Finding good food for your pets
Finding good food for your pets
Although owning companion animals like dogs or cats is still uncommon for most Indonesians, certain groups of people are willing to dedicate much of their time to their pets.
This might be the reason why the market for pet food, nutrition, health care and toys continues to increase from year to year.
"Even though the number of pet lovers is still small, many of them are willing to spend much money for the welfare and happiness of their pets," said Peter Arifin, director of PT Irama Ria, the sole distributor of U.S.-based Hartz pet products and accessories.
To make them healthy and happy, pets do not only need a nutritious diet but also routine beauty care treatments, exercise, stress-free toys and other accessories, he said.
Locally made or imported pet foods and toys can be found at local hypermarkets, pet shops and at some traditional markets.
The overseas brands of pet products and accessories available here include Hartz, Ferplast from Italy, Science Diet from the U.S., Pedigree from Australia and Rogz from South Africa, said Agus of the Tanjung Duren Pet Shop.
One of the few places selling foreign pet foods and accessories is Pet Corner on the first floor of Gajah Mada Plaza in Central Jakarta.
At Pet Corner there are 14 shops, each providing a broad range of pet products and accessories, such as pet food, flea and tick treatments, vitamins, shampoos, animal toys, clothes and leashes.
One shop employee said Pet Corner was usually packed customers on the weekend. "They come to us because we provide nutritious food that is easily prepared."
The shop assistant said that in addition to food products, customers also bought health and beauty care products for their pets. One such product is designed to kill and prevent fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
"The product is available in many different brands and it is up to customers to choose one," he said.
Vitamins for dogs and cats are very much in demand among pet owners. One of the vitamins, for instance, is made of liver, which is believed to aid in the maintenance of an animal's healthy skin and shiny coat.
To help their pets avoid stress, owners usually provide them with toys. For instance, there are puzzle playgrounds for hamsters and a variety of unique toys for dogs and cats.
For those who have a passion for dogs, there are several shops that specialize in the sale of dogs of different breeds, such as bulldogs, Labrador retrievers, rottweilers and Chihuahuas.
The price of the dogs varies, depending on the breed and age, though it generally ranges between Rp 2 million (about US$235) and Rp 6 million.
If you love cute hamsters, then you have numerous options. At Bona Pet Sop, for instance, you can find different kinds of hamsters such as golden hamsters from Syria and white and brown Campbells from Russia.
A golden hamster will cost you Rp 35,000 while a Russian hamster is priced at Rp 300,000.-- Sudibyo M. Wiradji