GoKawiilRoyal Canin Uses 160 Cats and Dogs to Taste-Test Premium Pet Food
At a Royal Canin research facility in France, roughly 160 cats and dogs sample pet food formulas while nutritionists track their preferences, behavior and stool quality to refine recipes. The work comes as U.S. cat food spending topped $17 billion over the past year, up 14% from two years prior, according to The New York Times.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The spending surge suggests pet owners are prioritizing premium food even amid broader inflation, reflecting what some economists call a K-shaped economy where discretionary cuts happen before pet-related ones. Mars-owned Royal Canin's research into aging cats' changing taste perception—retained sensitivity to bitterness despite fading taste buds—could shape how companies market specialized food to a growing population of middle-aged pandemic-era pets.
- Royal Canin tests food preferences using about 160 cats and dogs at a French research center.
- U.S. cat food spending exceeded $17 billion in the past year, a 14% rise over two years.
- Mars researchers found cats retain bitterness sensitivity as they age even as other taste perception fades.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet — Royal Canin Veterinary Diet offers specialized nutrition tailored to aging cats, helping them stay healthy and satisfied. With a focus on taste and health, this premium brand aligns perfectly with the industry’s move toward personalized pet foods, making it a smart choice for pet owners who want the best for their feline friends.
See Royal Canin Veterinary Diet on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: entrepreneur.com — Jon Small, 2026-10-09
Published there as: “These Cats and Dogs Have the Best Job Ever: Taste-Testing Pet Food for a $17 Billion Industry”
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