Year: 2025
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: The rapid expansion of the global pet food industry has intensified interest in understanding the factors shaping pet owners' purchasing decisions. This systematic literature review synthesises evidence from 40 peer-reviewed studies published between 2006 and 2024 to identify the key drivers of consumer behaviour toward commercial pet food. Following PRISMA guidelines, articles were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Findings reveal six main categories influencing purchasing behaviour: intrinsic and extrinsic product characteristics, psychological, biological and physiological, sociocultural, and situational factors. Product quality, ingredient composition, price, brand reputation, sustainability, and pet health status emerged as consistent determinants of choice. The review highlights that consumer behaviour toward pet food remains a developing research field with limited cross-regional studies and methodological diversity. Future research should expand geographically and explore the intersection of sustainability, pet welfare, and owner psychology in pet food decision-making.
Source: Animals
DOI: 10.3390/ani15223235
Institution: Scotland's Rural College
Language: English
Subfield: Marketing
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
OpenAlex ID: W4415998301