Pet Meals Statistics 2024 By Market Dimension, Share and Developments

Introduction

Pet Food Statistics: It’s no wonder that pets become part of our families. Whether a dog, cat, cow, lizard or any other animal, they love us unconditionally. Pet adoption has been on the rise for a decade, leading to a notable increase in the demand for pet food. Similar to the variations in human food, pets now have options too! The diversity in pet food and the demand for healthy options have been crucial factors driving the growth of the pet industry. Let’s delve into these recent Pet Food Statistics to gain a deeper understanding of the industry.

Editor’s Choice

• The global pet food market was valued at USD 140.86 billion in 2023. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2%, reaching USD 200.86 billion by 2030.
• The worldwide direct-to-customer pet food market is expected to be valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2024. It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20.6%, reaching USD 18.3 billion by 2034.
• The pet food market in the United Kingdom is expected to reach 2.99 billion pounds by 2025.
• In 2023, pet parents searched for vegan diets 45% more compared to 2022.
• Millennials and Gen Z prefer to purchase pet food online, while Gen X and baby boomers equally prefer in-store purchases.
• By 2025, the volume of pet food sold in China is expected to be 1,037.6 kilotons.
• 61% of pet owners in the USA value their pets’ well-being and happiness more than their own.
• Wet dog food is the most preferred category in Italy, holding 41% of the market share.
• The American pet food market volume is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.2% by 2025, amounting to 59.47 billion kg by 2028.
• 20% of pet food brands report that their first three ingredients include a protein source for pets.
• More than half of Chinese pet owners purchase pet food at least 3 to 4 times a month, while 42.6% do it 1 to 2 times, and 5.9% buy it more than 5 times.

General Pet Food Statistics

• According to a Gitnux report, 26% of millennials said they have purchased dog food online.
• The market value for the pet food segment in the United Kingdom is expected to reach 2.99 billion pounds by 2025.
• As of today, wet dog food is the most preferred pet food category in Italy, with 41% of the market share.
• According to Pet Food Statistics, 4% of pet owners said their pets have some sort of food allergies.
• The estimate shows that, by 2025, the volume of pet food sold in China will amount to 1,037.6 kilotons.
• 20% of the pet food brands report that their first three ingredients include a protein source for pets.
• Around 33% of pet owners have attempted to prepare meals at home for their pets.
• According to a report by Fact.mr, the worldwide direct-to-customer pet food market is projected to be valued at $2.8 billion in 2024. It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 20.6%, reaching $18.3 billion by 2034.
• 2034 forecast show that the worldwide dry pet food market will reach $12.7 billion.
• Furthermore, by the similar forecast period, dog food sales are expected to reach $10.7 billion.
• As of 2023, dog food and cat food sales reported increases of 52.7% and 42.8%, respectively.
• 69% of the pet owners in the USA are interested in purchasing treats.
• 37% of Thai pet owners prefer to give environment-friendly food to their pets.
• Pet Food Statistics showed that 61% of pet owners in the USA said they value their pets’ well-being and happiness more than their own.
• According to a report by NIQ, in 2023, pet parents searched for vegan diets 45% times more compared to 2022.
• Cat food is considered to be the fastest-growing pet food category around the world.
• Since 2023, the market for grain-free and natural pet food has been slowly growing, with sales growing 4.8%, which is compared to non-free foods with a rate of 18.7%.
• As per a report by dogster.com, 58% of the produced pet food is dry.

US Total Cat and Dog Food Ingredient Quantities

According to the American Feed Industry Association, the following chart explains the ingredient quantities from farm to pet bowl, including dog treats, dog food moist, cat treats, cat food wet, cat food dry, dog food dry, and dog treats.

