Pet food private label and fresh food trends

Cost consciousness, brand loyalty among factors in fresh pet food growth compared to private label sales.

January 7, 2026

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According to investment bank Cascadia Capital estimates reported in Petfood Industry (July 11, 2025), private label pet care dollar sales increased by 1.7% year-over-year in 2024, with unit sales rising 3.5% during the same period. In contrast, national pet food brands posted a 1.0% dollar sales increase and a 0.6% decline in unit sales.

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Update: Pet food channel shopping patterns, buyer demographics

Pet food owners continue to bring complexity to shopping patterns among multiple demographic considerations.

Pet food shoppers span diverse backgrounds yet share largely the same priorities. Where they choose to fulfill those needs, however, varies considerably, continuing to drive the industry’s omnichannel focus.

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The veterinary profession and pet food

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

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From fresh pet food to personalization, the various avenues in the premium pet food space continue to expand.

Fresh pet food growth is one of the ways the premium pet food market is expanding its reach as more pet owners look to optimize their animals’ eating habits.

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