Europe’s pet food ingredients market will exceed 14.95 billion USD by 2030, with urban pet ownership and human-grade food trends rising.
Europe is one of the leading regions globally in terms of pet food consumption, with a significant demand for high-quality, natural, and functional ingredients. This market encompasses a wide range of ingredients including proteins (both animal- and plant-based), carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and additives such as probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants that enhance the nutritional profile and palatability of pet foods. The demand in Europe is primarily fueled by the shift towards premiumization, where pet owners prefer ingredient transparency, sustainability, and products formulated to meet specific health needs like weight management, digestive health, and allergy relief. Moreover, there is a rising trend toward organic and natural ingredients, aligning with broader human food trends that emphasize clean-label, minimally processed, and ethically sourced components. Western and Northern European countries, including Germany, the UK, France, and the Nordic region, are marked by highly developed pet care markets where consumers are well-informed, willing to pay a premium, and increasingly inclined toward specialty diets such as grain-free, hypoallergenic, or species-specific ingredients. In contrast, Southern and Eastern European markets, while growing, often exhibit more price-sensitive consumer behavior, with greater emphasis on affordability alongside quality. Cultural factors, pet ownership patterns, and regional regulations further shape these differences. For example, the demand for plant-based or insect-based protein ingredients is higher in certain regions due to sustainability concerns and innovative product launches, while traditional meat-based ingredients remain dominant elsewhere. The European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) sets guidelines that manufacturers are encouraged to follow, emphasizing ingredient traceability, nutritional adequacy, and responsible sourcing. According to the research report "Europe Pet Food Ingredients Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the Europe Pet Food Ingredients market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 14.95 Billion by 2030. Urban dwellers often have higher disposable incomes, allowing them to purchase premium pet food products that offer specialized diets based on age, breed, or health concerns. Additionally, urban consumers are more aware of the health and nutritional needs of their pets, leading to a preference for organic, natural, or specially formulated pet foods. The availability of a wider variety of pet food products in urban areas influences buying habits toward more diverse and specialized products. The proliferation of e-commerce has further facilitated this trend, with online shopping becoming a popular channel for purchasing pet food in Europe. In 2022, Europe held a market share of over ~27%. Several fundamental driving forces for the pet food market include the existence of developed economies, the high pet ownership rate, and consumers' willingness to spend more on pet care. FEDIAF, the European Pet Food Industry Federation, estimates that more than 80 million European homes own at least one pet. Due to the increased cat ownership rate in the area, cat food items dominate the market. In the total number of pets in Europe, dogs and ornamental birds made up about 84.9 and 49.8 million, respectively. Sustainability has emerged as a significant concern among European pet owners, influencing their purchasing decisions. Pet owners are increasingly prepared to pay more for products that promise sustainability, including aspects like ingredient sourcing and packaging. The market for insect proteins in pet food is growing, with over 100 brands and more than 500 insect-based products for pets already available. Insect proteins are seen as a sustainable alternative to traditional meat sources, aligning with the industry's commitment to innovation and meeting evolving consumer preferences.
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Asia-Pacific dominates the market and is the largest and fastest-growing market in the animal growth promoters industry globally
Download SampleMarket Drivers • Increasing Pet Ownership and Humanization of Pets: The European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) reports that over 80 million households in Europe own at least one pet . This surge in pet ownership has led to a shift in consumer attitudes, with pets increasingly viewed as family members. Consequently, pet owners are demanding higher-quality, specialized, and nutritionally balanced pet foods, driving the need for premium ingredients and innovative formulations. • Growth of E-commerce and Online Retail Channels: The rise of e-commerce platforms has revolutionized the pet food industry in Europe. Consumers now have convenient access to a wide range of pet food products, including specialized diets and premium brands, from the comfort of their homes. This shift not only expands market reach but also caters to the growing demand for personalized and tailored pet nutrition solutions. Market Challenges • Stringent Regulatory Standards and Compliance Costs: European Union regulations impose strict standards on pet food labeling, ingredient sourcing, and production processes. While these regulations ensure product safety and quality, they also increase compliance costs for manufacturers. Smaller producers, in particular, may find it challenging to meet these stringent requirements, potentially limiting their market participation. • Supply Chain Disruptions and Raw Material Shortages: The pet food industry faces challenges related to the availability and cost of key ingredients, such as proteins and functional additives. Supply chain disruptions, agricultural constraints, and varying availability of both organic and inorganic materials make it challenging for companies to fulfill the rising demand for nutritious and diverse pet food options Market Trends • Demand for Natural, Organic, and Functional Ingredients :European pet owners are increasingly seeking pet food products that are natural, organic, and free from artificial additives and preservatives. Functional ingredients, such as probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, are gaining popularity for their health benefits, including improved digestion, skin and coat health, and overall well-being. • Adoption of Sustainable and Alternative Protein Sources: Sustainability is a growing concern among European consumers. This has led to the exploration and adoption of alternative protein sources, such as insect-based proteins and lab-grown meats, which offer lower environmental impacts compared to traditional animal-based proteins . These innovations align with the increasing demand for eco-friendly and ethically sourced pet food ingredients.
