Halfway through 2026, economic challenges persist

The waters look choppy for the second half of the year, but pet food remains resilient.

August 10, 2026

Dramatic ocean waves with white foam crashing under a dark, stormy sky

On June 10, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published the May Consumer Price Index (CPI), and the news was not great for consumers.

Overall, the CPI increased 0.5% from April to May 2026, after April's 0.6% increase from March. From May 2025 to May 2026, the CPI increased 4.2%, well beyond the 2% annual inflation rate the Federal Reserve is aiming for. Unsurprisingly, the energy index accounted for more than 60% of the total monthly increase, according to the bureau, but almost no category was immune: Overall food and shelter also saw increases.

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Latin America’s pet food ingredients must strike a balance

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Algiecel scales microalgae fish oil alternative for pet food

Latin America/Carribean

Latin America’s pet food ingredients must strike a balance

Pet food manufacturers in the region need to navigate a complicated mix of ingredient innovation, consumer expectations, formulation costs and profitability.

Corn cob filled with coins on desk with laptop, calculator, and pen

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

Market Trends and Reports

Report: Functional pet foods gain as owners scrutinize value

Packaged Facts’ latest pet health and wellness report found that owners remain committed to wellness spending despite financial pressure, creating opportunities for functional, condition-specific and science-backed pet foods.

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Market Trends and Reports

Proactive pet owners driving pet food longevity trends

Pets are living longer than ever before, and pet parents are looking for solutions that ease transition from adult to senior.

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Retail, e-commerce reshape veterinary pet food sales

Pet owners are increasingly nutrition-focused when it comes to health and wellness, making veterinary formulas of continued interest.

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Market Trends and Reports

Pet feeding technology segment grows, convenience a goal

Technologies available today focus on easy multiple feedings and AI-enhanced functions.

Smart pet care system showing humidifier, dog, water bowl, mobile app with dog icon, and features for feeding, nutrition tracking, and video monitoring

Something to Chew on

Nutrition, health and wellness for more good years

Lifespan alone is no longer enough; “healthspan,” a relatively new concept, is all about pets — and humans — staying healthier as they live longer.

Senior man in beige blazer petting white dog on park bench

Adventures in Pet Food

Raw, fresh, freeze-dried pet food: On the march to mainstream?

The continued robust growth rates for newer pet food formats may mean they have surpassed their niche and ‘alternative’ status, or will soon.

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Market Trends and Reports

petLENS Pulse: Pet owners protect spending, grow selective

The World Pet Association and BSM Partners released the first monthly petLENS Pulse reports, covering dog, cat and total species consumer sentiment data from August.

Market Trends and Reports

Tractor Supply dog food sales fell 5% in past year

Cat food and dog treats posted modest gains, while smaller farm and ranch retailers increased overall pet sales.

Aerial view of a smiling dog face crop circle art created in a harvested grain field with circular spiral patterns

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

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.

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