Europe Pet Food Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Pet Type, Product Type, Pricing Type, Ingredient Type, Distribution Channel, and Country, 2026-2034

Europe Pet Food Market Summary: 

The Europe pet food market size was valued at USD 37.77 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 63.29 Billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.90% from 2026-2034.   

The market is driven by accelerating pet humanization trends, demographic shifts toward single-person households, and sustained demand for functional nutrition products. European pet owners increasingly prioritize premium formulations enriched with probiotics, omega fatty acids, and joint-support complexes as preventive healthcare measures. Alternative protein sources, particularly insect-based ingredients, are gaining regulatory approvals and commercial traction as manufacturers align with European Green Deal sustainability objectives while managing traditional protein supply constraints, thereby expanding the Europe pet food market share. 

Key Takeaways and Insights: 

• By Pet Type: Dog food dominates the market with a share of 42.09% in 2025, driven by the concentration of dog ownership in European households and increasing demand for breed-specific and functional nutrition formulations. 

• By Product Type: Dry pet food leads the market with a share of 57.18% in 2025, owing to its convenience, extended shelf life, cost-effectiveness, and ease of storage compared to wet alternatives. 

• By Pricing Type: Mass products represent the largest segment with a market share of 70.04% in 2025, driven by economic pressures and the expansion of private-label offerings across major European retail chains. 

• By Ingredient Type: Animal derived dominates the market with a share of 65.05% in 2025, reflecting traditional preferences for meat-based proteins including chicken, beef, fish, and pork formulations. 

• By Distribution Channel: Supermarkets and hypermarkets lead the market with a share of 62.76% in 2025, benefiting from wide product assortments, competitive pricing, and convenient one-stop shopping experiences. 

• By Country: Germany represents the largest segment with a market share of 26% in 2025, supported by robust pet ownership rates, strong purchasing power, and cultural emphasis on premium pet care standards. 

• Key Players: The Europe pet food market exhibits moderate to high competitive intensity, with multinational corporations and regional manufacturers competing across premium, mid-tier, and economy price segments through product innovation and strategic acquisitions. 

European are increasingly prioritizing pet nutrition as integral to overall pet wellness, driving sustained demand for specialized formulations targeting digestive health, joint support, weight management, and allergen-free options. The market benefits from evolving retail landscapes that blend traditional brick-and-mortar channels with rapidly expanding e-commerce platforms offering subscription services and personalized nutrition solutions. Regulatory frameworks governing pet food safety and labeling continue to shape product development while building buyer confidence. The count of single-person households without children in the EU grew by 16.9% from 2015 to 2024, while all households saw an increase of 5.8%. Single-person households allocate proportionally higher spending to companion animal care compared to multi-person households. The shift toward sustainable packaging solutions, including recyclable materials and reduced plastic usage, reflects broader environmental consciousness among European pet owners. Alternative protein sources such as insect-based and plant-derived ingredients are gaining traction as manufacturers align with European Green Deal objectives while addressing concerns about conventional protein supply chains. 

Europe Pet Food Market Trends: 

Pet Humanization Transforming Consumption Patterns 

European pet parents increasingly view their animals as integral family members, fundamentally reshaping purchasing behaviors toward premium, science-backed nutrition products that parallel human dietary trends. This cultural shift has intensified following pandemic-induced lifestyle changes that deepened human-animal bonds through extended cohabitation periods and remote work arrangements. There is a rise in pet adoption with 139 million European households (49%) owning one or more of Europe’s 299 million pets. Pet parents now actively seek formulations featuring organic ingredients, grain-free compositions, and veterinary-recommended specifications that address specific health conditions rather than generic maintenance diets. The movement extends beyond basic nutrition into specialized categories including breed-specific formulas, life-stage optimized products, and functional foods targeting digestive wellness, joint mobility, and cognitive function. Transparency regarding ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, and nutritional benefits has become non-negotiable for discerning people who scrutinize labels with the same rigor applied to human food products. 