By Ingredient | Meat & meat Products | |
Cereals | ||
Vegetables & Fruits | ||
Fats | ||
Additives & Others | ||
By Source | Plant Based | |
Animal Based | ||
Synthetic | ||
By Form | Dry | |
Wet | ||
By Pet | Dog | |
Cat | ||
Fish | ||
Others (rabbits, birds, and horses) | ||
Europe | Germany | |
United Kingdom | ||
France | ||
Italy | ||
Spain | ||
Russia |
Meat and meat products lead the European pet food ingredients industry because they provide high-quality, highly digestible proteins and essential nutrients that closely mimic the natural diet of pets, meeting growing consumer demand for premium, natural, and species-appropriate pet nutrition. Meat and meat products dominate the pet food ingredients market primarily due to their superior nutritional profile, which aligns closely with the biological needs of companion animals like dogs and cats. These animals are predominantly carnivorous or omnivorous by nature, requiring diets rich in high-quality animal proteins and amino acids essential for muscle development, immune function, and overall health. Meat ingredients, including fresh meat, meat meals, and by-products, provide a comprehensive range of nutrients such as taurine, vitamins (especially B-complex), minerals (iron, zinc), and essential fatty acids that plant-based ingredients often lack or contain in less bioavailable forms. The high digestibility of meat proteins ensures optimal nutrient absorption, leading to better pet health outcomes and enhanced palatability, which is critical for consumer acceptance. Furthermore, the European pet food market is increasingly influenced by trends emphasizing natural, minimally processed, and ethically sourced ingredients, reflecting a shift in pet owners’ preferences who view pets as family members deserving high-quality nutrition. This demand encourages manufacturers to prioritize meat-based ingredients that resonate with the “clean label” movement and the growing consumer awareness around pet nutrition science. Additionally, stringent European regulations on pet food safety and ingredient quality boost confidence in meat-sourced components, ensuring traceability and reducing contamination risks, which further strengthens the preference for meat ingredients over synthetic or heavily processed alternatives. European meat industry, which provides a steady supply of diverse meat by-products that can be economically repurposed for pet food, supporting sustainability and circular economy goals. This access to a wide range of animal protein sources enables pet food formulators to develop balanced diets tailored to various life stages, breed sizes, and health requirements, reinforcing the market dominance of meat ingredients. Synthetic sources are moderately growing in the European pet food ingredients industry because they offer precise, consistent, and cost-effective supplementation of essential nutrients that are difficult to obtain naturally or in sufficient quantities from raw materials alone. In the European pet food market, synthetic sources are experiencing moderate growth due to their critical role in complementing natural ingredients and ensuring balanced, nutritionally complete diets for pets. While meat and natural ingredients remain dominant for primary macronutrients, synthetic vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other micronutrients are increasingly used to fill nutritional gaps that naturally sourced ingredients may not reliably provide. This is especially important for specific nutrients like certain B vitamins, vitamin D, taurine, and trace minerals, which may degrade during processing or be present in insufficient amounts in raw materials. Synthetic supplementation allows pet food manufacturers to precisely control nutrient levels, ensuring compliance with stringent European pet food regulations and nutritional guidelines aimed at safeguarding pet health. This precision in formulation helps avoid both deficiencies and toxicities, supporting optimal growth, immune function, and longevity. Additionally, synthetic ingredients contribute to the affordability and scalability of pet food production. As consumers demand premium products with guaranteed health benefits, manufacturers need cost-effective solutions that allow consistent product quality despite variations in natural ingredient availability or seasonal fluctuations. Synthetic nutrients provide a stable, reliable source of these essential compounds, reducing dependency on variable natural sources and enhancing the shelf life and safety of finished products. Moreover, synthetic sources can support specialized diets targeting health issues such as joint support, skin and coat health, or digestive wellness by enabling the inclusion of specific functional nutrients at therapeutic levels. Wet form pet food ingredients are the fastest-growing segment in Europe because they offer superior palatability, higher moisture content for improved pet hydration, and align with consumer preferences for fresh, natural, and premium-quality pet nutrition. The wet form segment of pet food ingredients is experiencing the fastest growth due to multiple factors that appeal to both pets and their owners. Wet pet foods, characterized by their higher moisture content, typically contain fresh or minimally processed meat, vegetables, and other natural ingredients that provide a sensory experience closely resembling the natural diet of companion animals. This form significantly enhances palatability, encouraging pets, especially cats and finicky