Europe Pet Food Market Report | Market Size, Industry Analysis, Growth Opportunities, & Forecast (2025-2030)

Europe Pet Food Market Overview

The Europe Pet Food Market is experiencing significant growth, with a projected market size of USD 60.11 billion in 2025 and expected to reach USD 83.73 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 6.79% during the forecast period 2025-2030. The Europe Pet Food Market is projected to witness substantial growth from 2025 to 2030, driven by rising pet adoption rates, increasing awareness of pet health, and growing demand for premium, natural, and organic pet food products. 

The market’s expansion is fueled by a shift in consumer preferences toward high-quality, nutritious, and sustainable food options for pets. Key trends include the rise in demand for grain-free, protein-rich diets and functional pet foods that cater to specific health needs, such as digestive support and weight management. Additionally, the market is seeing innovation in flavors and ingredients, including plant-based alternatives and novel protein sources.

The report analyzes the competitive landscape, consumer behavior, and regional trends across key European markets, highlighting opportunities for growth in established and emerging regions. Leading companies are focusing on strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions to enhance their market presence. With pet humanization trends driving market demand, the European pet food industry is poised for robust growth, offering significant opportunities for manufacturers and retailers alike. The report includes forecasts, market drivers, and insights into future growth prospects for the 2025-2030 period.

Market Report Coverage:

The “Europe Pet Food Market Report—Future (2025-2030)” by Digiroads Research & Consulting covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the market.

Study Assumptions and Definitions

The Europe Pet Food Market report is based on several key assumptions to ensure accurate market projections for the years 2025–2030. The assumptions include continued growth in pet ownership across Europe, particularly in countries such as the UK, Germany, and France, driven by rising disposable incomes, changing lifestyles, and the humanization of pets. The report also assumes ongoing trends toward premium and specialized pet food products, including natural, organic, and grain-free options, alongside a shift towards sustainable packaging and ethically sourced ingredients.

Definitions used in this study are as follows:

• Pet Food: Includes dry, wet, snacks, and treat products formulated for the nutritional needs of pets like dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
• Pet Type: Refers to the specific animals for which pet food is manufactured, with primary focus on dogs and cats.
• Product Type: Differentiates between dry, wet, and snack categories.
• Distribution Channels: The two main channels—offline and online retailers—through which pet food products are sold.
• Price Range: The segmentation of the market by cost levels, such as premium, mid-range, and economy.

These assumptions and definitions provide the foundation for analyzing the European pet food market over the forecast period.

Market Scope

The Europe Pet Food Market report provides a comprehensive analysis of the pet food industry across Europe, covering key regions including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. The market scope spans various product types, including dry food, wet food, and snacks & treats, with a particular focus on premium, natural, and grain-free segments. It explores consumer preferences for healthy, sustainable, and ethically sourced ingredients, highlighting the growing trend toward specialized pet foods tailored to different breed and health needs. The report also examines distribution channels, with a detailed look at offline and online retail growth.

The market scope extends to cover different price ranges, from economy to premium offerings, and identifies key drivers such as pet humanization, increased awareness about pet health, and innovations in pet food formulation. The report offers insights into market dynamics, growth opportunities, challenges, and projections for the 2025–2030 period, providing a strategic overview for stakeholders in the pet food industry.

MARKET OUTLOOK

Executive Summary

The Europe Pet Food Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by changing consumer preferences, an increase in pet ownership, and rising awareness of pet health and well-being. With a growing focus on humanized pets, consumers are increasingly seeking premium, natural, and functional pet food products that cater to specific health needs. The market is expected to continue expanding from 2025 to 2030, supported by innovations in pet food formulations and increased demand for specialized diets such as grain-free, organic, and breed-specific food options.

Dry food remains the dominant segment in the pet food market, offering convenience and long shelf life. However, wet food and snacks & treats are also gaining traction as consumers increasingly look for high-quality, flavorful alternatives that align with their pets’ nutritional needs. The trend toward premium and natural food products is expected to drive market growth, with pet owners willing to spend more on high-quality ingredients and specialized formulations for their pets.

