Europe Pet Food Market

Europe Pet Food Market Overview:

The Europe pet food market size reached USD 35.6 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 63.2 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% during 2025-2033. Increasing pet ownership, expansion of e-commerce platforms, and innovation and product development is strengthening the growth of the market.

Europe Pet Food Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: Increasing adoption of pets and the growing awareness about the animal companionship is contributing to the growth of the market.
• Key Market Trends: The growing private-label pet feed brands, along with the rising urbanization, is facilitating the market growth.
• Key players: They are focusing on the strategic initiatives like collaborations and product innovations to expand their market position and widen their product offerings.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The market also faces challenges like the high feed and raw materials cost, which impacts the market revenue, it also encounters opportunities in the innovation of pet food products.

Europe Pet Food Market Trends:

Increasing pet ownership

According to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), in 2022, 91 million households in the EU own a pet. With more people in Europe keeping pets these days, including dogs, cats, birds, and other small animals, such as rabbits or hamsters, the overall pet population is increasing. As pets require their daily set of meals and occasional treats, the Europe pet food demand is rising accordingly. Additionally, there is a particular tendency of people to humanize their pets, where they view their animals as integral members of the family. This shift is forcing pet parents to increase their expenditure on pet care products, including the expensive or specialized pet food options, which contain improved ingredients, increased nutritional content and the variety.

Expansion of e-commerce platforms

E-commerce platforms facilitate convenience and accessibility to the pet parents, providing them with an opportunity to browse, buy and get the pet food products delivered directly to their doorsteps. This service is especially appealing to those pet parents who are usually busy and don't have enough time to go to a physical store regularly, thereby supporting the Europe pet food market growth. Pet parents can choose from a variety of brands, formulations, flavors, and specialty diets such as natural, organic, grain-free, and hypoallergenic diet. The range is allowing people to find products that fit as per their pets’ dietary requirements and preferences. As per the IMARC Group’s report, the Europe e-commerce market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% during 2024-2032.

Rising innovations and product development

Innovations in pet food address the changing needs and expectations of buyers. Pet parents nowadays are often looking for top notch, balanced and diverse food options for their pets. Innovative products targeted toward specific dietary needs, lifestyle choices, and health issues include grain-free, natural, organic and hypoallergenic formulations. In line with this, many major players are developing pet food that involves the use of functional ingredients along with supplements and has health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition. For instance, in 2022, Dogs Plates, a polish pet food company launched a new line of wet dog food products made from insect protein. The products, created especially for weight management, joint health, dental care, digestive health, and skin or hair of pets meet specific health concerns and resonate with pet parents seeking preventive care for their pets, which is influencing the Europe pet food market forecast.

Europe Pet Food Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the regional and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on pet type, product type, pricing type, ingredient type, and distribution channel.

Breakup by Pet Type:

• Dog Food
• Cat Food
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the pet type. This includes dog food, cat food, and others.

Dogs are the most common pets in Europe, with a significant portion of households owing at least one canine companion. This high prevalence of dog ownership in the region directly translates into a larger buyer base for dog food products. Moreover, dogs commonly require more substantial food than other animals including cats or smaller mammals. Therefore, the dog food market segment is getting higher levels of sales. Additionally, there is a growing trend of pet humanization among pet, particularly about dogs, where they view their canine companions as integral members of the family.

Cats have specific nutritional needs that vary from other pets like dogs, birds, or small rodents. They are the specialized carnivores that can only live on a diet that is high in protein and fat, which mostly comes from cat food formulations. Furthermore, the trend of pet humanization is also rapidly gaining momentum, where pet parents are becoming more sensitive about the nutrition of their feline pets. This is resulting in the increasing demand for high-quality and specialized cat food products like those which satisfy the health needs, including weight control, digestive health, and urinary tract health.

Breakup by Product Type:

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

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type have also been provided in the report. This includes dry pet food, wet and canned pet food, and snacks and treats.

