Mars Petcare Academy, China's first pet nutrition education platform, was opened at the Mars plant in Beijing's suburban Huairou district.

Mei Jianxun, head of Mars Petcare Academy, said the establishment of MPA will help to systematically promote understanding of pet nutrition, as well as enable pet owners in China to better identify with pets’ nutritional needs and conduct scientific feeding.

“According to our latest survey, there are less than 3 percent of pet owners in China who feed their pets with professional pet food that is specifically designed to cater for pets’ unique nutritional needs. The figure is far lower than that in the United States and Europe, which is more than 85 percent,” Mei said.

“Lack of knowledge of Chinese pet owners in pet nutrition, misconceptions, and inappropriate feeding methods can lead to many health problems for pets.”

Mei said because the pet industry in China is still in its infancy, owners have some common misconceptions with regard to feeding their pets, however, the opening of MPA will enhance the level of understanding of pet nutrition among Chinese pet lovers and professionals in the industry.

“There are 60 million dogs and cats in China, but the calorie conversion is 3 percent in contrast to 85 percent in advanced countries. This is a shared challenge for both Mars Petcare and the pet care industry as a whole in China and offers a huge potential and great opportunity for all of us,” said Mark Andrews, general manager of Mars Petcare (China).

“We are highly confident that with all our credible resources and the support of the leading authority of Waltham Pet Nutrition Center as well as 70 years global experience of Mars Petcare, Mars Petcare Academy will help pet owners in China to build up the right mindset on pet nutrition and feed and care for their pets in a scientific way,” Andrew said.

The US-based Mars Petcare is one of world's leading pet food manufacturers. It entered China in 1993 and is committed to the promotion of animal health in China.

liulu@chinadaily.com.cn