How the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the pet food industry

Experts reflect on how the global pandemic reshaped the pet food industry, from supply chain disruptions to lasting consumer trends.

January 14, 2025

Covid 19 And Pet Food Bowl Andrea Gantz

Andrea Gantz | WATT Global Media

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped global industries, and the pet food sector was no exception. From empty store shelves to ingredient shortages, the supply chain faced unprecedented challenges.

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Glacial Freeze Dry acquires Foodynamics

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Petflation jumps to 2.6% in July, outpacing grocery price growth

Pet Food Lawsuits, Litigation

Petco lawsuit focuses on pandemic pet boom and premiumization, humanization

The lawsuit alleges that the premiumization and humanization trends were not robust enough to support Petco’s growth projections after the temporary boost from pandemic conditions faltered.

Dall·e 2024 07 08 12 40 50 A Wooden Judge's Gavel Intricately Carved With Images Of Cats And Dogs The Handle And Head Of The Gavel Feature Detailed Engravings Of Various Breeds

U.S. and Canada

Chart: U.S. pet industry sales 2018-2025 normalize, but still climb post-pandemic

As inflation tapers and pet ownership normalizes post-pandemic, the U.S. pet food market seems likely to remain the largest on the planet for many years to come.

A Cat In Front Of A School Blackboard Filled With Economic Charts And Data The Cat Is Scratching The Blackboard

Pet Food Lawsuits, Litigation

Raw pet food company sued after cat infected with bird flu

The lawsuit alleges that Wild Coast Pet Foods failed to adequately warn consumers of bird flu risks associated with their raw chicken products.

Dall·e 2024 07 08 12 40 50 A Wooden Judge's Gavel Intricately Carved With Images Of Cats And Dogs The Handle And Head Of The Gavel Feature Detailed Engravings Of Various Breeds

Could pet cats or dogs trigger an avian influenza pandemic?

Proactive steps may help pet food companies mitigate the risk of avian influenza becoming the next pandemic.

Dall·e 2024 09 16 11 55 50 A Dramatic Oil Painting Of Humanoid Cats Wearing Biohazard Suits Inside A High Security Bsl 4 Biology Laboratory At The Centers For Disease Control T

Market Trends and Reports

Pet health, wellness trends mirror human concerns

As humans become more aware of their own health and wellness, their attention also focuses on that of their furry family members.

The last several years have put humans in tune with their own health and wellness, leading to increased scrutiny and awareness of their pets’ needs, as well.

Pet supplement sales push past US$2 billion

An increased focus on pet health has pet owners looking beyond food for solutions.

The pet supplement space continues to grow as COVID has heightened pet owners’ awareness of their animals’ needs.

Concern trolling influences pet food trends, formulations

Concern trolls have created documentaries, books, blogs and other online media to stoke fear of fillers, toxins, by-products and low-quality ingredients in pet food.

Dall·e 2023 06 14 08 44 29 Ralph Steadman Drawing Of Cat On Pile Of Money

Pet Food Market

Beyond the color of money: Growth in cat ownership among minorities

Learn about the growth of minority pet ownership, particularly among cat owners.

Snuggly Cat Owner

Pet Food Market

Subtle threats to strong spring 2022 pet food growth

The United States pet food industry continues growing atop the pandemic-fueled surge in pet ownership and premiumization, but some industry analysts warned that the good news may hide weaknesses.

Bengal cat is a business entrepreneur. Cat in a tie. Fluffy boss in the office

Pet Food Market

How long can the pet food, pet care market’s bull run last?

The U.S. pet food and pet care industries enjoyed record sales in 2021, and rosy projections continue through 2023, but problems and risks lurk ahead.

photo by Willee Cole, BigStock.com

Hygienic design for food safety to avoid pet food recalls

To reduce the risk of spreading dangerous germs, and the costly lawsuits that accompany them, hygienic design in pet food facilities incorporates nearly every aspect of plant.

Willeecole | Dreamstime.com

Pet Food Market

Financial fears fade for pet owners post-pandemic

Even among younger pet owners, monetary worries influenced pet food purchasing decisions less than during the onset of the pandemic or the omicron surge.

(Kir2 | BigStock.com)

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