Fi Europe, the world's leading food ingredients event, reveals the three most significant trends set to transform the global pet food industry in 2026.
Precision pet nutrition, sustainable innovation and transparency demands all present significant opportunities for retailers, brand owners and pet food producers, according to “The Future of Pet Food,” a report that draws on Informa’s comprehensive Fi Global Insights platform, which combines real-time market intelligence, exhibitor innovations and industry expert consultations.
Yannick Verry, Brand Director, at Fi Events Portfolio, said: "Our data tells a compelling story: although cost-consciousness still prevails in 2026, pet owners will nonetheless demand premium ingredients, targeted nutritional solutions and transparency that increasingly rival human food standards."
"This creates a unique market dynamic where innovation isn't just rewarded, it's becoming essential for survival. Brand owners and ingredient suppliers that can deliver on both sustainability credentials and functional benefits will find a growing market that’s both discerning and highly rewarding."
The three trends poised to share the pet food market in 2026 are as follows.
Precision nutrition: personalised products to improve pet health and well-being
The era of generic pet food is ending. As pet owners increasingly view their companions as family members, they're demanding the same level of individuality and personalisation they seek for themselves.
This shift means a move beyond simple, undifferentiated nourishment. It is driving unprecedented innovation in condition-specific formulations, with manufacturers moving beyond basic life-stage feeding to address individual health concerns, including long-term or future ones.
Advanced AI platforms are now enabling truly customised feeding plans, whereas functional ingredients target everything from gut health and joint mobility to cognitive function and mental well-being.
Sustainable innovation revolution: circular economy drives transformation
The 52% of pet owners actively seeking sustainable packaging is just one example of sustainability continuing to rise up the pet food sector agenda.
Suppliers are responding with innovative ingredient sourcing and packaging, but more and better solutions are on the horizon as brands strengthen their sustainability offering by exploring everything from regenerative agriculture sourcing to biodegradable materials.
Manufacturers are also adding value to underutilised raw materials through upcycling to prevent waste and /or add nutritional value.
Alternative proteins — from insects to cultured meat — move from niche experiments to commercial reality. Environmental credentials increasingly influence purchasing decisions, making sustainability both an ethical imperative and a competitive advantage.
Transparency and trust: consumers want the truth ... and now
Pet owners have become ingredient detectives. As the boundary continues to blur between feeding their families and their furry friends, 88% of consumers now prioritise accuracy and transparency in pet food labelling — with many asking a fundamental question: "Can I happily put the health and well-being of my beloved pet in the hands of this brand?"
This scrutiny is reshaping the entire industry. Processing methods are becoming key differentiators, with raw, clean-label label and minimally processed foods gaining market share as owners question traditional recipes and manufacturing methods.
"Natural" and "ingredient source" claims now carry the most purchasing power, while social media amplifies both success stories and failures at unprecedented speed.
At a time of rising costs, brands must earn trust through verifiable claims and transparent practices. Those that succeed are seeing premium pricing acceptance; those that don't face swift consumer abandonment in favour of more trustworthy alternatives.
Actionable insights
These insights form part of Fi Europe's comprehensive research into the future of pet food, analysing market data from across the €29.3 billion European pet food market, which serves 108.3 million cats and 89.6 million dogs.
As well as downloading the report, industry professionals can explore these trends, related presentations and corresponding innovations and inspiration firsthand in the dedicated Pet Food Suppliers Hub at Fi Europe 2025, taking place 2-4 December at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.