Fi Europe, the world’s leading food ingredients event, today reveals the three most significant trends set to transform the global pet food industry in 2026.
Precision pet nutrition, sustainable innovation, and transparency demands all present significant opportunities for retailers, brand owners and pet food producers, according to “The Future of Pet Food,” a report that draws on Informa’s comprehensive Fi Global Insights platform, which combines real-time market intelligence, exhibitor innovations and industry expert consultations.
The three trends poised to shape the pet food market in 2026 are:
Precision nutrition – Personalized products to improve pet health & well-being
The era of generic pet food is ending. As pet owners increasingly view their companions as family members, they’re demanding the same level of individuality and personalization they seek for themselves.
“This shift means a move beyond simple, undifferentiated nourishment. It is driving unprecedented innovation in condition-specific formulations, with manufacturers moving beyond basic life-stage feeding to address individual health concerns, including long-term or future ones,” Fi Europe says. “Advanced AI platforms are now enabling truly customized feeding plans, while functional ingredients target everything from gut health and joint mobility to cognitive function and mental well-being.”
Sustainable innovation revolution – Circular economy drives transformation
The 52% of pet owners actively seeking sustainable packaging is just one example of sustainability continuing to ascend the pet food sector agenda. Suppliers are responding with innovative ingredient sourcing and packaging, but more and better solutions are on the horizon as brands strengthen their sustainability offering by exploring everything from regenerative agriculture sourcing to biodegradable materials.
Transparency & trust – Consumers want the truth, and now
Pet owners have become ingredient detectives. As the boundary continues to blur between feeding their families and their furry friends, 88% of consumers now prioritize accuracy and transparency in pet food labeling—with many asking a fundamental question: “Can I happily put the health and well-being of my beloved pet in the hands of this brand?”
“This scrutiny is reshaping the entire industry,” Fi Europe says. “Processing methods are becoming key differentiators, with raw, clean label and minimally processed foods gaining market share as owners question traditional recipes and manufacturing methods.”
Actionable insights
These insights form part of Fi Europe’s comprehensive research into the future of pet food, analyzing market data from across the 29.3-billion-euro European pet food market, which serves 108.3 million cats and 89.6 million dogs. The full report expands on areas such as alternative proteins that are achieving commercial breakthrough, how AI is reshaping formulation strategies, and more.
In addition to downloading the report, industry professionals can explore these trends, related presentations, and corresponding innovations firsthand in the dedicated Pet Food Suppliers Hub at Fi Europe 2025, taking place December 2-4 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
To register for the event, please visit: Fi Europe Registration | Food Ingredients Europe
