Malaysia has witnessed a remarkable surge in pet ownership, mirroring a global trend where cats and dogs are embraced as cherished companions. According to Standard Insights’ Consumer Report Malaysia 2023, Malaysia's pet ownership market is projected to grow by nearly 70% by 2025 compared to 2016, reflecting a flourishing pet culture. However, as pet ownership expands, it brings forth new challenges for the pet food industry. One pressing issue is the practice of 'scooping', where pet owners select food from bulk bins, potentially posing risks to pet health and the overall product quality of pet food.

In an interview with Ms. Teh Meng Li, the Market Head of Royal Canin Malaysia, we explored the urgent matter of product quality and its symbiotic relationship with sustainability, along with innovative approaches to enhancing the quality of life for our beloved pets.

Ms. Teh highlighted Royal Canin's unwavering commitment to quality, stating, "Quality is at the heart of Royal Canin's ethos. We prioritise the needs of cats and dogs and refuse to be swayed by market trends. Lately, we've faced challenges related to scooping." Ms. Teh stressed the significance of this issue, quoting earlier statistics: "59% of adult cats experienced at least one health sensitivity in the past 12 months. This underscores the need to provide tailored nutrition."

Royal Canin has responded to challenges related to 'scooping' by proactively taking measures. Ms. Teh shared that they are constantly improving the packaging and portioning of their pet food. Their packaging not only maintains the freshness and quality of their pet diets but also contributes significantly to their sustainability initiatives. Sustainability has now become a core focus of Royal Canin's mission. In 2021, the company made a commitment to achieve carbon-neutral certification by 2025 as part of a 30-year carbon reduction plan. In a recent milestone this year, they proudly introduced their first product certified as carbon-neutral: the Kitten & Puppy range.

Royal Canin's perspective on packaging emphasises the interplay of quality and sustainability. According to Ms. Teh, packaging plays a crucial role in delivering top-notch products to their customers. It serves as a conduit for legal and nutritional information, sets their brands apart, and offers feeding recommendations. She also highlighted significant reductions in plastic bag thickness from 2007 to 2016, stating, "We saved 920 tonnes of plastic and 500 tonnes of paper. Our focus on sustainability is evident through such actions."

Ms. Teh reaffirmed Royal Canin's unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, emphasising their core principles that always place the well-being of pets at the forefront. They maintain an uncompromising stance on nutritional quality and food standards. Their packaging, meticulously fashioned from food-grade materials, undergoes rigorous sterilisation and cleaning procedures to guarantee hygiene and product freshness. Ms. Teh also stressed the significance of traceability in ensuring food quality. She pointed out that traceability not only fosters trust and confidence among pet owners but also allows for the identification of potential errors at every stage of production, from sourcing raw materials to managing the supply chain.

To underscore the importance of proper labelling and traceability, Ms. Teh mentioned, "Without adequate labelling, identifying ingredients becomes challenging, potentially endangering pets with allergies and sensitivities. Information about product expiry is essential for ensuring safety." As the conversation shifted towards solutions for pet owners, Ms. Teh addressed the benefits of mixed feeding. "Mixed feeding offers a superb solution for optimising a cat's quality of life," she asserted. "Cats have specific preferences for food based on smell and texture. Wet food aligns with their natural inclinations, promoting hydration and urinary system health, while dry food offers oral care benefits."

“In addition to mixed feeding, Royal Canin's Feline Care Nutrition range plays a vital role in enhancing pet nutrition and quality of life. This range is specially formulated to address cats' unique dietary needs, offering solutions for urinary care, hair and skin care, digestive care, and hairball care."

In conclusion, Ms. Teh emphasised that quality and sustainability are intertwined in Royal Canin's commitment to providing the finest nutrition for pets. "We're dedicated to addressing 'scooping' issues, refining packaging, and upholding the highest food quality and safety standards," she affirmed. "Through our innovative approach and focus on sustainability, we aim to enhance the lives of cats and dogs while safeguarding the planet for future generations."

For more information about Royal Canin Malaysia and their range of tailored pet nutrition, please visit www.royalcanin.com/my, mail Royal Canin Malaysia at [email protected], or WhatsApp +6017-2007664.