329 Why kennel and cattery food preference trials may not predict pet preferences in home?

Abstract

Abstract Paired preference trials conducted in kennels and catteries have been the gold standard for measuring food preferences of dogs and cats for decades. Kennel and cattery environments control for numerous confounding variables and collect precise measurements. The qualities that bring great precision to paired preference trials conducted in kennel and cattery environments also lower the external validity of their findings. Many pet food manufactures become frustrated when a finding of “no significant difference”, or even a “win,” found for food preference in a kennel and cattery environment becomes a loss when “pet enjoyment/liking” is measured in-home. I will cover key differences in the participants, conditions, and measures that likely account for such divergent findings. I will discuss advantages of early in-home product assessment for dog and cat product enjoyment/liking. Lastly, I will present new methods that can be applied to product trials conducted in kennel and cattery environments to increase the external validity of their findings.