New Research Report Reveals Paradox in Dog Owners’ Approach to Pet Health and Wellness

Get Joy, a holistic dog wellness company based in Norwalk, Conn., has released a new research report titled “Chasing our Tails: When it Comes to Maximizing our Dog’s Health and Wellness, Are We Just Running in Circles?” The report delves into the paradox between the intentions of dog owners and the actual actions they take to improve their pet’s health.

The report is based on data from a survey of 1,000 dog parents across the United States, with an equal split between men and women. The survey, conducted by global market research company Torfac from Feb. 1 to 5, 2024, revealed some interesting insights.

Despite dog owners believing they take better care of their dogs than themselves, with 51.8% ranking their dog’s health as excellent compared to only 29.2% for themselves, the most popular actions taken by dog owners did not revolve around enhancing nutrition or diet. Instead, activities such as exercise, socialization, and sleep were prioritized.

Nutrition, however, plays a crucial role in a dog’s overall wellness, according to Brett Levitzke, DVM, veterinary advisor at Get Joy. Simple changes in a dog’s diet can have a profound impact on their health.

Fresh dog food formulas have gained popularity among consumers seeking to improve their pet’s health. Despite this, the majority of survey respondents are not feeding their dogs fresh food, opting for dry food or a combination of dry and wet formats instead.

While 83% of dog parents claim to be confident about the ingredients in their dog’s food, only 58% could name three ingredients within the formula. This lack of awareness highlights the disconnect between intention and action when it comes to providing optimal nutrition for pets.

The report also sheds light on the growing trend of formulas targeting gut health in dogs. While a majority of respondents are familiar with gut health and its benefits, only 12% are actually feeding their dogs foods that promote gut health.

Despite these findings, the report shows that most dog parents are willing to make changes to their dog’s nutrition to extend their life. Seventy-four percent would consider feeding their dog fresh food, 65% would provide supplements, and 38% would opt for organ-based treats.

Tom Arrix, founder and CEO of Get Joy, emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps to improve a dog’s overall wellness. By providing a holistic approach to dog wellness, Get Joy aims to help dog families align their intentions with their actions and ultimately enhance the quality of life for their furry companions.