Tesco has become the first UK retailer to offer a complete range of fresh pet food with the launch of its Freshpet range.
The move to launch the Freshpet products follows what Tesco describes as growing demand for posh food treats for cats and dogs at the supermarket, particularly over the Christmas period.
During the festive season Tesco saw a 100% rise in demand for luxury festive meals and foodie treats for cats and dogs such as pigs in blankets, three bird roasts and mince pies.
Tesco also says it has seen the demand for high quality dog and cat food from natural and organic pet food soar by more than 20% with two million products sold.
Tesco pet food buyer Paul Jones said: “We are seeing a real shift with customers looking for similar high quality food credentials for their pets, as they have for themselves.
“Our Freshpet food range is about offering customers a high quality alternative to everyday pet food.”
Initially trialled in a handful of stores last summer the range has proved to be popular with pet owners so it is now being rolled out to 300 stores.
There are ten products in the Freshpet range at Tesco which include Chicken, Vegetable and Brown Rice Dog Food; Chicken, Spinach and Potato Dog Food; and Chicken, Beef and Vegetable Cat Food.
Prices range between £3 and £13.50, depending on size of pack.
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