Dear Fellow Dog Enthusiasts: Did you know 56.7 million American households own dogs? According to an article published in The Wall Street Journal (5.28.2014) there is a growing trend among pet owners these days to feed their dogs (and cats) fresh food, much like the food people eat.

As a result of this shift, pet food companies have launched premium-priced products requiring humans to refrigerate, freeze, dice, heat and/or mix in additional ingredients like vegetables and meat.

U.S. sales of pet food in 2013 totaled an estimated $21 billion, up 24% since 2008, according to market research Packaged Facts. That’s big business! Over the next 18 months, Whole Foods says it plans to expand its selection of organic and animal welfare-rated pet food so the aisle looks more like one of its human-food aisles. Other new pet food companies include: The Honest Kitchen, Sojourner Farms, Freshpet and Merrick Pet Care.