Pet Wants

The pet food industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by increasingly informed pet parents, a growing emphasis on nutrition, health and wellness and rapid innovation in food production and customization. As the director of nutrition programs at&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=pet-wants-key-trends-shaping-the-pet-food-industry-2730197" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pet Wants</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-rachu-6a133262?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=pet-wants-key-trends-shaping-the-pet-food-industry-2730197" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jeff Rachu</a> has spent decades watching the industry evolve and he’s confident that the next five years will redefine how we feed our pets.“Pet parents continue to move toward more natural products,” Rachu said. “They really want dry food and so forth that is natural — no dyes, colors or artificial flavors. They’re looking for higher-quality ingredients and staying away from byproducts and corn or wheat fillers. They want to see animal proteins as the first five ingredients because pets utilize those proteins best nutritionally.”<h2>From Kibble to Raw: The Rise of Less Processed Food</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a> boasts seven proprietary formulas of dog food, including chicken, lamb, turkey, white fish and salmon, as well as senior and puppy options. The brand also offers fresh cat food options, including adult cat, lean cat and kitten formulas. All Pet Wants pet food is prepared in small batches at low temperatures, with a goal of delivering the food to customers within weeks, instead of months. And instead of manufacturing its food in bulk, like most pet food brands, Pet Wants manufactures food every six to eight weeks. This ensures Pet Wants customers buy only the freshest pet food.&nbsp;This approach, combined with high-quality ingredients, results in a product that's far more nutritious and fresher than what's typically available. Pet Wants’ pet food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aafco.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Model_Bills_and_Regulations_Agenda_Midyear_2015_Final_Attachment_A.__Proposed_revisions_to_AAFCO_Nutrient_Profiles_PFC_Final_070214.pdf?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=pet-wants-key-trends-shaping-the-pet-food-industry-2730197" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AAFCO Pet Food Nutrient Profiles for “All Life Stages</a>.&nbsp;While traditional dry food will always play a role, Rachu said more consumers are now seeking minimally processed options.“Dry foods will always have a place in the pet industry,” he said. “But more and more people are looking for less processed foods, like freeze-dried raw products. Sure, they’re more expensive and less convenient, but people want them because they’re a healthier alternative.”Pet Wants recently launched its own&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-wraps-up-a-landmark-year-poised-for-even-greater-growth-in-2025-2728235">freeze-dried complete products</a> and single-ingredient treats, for example, using a flash-freezing process that never applies heat, preserving both flavor and nutritional value.Pet Wants has exacting standards when it comes to quality and food safety for all of its products, Rachu notes. “Every raw material gets tested, standards must be met and samples are taken from production runs and tested in third-party laboratories to ensure quality,” he said.