Germany Pet Food Market Size & Trends
The size of the Germany pet food market was estimated at USD 2.53 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% during the period from 2025 to 2030. The market is experiencing significant growth, primarily fueled by the growing humanization of pets. German consumers are increasingly considering their pets as family members, which is having a significant influence on purchasing behavior. Pet owners are no longer satisfied with generic nutrition; they choose premium food products of high quality that align with human dietary trends. Therefore, natural, organic, and additive-free pet foods have become mainstream offerings, a sign of a broader cultural movement toward wellness and concern.
Health and wellness trends are also serving to drive demand significantly. Pet owners are increasingly aware of their pets' nutritional requirements and are actively looking for functional foods with specific health benefits, including enhanced digestion, joint health, and immune system support. Foods that are enriched with probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients are picking up pace. Additionally, the rising incidence of chronic diseases in pets, including obesity and allergies, is driving demand for grain-free, hypoallergenic, and breed- or age-specific diets.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are becoming powerful drivers in the German market. Green consumers are increasingly inclined to make purchasing decisions in favor of products that are produced from sustainable sources, including new proteins such as insects, which provide a reduced ecological impact relative to conventional animal proteins. Moreover, clear labeling and sustainable packaging are becoming key differentiators between brands.
Digitalization has also supported market growth, as increasing numbers of consumers go online to buy pet food. E-commerce provides home delivery convenience, subscription services, and greater product variety, which are popular features among many German households. With the growth of digital retailing, pet food companies are making significant investments in online marketing and distribution channels to keep up with changing customer expectations.
Product innovation is also present. For example, in July 2023, Hill's Pet Nutrition introduced a range of pet products containing Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified pollock and insect protein for pets with sensitive stomachs and skin issues. Such initiatives are evidence of the industry's adaptation to consumer pressure for sustainable and health-oriented pet food.​
Report Coverage & Deliverables
- Competitive benchmarking
- Historical data & forecasts
- Company revenue shares
- Regional opportunities
- Latest trends & dynamics
Consumer Insights
The emotional attachment to pets is becoming a more significant driver of consumer behavior in pet food in Germany. Germans view pets as part of their families, and this emotional connection directly influences their purchasing habits for pet food. Instead of selecting traditional or low-grade products, customers are now looking to premium food containing healthy nutrients that match their own quality of diet. This trend is particularly strong among younger pet owners and city dwellers, who are more health-oriented and prepared to pay a premium for premium pet nutrition.
Health is one of the dominant drivers of purchase decisions in the market. Owners are extremely concerned with particular nutritional requirements depending on their pet's breed, age, or health status. Consequently, there is increasing demand for grain-free, hypoallergenic, or functional ingredient-fortified pet foods like probiotics, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and glucosamine. These product attributes are attractive to pet owners who wish to avoid or control prevalent conditions such as sensitive digestion, joint conditions, obesity, and food sensitivities.
Another important trend is the focus on natural and organic ingredients. Germans are famous for their love of clean-label products, and this applies to pet food as well. Consumers increasingly look for brands that do not use artificial preservatives, colors, and additives. Locally sourced and sustainably produced ingredients are also gaining popularity, as ethical consumption is becoming an increasing priority. Brands that openly report ingredient origins and sustainability practices will be more likely to win consumer trust and loyalty.
In addition, the German market is experiencing a growing interest in alternative proteins and new pet food formats. Insect-based proteins, for instance, are being adopted by eco-aware consumers interested in sustainable but healthy products. Plant-based pet food is also becoming a niche segment, in keeping with Germany's strong vegetarian and vegan culture. This willingness to try something new is indicative of the German consumer's forward-thinking and considerate mindset regarding pet nutrition.
Product Insights
Dry pet food held a revenue market share of 59.5% in 2024. Demand for dry pet food in Germany is increasing because it is easy to use, has a longer shelf life, and is cheaper than wet or fresh food. Most pet owners find dry food convenient because it is easy to store, serves portions easily, and is good for oral health since kibble eliminates plaque and tartar formation. In addition, increasing access to nutritionally complete and specialized dry feeds, including grain-free, high-protein, and breed-specific ones, is appealing to health-oriented buyers in search of optimized nutrition for their animals.
The pet treats/snacks industry is anticipated to register a CAGR of 4.4% during the period 2025-2030. The market growth of snacks and treats is fueled by the growing humanization of pets, with owners treating their pets like family members and rewarding them accordingly. Pet treats are not only being utilized for training and behavior modification but also to show affection and strengthen bonding. Also, there is growing demand for functional treats providing health benefits in the form of joint support, dental care, or calming effect, further supporting market growth. The broad diversity of flavors, forms, and health-oriented formulations also appeal to customers seeking to spoil their animals while maintaining their well-being.
Pet Type Insights
Dogs' pet food had a 59.5% revenue share in 2024. German sales of pet food for dogs are expanding dynamically as a result of increasing dog ownership in the country and a growing trend of treating dogs like family members. Owners are more focused on the health and wellbeing of their dogs, creating an increased demand for high-quality, customized food items that satisfy precise dietary requirements and life stages. The popularity of natural, high-end, and functional dog foods, including hypoallergenic, grain-free, and breed-specific products, is also spurring market expansion. Additionally, the broad-based availability of dog food through store and internet venues has rendered dog food more conveniently accessible than at any other point in history.