Dry pet food offers convenience and long shelf life, making it a preferred choice for pet parents with busy lifestyles. Its durability also allows for easy storage and transportation, appealing to urban dwellers with limited space. Additionally, dry pet food is often more cost-effective compared to wet or fresh alternatives, making it accessible to a wide range of people. Furthermore, dry pet food products are formulated to meet nutritional requirements like weight management and dental health, thereby offering a positive Europe pet food market outlook.

Pet parents are increasingly prioritizing the health and well-being of their furry companions, seeking out products that offer high nutritional value and hydration. The wet and canned pet foods usually have more moisture content than the dry kibbles. This keeps the pets hydrated and promotes their health. Moreover, the trend of humanization is also driving the demand for wet and canned pet food as it provides a closer resemblance to home-cooked meals.

The busy lifestyles of many European pet parents are fueling the popularity of convenient, on-the-go snack options that can easily fit into hectic schedules. Moreover, the trend of smaller living spaces in urban areas is leading to a rise in pet ownership among apartment dwellers, who often rely on treats and snacks as a form of positive reinforcement training in limited living spaces.

Breakup by Pricing Type:

• Mass Products
• Premium Products
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the pricing type. This includes mass products and premium products.

Mass products are typically manufactured by well-established brands and cater to a broad buyer base, including pet parents across various income levels. The mass segment includes a wide range of products, ranging from economy to mid-tier offerings, providing options that appeal to price-conscious individuals while still meeting basic nutritional requirements for pets. Additionally, mass-market pet food products are prominently featured in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and pet supply stores, making them easily accessible to a large number of people.

People in Europe are more willing to allocate a larger portion of their budget towards premium pet food options, viewing them as an investment in their pets' longevity and quality of life. The proliferation of online retail channels is also contributing to the growth of the premium segment, offering greater accessibility to a wide range of premium pet food brands and variants. Additionally, pet parents are becoming increasingly discerning about the origin and production methods of pet food, driving the demand for premium products that emphasize natural, organic, and ethically sourced ingredients.

Breakup by Ingredient Type:

• Animal Derived
• Plant Derived
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the ingredient type have also been provided in the report. This includes animal derived and plant derived.

Dogs and cats, the most owned pets in Europe, are primarily carnivores, requiring diets rich in animal-derived proteins to maintain optimal health. This preference for animal-based ingredients aligns with the natural diet of these animals in the wild and is reflected in the formulation of many pet food products. Additionally, pet parents often perceive animal-derived ingredients as they are higher quality and more readily digestible protein sources for their pets compared to plant-based alternatives. Furthermore, the premiumization trend in the pet food market in Europe is leading to an increased demand for high-quality and protein-rich formulations.

There has been a notable shift in preferences of people towards plant-based diets. Concerns about animal welfare, sustainability, and the environmental impact of meat production are prompting pet parents to seek out plant-based alternatives for their furry companions. Additionally, pet parents are adopting vegetarian or vegan lifestyles themselves is driving the demand for plant-based pet food options that align with their own dietary choices. Furthermore, advancements in pet nutrition research are leading to the development of high-quality plant-based formulas that meet pets' nutritional requirements, ensuring that they receive adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals without the need for animal-derived ingredients.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

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

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, specialty stores, online stores, and others.

The convenience and accessibility offered by these retail formats play a significant role. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are widely distributed across urban and rural areas, making them easily reachable for pet parents looking to purchase food for their pets. Additionally, these retail outlets often carry a wide variety of pet food brands, catering to different budgets and preferences, which appeals to a broad buyer base. Furthermore, supermarkets and hypermarkets frequently run promotions and discounts on pet food products, further incentivizing people to make purchases.

Specialty stores often offer a wide range of specialized pet food products catering to various dietary needs, preferences, and health requirements of pets. With a focus on quality and variety, specialty stores attract discerning pet parents who prioritize the well-being and nutrition of their pets. Moreover, these stores provide personalized customer service, with knowledgeable staff who can offer guidance and recommendations tailored as per individual pets' needs, thereby expanding pet food market growth in Europe.

