Recent studies have highlighted a remarkable 30% surge¹ in dog ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by the International Trade Administration (ITA) in 2022. As pandemic puppies approach their fourth year, pet owners are confronted with pivotal considerations influencing the health and well-being of their beloved companions.

In a comprehensive independent market study conducted by Singapore Management University (SMU) in 2022², a notable shift in pet food preferences was observed among pet owners. While kibble remains the predominant choice, constituting 77% of pets’ diets, a discernible change is evident, with 9.6% of pet owners opting for a commercial freshly cooked diet and 9.0% choosing a commercial raw diet. This shift is attributed to the superior quality and ingredients found in fresh pet food compared to heavily processed alternatives.

Despite the growing interest in fresh pet food, pet owners face confusion and uncertainty when choosing the most suitable diet for their pets. The perceived costliness of fresh pet food remains a significant factor hindering adoption, despite its potential health benefits.

For instance, using price data from a Singapore prominent pet food retailer and considering a 5kg dog’s 12-year life expectancy, the lifetime cost of feeding kibble ranges from S$3,942 to S$7,815. In contrast, the average lifetime cost of feeding fresh food from PetCubes will cost approximately S$23,337 for a similar-sized pet³.

The study also conducted a comparative analysis of lifetime expenses linked to various pet food approaches, uncovering unexpected revelations. It indicated that although feeding fresh food is pricier than canned wet food, it provides a more comprehensive financial view by considering potential savings on veterinary expenses.

In Singapore, ensuring optimal health for pets underscores the crucial importance of quality veterinary care. Routine check-ups and treatments for cats and dogs typically range from S$300 to S$800 annually. However, these costs can significantly increase if pets develop chronic conditions due to poor diets, ranging from S$1,000 to S$5,000 or more, depending on the severity of the ailment. Cancer treatments for pets in Singapore can reach S$20,000 annually over one to two years. When factoring in veterinary bills and potential expenses associated with processed diets, the overall costs for pets fed kibble or wet canned food could potentially double or even triple compared to those nourished with fresh food throughout their lives.

Cutting-edge research from Purdue University⁴, underscores the transformative impact of integrating fresh food into pets’ diets. These studies have demonstrated a remarkable 70 to 90% reduction in cancer cell growth with just a 20% inclusion of fresh food in ultra-processed diets (Raghavan et al. 2005; Knapp et al. 2014). Additionally, dogs on a fresh diet exhibit a significantly lower likelihood of obesity and degenerative diseases, potentially extending their lifespan by up to three years (Salt et al. 2019). A recent study by the University of Helsinki⁵ further corroborated these findings, showing a decreased likelihood of otitis and cancer in dogs on a lifelong fresh food diet (Hemida et al. 2023).

The study addresses concerns about the affordability of fresh food and urges pet owners to consider the holistic financial implications, including potential savings on veterinary bills. Disease prevention through fresh food diets may ultimately mitigate substantial medical costs, offering a compelling case for its adoption. While disease in pets remains unpredictable, feeding fresh food may tip the odds in favour of better health outcomes.

Dr. Francis Cabana, Director of Nutrition at PetCubes, commented, “The research conclusively demonstrates the profound impact of fresh food on pets’ long-term health, reducing the risk of debilitating diseases and potentially curbing exorbitant veterinary expenses.”

PetCubes, a leader in the fresh pet food industry, is committed to innovation and pet well-being. Through research-backed nutrition and collaborations with esteemed institutions and veterinary experts, PetCubes not only provides premium-quality fresh pet food but also advocates for a more informed approach to pet nutrition.

For more information about PetCubes, please visit www.petcubes.com.

References:

¹ Source: Singapore Pet Food

² Souce: UOB-SMU AEI Project 856/FY22 Market Research Report: Pet owners’ sentiment on fresh pet food

³ A similar assessment was also carried out for cats.

⁴ Knapp, D. W., Ramos-Vara, J. A., Moore, G. E. et al. Urinary Bladder Cancer in Dogs, a Naturally Occurring Model for Cancer Biology and Drug Development, ILAR Journal 55, Vol. 1, 100–118. 2014.

⁵ Hemida, M. B. M., Vuori, K. A., Borgström, N. C. et al. Early Life Programming by Diet Can Play a Role in Risk Reduction of Otitis in Dogs, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Sec. Animal Nutrition and Metabolism, vol. 10. 2023.

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