Food Type	Value In million tons
Chicken	584,098
Meat and Bone meal	533,253
Corn gluten meal	476,649
Soybean meal	427,155
Water sufficient or processing	385,565
Chicken by-product meal	262,828
Water	203,114
Chicken meal	197,374
Poultry by-product meal	195,010
Wheat	186,105
Beef fat	147,456
Organ meat	146,686
Beef	146,662
Meat by-products	135,316
Animal Fat	104,509
Beef and Bone meal	104,111
Peas	101,273
Wheat Flour	100,538
Brewers Rice	98,678
Barley	89,058
Brown Rice	77,241
Chicken Broth	70,580
Rice	67,319
Soy Flour	63,440
Turkey	62,321
Lamb	59,002
Wheat Gluten	58,425
Salmon	52,704
Sorghum	51,605
Chicken fat	48,569
Corn Meal	44,100
Beet Pulp	41,655
Digest Flavor	41,561
Wheat Middlings	39,580
Poultry Broth	39,580
Fish	38,496
Fish meal	33,923
Lamb meal	33,893
Poultry	31,269
Beef by-products	29,072
Potatoes	28,646
Beef meal	27,693
Fish broth	27,046
Chicken by-products	26,882
Poultry by-products	25,622
Corn Germ Meal	24,811
Other animal by-products	24,318
Egg	23,077
Sweet potatoes	22,818
Corn syrup	22,089
Grains	21,057
Carrots	20,733
Whitefish	20,348
Cracked Pearled barley	19,948
Soybean hulls	18,812
Salmon Meal	18,430
Turkey Meal	18,045
Turkey by-product meal	15,766
Egg product	15,594
Beef broth	15,026
Poultry Fat	14,514
Pea Protein	13,624
Glycerin	13,467
Tuna	12,697
Pea Starch	12,272
Corn Grits	11,421
Flaxseed	11,380
Garbanzo beans	10,931
Cod	10,270
Corn starch	9,863
Pork	9,345
Meat meal	8,861
Soy grits	8,560
Rice Bran	8,554
Tapioca Starch	8,399
Cassava Root Flour	6,827
Split Peas	6,131
Lentils	6,021
Pork by-products	5,913
Milk	5,665
Chickpeas	5,452
Pea Fiber	4,550
Ocean Fish	5,295
Duck	5,175
Canola Oil	5,175
Tomato Pomace	5,025
Fish Oil	4,823
Cranberries	4,688
Oats	4,544
White rice	4,478
Sugar	4,471
Pork meal	4,031
Meat Broth	3,954
Turkey Broth	3,862
Canola Meal	3,584
Powdered Cellulose	3,463
Spinach	3,187
Corn Distillers Drief Grains	3,132
Pea Flou	3,109
Green Peas	3,085
High Fructose Corn Syrup	3,071
Oils	2,980
Vegetable Oil	2,927
Yams	2,893
Soybean Oul	2,892
Vegetable Glycerin	2,881
Cheese	2,799
Wheat Germ	2,774
Shrimp	2,710
Apples	2,677
Brewers Dried Yeast	2,557
Alfalfa Meal	2,503
Pearled Barley	2,416
Potato Starch	2,389
Soy Flakes	2,363
Venison	2,250
Oat Groats	2,177
Tuna Meal	2,065
Coconut	1,950
Tuna Broth	1,857
Tapioca	1,674
Tomato	1,641
Green Beans	1,562
Bacon	1,561
Malted Barley Flour	1,515
Whey	1,493
Chicken and Turkey Broth	1,407
Bison	1,369
Potato Protein	1,363
Soybean Germ Meal	1,318
Pumpkin	1,301
Corn Gluten Feed	1,241
Sunflower Oil	1,096
Liver flavor	1,096
Potato product	1,079
Lamb broth	1,053
Guar Gum	1,044
Parsley Flakes	1,007
Soy Protein Concentrate	974
Parsnip	953
Soy Protein Isolate	907
Lamb and Chicken broth	897
Crab Meal	855
Malted Barley Extract	853
Shrimp meal	847
Cheese Powder	834
Blueberries	826
Wheat Starch	808
Salmon Oil	793
Chicory Root	709
Animal Plasma	699
Egg whites	688
Cane Sugar	683
Gelatin	673
Oat fiber	660
Vegetable Broth	650
Kelp	626
Mackerel	599
Sole	596
Barley Flour	570
Pork Broth	569
Modified Food Starch	544
Caramel Color	542
Yellow Peas	513
Lentil Flour	506
Fructose	496
Rye Flour	490
Oat Flour	487
Natural Flavor	461
Bacon Fat	448
Seaweed Meal	445
Soybean Mill Run	422
Peanut Butter	417
Maltodextrin	391
Chard	381
Bakery Product	368
Beet Powder	365
Wild Rice	355
Pork Flavor	343
Modified Tapioca Starch	336
Faba Beans	327
Fava Beans	323
Hominy Feed	315
Hydrogenated Corn Syrup	307
Alfalfa	306
Rice Syrup	306
Corn Flour	300
Parsley	295
Malted Barley	269
Barley Malt Syrup	261
Skim Milk	261
Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver	246
Wild Boar	245
Cracked WHEAT	227
Bacon Broth	223
Avocado	222
Palm Oil	219
Chia Seed	216
Bone Meal	209
Lecithin	205
Tapioca Flour	202
Dried Brewers Yeast	199
Liver broth	188
Cheese product	184
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein	181
Xanthan Gum	178
Chickpea Flour	169
Quinoa Seed	165
Dried Yeast	162
Honey	162
Broccoli	158
Rye	158
Corn Oil	154
Long Grain Rice	153
Wheat Germ Meal	144
Molasses Beet Pulp	144
Salt	144
Millet	136
Dried Cane Molasses	134
Swede	131
Yeast Culture	131
Barley Grass	127
Apple Pomace	134
Crab	119
Animal Live Flavor	113
Dicalcium Phosphate	109
Rolled oats	107
Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil	101
Rice Hulls	101
Pineapple	90
Sunflower Seed Meal	90
Blueberry Pomace	88
Dried Alfalfa Meal	83
Brewers Rice flour	83
Black Beans	82
Seabass	78
Whole Grain Corn	78
Raspberries	77
Organic Pea protein	76
Sweet Potato Flour	71
Psyllium Seed Husk	70
Nonfat Milk	66
Cheddar Cheese	65
Vegetables	59
Peanut Flour	59
Potato Flour	58
Natural and Artificial Flavours	57
Oat Hulls	56
Egg Powder	54
Oil Of Rosemary	53
Fresh Barlett Pears	51
Textured Soy protein	51