Offline retail channels continue to dominate the pet food distribution landscape, with pet stores and supermarkets being the primary points of purchase. However, the online retail segment is rapidly growing, driven by the convenience of shopping and the increasing availability of a wide range of pet food options.

The market is further supported by key factors such as the rise of pet humanization, the increasing number of multi-pet households, and growing concerns over sustainability and ethical sourcing of ingredients. As the pet food market continues to evolve, stakeholders are likely to focus on product innovation, sustainability practices, and meeting the growing demand for natural, healthy, and customized pet food products. The European pet food market is poised for robust growth, with promising opportunities for new entrants and established players.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The Europe Pet Food Market is moderately fragmented, with regional and multinational players competing fiercely for market share.

Key Market Players

• Nestlé Purina Petcare
• Mars Petcare
• Hill’s Pet Nutrition
• Royal Canin (a subsidiary of Mars)
• Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
• Colgate-Palmolive Company (Hill’s Pet Nutrition)
• Smucker (Big Heart Pet Brands)
• Diamond Pet Foods
• Central Garden & Pet Company
• Brit Pet Food
• Finneran’s Pet Food

Market Share Analysis

The Europe Pet Food Market is highly competitive, with leading companies holding substantial market shares. Nestlé Purina Petcare and Mars Petcare are the dominant players, accounting for a significant portion of the market due to their extensive product portfolios, global presence, and strong brand recognition. Nestlé Purina Petcare’s premium offerings, including dry and wet food options, have contributed to its market leadership, while Mars Petcare’s diverse brands, such as Pedigree and Whiskas, cater to a wide range of pet food preferences.

Royal Canin, a subsidiary of Mars, is also a significant player in the market, known for its specialized nutrition tailored to specific breeds and life stages. Other notable players, such as Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Spectrum Brands, and Smucker’s Big Heart Pet Brands, have carved out niches by focusing on premium, natural, and organic pet food products, responding to the growing trend of pet owners seeking healthier options for their pets.

Smaller companies, such as Brit Pet Food and ForFarmers, are also gaining traction by offering locally sourced, high-quality ingredients and sustainable practices. However, the market remains largely consolidated, with the top players holding the majority of the market share, driving innovation and setting trends in the European pet food sector.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers and Key Innovations

The Europe Pet Food Market is being driven by several key factors, including increasing pet adoption, shifting consumer preferences, and a growing demand for premium, health-conscious pet food products. As pets become an integral part of households, more pet owners are investing in high-quality food to improve their pets’ overall health and well-being. This trend is particularly evident in the rising preference for natural, organic, and grain-free formulations, catering to pets with specific dietary needs.

Health and wellness trends are playing a significant role in shaping the pet food market. Pet owners are becoming more aware of the nutritional value of pet food, leading to greater demand for functional ingredients such as probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids that support immune function, digestion, and skin health. Furthermore, the increased focus on pet longevity has led to innovations in age-specific products, designed to cater to the nutritional needs of pets at different life stages.

Sustainability is another key driver, with eco-conscious pet owners seeking environmentally friendly products. This has encouraged the development of sustainable packaging and ethically sourced ingredients, such as insect protein and plant-based alternatives, to reduce the environmental impact of pet food production.

Key innovations in the market include the introduction of personalized pet food subscriptions, where pet owners can tailor their pet’s food according to specific health requirements. Additionally, advancements in pet food technology, such as the use of 3D printing for customized kibble, are gaining traction, offering more precise and innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for high-quality, functional, and sustainable pet food options.