The convenience and accessibility offered by online shopping are significantly contributing to the segment's growth. Pet parents can browse a wide range of products from the comfort of their homes, compare prices, read reviews, and make purchases at any time, eliminating the need to visit physical stores. This convenience is particularly appealing to busy urban dwellers who may not have the time to visit traditional brick-and-mortar pet stores. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce platforms is expanding the reach of pet food retailers, allowing them to tap into a larger customer base across different regions and countries in Europe.

Breakup by Country:

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

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major markets in Europe, which includes Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and Others.

Germany is known for its strong economy and high standards of living, allowing pet parents to prioritize the well-being of their pets and invest in high-quality food products. The country also has a well-established pet care industry, with numerous pet food manufacturers, retailers, and pet care service providers catering to the diverse needs of pet parents and stimulating the Europe pet food market share. Moreover, people are increasingly inclined towards premium and specialized pet food options in the country.

French people tend to prioritize the health and well-being of their pets, leading to a preference for premium and specialized pet food options. This demand for higher quality pet food is driving the growth of the market. Furthermore, France is known for its culinary culture, and this influence extends to pet food as well. French pet parents often seek out gourmet and natural pet food products, contributing to the expansion of the premium pet food. Moreover, France has a well-developed distribution network for pet food products, with a wide availability of products across various retail channels, including pet specialty stores, supermarkets, and online platforms.

The UK has a culture of treating pets as integral members of the family, leading to a willingness among pet parents to invest in premium and specialized pet food options. This trend of humanization of pets is driving the demand for higher quality pet food products, including natural, organic, and functional options, which typically command higher prices and contribute to the overall Europe pet food market size. Furthermore, the well-established pet food industry with a wide range of domestic and international manufacturers offering diverse product offerings to cater to various pet dietary needs and preferences is propelling the market growth.

Competitive Landscape:

• The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market.
• Key players are investing in research and development (R&D) activities to innovate new formulations and ingredients that offer superior nutrition, taste, and health benefits for pets. They are also prioritizing sustainability, which leads to initiatives like sourcing ingredients from sustainable and ethical suppliers, reducing packaging waste, and investing in eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Moreover, some companies are enhancing transparency and traceability throughout their supply chains to build trust among buyers and ensure the safety and quality of their products. Besides this, key players are collaborating with stakeholders in the pet food industry in Europe to expand their reach and product offering. For example, in 2024, The Nutrient Company, a provider of premium natural pet food, acquired Totally Natural Pet Products, a Scottish raw dog food manufacturer. This acquisition expands The Nutrient Company portfolio of premium natural pet food brands and further expands its position in the Central European market.

Europe Pet Food Market News:

• April 30, 2024: General Mills announced the procurement of European pet food brand Edgard & Cooper. This purchase suits the company’s accelerate strategy emphasizing improving their core businesses, global platforms, and domestic brands to advance further in sustainable development and give value to investors. Also, Edgard & Cooper is famous for its organic and eco-friendly method for pet food with projected retail sales of around 100 million euros in 2023 throughout 13 markets.
• April 10, 2024: Nestle announced that it will build a new factory for pet food in Italy. For this, the company will invest 472 million euros in Mantua and is planned to open by 2027.

Europe Pet Food Market Report Scope:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the Europe pet food market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the market?
• What is the breakup of the market on the basis of pet type?
• What is the breakup of the market on the basis of product type?
• What is the breakup of the market on the basis of pricing type?
• What is the breakup of the market on the basis of ingredient type?
• What is the breakup of the market on the basis of distribution channel?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the market?
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the market?
• What is the structure of the market, and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the Europe pet food market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Europe pet food market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Europe pet food market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within the region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Europe pet food industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.