(Source: afia.org)

Pet Food Statistics by Region

Worldwide

• According to the Pet Food Statistics 2024, the worldwide market is valued at $149.90 billion.
• It is estimated that it will grow at a CAGR of 5.56% between 2024 and 2028.
• Compared to all countries, the United States of America is expected to generate most of the revenue by contributing $58,420 million.
• The projected per-person revenue in 2024 is $19.34.
• In addition, the average volume per person in the worldwide pet food market in 2024 is expected to be 6.8kg.
• The global pet food market is expected to grow at a rate of 3.2% by 2025.
• Pet Food Statistics estimate that the volume will amount to 59.47 billion by 2028.

Revenue Change Over the Years

Years	Revenue change (in billion US$)
2018	88.91
2019	98.57
2020	111.90
2021	121.00
2022	133.70
2023	143.60
2024	149.90
2025	158.60
2026	167.70
2027	177.40
2028	186.10

Surprisingly, according to Pet Food Statistics, revenue worldwide has significantly changed since the lockdown. With constant upward rates, the revenue is expected to reach $186.10 billion by the forecast period.

In addition, the following chart explains the year-on-year average revenue per capita change. Revenue per capita will grow significantly in the global market, with a slight decrease in growth in 2024.

Years	Average Revenue per capita (in billion US$)	Average Revenue Per Capita
2018	12.08	12.08
2019	13.26	13.26
2020	14.91	14.91
2021	16.00	16.00
2022	17.53	17.53
2023	18.69	18.69
2024	19.34	19.34
2025	20.30	20.30
2026	21.30	21.30
2027	22.35	22.35
2028	23.27	23.27

(Source: statista.com)

America

• According to Pet Food Statistics, the American market is projected to generate a revenue of $149.90 billion in the current year.
• Between 2024 and 2028, it is estimated to grow at an annual rate of 5.56%.
• The pet food market volume is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.2% by 2025. Furthermore, amounting to 59.47 billion kg by 2028.
• The per-person revenue is estimated at $19.34.
• Moreover, the average volume per person in the American pet food market in 2024 is projected to amount to 6.8kg.

Asia

• The revenue in the pet food market in Asia is expected to amount to $23.47 billion in 2024.
• By 2028, the market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 7.11%.
• Furthermore, the per-person revenue is projected to amount to $5.16 in the current year.
• In addition, the average volume per person is anticipated to amount to 2.1kg in 2024.