Sustainable Packaging Innovation Reshaping Industry Standards 

Environmental consciousness among Europeans is driving comprehensive packaging transformations across the pet food industry as manufacturers transition from conventional multi-material formats to mono-material, recyclable, and biodegradable alternatives. Companies are pioneering paper-based packaging solutions for wet food products, eliminating traditional plastic pouches while maintaining product freshness through advanced barrier technologies that prevent moisture infiltration and oxygen exposure. The movement aligns with stringent European Union directives mandating increased recycled content percentages in packaging materials and establishing extended producer responsibility frameworks that hold manufacturers accountable for end-of-life disposal. The updated EU Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste mandates that 70% of all packaging materials must be recyclable by 2030. Retail partnerships with specialized packaging innovators are yielding resealable stand-up pouches, lightweight containers that reduce shipping emissions, and compostable films that decompose without leaving harmful residues. Digital printing technologies enable personalized packaging designs without excessive material waste while smart packaging features including QR codes provide people with detailed sustainability credentials and recycling instructions. 

Digital Commerce Revolution Enabling Personalized Nutrition 

E-commerce channels are experiencing unprecedented expansion across European pet food markets as individuals embrace subscription-based delivery models that combine convenience with data-driven personalization algorithms matching specific pet characteristics to optimal nutritional profiles. Online platforms leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze pet age, breed, activity levels, health conditions, and taste preferences, generating customized meal plans that evolve with changing needs throughout different life stages. Subscription services eliminate repetitive purchasing decisions while ensuring consistent product availability at predictable pricing points that often undercut traditional retail margins. The digital ecosystem facilitates direct manufacturer-to-consumer relationships that bypass intermediary distribution layers, enabling premium brands to offer competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards. IMARC Group predicts that the Europe e-commerce market is projected to attain USD 8.46 Trillion by 2033. 

Market Outlook 2026-2034: 

The Europe pet food market is poised for sustained expansion throughout the forecast period as demographic trends, regulatory developments, and technological innovations converge to reshape competitive dynamics across the region. The market generated a revenue of USD 37.77 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach a revenue of USD 63.29 Billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.90% from 2026-2034. Digital commerce infrastructure will mature substantially with artificial intelligence-powered recommendation engines, augmented reality packaging experiences, and blockchain-enabled traceability systems becoming standard features rather than competitive differentiators. 

Europe Pet Food Market Report Segmentation: 

Pet Type Insights: 

• Dog Food 
• Cat Food 
• Others 

Dog food dominates with a market share of 42.09% of the total Europe pet food market in 2025.  

Dog food leads the market, driven by higher per-unit consumption volumes compared to smaller pet categories and sustained demand for breed-specific formulations that address unique nutritional requirements across size classifications. European dog owners increasingly seek functional products incorporating joint-support ingredients for large breeds, digestive enzymes for sensitive stomachs, and dental care components that reduce plaque accumulation during chewing. The segment benefits from extensive product innovation targeting specific life stages including puppy development formulas with DHA for cognitive function, adult maintenance diets balancing energy provision with weight management, and senior formulations featuring glucosamine for joint health alongside antioxidants supporting cognitive vitality.  

Urban living arrangements increasingly favor smaller dog breeds that adapt better to apartment environments, creating demand for portion-controlled packaging formats and calorie-optimized recipes preventing obesity in less active indoor pets. The proliferation of mixed-breed adoptions from animal welfare organizations is driving demand for versatile all-breed formulations rather than purebred-specific products, while rescue organizations increasingly partner with pet food manufacturers to provide nutritional guidance during adoption processes. Grain-free formulations continue gaining market share despite veterinary debates regarding potential links to dilated cardiomyopathy, as individuals prioritize ancestral diet philosophies emphasizing meat-centric nutrition over cereal grain fillers. On February 7, 2025, Meatly became the first company globally to offer cultivated meat available for pet food. In partnership with the plant-based dog food brand THE PACK, a limited edition of "Chick Bites" is available for purchase at Pets at Home Brentford, London. 

Product Type Insights: 

• Dry Pet Food 
• Wet and Canned Pet Food 
• Snacks and Treats 

Dry pet food leads with a share of 57.18% of the total Europe pet food market in 2025.  

Dry pet food dominates the market, owing to superior cost-effectiveness, extended shelf stability without refrigeration requirements, and convenience in storage and feeding compared to wet alternatives. The format provides complete nutritional profiles in concentrated form requiring smaller serving sizes per meal, translating to lower per-feeding costs that appeal to budget-conscious pet parents managing multi-pet households. Kibble formulations facilitate dental health through mechanical abrasion during chewing that reduces tartar buildup and promotes oral hygiene without requiring dedicated dental treats. 

