Pets May Soon Live Longer & Stronger With Cranberries

WAREHAM, Mass., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Fido and Fluffy may soon see more naturally beneficial ingredients like cranberries in their pet food. New research suggests that pet food manufacturers will increasingly add cranberries to their products to take advantage of the health benefits recognized by dog and cat owners.

The study, conducted by Dr. Nora Ganim Barnes of the Center for Business Research at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, surveyed 44 North American pet food manufacturers, roughly half of the industry. Currently, 38 percent of respondents use cranberries in their pet foods, and 89 percent of current users say the reason why is health. Looking into the future, 60 percent of study participants said that they would definitely or probably increase the amount of cranberries that they use in their products.

Cranberries contain a unique bacteria-blocking mechanism, known as antiadhesion, which may prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other conditions in humans. Dogs also frequently suffer from UTIs, and cats often experience inflammation of the urinary tract that can produce UTI-like symptoms. The American Animal Hospital Association notes that this is a serious health problem, and suggests that consumers try mixing one to two ounces of cranberry juice into the pet's food as a preventative measure. Cranberries also contain heart-healthy antioxidants, also frequently added to pet food products.

David Farrimond of the Cranberry Marketing Committee commented, "We often hear of consumers pouring in a little cranberry juice into their pet's food for UTI prevention. It's great that the pet food industry is showing such an interest in making these folks' day-to-day routine easier. Looking at the research study, we're heartened to see pet food manufacturers' level of interest in adding cranberries into pet food."

Our love of pets translates into major sales for the pet food industry. According to American Demographics magazine, America has 60 million dogs and 75 million cats. Dr. Barnes' study notes that, in 2003, American pet owners spent nearly $13 billion on pet food, and that is projected to increase to $16.7 billion by 2008.

For more information on cranberries' health benefits and delicious recipes for all the humans at the table, please visit http://www.uscranberries.com/.