<h2>Humanization and Supplements: Meeting Pets' Needs Like Family</h2>Another shift? The way we treat our pets. “Pet humanization is huge,” Rachu said. “People are treating their pets like their children. Whether their kids have grown up or they never had any, their dogs and cats are their family members and companions. As a result, they’re spending more and getting more educated about their pet’s health.”This shift is driving a boom in targeted pet supplements. “We take supplements for everything as humans, and now we’re doing the same for pets — especially for skin, coat and joint issues,” Rachu said. “Just about every pet company has a supplement line now and that’s only going to continue.”Pet Wants plans to expand its&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-leading-the-pack-with-proprietary-formulas-and-innovative-products-2726409">private-label supplement line</a> to meet those needs. Rachu also pointed to the growing popularity of CBD for pets, for example, while emphasizing the need for caution.“Pet CBD is gaining momentum, but you have to be careful,” he said. “Some products out there aren’t following the guidelines.”That’s why Pet Wants partners with trusted vendors like the well-known CBD brand&nbsp;<a href="https://petreleaf.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=pet-wants-key-trends-shaping-the-pet-food-industry-2730197" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pet Releaf</a>. Franchisees undergo training with these partners to ensure they can confidently educate customers.<h2>Private Label and Convenience: The New Pet Retail Model</h2>Another emerging trend: personalization and convenience.“More and more people are moving toward private label products,” Rachu said. “Pet parents want convenience. They want their food, treats and natural chews delivered to them — or they want the option to walk into a store. At Pet Wants, we live in all those spaces: e-commerce, retail and events.”That&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/how-pet-wants-franchisees-rapidly-grow-their-businesses-from-mobile-to-brick-and-mortar-locations-2726266">omnichannel approach</a> allows Pet Wants to meet customers wherever they are, with customized solutions and wellness guidance that go far beyond selling a bag of food.“We’re not just here to sell pet food,” Rachu said. “We’re here to offer solutions. We want to know: Does your pet have skin or coat issues? We have hair analysis tests that identify sensitivities, and our franchisees walk customers through that data to develop a tailored nutrition and supplement plan.”<h2>Franchisees as Nutrition Experts: The Pet Wants Difference</h2>What truly sets Pet Wants apart is its commitment to education, which is a direct response to customers wanting to know more about their pet's health.“Pet Wants franchisees go through hours and hours of nutrition training,” Rachu said. “We bring in top vendors, host monthly webinars and have more educational content on the franchisee’s intranet. It covers everything — how to sell digestive enzymes, pre and probiotics, even our own essential oil spa products. It’s always based on a pet’s specific needs.”This training transforms franchisees into&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/how-pet-wants-franchisees-are-building-stronger-relationships-with-pet-parents-2729211">trusted advisors in their local communities</a>. It’s all part of Pet Wants’ mission to provide lasting impact — not just through products, but through knowledge and partnership.“We are focused on preventative health care for your pet,” Rachu said. “Our owners know how to ask the right questions and make common-sense recommendations. We don’t diagnose or make medical claims, that’s a veterinarian’s job. But we can help customers avoid ingredients causing common issues and build a plan to keep their pet healthy and happy.”<h2>Innovating for Longevity and Wellness</h2>Looking ahead, Rachu believes innovation will remain key, in product development and customer support.“We are all about prevention,” he said. “We want to keep innovating, whether it’s food, supplements or wellness tools. We do things differently than other pet retailers. Our focus is on truly understanding nutrition.”To learn more about Pet Wants and explore franchise opportunities, visit:<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/">&nbsp;https://1851franchise.com/petwants/</a>. &nbsp;