Market Challenges

1. Rising Raw Material Costs: Fluctuations in the cost of raw materials, such as meat, grains, and functional ingredients, can lead to higher production costs and affect the price of pet food.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Stringent regulations regarding pet food ingredients, manufacturing processes, and labeling requirements may limit market entry and increase compliance costs for manufacturers.
3. Supply Chain Disruptions: Ongoing disruptions in the global supply chain, including delays in ingredient sourcing and logistics, can lead to product shortages and delayed deliveries.
4. Intense Competition: The market is highly competitive, with numerous local and international players offering a wide range of products. This creates challenges for brand differentiation and maintaining market share.
5. Price Sensitivity: While demand for premium pet food is growing, a significant portion of pet owners remains price-sensitive, limiting the potential for high-margin products.
6. Consumer Education: Despite growing awareness of pet health, many consumers still lack detailed knowledge of the nutritional needs of their pets, which can hinder the adoption of more specialized or premium products.
7. Sustainability Concerns: As the demand for sustainable products rises, pet food manufacturers face challenges in sourcing eco-friendly ingredients and packaging without compromising product quality or increasing costs.
8. Pet Food Safety: Maintaining high standards of food safety and preventing contamination or recalls is critical, as any food safety incidents could damage brand reputation and consumer trust.

Market Opportunities

1. Rising Pet Ownership: An increase in pet adoption across Europe, especially among millennials and urban dwellers, is expanding the customer base for pet food products.
2. Premium and Natural Pet Foods: Growing consumer demand for high-quality, organic, natural, and grain-free pet foods presents an opportunity for brands to cater to more health-conscious pet owners.
3. Sustainability Focus: With increasing awareness of sustainability, there is a market opportunity for pet food manufacturers to develop eco-friendly products and packaging, capitalizing on the rising demand for environmentally conscious offerings.
4. Functional Pet Foods: The increasing interest in pet health, including joint care, digestive health, and weight management, provides opportunities for developing specialized functional pet foods.
5. Online Retail Growth: The rise of e-commerce and online pet food retailers presents opportunities for brands to expand their reach, offer home delivery services, and tap into the growing trend of online shopping.
6. Pet Food Innovation: There is significant potential for innovation in the pet food market, such as the development of new flavors, ingredients, and packaging options, catering to changing consumer preferences and health trends.
7. Growth in Emerging Markets: Expansion into emerging European markets, particularly in Eastern Europe, presents growth opportunities due to increasing disposable income and rising pet ownership.
8. Humanization of Pets: As pets are increasingly viewed as family members, there is a growing demand for pet foods that mirror human food trends, creating opportunities for premium, gourmet, and customizable pet food offerings.

RECENT STRATEGIES & DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MARKET

1. Acquisitions and Partnerships: Leading companies have focused on strategic mergers and acquisitions to expand their market presence and strengthen product portfolios. For example, Nestlé Purina Petcare acquired a majority stake in a leading pet food company in 2023, enhancing its product offerings in the natural and organic segment.
2. Shift Toward Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Products: Companies are adopting more sustainable practices. Mars Petcare, for example, has committed to reducing its environmental footprint by improving packaging sustainability and focusing on responsibly sourced ingredients. The company aims for 100% recyclable packaging by 2025.
3. Product Innovation and Functional Foods: Brands are investing in functional pet foods that target specific health benefits like joint health, digestive support, and weight management. Hill’s Pet Nutrition launched “Hill’s Prescription Diet,” a line focusing on managing pet health issues through specialized diets, contributing to its strong market performance.
4. E-commerce Expansion: With the growth of online shopping, several pet food brands are investing in e-commerce platforms to capture a wider consumer base. In 2023, Petco increased its focus on online and omnichannel sales, launching a subscription-based delivery service to reach more customers in the pet care space.
5. Premium Pet Food Focus: There has been a growing shift toward premium and natural pet food options. Brands like Royal Canin and Orijen are capitalizing on this demand by introducing more premium formulations and expanding their reach in the luxury pet food segment.
6. Regional Expansion: Several key players are focusing on expanding their presence in emerging European markets. Nestlé Purina Petcare, for instance, increased its investments in Eastern Europe to cater to growing pet adoption rates in countries like Poland and Hungary.
7. Pet Food Formulation Advances: To cater to the increasing demand for health-conscious pet owners, brands like Barking Heads are focusing on grain-free, plant-based, and hypoallergenic pet food formulations, aiming to tap into this growing trend.
8. Veterinary Collaborations: Companies like Mars Petcare are collaborating with veterinary professionals to create nutritionally optimized pet foods. This approach has been successful in ensuring better health outcomes for pets while improving consumer trust in the products.

