and degenerative diseases, potentially extending their lifespan by up to three years (Salt et al. 2019). Another study by the University of Helsinki[5] further corroborated these findings, showing a reduced likelihood of otitis and cancer in dogs on a lifelong fresh food diet (Hemida et al. 2023).
The study addresses concerns about the affordability of fresh food and urges pet owners to consider the holistic financial implications, including potential savings on veterinary bills. Preventing disease through fresh food can ultimately alleviate significant medical costs, offering a compelling case for its adoption. While disease in pets remains unpredictable, feeding fresh food can improve the likelihood of better health outcomes.
Dr. Francis Cabana, Director of Nutrition at PetCubes, commented, “Research definitely shows the profound impact of fresh food on the long-term health of pets, reducing the risk of debilitating diseases and potentially preventing excess vet expenses.”
PetCubes, a leader in the fresh pet food industry, is committed to innovation and pet welfare. Through research-backed nutrition and collaboration with respected institutions and veterinary experts, PetCubes not only provides high-quality fresh pet food but also advocates for a smarter approach to pet nutrition .
For more information about PetCubes, please visit www.petcubes.com
[1] Source: UOB-SMU AEI Project 856/FY22 Market Research Report: Pet owners’ sentiment on fresh pet food
[2] Source: Singapore Pet Food
[3] A similar analysis was also performed for cats.
[4] Knapp, DW, Ramos-Vara, JA, Moore, GE et al. Urinary Bladder Cancer in Dogs, a Naturally Occurring Model for Cancer Biology and Drug Development, ILAR Journal 55, Vol. 1, 100–118. 2014.
[5] Hemida, MBM, Vuori, KA, Borgström, NC et al. Early Life Programming through Diet May Play a Role in Otitis Risk Reduction in Dogs, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Sec. Animal Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 10. 2023.
Source: PetCubes
