One of the most surprising side effects of the pandemic was the boom in pet adoptions seen during the early months of lockdown. Dogs and cats have helped their owners cope with feelings of anxiety and isolation linked to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. At the same time, an increased concern for the health and nutrition of our furry friends is leading to the growth of the pet food market. Discover more in this article.
A study based on Google Trends found that searches related to dog, cat, and pet adoption in general were significantly higher in the early lockdown phase (April and May 2020), compared to the previous five years. Specifically, keywords like “dog adoption” and “cat adoption” were searched 250% more than during the same period in 2019.
The analysis also shows how searches for “dog adoption” have declined since June 2020, returning to pre-pandemic levels. This can be attributed to the launch of COVID-19 vaccines, which have led to an easing of lockdown measures and a gradual restoration of normal life. In other words, a full-time return to physical offices has made owners worried about the separation from their pets, now forced to spend long hours alone at home.
On the other hand, no significant concern was observed in the research regarding the possible transmission of the virus by dogs and cats. As the guidelines of the Ministry of Health specify, in fact, “there is no evidence that pets play an epidemiological role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2”.
Several studies have confirmed that animal companionship was a “crucial support” during the pandemic. With their presence, dogs and cats helped their owners deal with stress, anxiety, and depression due to isolation.
Human-animal interaction offers numerous benefits for physical and mental health. Hugging and caressing an animal can induce the release of oxytocin, the so-called “love hormone” responsible for stress reduction. Owning a dog also encourages owners to exercise more and spend time outdoors, two significant advantages during the lockdown.
According to a study by the American Pet Products Association, 72% of people said that spending time with their pets increased their sense of well-being during the pandemic. 60% bonded more strongly with their pets, while 39% engaged in more physical activity with them.
As anticipated, the pandemic has led to a growth in demand for pet food and animal feed supplements. Many pet food companies have been able to capitalize on the moment, enhancing their e-commerce channels and increasing their reputation among consumers by offering high-quality products.
According to Pet Dietary Supplements Market forecasts for 2022-2027, demand for premium products is expected to grow in the coming years, along with an increasing focus on pet health and well-being. Research is driving toward products with high nutritional and dietary benefits, made from natural, organic ingredients and with an emphasis on sustainability.
Our catalog offers a wide range of plant extracts as natural ingredients for keeping dogs and cats healthy. One example is EkinACT, an extract of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench with multiple beneficial activities.
To learn more about this topic, watch the recording of our webinar on botanical extracts for pet food formulations and discover our dedicated product range.