Mars launches national campaign urging Indian pet parents to shift from plate to bowl

Mars Petcare India has rolled out a powerful awareness campaign under its PEDIGREE® and WHISKAS® brands urging Indian pet owners to rethink how they feed their furry family members. Titled “Feed Them Like Cats and Dogs,” the campaign addresses a widespread issue—pets in India are often fed human food, leading to nutritional imbalances.

Backed by a survey of veterinarians across India, the campaign highlights that 9 in 10 pets lack proper nutrition, with most vets recommending complete and balanced packaged pet food. Key findings revealed that 91% of vets endorse packaged food for precision in calorie and nutrient balance, and 88% agree home-cooked food is nutritionally inadequate for pets.

Dr. Umesh Kallahalli noted the growing love for pets but emphasized the dangers of emotionally driven feeding practices. Mars Petcare India’s leadership echoed this, calling for a shift from emotional to informed feeding, backed by scientific understanding. In Kolkata, pet stores and veterinary clinics have begun prominently featuring the campaign. With increasing urban pet ownership, demand for packaged nutrition is rising, signaling a transformation in how the city’s pet parents are caring for their companions.