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. With In The New York Times Magazine: Organic pet food
Posted Under: Consumed
SCARING UP DEMAND
How a food panic can change our habits — for a while, anyway.
Just about a year ago, tainted food killed more than a dozen dogs and cats around the United States, and a massive recall involved more than 100 varieties of edible pet products from a range of big-selling brands. As the crisis snowballed, there was a lot of talk about how the recall had given a boost to the sellers of natural, organic or raw pet foods, as panicked consumers sought safe alternatives.
In fact, such brands reported that sales had doubled or tripled or better, while news accounts said that mainstream brands were scrambling. A fundamental shift in mass-market consumer behavior seemed to be under way.
Was it?
Read the column in the March 2, 2008 issue of The New York Times Magazine, or here.
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Reader Comments
The dog and cat food crisis was a wake up call in my household. After reading extensively how even “premium” pet food is made, especially the rendering process, I began cooking for my 2 dogs and cat. And since it was too much trouble to cook separately for myself, I started eating what I cooked for them. Whole foods. I’ve lost weight; they look terrific, with big, furry coats. Recidivism? My cat refused almost everything so he’s now on grain-free dog food. When I’m in a big hurry I supplement the dogs’ homecooked meals with a raw meat product that comes in frozen patties. I’ve read voluminously about nutritional needs for them and think they are healthier than ever before, and I’m much relieved. My sympathies go out to those whose pets became very sick or died.