eaters, to consume their meals eagerly, which directly supports better nutrition and health outcomes. The moist texture and strong aroma of wet food ingredients stimulate appetite and are often preferred over dry alternatives by many pets, which drives manufacturers to increase the use of these ingredients in formulations. From the consumer perspective, European pet owners are increasingly seeking premium and natural pet food products that emphasize transparency, freshness, and quality. Wet pet foods fulfill these demands as they are often perceived as less processed and more wholesome compared to dry kibble, resonating with the broader “humanization” trend where pets are treated as family members deserving of superior nutrition. This shift in consumer mindset encourages brands to innovate and expand their wet food offerings, contributing to rapid market growth. Additionally, the wet form’s higher moisture content plays an important role in promoting pet hydration, particularly for cats who naturally have a low thirst drive and are prone to urinary tract issues. By incorporating wet ingredients, manufacturers can help improve pets’ overall water intake, enhancing urinary and kidney health, which is a growing concern among pet owners and veterinarians in Europe. Dogs represent the largest pet type in Europe’s pet food ingredients industry because they are the most widely owned companion animals with diverse dietary needs that drive high demand for varied, nutritious, and specialized pet food formulations. Dogs constitute the largest segment within the pet food ingredients industry largely due to their status as the most popular and commonly kept companion animals across households. The high dog ownership rates in European countries translate directly into a substantial market for pet food manufacturers, who cater to a wide array of breeds, sizes, ages, and health conditions. Dogs’ diverse nutritional requirements, which vary significantly based on life stage (puppy, adult, senior), breed-specific traits, and lifestyle factors such as activity levels, create consistent demand for a broad spectrum of ingredient types and formulations. This diversity fosters innovation and growth in the pet food ingredient sector as manufacturers develop specialized diets including grain-free, hypoallergenic, weight management, and functional foods enriched with specific nutrients or supplements. Moreover, the cultural significance of dogs in Europe, where pets are increasingly viewed as family members, encourages owners to invest heavily in premium and super-premium nutrition options. This trend aligns with the rising consumer awareness around pet health, wellness, and longevity, pushing demand for high-quality, natural, and nutrient-rich ingredients like meat proteins, functional additives, and supplements. Dogs’ relatively larger size compared to cats and other pets also means higher food consumption volumes, which further amplifies the ingredient demand. The strong regulatory environment in Europe, focused on ingredient safety and quality, also bolsters consumer confidence in dog food products, stimulating purchases of premium ingredients and specialty formulations.
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Spain is growing in the Europe pet food ingredients industry primarily due to its expanding pet ownership, increasing consumer focus on pet health and nutrition, and its strategic position as a manufacturing and export hub with access to diverse raw materials. Spain’s growth in the European pet food ingredients industry can be attributed to a combination of shifting consumer behaviors, rising pet ownership, and the country’s advantageous geographical and economic positioning. Over recent years, Spain has witnessed a significant increase in the number of households owning pets, driven by changing lifestyles, urbanization, and the growing humanization of pets as family members. This cultural shift has heightened demand for premium, specialized pet food products that prioritize health, wellness, and nutrition, which in turn boosts the need for high-quality, innovative pet food ingredients. Spanish consumers, much like their European counterparts, are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of natural, organic, and functional ingredients in pet diets, such as probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, and alternative protein sources. This demand is further amplified by the rising prevalence of pets with specific dietary needs or sensitivities, encouraging manufacturers to source and develop customized ingredient blends that improve digestion, skin and coat health, and immune support. Spain’s strong agricultural sector is a critical advantage, providing an abundant and varied supply of raw materials, including cereals, meat by-products, fish, fruits, and vegetables, which serve as the foundational ingredients for pet food production. This local availability helps reduce costs and ensures freshness, supporting both domestic consumption and exports. Additionally, Spain’s strategic location as a gateway between Europe, Africa, and Latin America facilitates efficient trade routes and distribution networks, making it an attractive base for multinational pet food ingredient manufacturers seeking to expand their reach. The country also benefits from supportive government policies aimed at enhancing the agri-food industry, promoting innovation, and encouraging sustainability practices.
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