Africa

• As of today, the African pet food market is estimated to generate a revenue of $2.66 billion.
• Between 2024 and 2028, the African market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 9.47%.
• The per-person revenue compared to the entire African market is $2.05 in 2024.
• By 2025, the volume of growth is projected to be 6.0%.

Europe

• Currently, the European pet food market is valued at $42.82 billion, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.25%.
• The average volume per person is projected to amount to 17.2kg in 2024.
• The volume is expected to amount to 15.23 billion kg by 2028, with projected volume growth of 1.3% in 2025.
• Compared to the European population, per-person revenue is expected to be $50.74.

The Volume of Pet Food Produced by Region

(Reference: statista.com)

About Pet Food Statistics 2023, comparatively, North America produced most of the pet food, contributing 11.34 million metric tons. With a minor difference, Europe reported 10.97 million metric tons of production. Furthermore, Latin America and Asia-Pacific ranked respectively with more than 10 million metric tons of production collectively.

Revenue of the Pet Food Market Worldwide in 2023

Country	Revenue (in million U.S. dollars)
United States	57,384.64
China	7,419.96
United Kingdom	7,224.56
Brazil	6,287.95
Germany	5,724.11
France	4,998.58
Japan	4,619.43
Turkey	4,176.62
Italy	3,833.27
Canada	3,735.68
Australia	2,952.06
Mexico	2,506.59
Spain	2,022.42
Russia	1,940.34
Indonesia	1,847.64
Poland	1,634.53
Thailand	1,500.34
Netherlands	1,350.73
Argentina	1,178.59
Belgium	853.49
Iran	774.42
Switzerland	699.22
Saudi Arabia	234.77
Nigeria	200.26
Egypt	119.98

(Source: statista.com)

Pet Food Sales Worldwide

Year	Sales in billion US. Dollars
2010	59.3
2011	62.4
2012	65.9
2013	69.6
2014	73.3
2015	77.7
2016	72.25
2017	75
2018	91.1
2019	93.9
2020	102.6
2021	–
2022	123.6
2023	133.9

(Source: statista.com)

Over the years, the sale of pet food worldwide has notably increased. During lockdown in 2020, compared to previous years, it performed very well, with $102.6 billion of sales worldwide.

The Average Price of Specialized Pet Food in the USA by Product Type

(Reference: statista.com)

According to Pet Food Statistics 2023, in the USA, freeze-dried pet food is the most expensive food category for pets, with an average price of $18.76 per lb. On the other hand, dehydrated pet food has the opposite price

Pet Market Sales in the USA by Category

Year	Food and Treats	Vet Care and Product Sales	Other Services	Supplies, live animals & OTC medicine
2018	34.5	27.7	9.7	18.6
2019	36.9	29.3	10.3	19.2
2020	42	31.2	8.1	22.1
2021	50	34.3	9.5	29.8
2022	58.1	35.9	11.4	31.5
2023	64.4	38.3	12.3	32

(Source: statista.com)

In 2023, pet food was reported to be the highest-selling category in total pet market sales, which generated $64.4 billion of sales in food and treats. Compared to that, Vet care and products, supplies and medicine, and other services ranked respectively.

Preferred Sales Channel For Pet Food by US Consumers by Generation

(Reference: statista.com)

Compared to baby boomers, who prefer to shop for pet food in stores, millennials and Gen Z purchase it online. However, Gen X and baby boomers almost equally share the preference for in-store purchases.

Sales of Leading Vendors in the USA (Dog biscuits, beverages, treats)

In 2023, Big Heart Pet Brand generated a total sale of 1,056.92 million, including treats, dog biscuits, and beverages. Other leading brands include Private labels, Nestlé Purina Petcare, Mars Petcare, etc.

Brand	Sales (in million U.S dollars)
Big Heart Pet Brands	1,056.92
Private Label	604.1
Nestlé Purina PetCare	514.79
Mars Petcare	390.48
Blue Buffalo	379.8
Petmatrix	208.11
Spectrum Brands	87.9
Arthur Pet Products	80.88
Post Consumer Brands	74.66
Waggin’ Train	48.01

(Source: statista.com)

Top North American Pet Specialty Chains by Store Count

In 2023, PetSmart became the largest pet specialty retail chain in North America, with more than 1,600 stores. The brand also has birds, reptiles, fish, and dogs for sale and adoption.