The dry pet food segment leads innovation in sustainable packaging solutions with paper-based bags, recyclable pouches, and refill station concepts reducing single-use plastic consumption while maintaining product freshness through advanced barrier technologies. Manufacturing efficiencies in dry food production enable competitive pricing across mass-market segments while premium positioning leverages specialized protein sources, novel carbohydrate alternatives like chickpeas and lentils, and superfood inclusions such as blueberries and cranberries. Large-format packaging options cater to bulk-buying preferences among cost-conscious pet parents and multi-pet households while smaller precision-portioned bags serve premium segments emphasizing ingredient freshness over extended storage periods.  

Pricing Type Insights: 

• Mass Products 
• Premium Products 

Mass products exhibit a clear dominance with a 70.04% share of the total Europe pet food market in 2025.  

The mass products segment experienced accelerated growth during recent economic uncertainty as households facing elevated living costs reassess discretionary spending while remaining committed to pet ownership and basic care standards. Private-label penetration varies substantially across geographic regions with Eastern European markets demonstrating stronger growth in economy segments compared to Western European nations where brand loyalty and income levels support sustained premium positioning. Animal welfare organizations and veterinary professionals increasingly recommend cost-effective mass-market products meeting nutritional standards as viable alternatives to premium offerings for healthy pets without specific dietary requirements, normalizing economy product usage among responsible pet owners. 

Mass products maintain regulatory compliance with European Union nutritional standards ensuring minimum protein, fat, fiber, and micronutrient levels while utilizing cost-effective ingredients including cereal grains, poultry by-products, and plant-based proteins that meet species-appropriate requirements without premium positioning. The segment serves multi-pet households where cumulative feeding costs create substantial financial burden making premium positioning economically unfeasible despite preferences for higher-quality formulations. Retailers strategically position private-label mass products adjacent to premium alternatives facilitating direct price comparisons that highlight value propositions while maintaining acceptable quality perceptions through clean packaging designs and simplified ingredient lists. 

Ingredient Type Insights: 

• Animal Derived 
• Plant Derived 

Animal derived leads with a share of 65.05% of the total Europe pet food market in 2025.  

Animal-derived ingredients hold the leading position, reflecting traditional carnivorous dietary preferences for dogs and obligate carnivore requirements for cats necessitating meat-based protein sources providing complete essential amino acid profiles. The segment encompasses diverse protein sources including poultry (chicken and turkey), red meats (beef and lamb), fish (salmon and white fish), and novel proteins (venison, duck, and wild boar) catering to varied palatability preferences and addressing food sensitivities through protein rotation strategies. Animal-derived formulations benefit from superior digestibility, bioavailable nutrients, and palatability advantages particularly critical for cats whose evolutionary biology favors meat-centric nutrition over plant-based alternatives. 

Premium positioning within animal-derived ingredients emphasizes ethically sourced proteins from free-range poultry, grass-fed ruminants, and sustainably harvested wild-caught fish appealing to environmentally conscious pet parents willing to pay premiums for supply chain transparency and animal welfare standards. The segment faces increasing scrutiny regarding environmental footprints associated with conventional livestock production including greenhouse gas emissions, land use intensity, and water consumption driving innovation toward more sustainable animal protein alternatives. Fresh meat positioning differentiates premium products through refrigerated distribution channels and shorter shelf life compared to conventional shelf-stable formulations, commanding significant price premiums justified by minimal processing and ingredient freshness. 

Distribution Channel Insights: 

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets 
• Specialty Stores 
• Online Stores 
• Others 

Supermarkets and hypermarkets exhibit a clear dominance with a 62.76% share of the total Europe pet food market in 2025.  

Supermarkets and hypermarkets account for majority of the market share, benefiting from extensive geographic footprints, convenient one-stop shopping experiences combining pet food purchases with regular grocery acquisitions, and competitive pricing through high-volume procurement leveraging retailer bargaining power. The channel provides immediate product availability eliminating delivery wait times associated with online purchases, enabling pet parents to inspect packaging, compare alternatives, and make spontaneous purchase decisions influenced by in-store promotions and point-of-sale displays. Major retail chains dedicate substantial shelf space to pet food categories recognizing consistent purchase frequency and basket value contributions while implementing category management strategies that balance branded products with proprietary private-label offerings. 

