Kiwoko analyses international trends in functional pet nutrition

On the occasion of World Food Day, celebrated every year on 16 October, Kiwoko, the largest specialist chain of pet care products in the Iberian Peninsula, analyses the international development of functional nutrition for pets. In recent years, this trend has gained momentum in markets such as the United States, Canada and the Nordic countries, where feed formulas focus not only on basic nutritional needs but also on specific health benefits. This trend is gradually being reflected in the Spanish market, which is opening up to new formats and combinations of ingredients, Kiwoko explains in a press release.

Ana Ramírez, technical director at Kivet, explains: ‘More and more pet owners are interested in formulas that offer specific benefits for digestion or the immune system. The information disseminated internationally is helping people to pay more attention to the composition of pet food and the role, that certain natural ingredients can play in animal health.’

In North America, animal protein-based feeds are being developed that are supplemented with fruit, vegetables and algae to aid digestion and reduce intolerances. In Northern Europe, adaptogens and roots with anti-inflammatory properties are being added, while in Asia there is an increase in products that focus on stress management or cognitive health through ingredients such as omega-3 or B vitamins.

In Spain, there are already products that follow these trends, such as Acana Pacífica, which combines fresh fish and vegetables to promote digestibility, or Orijen Six Fish Adult, which is made from six types of fish rich in proteins and fatty acids that are good for the skin and coat. Also worth mentioning are Natureats' natural snacks, such as Oreja de Vacuno Deshidratada (dehydrated beef ears) or Hueso de Jamón (ham bone), which are made without additives or colourings and take a natural approach to healthy chewing.

The popularity of functional nutrition is largely due to increased health awareness and preventive thinking. However, experts emphasise the importance of consulting a vet when selecting specific products or adding supplements. The effectiveness of each formula depends on factors such as dosage, bioavailability and the individual condition of each animal.

The growth of this category points to a future in which pet food will increasingly resemble human dietary habits, with a focus on quality, naturalness and individualisation. The inclusion of local superfoods such as olive oil or carob fruit offers the opportunity to develop local products with functional benefits and low environmental impact.

In this way, functional nutrition is establishing itself as an expanding international trend, whose development and local adaptation will continue to set the pace for the industry in the coming years.