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In many parts of the world, dog owners are spending more and more on their four-legged friends. This is closely related to the elevated status of dogs as an established member of the family. Another reason for it is the growing awareness of many owners with regard to the needs of their pet. PET worldwide spoke to various pet store chains in Europe and wanted to know how the increased demand for high-quality pet food is playing out in their stores. 

"Very positive" is how the German pet supplies retailer Das Futterhaus judges the sales trend in dog food in the last year. The company, which runs over 330 stores in Germany and Austria, performed especially well with regard to moist food. "The trend towards very high-quality products is continuing," stated Das Futterhaus in response to PET worldwide's questions. Sustainability is also increasing in importance, as are products with organic certification. The company has enjoyed some success in the barfing sub-segment: "We offer a very extensive range in our stores. This area continues to develop in a very positive manner." Das Futterhaus plans to expand its range and introduce new dog food products in 2018. "Our range is subject to ongoing optimisation." 

Dog food also assumes a high priority in the assortment for the Czechia-based Plaček Group. The canine pet category accounts for over 50 per cent of the total sales of the outlets in the group of companies. "67 per cent of products for dogs that we sold in 2017 were just food," says general director Dusan Plaček. Dry food is the dominant product, accounting for 62 per cent of sales, followed by treats at 29 per cent and moist food. Barfing is a less significant segment. Plaček says "We are not focused on this category. We can say that in our shops the demand for this type of food is really scant." As in the case of Das Futterhaus, the customers of Plaček are more and more orientated to quality. "It is the same as with human food. People are better educated in the nutritional needs of their pets and want the best for them." After introducing a host of new products in the dog food category last year, the company's aim this year is to expand the existing product lines to some extent. Private labels are becoming ever more important for the Plaček Group, especially in the dog food segment, where competition is fierce.

Pet food assumes above-average priority for the British retail group Pets at Home too. In the first six months of the…