These days, pet owners take the health and wellness of their furry friends more seriously than ever before. A walk through your local pet store will make this immediately obvious as you encounter aisles upon aisles of different pet food formulas, including refrigerated and organic foods.
For many, pets are beloved members of the family, so making sure pets have what they need to lead
a long and healthy life is a must.
For this reason, many pet owners are even adding supplements to their pets' daily intake as a means of improving or protecting various aspects of their health. Just as you might take a daily multi-vitamin or other nutritional supplements, it's becoming more and more common for pets to take daily supplements as well.
For those interested in how to begin selling supplements for pets, there is a large market out there. But before you get started, there are some things you'll need to know, especially in regards to state and federal regulations on the pet supplement market.The State of the Pet Supplement Industry
While the all sectors of the supplement industry suffered a bit during the economic recession years ago, it's back in full swing, and the popularity of pet supplement products shows no signs of waning anytime soon. There are many reasons as to why this may be the case, aside from the economy picking up over the last few years. One key influence is the fact that pet owners are more attuned than ever to their pets' health and wellness, which is good news all around. It means pets are leading longer and healthier lives. And for the pet supplement industry, it has meant significant sales increases. In fact, between the years of 2005 and 2010 alone, "the percentage of dog and cat owners who purchased pet supplements and nutraceutical treats increased from 19% and 12% [...] to 31% and 22%."
Furthermore, by the end of 2017, pet supplement sales in the United States alone are expected to grow to around $1.6 billion.
With all this in mind, there has really never been a better time to break into the pet supplement market.
Popular Pet Supplements Private Label
So, just what types of supplements are the best selling among pet owners? This can vary from one pet species to the next, and there is also some variation among regions. Still, there are a few types of pet supplements that seem to out-perform the rest, so pet supplement manufacturers would do well to keep these in mind as they plan their production.
Digestive Support Supplements
Digestive support supplements for pets are also top sellers, especially as instances of gastrointestinal problems in pets is on-the-rise. Many of the same ingredients that can help humans with digestive issues are also safe for use in household pets, such as dogs and cats. Some examples of these ingredients include:
- probiotics
- digestive enzymes
- prebiotics
These ingredients aim to better balance the bacteria in the gut as well as neutralize stomach acids to cut back on indigestion, vomiting, and fatigue in pets.
Joint Health Supplements
Just like humans, many pets face joint health problems—especially as they age. Joint health issues are especially common in certain breeds of dogs, including larger breeds like German Shepherds.
Pets with joint health problems may have a hard time getting around. Dogs may be less active outside or even have trouble jumping onto their favorite couch, and cats may have trouble getting in and out of the litter box.
Fortunately, there are natural ingredients that can be taken in supplement form to improve joint comfort and overall range of motion. Specifically, an ingredient known as glucosamine has been found effective in supporting healthy joints throughout the aging process in pets and humans alike. It's no wonder, then, that joint health supplements make up about a third of the industry.
Weight Management Supplements
Obesity in pets in an increasingly common concern, especially as pet owners are becoming more educated and realizing that while chubby pets may look cute, they run the risk for serious health problems, a shortened life span, and decreased quality of life. With all of this in mind, many pet owners are now turning to weight management supplements to support healthy weight loss in pets. Carb-controlling supplements for dogs are an example of just one of many weight management supplements that are popular right now.
Understanding Regulations in the Pet Supplement Market
Those looking to get into the growing pet supplement industry will need to begin by knowing and following the regulations that are currently in place. As it stands, each of the 50 states currently has its own unique laws and regulations regarding the manufacturing and sale of pet supplements, which fall into the category of "animal feed." Still, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has a list of recommendations regarding the safe manufacture and distribution of pet food (including supplements). And while the AAFCO technically has no regulatory authority, many states base their regulations on their requirements, so it's worth becoming familiar with them.
Know the Regulations in Every State Where You Plan to Sell
In addition to becoming familiar with the AAFCO's recommendations, pet supplement manufacturers have a responsibility to know and follow regulations set forth by every single state in which they plan to sell their product. Most states will require you to either be registered or licensed in order to legally sell pet supplements or any other type of animal feed there. This can be a lengthy process, as there are many forms and steps involved. Furthermore, keep in mind that there will likely be licensure and/or registration fees that will need to be paid up-front.
Finally get supplement manufacturers who are planning on selling online and shipping to all states will need to be registered and licensed to sell in all states. You may also need to have your supplement labeling reviewed and approved by each state's licensing board, so plan ahead.
The pet supplement industry is booming, and sales are only expected to rise as pet owners become more serious than ever about their pets' health and wellness. By being aware of current industry trends and future projections, as well as following regulations, manufacturers stand to make great profits.
Sources: 1. https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/issues/2012-03/view_features/state-of-the-pet-supplement-industry
2. www.nutritionaloutlook.com/trends-business/growing-pet-supplements-market
