5 human food trends that could impact pet food in 2025

As human food and pet food continue their symbiotic relationship in the marketplace, ingredients, digestive health and other trends will play out in both.

Debbie Phillips-Donaldson

January 14, 2025

Ingredients as a trend in human food continue to evolve; for 2025, consumers are focused on quality.

Ingredients as a trend in human food continue to evolve; for 2025, consumers are focused on quality.

Anetlanda | iStock.com

Human food trends for 2025 will influence pet food, as always. Here are five from Innova Market Insights and Euromonitor to watch:

Like others, this trend is a continuation but has evolved. Lu Ann Williams, Innova’s global insights director, said in 2024, consumers wanted to find the “star” ingredient; for 2025, they want to home in on ingredient quality.

Log in to view the full article

Native Pet cat supplement product line including Probiotic, Calm, Hairball, Multivitamin, and Immune formulas displayed with an orange cat

Native Pet Cat Supplement Line

Brown and white cat wearing green collar scratching face next to Native Pet Immune supplement container

Native Pet launches first cat supplement line

Something to Chew on

Is pet food entering a golden age for biotics?

Pet owner interest in biotics in pet food and supplements continues to grow, as research increasingly shows the ingredients’ benefits to pet health.

Colorful illustrated word 'BOTC' with decorative flowers, mushrooms, leaves, and a playful yellow creature

Brand Insights

Helping you navigate the evolving pet supplements industry

Petfood Industry

Stay current in this fast-growing category with insight that keeps you informed and helps you move forward with confidence.

Helping you navigate the evolving pet supplements industry

Something to Chew on

Global pet care market: Resilient, despite lower growth

While pet care growth rates are slowing worldwide, sales numbers are substantial and still increasing, thanks to people prioritizing their pets.

Pet store cashier processing payment from customer holding white dog at checkout counter

Something to Chew on

Exploring the ‘cat multiverse’: What premiumization means now

U.S. cat owners are not a monolith; premium feeders especially buy multiple cat products across multiple channels and get information from multiple sources.

Tabby cat wearing a golden crown, reclining on a pink ornate cushion against burgundy damask wallpaper

Something to Chew on

Pet supplements: Owners seek variety for their pets’ health

Ongoing growth in the pet supplement market, including the types of products, is in response to owners’ desire for more ways to ensure their pets’ health and wellness.

Woman in yellow shirt playing with fluffy kitten on wooden table by window

Something to Chew on

AI in pet food: Usage on the rise, adoption still low

Only 36% of pet food companies polled are actively using AI, as concerns like lack of expertise, the right data, trust and accuracy pose barriers.

Robotic hand reaching toward a small wheeled robot on blue background, representing AI and automation technology

Something to Chew on

Pet food innovation still needed during uncertain times

Consumers seem to be adapting to economic turmoil and, in fact, expecting manufacturers to still lean into innovation. Pet food brands should take note.

Hand touching glowing spiral vortex with flowing blue and orange data particles representing digital innovation and technology

Something to Chew on

Do pet owners consider all pet food ingredients functional?

“Functional” typically means an ingredient with a specific health-related benefit — but in a complete and balanced pet food, don’t all ingredients have a function?

Watermelon slices with blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and mint leaves arranged as heart shapes on white background

Something to Chew on

2026 human food, pet food trends: Value, resilience, health

The latest trends reflect economic uncertainty and consumer anxiety, yet also ongoing demand for health and nutritional benefits in both human food and pet food.

Futuristic 2026 digital graphic with neon light typography on tech background

Something to Chew on

How health and wellness are transforming premium pet food

In pet food, health has become a cornerstone of premiumization as more pet owners seek products for their pets with functional and health-related claims.

Black dog leaping through colorful wildflower field on sunny day

Something to Chew on

New model for cat nutrition research: Cat owner involvement

As cats continue to rise in popularity, and more cat food products are developed for them, research can help fill gaps. Enter an initiative involving cat owners.

Blonde woman gently touching foreheads with a gray and white sleeping cat

Something to Chew on

State of pet food: Business caution, revised plans

Informal polls indicate growing unease and concerns among pet food businesses, stemming from ongoing trade wars and economic uncertainty.

Yellow caution road sign with 'SLOW' text against a pale sky background

Something to Chew on

Why Brazil continues to rise in pet food and pet care

The second largest market globally in pet food volume production, with robust export sales, Brazil still has room to grow even during economic ups and downs.

Magnus pet food display with yellow and black product packages in a retail store

Page 1 of 12