Pet cat food will rise at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2025-2030. Increasing urbanization and popularity of cats as easy-care, space-saving pets have increased ownership levels of cats steadily, particularly in metropolitan cities like London where flats are common. Cat owners are increasingly treating their pets as part of the family, driving demand for premium, health-conscious, and specialist nutrition, as well as products that cater to specific health considerations such as obesity, digestive problems, and allergies.
Distribution Channel Insights
Pet food sales in pet specialty stores generated a revenue share of 33.1% in 2024. Pet specialty stores provide a high-quality, niche, and premium pet food selection that addresses particular dietary requirements and health issues, reflecting the pet humanization and premiumization trend. Consumers increasingly demand ingredient transparency and nutritional content, which is more likely to be offered by specialty retailers. Moreover, these shops tend to have well-informed people who can provide individual advice and suggestions, making the shopping process more rewarding for pet owners.
Pet food sales via online/e-commerce channels will continue to expand at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2030. ​This is influenced by a number of key drivers. The ease of shopping online enables pet owners to shop from a vast variety of products at home, and this trend has been enhanced by the retail digitalization. The shift has caused retailers to invest more in their digital infrastructure to satisfy customers' needs.
Category Insights
Conventional commuter pet food held a revenue market share of 86.3% in 2024. Conventional pet food in Germany is increasing owing to its low cost, ubiquity, and familiarity among long-standing pet owners. Consumers still place their faith in veteran brands that provide consistent quality and nutritional dependability at competitive costs. At a period of increasing cost of living, conventional dry and canned foods for pets are still a convenient option for thrifty families. Furthermore, these goods are overstocked in grocery stores and supermarkets, making them handy and readily available for regular consumers.
Specialist veterinary nutrition pet food is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% between 2025 and 2030. ​ ​Specialist veterinary nutrition pet food in Germany is witnessing strong growth due to a mix of growing pet obesity, pet health awareness, and the pet humanization trend. From the Royal Veterinary College, it is reported that about 51% of German dogs and 44% of cats were overweight or obese by 2022, leading owners to look for specialized diets that cater to specific health issues like weight management, gastrointestinal health, and joint support.
Key Germany Pet Food Company Insights
Pet food manufacturers in the Germany region are increasingly adopting advanced food processing technologies to improve product quality, flavor, and nutritional content. Techniques such as vacuum frying, air frying, and freeze-drying are used to preserve ingredients' natural qualities and nutrients while minimizing oil content. In addition, manufacturers are incorporating innovative packaging solutions, such as resealable and biodegradable options, to enhance convenience and sustainability. Customization is also gaining momentum, with brands offering diverse seasoning blends, organic choices, and personalized snack/treat packs to meet the varied preferences of pet owners.
Key Germany Pet Food Companies
- The J.M. Smucker Company
- Nestlé Purina
- Mars, Incorporated
- LUPUS Alimento
- Total Alimentos
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
- General Mills Inc.
- WellPet LLC
- The Hartz Mountain Corporation
- Diamond Pet Foods
Recent Developments
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In February 2025, Meatly, a London startup, introduced the world's first lab-grown meat pet treats in Germany, a significant breakthrough in sustainable pet food. The new product, "Chick Bites," is a joint effort between Meatly and plant-based dog food company The Pack and consists of a combination of cultured chicken meat and plant-based materials. This development is considered a major stride towards minimizing the environmental footprint of pet food since cultured meat takes a fraction of the land and water used by traditional meat and has reduced emissions.
In May 2024, Germany's vegan pet food company Omni, unveiled a nutritionally balanced cat food utilizing cultured chicken meat, which is a big milestone in the pet food sector. Created in collaboration with cultured meat manufacturer Meatly, the new product seeks to give cats that need specific nutrients present only in animal tissue a cruelty-free, nearly unlimited supply of nutrient-dense meat. In contrast to traditional livestock meat, cultured chicken can be formulated to contain greater concentrations of essential vitamins, minerals, and omegas and contains no antibiotic residues or other chemicals.
Germany Pet Food Market Report Scope
|
Report Attribute |
Details |
|
Market size value in 2025 |
USD 2.63 billion |
|
Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 3.21 billion |
|
Growth rate (revenue) |
CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2030 |
|
Actual data |
2018 - 2024 |
|
Forecast period |
2025 - 2030 |
|
Quantitative units |
Volume in kilo tons, revenue in USD million/billion, CAGR from 2025 to 2030 |
|
Report coverage |
Volume & revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
|
Segments covered |
Product, pet type, category, distribution channel, region |
|
Country scope |
Germany |
|
Key companies profiled |
The J.M. Smucker Company; Nestlé Purina; Mars, Incorporated; LUPUS Alimento; Total Alimentos; Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.; General Mills Inc.; WellPet LLC; The Hartz Mountain Corporation; Diamond Pet Foods |
|
Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
|
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
Germany Pet Food Market Report Segmentation
Product Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
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Wet Pet Food
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Dry Pet Food
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Snacks/Treats
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Pet Type Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
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Cats
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Dogs
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Others
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Category Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; Volume, Kilo Tons; 2018 - 2030)
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Traditional Pet Food
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Specialist Veterinary Nutrition
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Cats
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Dogs
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Others
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Distribution Channel Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
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Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
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Convenience Stores
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E-commerce
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Pet Specialty Stores
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Others
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