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Times may be hard but that does not mean the UK’s cats and dogs are set to go without their favourite brand of food to save the pennies, according to a survey of more than 650 pet owners by consumer research specialists MSi-ACI.
In fact, nearly two thirds (58%) of UK respondents said they’re prepared to swap out their toilet roll brand for a cheaper version to save money, while only just over a third (35%) would do the same with pet food.
Next on the ‘downgrade list’ were biscuits (54%), tinned tomatoes (52%) and, despite the UK being a nation famous for tea drinking, we are still more likely to ditch our favourite tea bags (38%) than buy a cheaper brand of food for our beloved furry friends.
But basic weekly staples aside, pet owners are also happy to put their animal’s needs before their partner.
Nearly a quarter (24%) say they would cut back on their loved-one’s favourite treats and one in five would cut back on a partner’s birthday present to keep their pet eating their preferred food.
This was alongside half (48%) saying they would reduce meals out, nearly three in 10 (27%) said they would be prepared to sacrifice family trips and 41% would cut back on beauty treatments to ensure their pusscat or pooch was kept pampered instead.
Hugh Petit, co-founder of a new entry to the pet food market Grub Club, said: “These findings prove beyond a doubt that the UK is a nation of pet lovers – and for all the right reasons.
“As the research shows, the health and wellbeing of pets is paramount for their owners, who are more informed than ever about what they are consuming. Once they find something their pets love they tend to stick to it.
“And, while this is looking at the day-to-day purchasing, there are longer-term financial gains in having healthy pets, through lower vet bills and treatments, so the decision to buy quality pet food is a win-win.”
