Top 3 trends in 2026: Pet owners continue to drive focus

From science-backed ingredients to personalization, the pet food industry fully expects pet owners to continue to demand more in the coming year.

February 11, 2026

Colorful wooden blocks spelling '2026 TRENDS' on pink background

tolgart | iStock.com

The trends of 2026, according to experts in all segments of the pet food industry, are shaping up to look a lot like the trends of 2025, with more nuance and even more emphasis on pet owner demands. Each trend covered below plays to the idea of pets-as-family, with consumers asking for more research, more customization and, most importantly, more for their money.

Functional ingredients are on the cusp of a revolution, according to the industry, and it’s no wonder. Pet owners want everything from acute support to long-term health solutions and everything in between.

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Surreal sci-fi collage featuring a glowing dog and cat with pet food bowl, surrounded by futuristic technology, religious figures, and cosmic imagery

AI only seems smarter than us. Pet food professionals still know best

Mr Purrs wins 2026 wet cat food innovation award

Adventures in Pet Food

Is ‘affordability anxiety’ hitting pet food?

As a third of consumers worldwide say they’re worse off financially, and pet owners cite rising pet food prices as a challenge, how do pet food brands respond?

Woman holding small white dog while reading medication or pet product package in pharmacy aisle

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

Coronavirus and Pets

Infographic: COVID pet food inflation became new-normal retail price

U.S. pet food and treat prices paid by consumers rose nearly 25% from January 2020 through August 2026, with most of the increase occurring after producer prices began surging in 2021.

Dog and cat with shopping cart, food bowl, coins, and virus icon representing pet industry growth

Business Strategy

Infographic: COVID may have permanently raised pet food producer prices

U.S. dog and cat food producer prices rose nearly 28% during the inflation surge of 2021–2023 and have remained near those elevated levels since.

Blue and cream quilted blanket with panels depicting dogs, cats, pet food, shipping, retail shopping, and financial growth charts

Pet Supplements & Treats Digest

Top 10 trends shaping cat supplement product development

Experts say cat owners want supplements built around feline biology, palatability and cat-specific clinical evidence.

Black and white cat eating from a bowl in a bright kitchen while a person offers food

French freeze-dried cat food producer expands

Sally & Cie is increasing production capacity and raising funds for further expansion; plus, European pet retail chain Fressnapf-Maxi Zoo reports strong financial results.

Sally & Cie retail booth with black cat face design and wooden shelving displaying products at a trade show

Pet Food Market

Dog, cat food producer prices hit record in August

Dog and cat food producer prices remained largely stable in July and August 2026 but set a new record high, while other pet food prices rose in both months, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Group of Golden Retriever puppies eating kibble from a shared metal bowl on an orange mat

Market Trends and Reports

Southeast Asia's job market adapts to new pet-rearing trends

Growing demand for premium pet food is creating new roles in Southeast Asia's pet food industry, while specialized talent remains in short supply.

Young couple sitting on a concrete ledge holding a brown dog on a city street

Adventures in Pet Food

Private label pet care growth outpaces national brands

Brand loyalty still has its place in the pet food and care market, but private label sales are rising faster than those of name brands, even for premium products.

Vibrant illustration of a busy grocery store aisle with shoppers, shopping carts, and colorful packaged products lining shelves under bright overhead lighting.

Market Trends and Reports

Mars adoption study finds uncertainty deters pet adopters

A Mars survey of more than 26,000 people in 14 countries found health, behavior and compatibility concerns hold back prospective adopters, prompting the company to launch an online Adoption Hub and expand its 2026 Global Adoption Weekend.

Brown and white dog lying on white bedding while person in yellow shirt pets its head in a bedroom with green walls

Market Trends and Reports

Report: Top trends reshaping private label pet products

According to a new ADM report, store brands are moving into premium tiers as pet owners look for quality nutrition and functional benefits at lower prices.

Woman comparing two food product boxes while shopping in a grocery store aisle

Market Trends and Reports

Survey: Half of dog owners now buy premium food

A new survey from Tractor Supply Co. finds more than half of dog owners choose premium, fresh or organic food, with younger generations spending more and prioritizing their pets' diets over their own.

Young girl with long hair holding a black and white Rough Collie dog outdoors in black and white portrait photography

Market Trends and Reports

Türkiye pet trends develop as pet ownership, humanization grow

With global access to the trends and pet ownership advice more mature markets have long had access to, Turkish pet owners are asking for premium, health-focused pet food options.

Pet food kibble arranged in map shape with brown and white fur accents

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