How is inflation really impacting pet product consumers? Is humanization all bark and no bite? And what’s in a channel strategy? Michael Johnson, principal at BSM Partners, answers these questions and many others in this latest episode hosted by Pet Food Processing Editor Kimberlie Clyma.

Show notes

(00:39) Introducing Michael Johnson

(02:28) The impact of inflation

(05:04) Evolving consumer demands amid an evolving industry

(07:13) Understanding the “pet parent”

(08:36) What it takes to truly understand your audience  

(11:13) Tailoring pet owner education to specific audiences

(12:44) Fine-tuning channel strategies

(14:50) Distribution tips for smaller brands

(17:03) For startups, the dangers of going it alone

(19:23) Humanization and the real consumer

(22:51) Consumer sentiments about plant- and insect-based proteins

(24:30) Warming up to emerging nutritional approaches

(26:35) Susceptibility for subscription-based purchasing

(29:52) Channel strategy through the eyes of the consumer

Researchers from the University of Guelph share their latest companion animal nutrition research to support the pet food and treat industry.

Show notes

(0:39) Introducing researchers at the University of Guelph – Anna Kate Shoveller, Ph.D., Alexandra Rankovic, Ph.D., and Sydney Banton, a current Ph.D. student

(2:40) The process of pet food research

(6:48) An industry-academia collaboration

(7:48) Shoveller’s research on amino acid metabolism

(9:33) Rankovic’s research on dietary choline in overweight cats

(14:00) Banton’s research on pulse ingredients’ impacts on DCM

(17:00) The latest ongoing work in Shoveller’s lab

(19:25) Fatty acid research and its impact on shelf stability

(20:41) Enhancing collaboration and public outreach

(24:21) The need for more industry-wide research funding

(25:36) Closing comments

Dana Brooks, president and chief executive officer of the Pet Food Institute, details anticipated hurdles as the industry implements new Model Regulations for pet food labeling and shares how her organization will support processors throughout the transitionary period.