With a growing number of pet owners in India, pet owners are increasingly concerned about the health and nutrition of their animals. Recognizing this trend, a reputed dog food brand with a mission to raise the nutritional standards of pets in India collaborated with MarketGenics.co to conduct a two-bowl test. The objective of the test was to evaluate new product formulations. Leveraging this insight, the brand’s products must meet the highest standards of animal satisfaction and owner approval.

Brand Mission

The brand’s focus on scientific formulations, natural ingredients and transparency highlights its commitment to improving pet health and welfare. By making high-quality pet food more accessible, the brand aims to strengthen the bond between pets and owners, making mealtimes not just about nutrition but also about joy and connection.

Objective of the study

MarketGenics.co worked closely with the client to design and conduct a study with the following objectives:

• Assess Pet Preference: Understand the food preferences of pet dogs when presented with two food options simultaneously.
• Collect feedback from pet owners: Gather valuable insights from pet owners about their pets’ behavior, enthusiasm and acceptance of food options.
• Compare pet profiles: Determine if there are differences in preferences based on pet profiles (breed, size, eating habits etc.).

Methodology

The two-bowl test (product test) was conducted in Hyderabad on a carefully selected group of 30 pet dogs. The study was designed to minimize bias and ensure reliable results.

Preparation and Approval

• Pet owners were informed of the design and objective of the test.
• It was approved to offer food samples to pets as their first meal of the day to allow for a fair assessment of appetite and preference.

Step by Step implementation

Offering samples A and B

• On the first day, samples A and B were offered to each dog simultaneously in two separate bowls.
• Observations such as which sample was preferred, how much was consumed and how enthusiastic the pet was were recorded.
• Feedback from owners regarding their pets’ behavior, such as excitement or hesitation, was also noted.

Offering samples C and D

• After a two-day break to allow the pets to acclimate, samples C and D were offered using the same protocol.
• Data on owner preference, intake and observations were again collected.

Data Collection and Analysis

Feedback collected included:

• Food Intake: The amount consumed by each sample.
• Preference Patterns: Which sample was chosen first and whether it was consumed completely.
• Owner Insights: Additional observations regarding the pets’ excitement, digestion and well-being.

Key Findings

• Strong Preferences Observed: The majority of dogs showed clear preferences between the food options, with certain compositions eliciting more enthusiasm.
• Impact of Natural Ingredients: Samples containing high levels of natural ingredients received positive feedback from both pets and their owners.
• Different Preferences for Different Profiles: Differences in preferences have been observed across different breeds and sizes. Smaller dog breeds seem to be more picky, while larger breeds showed consistent enthusiasm across all samples.
• Positive Feedback from Owners: Pet owners appreciated the transparency of the test and provided insightful comments about their pets’ behavior after meals.

Conclusion

The two-bowl test enabled the brand to gain key insights into pet preferences, enabling them to refine recipes and tailor products to suit the needs of their furry customers.  At MarketGenics.co, we specialize in developing and running customized product tests to help brands make informed decisions. Whether it’s pet food or human food, our methods are tailored to deliver actionable insights.