As the competition between companies in all markets heats up, we attempt to provide clear information that you are able to see through the marketing gimmicks used by these companies so that you will be able to make an informed choice as to which pet food you purchase for your animal. Competition is a good thing, its the marketing they use that you need to be aware of and don't guarantee quality.
The Concerns of Pet Owners
On a personal level, those who are responsible for advertising pet food care about their pets as well as you do. As far as business is concerned, however, this same sentimentality can be identified as a primary reason that competition between pet food companies is made possible.
To begin with, pet food companies can capitalize on the desire of pet owners to buy the very best food for their pet. On the other hand, because the notion of what is best can often be such an ambiguous or ill-defined term, these same pet food companies can compete with each other by packaging their product with the metaphorical glossy ribbon, the illusion that what they are selling is the best that money can buy. Pet food companies are in competition as they strive to define what is best to potential buyers.
People Trust Labels
Another reason why competition between pet food companies is made possible also involves the ability to influence pet owners, many of whom are naive and put their faith in fancy sounding words. If one pet food company, for example, is successful because they describe the organic nature of their product, then another pet food company might jump on the competitive band wagon and describe their product as being especially good for older pets.
The focus which is put on the labels of pet food leads to the products' exclusivity and creates competition since these companies are constantly in search of news ways to influence pet owners. Consumers seem to want to trust the manufactured promises they find on pet food labels, promises that come in the form of dramatic and intelligent sounding words.
The Lifestyle of Pet Ownership
As stated, pet food companies can be in competition because consumers want to buy the best product for their pet. But, even if pet owners begin to realize which type of food their pet likes the most and want to stop buying pet food on the basis of colorful enticements, pet food companies can still be offered the chance to compete. This opportunity is based on the need for alternatives. The great variety of pet food illustrates this last point nicely.
Dog food companies know that pet owners might have a change in lifestyle that prevents them from buying their usual and more expensive brand of pet food. If one company refuses to lower its prices, therefore, another company can jump right in and be the logical alternative. Companies can compete because they realize that owners have developed a lifestyle around their pets and will continue to buy pet food in spite of changed circumstances.
In sum, the competition between pet food companies isn't a bad thing. But, by knowing why competition between pet food companies is made possible, you can approach buying pet food in a more informed way. You can begin to look for real quality instead of just settling for the promise of quality.