Pet Wants: The Future of Pet Food – Trends & Nutrition

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From freeze-dried diets to customized health and wellness plans, Pet Wants is paving the way for healthier pets and happier families.

This brand page has been paid for by PET WANTS. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Pet Wants: Key Trends Shaping the Pet Food Industry

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For entrepreneurs looking to enter&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/why-pet-wants-is-winning-best-in-show-in-the-booming-pet-food-industry-2720462">the booming pet industry</a>, it can be difficult to distinguish the meaningful opportunities from the noise. With mobile-only concepts on one end of the spectrum and massive big-box pet retailers on the other, not every model fits what many new business owners are truly looking for: a scalable investment, a manageable entry point and a mission-driven brand that prioritizes quality.According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/petereberly">Peter Eberly</a>, vice president of brand development,&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a> stands out because it hits all the right notes at once.“When I think of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a>, there are a lot of other pet franchises out there,” Eberly said. “But the brand really falls into a sweet spot. There are a lot that are mobile-driven - like dog grooming or poop pickup - that are fairly low-cost. But then there are the really big box retailers with brick-and-mortar locations. Those have a huge entry price point. I always say Pet Wants fills the middle ground there.”<h2>A Business Model That Occupies the Perfect “Middle Ground”</h2>Eberly says the ability to combine an approachable investment with a community-centered retail model is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-pet-wants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722308">one of Pet Wants’ most strategic strengths</a>.“It’s pretty affordable as a point of entry,” he said. “There is a brick-and-mortar component to it, but it's more of a hometown, mainstream boutique brick-and-mortar shop. It’s more approachable and less scary than the bigger brands.”This “boutique but accessible” positioning has become one of Pet Wants’ strongest differentiators — especially in a market where pet parents increasingly want expertise, transparency and personal connection.“It fits a really nice sweet spot there and is really all about the food and the product,” Eberly said. “The brand’s calling card is the fresh, healthy food that is made in small batches and slow cooked. It is delivered fast; it isn’t sitting on the shelf for a while.”That&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/the-fresh-food-revolution-why-now-is-the-best-time-to-invest-in-pet-wants-2728610">emphasis on fresh, nutrient-rich food</a> is why so many franchisees originally discovered the brand as customers. “So many owners are folks who found the brand as a consumer,” he said. “Their pet had some issues and they found the Pet Wants product and became an advocate for themselves. They wanted to share that and start their own business in the space.”<h2>A Two-Phase Model That Lets Owners Build Revenue From Day One</h2>Beyond its product differentiation, Eberly says&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/how-pet-wants-franchisees-rapidly-grow-their-businesses-from-mobile-to-brick-and-mortar-locations-2726266">Pet Wants’ two-phase business model</a> is one of the most compelling reasons to invest.“Another differentiator is that we have this two-phase approach — you can start mobile, getting the name out in the community, drive revenue and build a client list and a customer base as you get ready to build the brick-and-mortar store,” he said.In an industry where traditional retail concepts often require months of buildout without revenue, this structure allows franchisees to generate cash flow while also laying the groundwork for long-term scalability.“It’s very different than other pet retail franchises, where revenue isn’t typically coming in as you start the business,” Eberly said. “That is a huge differentiator and advantage.”<h2>A Personalized, Educational Retail Experience</h2>Pet Wants stores aren’t designed to mirror high-traffic discount pet chains. Instead, they intentionally operate like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-as-a-lifestyle-brand-building-a-franchise-around-pet-health-wellness-2730102">trusted neighborhood nutrition centers</a>.“The owners who have been successful here are the ones who are passionate about improving the lives of pets in their community,” Eberly said. “If you think of that main-street, boutique feel, the pet and the pet owners come to learn about what might make their dog or cat healthier. There is a personal relationship component to the brick-and-mortar piece. It is much more personalized than a typical retail environment.”This approach aligns with the brand’s larger mission: helping pet owners access healthier nutrition, better education and a more meaningful shopping experience. Franchisees are encouraged — and trained — to become local experts, not just retailers.<h2>A Support Network That Sets Owners Up for Success</h2>Eberly says that what happens behind the scenes is just as important.“Our owners are really passionate about pets; they found the brand as consumers originally,” he said. “They are believers in the product and there is a strong network of other owners who have built this network of sharing best practices and the like.”This combination of corporate support and franchisee-to-franchisee collaboration creates an environment where new owners never feel alone and where collective learning accelerates individual success.<h2>A Growing Brand With Momentum and Room To Scale</h2>As the pet industry continues its rapid expansion,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/leadership-team-2730456">Pet Wants is well-positioned for significant continued growth</a>. Eberly believes the brand is perfectly aligned with what modern pet parents are demanding.“We are a growing brand that has seen some nice momentum,” he said. “But we think along with the macro trends, our type of pet franchise is set for major growth. That health trend, even in the pet space, makes us feel like we have the wind at our back around our concept. We are growing, but have plenty of room to expand and help other communities.”At its core, Pet Wants attracts individuals who are passionate about animals and eager to make a meaningful impact on their community while also building a scalable business with strong earning potential.Ready to build a business rooted in purpose, passion and pet health and wellness? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a> to learn more about franchising with Pet Wants.

Investing in Pet Wants: What Makes This Franchise Opportunity Different?

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Pet Wants Redefines Customer Experience in Pet Industry

