Gourmet products and e-commerce driving pet food industry

Visitors at a pet food and necessities fair in Beijing. [Photo/VCG]

US-based Mars Inc, renowned for its confectionery, owns several pet food brands including Pedigree and Whiskas. Mars, which is now the leading pet food producer in China, recently entered the premium market with several brands such as Eukanuba, Sheba and Cesar.

"We started manufacturing Eukanuba locally in China last year," said Carrie Fang, a spokesperson for Mars Petcare. "We are looking forward to providing the pet owners in China with multiple choices by introducing our diversified premium pet food brands."

Li Fangning, a young professional living in Beijing, spends 600 yuan a month on average to buy nutrition and other pet care products for her Simba, a two-year-old Bichon Frise, a dog breed known for its curly spongy hair and small built.

Li feeds Simba a combination of homemade pet food and imported premium pet food products, low in additives.

"I think Simba has better food than I do," Li joked, adding her pooch's health is her priority.

Li notes premium products currently available in the market are still not adequate. Which is why she cooks special meals for Simba.