Not Just A Saying: New Survey Confirms Dogs Really Are Man's Best Friend

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Relationships between dogs and their owners are reaching new levels – the 2016 Beneful® National Dog Week survey reveals that nearly all American dog owners surveyed consider their beloved pups a part of their family (97 percent) and one of their best friends (93 percent). In honor of National Dog Week (September 18-24), Beneful and its Friends of Beneful partners nationwide are helping dogs and their owners celebrate a happy and healthy week together by sharing inspiring personal stories, tips and giveaways online.

Survey Findings

Does your dog understand you? Do you both appreciate an afternoon snuggle? If so, you're not alone. Here's what surveyed dog owners had to say about their relationships with their four-legged friends: 

• A Relationship Like No Other. Nearly all dog owners surveyed agree their dogs are part of their family (97 percent) and one of their best friends (93 percent).
• You Get Me. Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of dog owners surveyed agree their dogs understand them like no human could, up from 58 percent in a 2015 survey.
• Strike a Pose. More than half of dog owners surveyed (54 percent) agree their dogs love having their pictures taken.
• What Makes Fido Happy? According to surveyed dog owners, the activities they agree make their dogs happiest include:

1.   Mealtime (95 percent)
2.   Going on walks (93 percent)
3.   Eating dog treats (93 percent)
4.   Chewing a dog bone (88 percent)
5.   Snuggling (85 percent)
6.   Riding in the car (78 percent)
7.   Playing fetch (77 percent)
8.   Going to the dog park (72 percent)
9.   Running/jogging with someone (71 percent)
10. Being brushed/groomed (63 percent)

Healthful. Flavorful. Beneful.

Topping the list is the moment food hits the bowl, with nearly all dog owners surveyed agreeing that their dogs are happiest during mealtime. Beneful helps keep dogs healthy and happy by offering a variety of dry and wet dog foods that have a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients, quality nutrition and great taste with a variety of textures. The Beneful team recently released new recipes across its dry food line, now offering beef and chicken dry dog food recipes with real beef or chicken as the first ingredient, all with the same great Beneful taste that keeps millions of dogs running back to the bowl day after day.

"At Beneful, we know all about the strong bond shared by dogs and owners, as well as the joys that relationship brings," said Kristen Edler, of the Beneful team and best friend to her mixed breed rescue named Frigo. "We're dog owners and lovers too and are proud to play such an important role in keeping our best friends on four legs healthy and happy – not just during National Dog Week, but 365-days a year."

Follow the Celebrations with #FriendsOfBeneful

Joining in the National Dog Week celebration will be ten of the brand's Friends of Beneful partners, who will honor their own four-legged buddies and share how they'll celebrate a healthy and happy week:

• @3Bulldogges
• AMomsTake.com
• ItsALovelyLife.com
• LadyandtheBlog.com
• MiCocinaRapida.com
• MommysMemorandum.com
• ThisMamaLoves.com
• TheTaylor-House.com
• TheSimpleParent.com
• ThriftyNiftyMommy.com.

Follow and join the conversation with #NationalDogWeek and #FriendsOfBeneful on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter – and look for special opportunities from these blogs to win a one-year supply of Beneful's new dry dog food recipes. You can also follow the Beneful team on Facebook via Facebook.com/Beneful, or @Beneful on Twitter or Instagram. To learn more about Beneful foods and treats, visit Beneful.com/Products.

2016 Beneful National Dog Week Survey Methodology

The 2016 Beneful National Dog Week Survey presents the findings of an online survey conducted by Toluna from September 1-5, 2016 among a sample of 1,166 American dog owners, ages 18+. The margin of error for a sample of this size is ± 3% at a 95% level of confidence.

About Beneful Brand Dog Food

Manufactured by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, Beneful brand dog food offers a full line of wet and dry formulas that offer a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premier global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness.

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SOURCE Beneful