Gourmet products and e-commerce driving pet food industry

A man passes by a giant cat food advertisement at a pet food and necessities fair in Beijing. [Photo/China Daily]

Customized pet birthday cakes enjoy high demand. Song produces more than 1,000 pieces every month.

Confections made with chicken meat are the most popular on the menu. But pet owners can also choose from a wide variety of ingredients such as beef, duck, vegetables and salmon.

Macaroons, cookies and cupcakes specially made to tickle dogs' tastebuds are also available.

Song expects this year's sales to soar as demand for premium and gourmet pet food products is on the rise.

Paopao exemplifies the two trends that are changing the pet food industry in China: The strong emergence of gourmet products and the increasing popularity of online retailing.

Industry experts said that Chinese consumers are now looking for healthful and pricier treats for their pets, thanks to awareness that pets need food with specific nutritional value.

Dog and cat populations have witnessed steady growth in China in the past five years. And sales of pet food products have almost doubled in the same period.