WellPet to Acquire Sojos

According to petfoodindustry.com, WellPet L.L.C., manufacturer of natural and pet health-focused pet foods, has acquired Sojos, a family-owned company that specializes in homemade freeze-dried pet food.

WellPet, based in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, says Sojos will continue to be based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Introduced in 1985, Sojos pioneered the fast-growing category of raw nutrition for pets.

WellPet says there will be no changes in the day-to-day operations of either company and Sojos co-owners Ward and Maggie Johnson will help with the transition.

“Ward and Maggie Johnson have built one of the most exciting brands in raw nutrition and a first class team and manufacturing facility,” said WellPet CEO Tim Callahan. “WellPet and Sojos share a mission to transform the lives of pets by providing the very best in natural nutrition and, now, our collaboration will enable them to grow and serve more pet families while staying true to the Sojos we know and love.”

The five brands now under the WellPet umbrella are Wellness, Holistic Select, Eagle Pack, Old Mother Hubbard and Sojos.

What Are Americans Feeding Their Pets and Why?

Pet Food Industry reported that according to GfK, sales of raw freeze-dried pet food increase 64% in the past year. Raw frozen pet food sales increased 32% in the same time period. These numbers clearly show that raw foods are becoming more popular with pet owners.

Allprovide (a pet food manufacturer) surveyed 1,826 pet owners in the United Sates asking about their pet food preferences, knowledge, and interests. Here are the summarized Allprovide study results:

• Thirty-three percent would be interested in feeding their 
  pets a fresh, raw food diet.
• 
  Forty-six percent said they hadn’t heard of the raw pet food diet prior to the survey.
• Thirteen percent of those surveyed already do feed their pets raw food.
• Pet health is the number one factor (94%) for consumers when choosing their pet’s food.
• Freshness and quality (89%) are the second motivating factors for purchase.
• Cost is the third consumer consideration (65%) in purchase.
• Eighty-nine percent of pet parents currently feed their pets processed foods and fillers.
• Twenty-three percent of those who feed their pets processed foods report their pets suffer from skin problems, arthritis, kidney problems or food allergies.
• The same number of respondents (23%) report that their veterinarians have suggested a change in diet to treat those illnesses.
• Thirty-three percent would prefer to have their pet food delivered on a regular schedule, as opposed to 
  buying it in-store.
• Fifty-five percent would prefer to give their pets fresh 
  food that can be served naturally or cooked.

While 33% of dog and cat owners are interested in feeding their pets a raw diet, several large organizations including the United States Food and Drug Administration and the American Veterinary Medical Association warn people about the potential dangers of raw food. In the end, only time will tell how the evolution of pet food develops and the long-term risks/benefits associated with different foods.    

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