Europe Pet Food Market Size & Trends
Europe pet food market size was estimated to be USD 36.39 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2030. Humanization of pets is one of the key drivers in the European pet food market, with pet owners looking for food similar to their own. This has created an increase in premium pet food products, such as natural, raw, and organic, that offer pet parents a broad range of options. Consumers are increasingly interested in their pet's health, which is driving demand for high-quality ingredients and special diets.
Specialty pet food items with dedicated health benefits have registered robust growth, and luxury, healthy, and functional foods have gone mainstream. Pet owners are now highly concerned about their pets' diet, hence the shift from commodity pet foods to more advanced formulas not only supplying basic nutrients but also ensuring overall health.
The European pet food industry provides a variety of choices, ranging from raw meals to wet, dry, and specifically prepared treats. FEDIAF, an organization representing pet food industries in Europe, stresses the need to mix varied ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables, and vitamins to prepare nutritionally balanced and palatable meals for pets. It provides varied choices for owners to select products that meet the specific requirements of their pets.
According to the statistics released by the FEDIAF in 2023, there were around 340 million pets in Europe in 91 million European households in 2022, and around 46% of households in Europe have at least one pet. Additionally, 26% and 25% of households had cats and dogs, respectively, as pets. Europe alone houses 150 pet food companies with over 200 facilities in Europe, according to the same report, since customized products, including those targeting health benefits, remain favored and are projected to see high growth over the next future period.
Producers are turning towards cleaner labels, natural and organic ingredients, and the elimination of artificial additives and preservatives. This is in tune with the requirements of health-aware pet owners who would like to give their pets the optimal possible nutrition. Therefore, the industry is witnessing a deluge of wet pet food products with a focus on high quality, wholesome ingredients, thus spurring growth in the market.
BioCraft Pet Nutrition and Prefera Petfood launched Europe's first almost entirely cultured mouse meat cat food in April 2025, a significant breakthrough in innovative and sustainable pet nutrition. The new food, referred to as "mouse mousse," consists of 99% animal cell-cultured mouse meat, replicate a cat's natural prey diet closely and also hoping to be superior to traditional pet food in nutritional value and safety.
Consumer Insights
The market in Europe is witnessing steady growth, driven by rising pet ownership and a growing trend of treating pets as family members. This expansion reflects the increased willingness of consumers to spend more on pet well-being, including premium food, health supplements, and tailored diets. Throughout Europe, there are some 150 pet companies manufacturing 10.5 million tonnes of pet food, which are supplied to most of the 91 million European families enjoying the affection and company of their 340+ million pets. There are some 127 million cats, 104 million dogs, 53 million birds, 29 million small mammals, 22 million aquariums, and 11 million terraria.
As of 2023, more than 340 million companion animals lived in Europe, comprising some 105 million cats and 91 million dogs. More than 46% of homes in Europe have a pet, with cats outnumbering dogs narrowly in some nations, such as Germany and France.
Data per country shows varying pet ownership trends. 32% of French households had a cat, as opposed to 20% who had a dog, adding up to 74 million pets in total, the most popular being fish at 29.1 million. The pet population in Germany fell slightly to 34.4 million, 300,000 fewer than the year before. The UK saw a drop of 1.2 million in pet-owning households to 16.2 million in 2023; 34% of them had dogs, and 28% had cats. In Italy, 21% of households possessed dogs, and 24% possessed cats, which amounted to 65 million pets across the country.
Sustainability is becoming more important to pet owners, especially to younger shoppers. These include demands for green packaging, responsibly sourced and plant-based ingredients, and strong sustainability credentials among brands. More pressure is being felt for recyclable and biodegradable packaging, carbon-neutral and local products.
Functional ingredients like probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants are gaining attention for preventive health. Alternative proteins such as insects and plant-based proteins as well as cell-based and algae-based proteins are emerging as sustainable alternatives.