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Running a pet-based business can be deeply rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. From standing out in a crowded marketplace to managing inventory, educating customers and building trust with pet parents, success in the pet industry requires more than just a love of animals. For&nbsp;<a href="https://petwantsfranchise.com/">Pet Wants</a> franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-brascetta-aa376126">Pam Brascetta</a>, overcoming those hurdles has been a learning process rooted in passion, perseverance and the right support system behind her.Now in her third year as a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">Pet Wants</a> franchisee in New Jersey, Brascetta knows firsthand how demanding — and fulfilling — pet-based entrepreneurship can be.“I’ve always had a passion for pets, and I love to be busy,” she said. “What really resonated with me when I started researching Pet Wants was how aligned the brand felt with how I approach my life. When I learned the story of how it began and saw the benefits of the food, it really drew me in further.”<h2>Standing Out in a Crowded Pet Market</h2>One of the biggest challenges facing any pet business owner today is competition. Big-box retailers, online marketplaces and subscription-focused brands dominate the space, making it difficult for independent operators to stand out. For Brascetta, that challenge was magnified by the fact that Pet Wants was not yet well known in her market.“This area was not familiar with Pet Wants,” she said. “So it was really about educating the consumer — not just about the product, but about the quality of the product and why it matters.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-key-trends-shaping-the-pet-food-industry-2730197">Pet Wants’ small-batch, proprietary nutrition model</a> gave her a powerful differentiator. Rather than competing on price or convenience alone, Brascetta was able to focus on education, personalized service and outcomes.“We’re very comprehensive and take a holistic approach,” she said. “We want pets to be at their best. That means having engaging, ongoing communication with customers to see how their pets are doing and guiding them through the process.”<h2>Managing Inventory and Learning What Sells</h2>Another common pain point for pet business owners, according to Brascetta, is inventory management. “The biggest challenge in the first year was getting a good grip on purchasing and inventory,” she said. “What sells? What doesn’t sell? That’s all a learning process.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/how-pet-wants-franchisees-rapidly-grow-their-businesses-from-mobile-to-brick-and-mortar-locations-2726266">Pet Wants’ mobile-first model</a> plays a key role in helping franchisees overcome that challenge. By starting with farmers markets, pop-up events and local community gatherings, owners can test products, gather feedback and better understand customer preferences before scaling further.“You’re doing a lot of mobile retail events, and you’re learning every single day,” Brascetta said. “You have to figure out what events are worth it, how you want to present yourself and where your time is best spent. You’re constantly making judgment calls.”<h2>The Importance of Education and Systems</h2>For Brascetta, one of the most significant differences between Pet Wants and her previous franchise experience has been&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/investing-in-pet-wants-franchise-opportunity-2731087">the level of support offered by the franchisor.</a> “Many years ago, I owned a different franchise and I didn’t get the support I really needed,” she said. “That’s ultimately why I sold it.”With Pet Wants, she says the difference has been clear from the beginning.“I loved that I could communicate and ask questions when I needed to,” Brascetta said. “The quality, the branding, the passion of the Brand Team at Pet Wants HQ and the high standards really stood out to me.”That support extends well beyond onboarding. Pet Wants provides ongoing education, operational guidance and access to a broader franchisee network, all of which are critical in a business with as many moving parts as pet nutrition.“The Pet Wants Brand Team enables you to learn as much as you want,” Brascetta said. “You gain so much knowledge, and that helps you feel confident when you’re helping pet parents find solutions.”<h2>Building the Right Team and Leaning on Them</h2>As the business grows, so does the need for help. Brascetta emphasizes that running a pet-based business isn’t something most owners can (or should) do alone.“It’s better to do this if you have support behind you,” she said. “You’re going to need some help. There are so many moving parts and so many things to get done, so you need people you can delegate responsibilities to.”Pet Wants’ model allows franchisees to grow at a pace that makes sense for them. That flexibility&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/pet-wants-as-a-lifestyle-brand-building-a-franchise-around-pet-health-wellness-2730102">helps owners avoid burnout while still maintaining high service standards</a>.<h2>Passion Is the Non-Negotiable</h2>Despite the systems, training and support in place, Brascetta is clear that one factor matters above all else: passion.“You really have to live and breathe pets,” she said. “I wake up every day because of the pets. That’s what keeps me going.”She’s also candid about the realities of entrepreneurship, particularly in the early years. “It’s going to take time financially,” Brascetta said. “You have to bear with it and push through. If you’re not truly passionate about caring for animals, this might not be the right thing for you.”For pet lovers like Brascetta who are willing to put in the work, Pet Wants helps transform the most common challenges of pet-based business ownership into opportunities for growth.&nbsp;For more information on franchising with Pet Wants, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info">https://1851franchise.com/petwants/info</a>.

How to Overcome the Common Challenges of Running a Pet-Based Business

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Pet Wants: Key Trends Shaping the Pet Food Industry

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