Recent reports from Beijing Business Daily highlighting sudden paralysis incidents among pets have reignited concerns over pet food safety that have persisted for nearly two years. Multiple consumers across China have reported that their cats exhibited symptoms of hindlimb weakness or paralysis, prompting veterinarians to investigate the long-term cat food they had been consuming. In some cases, changing the cat food led to a gradual improvement in the cats' health.
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The brands implicated in these incidents include Pure&Natural and Fregate, with Fregate, a premium product from Guabao Pet, noted for being consumed by 24.6% of the affected cats. Statistics gathered from over 1,000 samples indicated that 65.58% of sick cats consistently ate Pure&Natural. This situation has thrust both Guabao Pet and Shanghai Innopet into the center of public scrutiny.
Despite the apprehensions, no concrete quality issues have been identified with the pet food products from either brand. However, the media's engagement with the subject and the absence of a proactive public relations response over two years have left room for speculation and distrust.
Reports show that in recent years, the companies have not taken significant actions to address these concerns, aside from a verification announcement in 2025, and minor PR efforts that included removal of posts and hush payments. Such actions seem inadequate, intensifying public scrutiny rather than alleviating it.
The lengthy public opinion cycle has indicated a failure in crisis management. Proactive public relations that address consumer fears and restore brand trust are essential. Companies that ignored this principle risk losing customer loyalty. Comparatively, a response from Dongpeng Special Drink, which involved transparent communication and empathy, effectively countered negative perceptions without sacrificing brand integrity.
The ongoing discourse highlights that public opinion can have a substantial impact on performance, particularly within the competitive landscape of the pet food industry. Guabao Pet has witnessed declining profits despite escalating marketing expenditures. With concerns about pet food safety amplified by consumer dialogue in the digital age, maintaining consumer confidence has become more critical than ever.
Brands need to shift from reactive measures to proactive strategies that directly engage consumers. Experiences from brands in crisis, such as Great Wall ORA, illustrate the advantages of transparency and consumer engagement in resolving public distrust.
Looking forward, the pet food industry is at a critical juncture. Companies must prioritize R&D investments, adhere to high product standards, and embrace compliance as new regulations emerge. This shift is crucial for building a reputation that can withstand future challenges. Establishing robust quality controls not only cultivates brand loyalty but can also position leading firms to set industry benchmarks in an evolving regulatory landscape.