The supermarket channel facilitates impulse purchasing of complementary products including treats, toys, and grooming supplies strategically positioned adjacent to core food categories, increasing overall basket values and customer engagement with pet care categories. Retailer private-label expansion within supermarkets provides value-oriented alternatives to national brands, capturing price-sensitive buyers while generating higher margins for retailers compared to branded product distribution. The channel's strength lies in habitual shopping patterns where pet parents establish routine purchasing behaviors favoring familiar retail environments over specialized alternatives requiring dedicated shopping trips. 

Country Insights: 

• Germany 
• France 
• United Kingdom 
• Italy 
• Spain 
• Others 

Germany leads with a share of 26% of the total Europe pet food market in 2025.  

Germany leads European markets in premium product penetration with organic pet food sales experiencing substantial growth and veterinary diet adoption rates exceeding regional averages, reflecting pet parents willingness to invest in preventive health measures and specialized nutrition addressing specific medical conditions. Urban centers including Berlin and Munich serve as innovation hubs for premium and sustainable brands emphasizing ethical ingredient sourcing, environmental responsibility, and transparent supply chain documentation. The German market's regulatory framework ensures strict adherence to quality standards fostering trust while establishing high barriers to entry that favor established manufacturers with comprehensive compliance capabilities. 

Germany's pet food industry demonstrates leadership in sustainable packaging innovation with manufacturers pioneering paper-based solutions, recyclable materials, and refillable formats aligned with broader environmental consciousness among Germans. The market supports diverse distribution channels with specialty retailers maintaining strong positions alongside supermarket dominance and rapidly expanding online platforms serving price-conscious buyers seeking bulk purchasing opportunities. German pet owners allocate substantial funds annually to pet food expenditures reflecting sustained commitment to companion animal nutrition despite economic fluctuations. German biotech company MicroHarvest partnered with animal-free pet food maker VEGDOG to launch a unique microbial protein dog treat. The new product was offered on May 6 at the 2024 Pet Food Forum Europe, occurring in Nuremberg, Germany, during Interzoo Europe. 

Market Dynamics: 

Growth Drivers: 

Why is the Europe Pet Food Market Growing? 

Rising Pet Ownership and Evolving Household Demographics 

European pet ownership continues expanding across diverse demographic segments as societal attitudes evolve to embrace companion animals as integral family members deserving comprehensive care and high-quality nutrition. European housing policies increasingly accommodate pet ownership in rental properties through legislative frameworks protecting tenant rights to companion animals, removing traditional barriers that previously restricted urban pet adoption particularly in densely populated metropolitan areas. The demographic shift toward delayed family formation among millennials and Generation Z cohorts establishes pets as surrogate family members during extended periods of single living, professional establishment, and romantic partnership before children enter household compositions. Moreover, the number of individuals aged 60 and above in the WHO European Region is increasing quickly, from 215 million in 2021 to an anticipated 247 million by 2030. Aging European populations experiencing increased longevity find companionship and daily purpose through pet ownership, with seniors representing rapidly growing pet owner demographics seeking low-maintenance indoor species providing emotional connection without excessive physical demands.  

Sustainable Innovation and Alternative Protein Development 

Environmental consciousness among Europeans drives fundamental transformations in pet food ingredient sourcing as manufacturers respond to growing demand for sustainable protein alternatives by reducing ecological footprints associated with conventional animal agriculture.  Cultivated meat technologies represent emerging frontier in sustainable pet nutrition with European biotechnology firms developing cell-cultured proteins that replicate natural meat compositions without animal slaughter, addressing ethical concerns while delivering complete amino acid profiles supporting carnivorous dietary requirements. Plant-based protein innovations incorporating pea protein, lentils, and chickpeas serve complementary roles in sustainable formulations particularly for omnivorous species while offering allergen-free alternatives for pets demonstrating sensitivities to common animal proteins including chicken and beef. In 2025, Marsapet GmbH, located in Germany, has established a unique position in the pet nutrition industry by incorporating sustainable alternative proteins into their offerings. Since the initial use of insect-derived components to innovative supplements, the company has continually remained at the forefront. Its newest product, MicroBell, is the first dry dog food globally to incorporate FeedKind®, a microbial protein that boasts an amino acid composition similar to chicken. 