In addition, the online and e-commerce environment has been instrumental in determining consumer product adoption patterns in the market. Convenience of purchasing online and access to information via digital channels have equipped customers with making knowledgeable decisions regarding snack purchases. Companies using e-commerce platforms and adopting digital marketing approaches are well-suited to appeal and reach a wide segment of consumers in the competitive pet food market.
Report Coverage & Deliverables
- Competitive benchmarking
- Historical data & forecasts
- Company revenue shares
- Regional opportunities
- Latest trends & dynamics
Product Insights
Dry dog and cat food had a revenue share of 44.8% in 2024. Dry pet food in Europe is steadily growing in demand, aided by convenience, long shelf life, and easy storage and feeding compared to wet or fresh pet food options. Dry food is valued by city dwellers for being cheaper, hygienic, and convenient. European pet owners are increasingly choosing dry food varieties that meet specific nutritional needs, supplemented with vital vitamins, minerals, and functional components that promote pet health.
The pet snacks/treats market is projected to expand at a 2025-2030 CAGR of 4.6%. Pet owners in Europe are increasingly buying pets' snacks and treats because of greater emphasis on pet well-being, emotional attachment, and functional health benefits. While pets are being viewed more as family, European pet owners spend not only out of necessity but also to reward, pamper, and reinforce good behavior. Treats are used as a training aid, for comfort and celebration, and therefore an integral part of pet care activities on a daily basis.
Pet Type Insights
Dog food for pets generated a revenue share of 47.3% in 2024. Several pet parents are better educated about offering balanced and nutritionally sound diets to their canine companions. With more emphasis on the health of pets, formulations of dog food are now made specifically to address particular dietary requirements, such as breed-specific, age-specific, or medical-specific. This encompasses food that addresses joint health, digestive health, skin, and coat quality, and even mental well-being.
Cat food for pets is projected to expand at a CAGR of 3.9% during 2025-2030. Dry kibble and wet pouches are the convenient and time-saving forms of cat food that busy pet parents love. While homemade foods might take a lot of preparation, commercial cat food is simple to store, simple to serve, and offers the correct proportion of nutrients in one package. Its long shelf life, particularly in dry food forms, also makes it a popular choice among many cat owners.
Category Insights
Conventional pet food for commuters contributed a revenue share of 86.5% in 2024. Conventional pet foods, such as dry kibble and canned meal, are very convenient to use for pet owners. They need minimal or no preparation, contain a long shelf life, and are convenient to store. This makes them perfect for time-and-money-strapped pet parents who do not have the luxury or time to prepare fresh or homemade food for their pets. The ease of measuring out servings and the minimum mess involved also attract city pet dwellers who live in less spacious areas.
Specialist veterinary nutrition pet food is poised to grow at a CAGR of 4.4% during the period 2025-2030. Specialist veterinary nutrition pet food is witnessing strong growth due to the rise in humanization of pets and increased awareness of their individual health requirements. Pet owners are looking for customized diet solutions to deal with issues such as digestive sensitivities, obesity, and allergies. This has fostered a rise in premium, veterinarian-recommended foods made with functional ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants. The ease of shopping on e-commerce websites has also promoted the availability of the specialized foods, driving market growth.
Distribution Channel Insights
Sales of pet food through pet specialty stores accounted for a revenue share of 29.5% in 2024. These stores offer a curated selection of high-quality, niche, and premium pet food products that cater to specific dietary needs and health concerns, aligning with the growing trend of pet humanization and premiumization. Consumers are increasingly seeking transparency in ingredients and nutritional information, which specialty retailers are more likely to provide. In addition, these stores often employ knowledgeable staff who can offer personalized advice and recommendations, enhancing the shopping experience for pet owners.
Sales of pet food through online/e-commerce channels are expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2030. The demand for pet food in Europe is increasingly shifting toward online channels, driven by higher digital adoption, the convenience of shopping from home, and the ability to access a broader range of products. E-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Zooplus, and local online pet stores enable health-conscious pet parents to explore a variety of brands, compare ingredients, and read customer reviews before making a purchase. In addition, the rise of health-focused direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, which leverage social media and influencer marketing, has enhanced their online visibility and attracted more European consumers looking for high-quality, specialized pet food options.
