Pet Food Industry Trends 2025 

The pet food industry is entering a new chapter in 2025, driven by growing demand for healthier, more sustainable pet food offerings. Today’s pet owners are prioritizing real, nutrient-rich ingredients that support long-term health and longevity. They’re more intentional than ever about extending their pets’ lifespans through smarter feeding choices. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the top pet food industry trends of 2025 and how important it is for pet food manufacturers to take these trends into consideration when manufacturing wet and dry food. 

3 Pet Food Market Trends of 2025 

Increase in Pet Ownership 

Pet ownership continues to rise, showing no signs of slowing down. In a pet owner’s eyes, pets are considered family. Due to an increase in Americans’ disposable income, pet ownership has steadily increased. This trend has also increased globally.  

In 2025, there is a growing trend that Millennials and Gen Z prioritize having pets over children.  According to the PetFoodIndustry.com, an emerging trend among 43% of Americans is a preference for pets over children, with many Gen Z and Millennials noting that pets are easier to care for and come with fewer financial burdens. 

Quality & Transparency in Pet Food 

Pet owners are willing to go above and beyond for their pets in every stage of their lives. They are willing to spend more if the quality is better. That means better ingredients and no “minimally processed” food is no longer acceptable. Clearly listing the ingredients and highlighting the benefits is needed more than ever.  

Trusting a brand is crucial to making pet owners feel like they’re getting value for the pet food being produced. It’s important that pet food manufacturers not only high-quality, recognizable ingredients but also clearly communicate sourcing, nutritional benefits, and processing methods. 

Personalized Nutrition & Supplements 

According to the PetFoodIndustry.com report, 85% of pet owners now believe proper nutrition and supplements are as important for pets as they are for humans. This shift in perception is driving product development across categories, with 77% of U.S. pet owners willing to pay more for healthier pet food options. 

No more one-size-fits-all approach. Individualized supplements and food that clearly spells out what is in the food or supplement. They also have to have functional health benefits to help with the healthy aging of pets. 

Evin 2023, More pet owners are seeking more “natural” ingredients. Pet owners are looking for ingredients that are more similar to those that wild canines and felines would’ve encountered in their natural habitats. 

How Can Pet Food Manufacturers Capitalize on These Trends? 

The pet food trends in 2025 are more important than ever before. Following pet food trends not only ensure manufacturers are staying ahead, but it …. With the following models, you can stay ahead of the latest trends. 

• Product Improvement: Taking a closer look at ingredients, and utilizing ingredients that are more natural, nourishing, or sustainable can help your products keep up with pet food trends. Consider ingredients that are GMO-free or sustainably grown. 

• Product Diversification: Dry kibble isn’t going away soon. However, taking a look at emerging products in the dehydrated, freeze-dried, frozen or fresh food market and considering acquisitions can help you take advantage of pet food trends in 2023 and take advantage of new opportunities. 

• New Product Development: Acquisitions are one way to diversify your products and keep up with new trends. However, developing new products often provides more control over formulation, manufacturing, and marketing. Consider how premium, grain-free, or, contrastingly, vegan pet foods might fit into your brand and product mix. 

If you’re a pet food manufacturer looking to expand your production capabilities, explore the range of equipment APEC offers specifically for the pet food industry. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]