Brand	Number of Stores
PetSmart	1,665
PETCO	1,500
Pet Supplies plus	667
Pet Valu	512
Pet Supermarket	220
Woof Gang Bakery	220
Global Pet foods	215
Petsense	188
Petland	138
Hollywood Feed	97
Bosley’s by Pet Valu	87
Mondou	83
Chico Pet Stores	82
Pet People	73
Earthwise Pet Supply	72
Unleashed by Petco	65
Pet Food Express	64
Mud Bay	64
Pet Planet	60
Chuck & Don’s Pet Food	49

Price Increase Per Unit of Dog and Cat Food by Category

(Reference: statista.com)

About cats and dogs, wet and dry food, semi-moist cat food, was reported to have the highest price increase in the USA, with 65.9%. However, other product categories had less than 50% increases each.

Pet Food Statistics by Country

China

(Reference: statista.com)

According to a Statista survey, most Chinese pet owners spent between 500 and 100 yuan on pet food in 2023. The least spent was more than 2000 yuan or 6.97%.

Monthly Frequency of Buying Pet Food in China

(Reference: statista.com)

More than half of Chinese pet owners purchase pet food at least 3 to 4 times a month, while 42.6% said they do it for 1 to 2 times. Meanwhile, 5.9% of owners purchased food for their pets more than 5 times.

Main Drivers of Pet Food Purchase Decisions

(Reference: statista.com)

Pet parents in North America give primary importance to the quality of the food (81%), while clothes pay attention to prices (74%). Furthermore, other leading drivers of pet food purchase decisions include the composition of ingredients (52%), addressing specific needs/health concerns of pets (51%), commitment to sustainability (14%), and country of production (13%).

Pet Food Import Value in South Korea by Country

(Reference: statista.com)

Most of the pet food was imported from China, worth $100.02 million. Compared to all the countries from which South Korea imported pet food, this amounts to around $307.5 million.

Share of Wet Dog Food Brand vs Wet Cat Food Brand in Poland

Wet Dog Food

(Reference: statista.com)

Pedigree has captured the majority of market share in Poland, with 40% in the wet dog food segment. Other brands, including ARO, Butcher’s, and Purina Friskies, share 20% each.

Wet Cat Food Brands

(Reference: statista.com)

In addition to the best-wet dog food brands in Poland, Sheba represents the majority of the market for wet cat food, contributing 73.91%. Compared to the leading cat food brand, others have less than 10% of the share respectively.

United Kingdom

(Reference: statista.com)

As of 2023, dog food in the United Kingdom was reported to have the highest market value with 1,840 million GBP, with some differences, such as cat food ranking second. However, food for outdoor birds, fish, small mammals, and indoor birds had a significantly lower market share, accounting for less than 600 GBP collectively.

The Powerhouse Players: Leading Pet Food Manufacturers

The pet industry continues to boom, with pet food leading the charge. In 2024, pet owners are savvier than ever, prioritizing their furry companions’ health and well-being. This translates to a dynamic market where established giants and innovative newcomers compete for a slice of the ever-growing pie. Let’s delve into the world of leading pet food manufacturers in 2024, exploring their market positions, brand offerings, and the trends shaping the industry.

The Big Two: Mars Petcare and Nestlé Purina PetCare

These titans hold a dominant position in the global pet food landscape.

• Mars Petcare Inc., a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated, boasts a colossal brand portfolio. From the budget-friendly Pedigree (around $1 per can) to the premium Royal Canin (around $3 per can), Mars caters to a wide range of price points and pet needs. Whiskas, IAMS, Eukanuba, Greenies, and Banfield are just some of their household names. While exact market share figures are elusive due to industry consolidation, Mars undoubtedly holds a significant portion.
• Nestlé Purina PetCare, their main competitor, offers a similarly diverse product range. Purina One, Friskies, Fancy Feast, and Tidy Cats are some of their most recognizable brands. They compete across various price segments, ensuring a strong presence in the market.

