2023 pet food trends: Sustainability, nutrition on top

Learn about the top two trends expected in the pet food industry in 2023: sustainability and a customer focus on nutrition for their pets.

December 31, 2022

Volunteer man picking up plastic bottles in a forest with his dog

Volunteer man picking up plastic bottles in a forest with his dog

Sustainability and nutrition seem to be the top two trends overarching many other trends coming down the pet food pipeline in 2023. | PintoArt I Shutterstock.com and Prostock-Studio I iStock.com

As 2023 gets underway, it’s important to discuss the prevailing trends expected to shape the pet food industry’s year. According to experts, much of the discussions had in 2022 will continue, particularly when it comes to the evolving of sustainability’s place in pet food as well as the larger trend of nutrition capturing pet owners’ interests as they take care of their animals.

Log in to view the full article

The FDA announced a sample of Darwin’s Natural Pet Products beef dog food made by Arrow Reliance, Inc. tested positive for Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 that is associated with a human illness.

FDA links Darwin's Pet Food to child hospitalization after E. coli detection

Alphia announces CEO transition

Global Commerce

Stability, uncertainty co-exist in current pet markets

With 2025 shaping up to be a significantly economically difficult year, it’s hard to figure out exactly where pet food will fall for consumers.

We’re halfway through perhaps the most economically uncertain year we’ve had since the pandemic, and the only constant seems to be change.

Brand Insights

Simplify Pet Food Labeling: Strategies for Navigating Global Regulations

Esko

Learn how regulatory complexity is impacting the pet food industry and how brands will meet the challenge using the right digital tools

Simplify Pet Food Labeling: Strategies for Navigating Global Regulations

The veterinary profession and pet food

Traditionally, veterinarians have not been provided with nutritional education that matches pet owner expectations.

Veterinarians must be provided with nutritional education that matches pet owners’ unique needs with regards to their animals’ health and wellness.

Pet Food Ingredients

Salmon: The top marine product for pet food

While marine products as a whole have their place in pet food, salmon is the true star when it comes to this ingredient segment.

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA), which support skin and coat health, reduce inflammation, aid joint health, and promote cognitive function in pets.

Global Commerce

Global pet food market projects 6.5% CAGR through 2035

New market analysis from Future Market Insights shows conventional pet food maintains 70% share while premium segments drive expansion across key regions.

According to FMI, the global pet food market is experiencing an unprecedented surge, driven by the profound trend of pet humanization, a growing demand for premiumization, and an increasing shift toward tailored nutrition.

VAFO Group acquires Polish pet food distributor AZAN

Czech pet food manufacturer VAFO Group has acquired AZAN, a major Polish distributor, strengthening its position in Central and Eastern European markets.

VAFO Group Chairman Pavel Bouška (signing left) and AZAN co-founder and CEO Agnieszka Donicz (signing right) announce the acquisition that brings the Polish distributor into the Czech pet food manufacturer's portfolio after nearly 30 years of partnership.

Petfood Forum News

Asia-Pacific pet food market poised for strategic evolution

Sahiba Puri with Euromonitor International will highlight regional opportunities, premium positioning strategies at Petfood Forum Asia in Bangkok this October.

In the Asia-Pacific region, a growing cat and dog population, evolving pet humanization, appeal for premium offerings and low penetration levels of packaged food feeding is creating prospects for market expansion and penetration.

Global Commerce

Purina PetCare sales down in H1 2025, but still growing

Purina PetCare remained a top contributor to Nestlé's profitability, with steady margins and positive volume growth despite a slowing pet food category.

Chat Gpt Image Jul 24, 2025, 05 29 56 Pm

Market Trends and Reports

Survey: Despite economic pressures, consumer spending priorities favor pets

Consumer research indicates pet food and product purchasing continues to outpace personal spending despite broader financial constraints.

Data from CouponCabin shows 44% of respondents prioritize spending on pets over personal purchases, family or friends.

Something to Chew on

What role is M&A playing in pet food growth?

Pet food merger and acquisition activity has continued to slow, at least in the U.S., likely due to economic uncertainty driven by global trade tensions.

Merger Acquisition Maksim Labkouski Big Stock com

Global Commerce

Pet food stocks recovered in 2024 from post-pandemic dip

While growth has moderated from pandemic-era highs, profitability and operational improvements have helped many companies outperform broader consumer staples and discretionary sectors.

Dall·e 2024 08 21 12 41 29 A Highly Detailed Bronze Statue Of A Barking Dog, Positioned Prominently On Wall Street The Dog Is Depicted Mid Bark, With Its Mouth Open And Head Sl

Farmina Pet Foods partnership expands US distribution for VetLife

Agreement with MWI Animal Health expands veterinary channel access to European manufacturer's therapeutic nutrition line across the U.S.

PetSmart partners with Edgard & Cooper in US market

European premium pet food manufacturer enters American retail through exclusive distribution agreement.

Petsmart X Edgard And Cooper

Page 1 of 674