Win pet food for a year with M&S Pet Insurance

Brits will spend more than £1.7billion on cat and dog food this year, and now M&S Money is giving pet owners a chance to win a years' supply of pet food.

Anyone who takes out or renews an M&S Pet Insurance policy before December 31 2009 will be entered into a prize draw. There will be six prizes of Royal Canin dry pet food for one cat or one dog for one calendar year.

Last year £1.7billion was spent on feeding the nation's 14.5 million cats and dogs.

Consumers are becoming more concerned about what they feed their pets. A recent survey found that 90% of pet owners know that what they feed their pet affects its health and therefore they want to feed the best-quality food. High-quality premium foods are therefore a growing market sector.

Pet owners who want to feed their cats and dogs a healthy diet but still keep costs down are increasingly turning to online pet stores.

Bestpet, an online pet pharmacy and shop, has seen a 30% increase in sales of premium cat and dog food in the past year. The site sells pet medication and food costing up to 50% less than buying at the vets.

Charles Sweeney of Bestpet Pharmacy said: "Obesity is an increasing problem among cats and dogs. Pets that carry too much weight can suffer from heart complaints, diabetes and arthritis.

"Responsible pet owners who ensure their cats and dogs have a healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce expensive vet bills in the future."

M&S Pet Insurance policyholders can benefit from reduced pet food costs with a 5% discount from Bestpet.co.uk

For more information about M&S Pet Insurance or to apply, visit marksandspencer.com/petinsurance