Science-Backed Options: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Hill’s Pet Nutrition stands out for its science-driven approach. Their veterinarian-recommended formulas prioritize specific health needs and dietary restrictions. This focus on specialized nutrition often places Hill’s in the premium pet food category.

Mid-Range to Value-Conscious: J.M. Smucker Company

The J.M. Smucker Company caters to pet owners seeking value without compromising quality. Popular brands like Kibble ‘n Bits, Milk-Bone, and Meow Mix offer budget-friendly and mid-range options, making them a popular choice for many pet parents.

Beyond the Big Names: A Look at Other Notable Manufacturers

Several other manufacturers contribute significantly to the pet food landscape:

• General Mills, through their Blue Buffalo brand, has established a strong position in the premium pet food segment, focusing on natural ingredients and holistic wellness.
• Diamond Pet Foods is a leading manufacturer of private-label pet food, supplying grocery stores and pet retailers with high-quality, value-driven options.
• Simmons Pet Food, established in 1962, offers a variety of wet and dry food options for dogs and cats across various price points.
• Alphia and United Petfood are prominent European manufacturers catering to regional and international markets.
• Spectrum Brands / United Pet Group is another major player, offering a diverse portfolio of brands across the pet food spectrum.

Market Trends Shaping the Future

The pet food industry is constantly evolving, driven by pet owner preferences and a focus on innovation. Here are some key trends shaping the landscape:

• Wellness at the Forefront: Pet owners are increasingly prioritizing their pets’ health. This translates to a demand for pet food with natural ingredients. These functional benefits address specific health concerns (like joint health or weight management), and formulas tailored to life stages (puppy, adult, senior). Due to this trend, the market share for premium and super-premium pet food is expected to continue growing.
• Sustainability Concerns: Environmental awareness is influencing pet food choices. Manufacturers are exploring sustainable sourcing practices, eco-friendly packaging solutions, and even utilizing insect-based proteins as a more sustainable alternative to traditional meat sources.
• Rise of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) Brands: Online pet food delivery services and subscription models are gaining traction, offering pet owners convenience and customization. These D2C brands often focus on fresh, human-grade ingredients and cater to specific dietary needs.

The Road Ahead: Innovation and Personalization

As the pet food industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see further innovation in areas like:

• Personalized Nutrition: Advanced technology may lead to the development of customized pet food plans based on a pet’s individual needs and genetic makeup.
• Functional Ingredients: The inclusion of ingredients that offer specific health benefits beyond basic nutrition, like prebiotics and probiotics for gut health, is likely to increase.
• Focus on Transparency: Consumers will continue to demand transparency from manufacturers regarding sourcing, ingredients, and manufacturing processes.

Conclusion: A Spoiled Market with Endless Options

The pet food industry is dynamic and competitive, catering to the ever-growing needs of devoted pet owners. From established giants like Mars and Nestle to innovative newcomers in the D2C space, manufacturers are constantly innovating and adapting to meet the demands of a discerning market. As pet owners become more invested in their pets’ well-being, the focus on premium and personalized nutrition will likely continue to rise. Sustainability concerns and the desire for convenience are also shaping the industry, pushing manufacturers to explore alternative proteins and convenient delivery models.

A Look at the Numbers (Estimates):

While pinpointing exact market share percentages can be challenging due to factors mentioned earlier, here are some estimates to provide a broader picture:

• Market Size: The global pet food market is estimated to reach a value of over USD 270 billion by 2025.
• Market Share Leaders: Mars Petcare and Nestle Purina PetCare are estimated to hold a combined market share exceeding 30%.
• Premiumization Trend: The premium pet food segment is projected to grow at a rate exceeding 5% annually, indicating a growing consumer preference for higher-quality ingredients and specialized formulas.

The Impact on Pet Parents

These trends hold both positive and negative implications for pet parents:

• Pros: Pet owners now have a wider range of high-quality pet food options to choose from, catering to their pets’ specific needs and dietary preferences. Increased transparency allows them to make informed choices about the ingredients they feed their furry companions.
• Cons: The growing focus on premium pet food can lead to sticker shock for some pet owners. Additionally, navigating the vast array of options and deciphering marketing claims can be overwhelming for some consumers.

