News Morinaga launches snacks for pet dogs and their owners

Morinaga & Co. said it will begin selling snacks that can be eaten by both dogs and their owners, marking its first move into pet products. The launch reflects a shift among pet owners, many of whom treat animals as family members and seek higher-quality, health-conscious food and treats.



The new items go on sale on 3 March. They include a "Mini Moonlight with dog" cookie priced at 356 yen and a pear-flavoured "Ice Box with dog" ice product priced at 432 yen. Both use the names of Morinaga's established sweets brands. The company cut fat and sugar and removed ingredients considered harmful to dogs. It has also developed frozen pancakes and jelly drinks for the line.

According to an estimate by Yano Research Institute Ltd, the pet market in fiscal 2025 grew 0.8 percent from a year earlier to 1.93 trillion yen. The market is expected to remain solid on strong demand for health-conscious products, including food for senior pets. Appearing at a launch event with his pet "Nono-chan," Eijiro Ota, chairman and CEO of Morinaga, said, "The pet market is extremely promising amid a declining birthrate and an aging population." Ota said the aim is to "create a world where pets and their families together can smile."

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