The way to a dog's heart is through its stomach

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The role assumed by dogs in society has changed considerably in recent years, and this change is evident in an increasing number of countries. For a long time dogs were primarily working animals, used to guard the home, for hunting or to protect livestock. Nowadays the dog is an established member of the family in many households. The breed of dog chosen by a dog owner depends chiefly on the latter's lifestyle. Small dogs in particular have triggered an important trend in many countries in the last few years; since glamour girls in American TV series began carrying Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers around with them, small dogs have been in vogue the world over. Pugs are currently the trendy pet to own. There are also practical reasons why people are keen on small dogs: many owners believe that small breeds are not such hard work as large ones. In cities in particular, where dog-walking is often a time-consuming occupation on account of the lack of suitable green spaces, small breeds are extremely popular. Other pet owners get a dog primarily for the purpose of spending as much time as possible outdoors with it. Larger breeds that can take part in hobbies such as ball games, walking and cycling are preferred in this case. But no matter whether the dog is a pug or an Alsatian, more and more pet owners want to spoil their four-legged friends, and this is worth a lot of money. Wellness pet food, light diets and products tailored especially to the life phases of the pet, with additives that promote health and prevent illness, are being offered on a growing scale, even in a tough economic climate. And in fact the particularly high-grade products are the ones that are growing strongly in many countries. Natural and organic products For some time now, dog food products promising the most natural nutrition possible have occupied a very strong position. This trend has existed in the USA for a number of years. As long ago as 2004, organic pet food was clocking up sales amounting to $ 14 mio. At that time, this didn't even account for 0.1 per cent of overall sales. At this year's Global Pet Expo in Orlando, however, one got the impression that soon there won't be anything other than organic and holistic pet food products for dogs. This observation is supported by a study produced by the Mintel market research institute, which reveals that between July 2007 and July 2008, new pet food introductions…