At least one demographic isn't feeling the burn of a tough economy: pets. Instead of cutting back, dogs and cats are living large—at least when it comes to fine dining. Pet food companies are offering meals fit for a king, such as egg soufflé for cats; a lobster consommé for dogs featuring chicken, brown rice, and sweet potato; and comfort food like "Grammy's Pot Pie" from the family firm Merrick, the New York Times reports.
Families making more than $100,000 a year "might cut back on a new car or taking a trip around the world, but they won’t skimp on their pets," says the head of a food company. Such treats account for just 5% of the pet-food market, but that represents a fair chunk of cash when you consider the market's size—some $19 billion. What's more, so-called "super premium" pet food can carry a 40% profit margin. The trend ranges from big firms like Purina to family companies that saw big dividends after 2007's pet food recall. Click through for the amusing full article. (More dog food stories.)
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