WICHITA, KAN. — Cargill on Feb. 23 launched The Chompery, a new brand of “butcher-quality” dog treats that will be sold in the meat aisles of grocery stores. The treats are single-ingredient, all natural products that are sourced and manufactured in the United States.
The Chompery line includes long-lasting chews, bones and treats to cover the gamut of treating occasions. The treats are slow-roasted to enhance palatability, according to Cargill.
“Dog owners have so many reasons to treat their pets,” said Kelsie Reuter, marketing manager for Cargill. “Whether they are training a pup, rewarding their dog for good behavior or keeping them entertained while busy, dog owners require the right type of treat. The Chompery was developed with a variety of all natural, single-ingredient products, so dog owners can have a treat on hand that they feel good about feeding their pet on any occasion.”
The launch overlaps with increased demand for pet treats, especially as more pet owners continue to work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In April 2020, Cargill conducted a study in which 18% of dog owners reported feeding their dogs more treats, and 12% said they were giving them more chews and bones.
Additionally, Cargill’s new pet treat line meets consumer demands for more domestically produced products, products that are more easily digested and those that are natural.
According to market research firm Packaged Facts, roughly 65% of pet treat purchases are unplanned. Cargill hopes to capture some of these sales by enticing pet owners in the meat aisles of the grocery retail channel. The Chompery treats will be available in the United States and Canada.