Regional Insights
The pet food market in the UK is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.6% from 2025 to 2030. As per the UK Pet Food Report 2024, the UK has a total population of 13.5 million and 12.5 million dogs and cats, respectively, and is one of the prominent markets for pet food in Europe in 2024. The pet food market in the country complies with stringent standards and over 50 different legislations to manufacture wet pet food products of the highest quality and safety.
Germany Pet Food Market Trends
The Germany pet food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.9% from 2025 to 2030. According to the International Trade Administration, as of 2023, 45% of German households own at least one pet, with 14% owning two or more, amounting to approximately 34.3 million pets. Cats are the most common, found in 25% of households, followed by dogs in 21%. Small mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles make up 17% of the pet population. This extensive pet ownership, especially of cats and dogs, fuels growth in the German wet pet food industry, as pet owners increasingly seek premium, tailored nutrition to ensure their pets' health and well-being.
Key Europe Pet Food Company Insights
Pet food manufacturers in the European region are increasingly adopting advanced food processing technologies to improve product quality, flavor, and nutritional content. In addition, manufacturers are incorporating innovative packaging solutions, such as resealable and biodegradable options, to enhance convenience and sustainability. Customization is also becoming a key trend, with brands offering a variety of seasoning blends, organic options, and personalized snack or treat packs to cater to the diverse preferences of pet owners across the region. These innovations reflect the industry's response to consumer demand for higher-quality, more sustainable, and tailored pet food products.
Key Europe 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, Nestlé Purina PetCare is launching its innovative pyramid-shaped wet cat food line across Europe and the U.S., doubling down on premiumization and product innovation. In Europe, a new jelly variant under the brand Gourmet Revelations is being introduced, with extra-diced tender cuts in clear jelly in salmon, chicken, and white fish flavors. This new range, to be launched in 15 European markets in 2025 with additional expansion in 2026, extends Purina's research into feline behavior and the role of shape and texture in stimulating natural feeding behaviors like wide biting, licking, and chewing.
In February 2025, French animal food manufacturer Natura Plus Ultra Pet Food increased manufacturing capacity to keep up with increasing demand and increase its range of products. This growth comes after the launch of four new recipes of kibbles for dogs and cats with fresh poultry and salmon. In 2025, Natura Plus Ultra Pet Food aims to innovate further with new offerings designed for specific animal health needs, mainly by increasing its Care range for dogs with specific health concerns and introducing new treat lines for both cats and dogs.
In March 2025, Marsapet, a German pet food manufacturer, launched MicroBell with sustainable protein manufacturer Calysta, the world's first dry dog kibble produced using FeedKind, a new protein developed by gas fermentation with methane as a microbial carbon source. The grain-free, plant-based offering blends FeedKind with sweet potatoes, peas, and other items, and is safe for allergy-prone or sensitive-stomached dogs. FeedKind is exceptionally nutrient-dense (up to 71% protein), non-GMO (without genetic modification), and certified vegan, providing a balanced amino acid profile and documented gut health benefits.
Europe Pet Food Market Report Scope
|
Report Attribute |
Details |
|
Market size value in 2025 |
USD 37.83 billion |
|
Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 46.32 billion |
|
Growth rate (Revenue) |
CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2030 |
|
Actual data |
2018 - 2024 |
|
Forecast period |
2025 - 2030 |
|
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million/billion, volume in kilo tons, CAGR from 2025 to 2030 |
|
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
|
Segments covered |
Product, pet, category, distribution channel, region |
|
Regional scope |
Europe |
|
Country scope |
Germany; UK; France; Italy; Spain |
|
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 |
Europe Pet Food Market Report Segmentation
This report forecasts revenue growth at the regional and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, MIR has segmented the Europe pet food market report based on product, pet, category, distribution channel, and region
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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 (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 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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-
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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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Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
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Europe
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Germany
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UK
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France
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Italy
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Spain
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