The Role of Technology

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the pet food industry:

• E-commerce Platforms: Online marketplaces and subscription services provide convenient access to a wider range of pet food options.
• Nutritional Apps: Mobile applications can help pet owners create personalized meal plans, track their pet’s weight and health, and receive recommendations based on their pet’s specific needs.
• Smart Feeders: These connected devices allow for portion control, remote feeding, and monitoring of a pet’s food intake.

The Future of Pet Food: A Personalized and Sustainable Approach

Looking ahead, the pet food industry is likely to become even more personalized and sustainable. As technology evolves, we can expect to see further advancements in areas like:

• DNA Testing: Genetic testing of pets may lead to the development of customized pet food formulas tailored to a pet’s specific genetic predispositions.
• Precision Fermentation: This technology has the potential to create sustainable and scalable sources of protein for pet food, reducing reliance on traditional animal agriculture.
• Advanced Packaging Solutions: Biodegradable and recyclable packaging solutions will become increasingly important as consumers seek environmentally friendly options.

The Dishing on Pet Food: Wet vs. Dry Trends

The pet food industry is a big bowl of business, and understanding the trends in wet and dry food can be eye-opening. Let’s break it down with some numbers:

Overall Market Growth:

• The global pet food market is expected to reach a whopping $100 billion by 2025. That’s a lot of kibble and cans!
• Wet pet food is projected to see a steady rise of 4.5% annually, reaching a value of $31.7 billion by 2028 [$25.5 billion in 2023]

Dry Food Dominates, But Wet Food Woos Back Fans:

Dry food remains the king of the castle, accounting for the majority of pet food sales globally.

• In the US, for example, dry food makes up around 78% of the dog and cat food market share

Wet food, however, is experiencing a resurgence. After a period of stagnation, it’s clawing its way back, driven by:

Premiumization: Pet owners are increasingly opting for higher-quality wet food with features like:

• More protein and fewer carbs align with the trend of natural diets.
• Greater moisture content, appealing to hydration needs.
• Fancy flavors and textures cater to a discerning pet palate.

Pet Parent Priorities:

• The rise in pet ownership, particularly during the pandemic, is fueling the growth of both wet and dry food.

Pet parents treat their furry (or feathery) companions more like family and are willing to spend extra on their well-being. This translates to a focus on:

• Healthier options: Just like humans, pets are getting healthier food choices. Think of ingredients like whole grains, probiotics, and even superfoods.
• Convenience: Busy pet parents appreciate the ease of both dry and wet food. Dry food offers a long shelf life and easy portion control, while wet food provides mess-free feeding and hydration.

Wet Food’s Winning Niche:

Wet food is finding its sweet spot in specific areas:

• Cat Food: Cats naturally have lower thirst drives, and wet food helps with hydration. This is why wet cat food makes up a larger portion of the wet pet food market compared to wet dog food
• Special Needs: Wet food can be a lifesaver for pets with dental issues or those requiring a softer diet.
• Treat Time: Fancy wet food with shredded meat or pate textures can be a delightful treat for pampered pets.

The Price Tag on Pet Pampering:

• Premiumization comes at a price. Wet food generally has a higher price tag per serving than dry food.

However, some pet parents might find it a better value in the long run, especially if it leads to:

• Improved pet health, potentially reducing vet visits.
• Reduced food waste, as wet food often comes in portion-controlled containers.

The Future Feast:

The pet food industry is constantly evolving to meet pet parent demands. Here’s a glimpse into what’s on the menu:

• Subscription services: Convenient delivery of personalized pet food plans.
• Sustainability: Eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced ingredients are gaining traction.
• Human-grade ingredients: Blurring the lines between human food and pet food, with a focus on whole, fresh ingredients.

In conclusion, both dry and wet pet food have a secure place in the pet parent’s pantry. While dry food reigns supreme in terms of volume, wet food is making a comeback with its focus on premiumization, special needs, and convenience.

Conclusion

The pet food industry is a testament to the deep bond between humans and animals. As pet owners continue to view their pets as cherished members of the family, the demand for high-quality, personalized, and sustainable pet food is likely to continue its upward trajectory, as seen in these Pet Food Statistics. This translates to a future where our furry companions have access to a wider range of delicious, nutritious options that cater to their individual needs and well-being.