Consumer Perception and Acceptance of Pet Food Products Made From Meat Sawdust in San Pedro, Laguna

Abstract

The increasing interest in sustainable and alternative protein sources has extended into the pet-food industry, prompting the exploration of unconventional ingredients such as meat sawdust. This quantitative study examined consumer perception and acceptance of pet food made from meat sawdust in San Pedro, Laguna. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 50 pet owners selected through purposive sampling. Respondents were required to be residents of San Pedro, at least 18 years old, own at least one pet, and voluntarily agree to participate. Descriptive statistics were used to measure awareness, perception, and acceptance, while Pearson correlation examined the relationship between perception and acceptance. Results indicate that only 30% of respondents had prior knowledge of meat-sawdust pet food. Despite low awareness, overall perception and acceptance levels were high (Perception Mean = 3.33; Acceptance Mean = 3.30). Environmental sustainability and price emerged as key factors influencing acceptance. A significant positive correlation between perception and acceptance (r = 0.60, p < 0.01) was found. Recommendations include conducting awareness campaigns, offering product samples, ensuring safety certification, and developing affordable pricing strategies. Future researchers may expand the sample size, explore actual purchasing behavior, or use qualitative approaches to gain deeper insights into consumer attitudes toward sustainable pet-food alternatives