These strategies and developments reflect a dynamic market where sustainability, health, e-commerce, and regional expansion are driving growth and innovation.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS

1. Increased Market Reach: Stakeholders, including manufacturers and distributors, can benefit from a growing customer base as pet ownership continues to rise in Europe. With expanding product offerings and a shift toward premium, sustainable, and functional foods, businesses can tap into evolving consumer preferences.
2. Revenue Growth: Companies can capitalize on the increasing demand for health-focused, natural, and organic pet food, resulting in higher sales opportunities. The growth of the e-commerce channel offers an additional revenue stream by reaching consumers directly.
3. Enhanced Consumer Trust: By adopting sustainability practices and offering innovative pet food products, stakeholders can build consumer loyalty. This, in turn, fosters long-term brand value and reputation.
4. Access to Emerging Markets: Stakeholders investing in emerging European markets, such as Poland, Hungary, and Romania, stand to benefit from the rising pet adoption rates and increasing disposable income, especially in urban regions.
5. Operational Efficiencies: Collaborations and strategic partnerships between pet food companies, veterinary professionals, and e-commerce platforms allow stakeholders to optimize their supply chain, reduce operational costs, and expand distribution channels.
6. Innovation Opportunities: Stakeholders in the R&D sector can leverage market demand for functional pet food, leading to innovative formulations that cater to specific health concerns and nutritional needs. This provides a competitive edge and creates new market opportunities.
7. Sustainability Benefits: Companies focusing on eco-friendly products and sustainable practices can attract environmentally conscious consumers, enhancing their market appeal while contributing to global sustainability goals.
8. Improved Regulatory Compliance: With the growing emphasis on safety and quality standards in pet food, stakeholders benefit from adhering to strict regulatory frameworks. This ensures product quality and enhances consumer confidence.

By capitalizing on these benefits, stakeholders can not only achieve financial growth but also contribute to the broader market’s evolution, while ensuring product innovation, sustainability, and consumer trust.

At DigiRoads Research, we emphasize reliability by employing robust market estimation and data validation methodologies. Our insights are further enhanced by our proprietary data forecasting model, which projects market growth trends up to 2030. This forward-thinking approach ensures our analysis not only captures the current market landscape but also anticipates future developments, equipping stakeholders with actionable foresight.

We go a step further by offering an exhaustive set of regional and country-level data points, supplemented by over 60 detailed charts at no additional cost. This commitment to transparency and accessibility allows stakeholders to gain a deep understanding of the industry’s structural and operational dynamics. By providing exclusive and hard-to-access data, DigiRoads Research empowers businesses to make informed strategic decisions with confidence.

In essence, our methodology and data delivery foster a collaborative and data-driven decision-making environment, enabling businesses to navigate industry challenges and capitalize on opportunities effectively.

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Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION

  • Market Overview
  • Years Considered for Study
  • Market Segmentation
  • Study Assumptions and Definitions
  • Market Scope

• RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

• MARKET OUTLOOK

  • Executive Summary
  • Market Snapshot
• Market Segments 
  • Product Type:
    • Dry, Wet, Snacks & Treats, Others
  • Pet Type:
    • Dogs, Cats, Others
  • Region:
    • Western Europe, Eastern Europe

• COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Recent Strategies (Key Strategic Moves)
• Market Share Analysis
• Company Profiles
  • Nestlé Purina Petcare
  • Mars Petcare
  • Hill’s Pet Nutrition
  • Royal Canin (a subsidiary of Mars)
  • Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
  • Colgate-Palmolive Company (Hill’s Pet Nutrition)
  • Smucker (Big Heart Pet Brands)
  • Diamond Pet Foods
  • Central Garden & Pet Company
  • Brit Pet Food
  • Finneran’s Pet Food

• MARKET DYNAMICS

  • Market Drivers
  • Market Challenges
  • Market Opportunities
  • Porter’s Five Forces’ Analysis
    • Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • Threat of New Entrant
    • Threat of Substitutes
    • Competitive Rivalry

• GLOSSARY OF PROMINENT SECONDARY SOURCES

• DISCLAIMER

• ABOUT US