Poll: What's your outlook for the pet food industry in 2026?

December 19, 2025

As 2026 begins, we want to know what pet food industry professionals are anticipating for the year ahead. Share your outlook on business growth, investment priorities and industry challenges in this quick poll about 2026.

Over 40% of cat owners purchase Christmas gifts, spending an average of $30.70 per gift, noted APPA.

APPA's top holiday pet treats reflect broader trends

Business Man Highway Clouds

Pet food innovation going in wrong direction for this economy?

APPA's top holiday pet treats reflect broader trends

The American Pet Products Association curated innovative products across multiple categories, including pet food and treats.

Over 40% of cat owners purchase Christmas gifts, spending an average of $30.70 per gift, noted APPA.

Adventures in Pet Food

Pet food innovation going in wrong direction for this economy?

New pet food product launch activity is down, not surprisingly during economic uncertainty — but this may be the exact right time to focus on innovation.

Business Man Highway Clouds

The Nutriment Company acquires Dutch pet treat maker Antos

The Swedish pet food group's ninth acquisition in 2025 adds premium treat manufacturing and Benelux distribution capabilities.

Merger Acquisition Maksim Labkouski Big Stock com

Pet Food Market

10 takeaways: Industry veterans reflect on pet food's evolution, future challenges

Three longtime pet food professionals share perspectives on how the industry has changed and where it's headed next.

Crystal Ball Reflection Brandee Pember Pixabay

Latin America/Carribean

Petco's Mexico assortment reveals premium pet food's functional shift

Natural and condition-specific formulas now drive shelf decisions as premiumization becomes purposeful rather than aspirational.

Petco's Mexico assortment strategy reflects broader shifts toward functional and natural premium pet food categories.

Pet Food Ingredients

Mycoprotein pet food ingredients market projected to reach $1.12B

Research Intelo forecasts 11.2% annual growth through 2033 driven by sustainability and protein demand.

Rising demand for sustainable, high-protein and allergen-friendly pet food alternatives is driving mycoprotein ingredient market growth.

Business Strategy

Functional pet food trends require science, consumer education

As functional demands become stronger among pet parents, pet food companies are threading marketing with science and education to ensure pet health.

A combination of scientific education and marketing will be necessary for the functional pet ingredient trend to succeed.

Pet Food Lawsuits, Litigation

Law firm investigates Simmons after plant closure announcement

A law firm is investigating whether Simmons violated the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, a federal law that generally requires certain employers to provide employees with at least 60 days’ advance written notice before a plant closing or mass layoff takes effect.

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

Pet Food Market

Pet brands strengthen communities through charitable initiatives

From digital food pantries to infrastructure investments, these companies demonstrate how philanthropy creates meaningful impact for animals and people.

Pet food companies are increasingly partnering with animal welfare organizations to support rescue operations and strengthen community connections.

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.

Market Trends and Reports

Pet food and the evolving approach to behavioral health

Hiring in-house behaviorists and connecting practices to specialist care reflect growing focus on evidence-based stress management for dogs and cats.

Bigstock Naughty Playful Puppy Dog Afte 37193968

Normandise Pet Food targets growth in North America, Europe

French pet food producer plans subsidiaries in U.S., Mexico and UK as export sales reach 60% of revenue.

France's Normandise Pet Food continues to ramp up its export sales, which currently generate around 60% of the company's sales.

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