It’s all ‘pawsitive’! Pets really DO make us happier according to research

Nearly half of us believe that our four-legged friends make us feel ‘pawsitively’ happy and have serious mood-lifting powers according to research released today to mark National Pet Month (April).

A study of UK pet owners* commissioned by raw and natural food experts, Natures Menu has revealed that more than four fifths (83%) think that having a pet really does improve our general wellbeing.

Dogs come out on top as the best creature to make us feel the happiest (47%), followed by our feline friends (24%. Pets also topped the board for making men feel consistently happy (43%), followed by family (42%), friends (12%) and other (3%).

If we’ve had a bad day at work, spending time with your dog or cat can instantly soothe us and reduce anxiety levels with nearly 60% of us believing that they can make us feel more relaxed, and less stressed. Other ways they positively impact our health and happiness include their unconditional love and the fact that they are always happy to see us (54%), their cuddliness and enjoyment they provide outside of work (43%), and the sense of purpose and self-worth they give us (34%).

A pooch can also be good for our health as one in three of us (33%) admit that our furry-friends encourage us to go out for a walk and enjoy the great outdoors.

With 12 million UK households owning a pet**, here are the top five reasons why we decide to get a pet in the first place:
1. I’ve just always had a pet and can’t imagine not having one – 45%
2. The companionship and love that they give – 42%
3. My children or family wanted one – I gave in! – 31%
4. I wanted to rescue one from a local centre – 19%
5. The security and support they provide – 19%

Claire Miller, Head Vet at Natures Menu, said: “It’s widely known that animals do wonders for our emotional and physical health, so it’s great to see that as a nation we really do believe that they are great for our overall happiness. Whilst pets can help to boost our mood, of course, we also need to ensure that they are happy too. A diet that’s high in nutritional value and is balanced, combined with plenty of exercise will ensure that they thrive.

“Look out for a wagging tail in response to human contact from your pooch or a kitty settling on your lap. These are clear indications that you make your pet as happy as they make you!”

Natures Menu pet food is packed with real, human grade meat and perfectly balanced to meet your pet's nutritional needs. Its vet approved complete meals are free of added sugars and flavour enhancers and contain absolutely no fillers, meat meals or meat derivatives.

ENDS

*Research by The Leadership Factor conducted in March 2018 with 1,001 UK pet owners.
**Calculated using data of UK population of cats and dogs – PFMA Pet Population Report 2017.

For more information including case studies or imagery, please contact Lilly, Rose, Naomi, Emily, Emma or Janine on 0113 243 1117, or email naturesmenu@lucre.co.uk.

Notes to Editor

With over 35 years in the business and approved by vets, Natures Menu is Europe’s leading expert in raw and natural pet food. With raw dog and cat food made with quality meat and fish, blended vegetables, fruits and healthy carbohydrates, Natures Menu prides itself on using British suppliers and ethical product sources wherever possible.

Developed with a team of professional vets and pet food experts and produced to the highest standard, Natures Menu’s delicious selection from raw meaty bones to natural treats, cans and pouches, aims to satisfy the nutritional needs of our pets and provide them with a healthy diet that's packed full of pure, natural goodness, resulting in better digestion, balanced energy levels, fresher breath and alleviating skin problems.

As Europe’s largest raw food producer, Natures Menu has recently been awarded the Feefo Gold Award 2018 for its customer service for the second year running and was named one of the London Stock Exchange’s top 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain in 2017.

In 2018, Natures Menu launched True Instinct following a £2.8million investment in new technology at the company’s state of the art factory in Norfolk. The innovative range is made from premium quality meat, fish and natural ingredients – all inspired by cats and dogs’ true nature. True Instinct specialises in premium nutrition, is free from grain and gluten and only made with natural raw and raw-inspired ingredients including frozen raw bites, high meat raw boosted dry, high meat wet fillets, and freeze-dried raw meat and fish treats.

Natures Menu is a trusted brand for millions of consumers, processing and packing its products from its own production facilities in Norfolk and delivering direct to customers via its own fleet of freezer vans from local depots across the country. The Natures Menu range is stocked by a broad range of pet shops across the UK and is also available online via a number of e-commerce platforms.
www.naturesmenu.co.uk