Health-Focused Functional Nutrition and Veterinary Diet Expansion 

Growing awareness of pet health optimization drives sustained demand for functional nutrition products addressing specific physiological needs beyond basic maintenance including digestive support through prebiotics and probiotics, joint health via glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation, and cognitive function through omega fatty acid fortification. European pet parents increasingly adopt preventive health philosophies viewing nutritional quality as fundamental disease prevention strategy reducing long-term veterinary costs while extending companion animal lifespans and improving quality of life throughout aging processes. Prescription veterinary diets represent fastest-growing product segments as veterinarians prescribe specialized formulations managing chronic conditions including kidney disease, diabetes, food allergies, and digestive sensitivities requiring hydrolyzed proteins or novel protein sources. In 2024, ADM revealed the launch in Europe of seven ready-to-use pet product formulas aimed at a market that increasingly focuses on the overall health of pets. Available in soft chew and supplement powder sachet options, these functional formulations boast in-demand wellness claims that are scientifically validated and adhere to European standards, giving pet parents reliable choices to enhance their pets' wellness experience. 

Market Restraints: 

What Challenges the Europe Pet Food Market is Facing? 

Premium Product Price Sensitivity Amid Economic Pressures 

Persistent inflationary pressures across European economies constrain spending capacity particularly among middle-income households facing elevated costs across multiple essential categories including housing, energy, and human food necessities. Premium pet food positioning commands substantial price premiums often doubling or tripling costs compared to mass-market alternatives, creating affordability barriers that limit market penetration despite superior ingredient quality and functional benefit claims. Economic uncertainty drives trading-down behaviors as budget-conscious pet parents shift from premium to mid-tier segments or embrace private-label alternatives offering acceptable quality at reduced price points, compressing premium market share during recessionary periods. 

Stringent Regulatory Requirements and Compliance Complexity 

European pet food manufacturers navigate complex regulatory landscapes encompassing ingredient approvals, nutritional adequacy standards, labeling requirements, and environmental compliance creating substantial administrative burdens and operational costs particularly challenging for smaller manufacturers lacking dedicated regulatory expertise. Novel ingredient introductions including alternative proteins and functional additives require extensive safety assessments and approval processes through European Food Safety Authority pathways involving comprehensive documentation, toxicological evaluations, and efficacy demonstrations consuming significant time and financial resources before market entry authorizations. 

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities and Raw Material Constraints 

Traditional protein sources including fishmeal and soymeal experience price volatility driven by climate impacts on agricultural yields, geopolitical disruptions affecting commodity trade flows, and increasing competition from human food applications limiting availability for pet food formulations. Alternative protein technologies including cultivated meat and insect proteins face production cost challenges maintaining prices five to ten times conventional meat inputs in 2024, restricting commercial viability outside premium niche segments until manufacturing scale economies materialize through capacity expansion and technological optimization. 

Competitive Landscape: 

The Europe pet food market demonstrates moderate to high competitive intensity characterized by presence of multinational corporations commanding substantial market shares alongside regional manufacturers and emerging specialized brands targeting premium and niche segments through differentiated positioning strategies. Market leadership concentrates among established players as they are leveraging extensive distribution networks, significant marketing budgets, and comprehensive product portfolios spanning multiple price points and species categories. These dominant players maintain competitive advantages through economies of scale enabling cost-effective production, substantial research and development (R&D) capabilities supporting continuous innovation, and long-established brand equity commanding pet parents’ loyalty across generations of pet owners. 

Recent Developments: 

• In September 2025, Virbac has revealed the European introduction of Vikaly, the first-ever medicated cat food that blends renal kibble with a veterinary medication requiring marketing approval. The item needs a veterinary prescription after a clinical evaluation and is made in a facility authorized for producing medicated feed. Distribution adheres to the stipulations of European Regulation 2019/4. 

• In February 2025, Nestlé Purina PetCare is broadening its unique pyramid-shaped wet cat food in Europe and the U.S., as Nestlé emphasizes 'fewer, bigger and better' innovations for enhanced business influence. A new variant in Europe consisting of a clear jelly with small pieces of soft meat in three options, salmon, chicken, or white fish, will be introduced in 15 markets under the Purina Gourmet Revelations brand. Plans are in place to expand further in 2026 to achieve scale and promote growth. 

Europe Pet Food Market Report Scope: