Market Overview

The Europe pet food market was valued at USD 37.77 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 63.29 Billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.90% from 2026 to 2034. Growth is propelled by accelerating pet humanization, demographic shifts favoring single-person households, and rising demand for functional nutrition products enriched with probiotics, omega fatty acids, and joint-support complexes. Alternative protein sources like insect-based ingredients are gaining regulatory approval, aligning with European Green Deal goals.

Study Assumption Years

  • Base Year: 2025
  • Historical Period: 2020-2025
  • Forecast Period: 2026-2034

Europe Pet Food Market Key Takeaways

  • The Europe pet food market size was valued at USD 37.77 Billion in 2025.
  • The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.90% from 2026 to 2034.
  • Dog food dominates with a 42.09% market share in 2025, driven by high dog ownership and demand for breed-specific and functional nutrition.
  • Dry pet food leads product type with a 57.18% share due to convenience and cost-effectiveness.
  • Mass products comprise 70.04% of the market, propelled by economic pressures and private-label expansions.
  • Animal-derived ingredients hold 65.05% market share, reflecting traditional meat-based protein preference.
  • Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate distribution channels with a 62.76% share.
  • Germany is the largest country segment with 26% market share, supported by robust pet ownership and premium care culture.

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Market Growth Factors

Rising Pet Ownership and Evolving Household Demographics

Pet ownership in Europe is increasing across all demographics, and pets are being treated as family members․ European laws permit pet ownership in rental properties and break down adoption barriers in urban areas․ Millennials and Gen Z people are entering marriage and starting families later in their lives, so pets may serve as surrogate partners early in a relationship․ The population of older people in Europe is projected to rise from 215 million in 2021 to 247 million in 2030․ Older adults may own pets as low-maintenance companions․

Sustainable Innovation and Alternative Protein Development

Sustainable proteins explored by European pet food manufacturers focus on lower environmental footprints․ These include cultivated meat, using cell cultured proteins from biotech companies to offer the amino acids required for nutrition without requiring the slaughter of animals․ Plant proteins such as pea, lentils or chickpeas are increasingly introduced especially in omnivorous or hypoallergenic foods․ German joint-venture company Marsapet GmbH is the leading user of FeedKind, a protein from single cell microorganisms with an amino acid profile similar to chicken meat, in pet food․

Health-Focused Functional Nutrition and Veterinary Diet Expansion

Pet owner demand for preventive health products, dietary supplements and functional foods such as prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin and omega fatty acids continued to increase in Europe․ Prescription diets led the fastest growing segment providing nutrition aimed at disease conditions (kidney disease, diabetes and allergies) through hydrolyzed and novel protein sources․ Seven of ADM's ready-to-use pet wellness formulas for distribution in Europe are scientifically validated and EU compliant․

Market Segmentation

Pet Type

  • Dog Food: Leads with 42.09% market share in 2025, driven by high consumption volumes and demand for breed-specific, functional formulations targeting life stages and health needs.

Product Type

  • Dry Pet Food: Dominates with 57.18% share due to cost-effectiveness, extended shelf life, storage convenience, and dental benefits from kibble texture.

Pricing Type

  • Mass Products: Hold 70.04% share, benefitting from economic conditions and private-label expansions. These products meet EU nutritional standards using cost-effective ingredients, appealing to budget-conscious consumers.

Ingredient Type

  • Animal Derived: Accounts for 65.05% market share, preferred for complete amino acids and palatability. Includes poultry, red meats, fish, and novel proteins, with premium products emphasizing ethical and sustainable sourcing.

Distribution Channel

  • Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: With 62.76% market share, they offer broad product assortments, competitive pricing, convenience, and enable impulse purchases of complementary pet care items.

Country

  • Germany: Largest market with 26% share, noted for premium product penetration, veterinary diet adoption, sustainable packaging leadership, and a strong multi-channel retail landscape.

Regional Insights

Germany holds dominance in the Europe pet food market with a 26% share in 2025. It leads in premium product adoption, organic pet food growth, and veterinary diet usage, supported by high consumer willingness for preventive health. Urban centers like Berlin and Munich serve as innovation hubs for sustainable and ethical brands, benefiting from stringent regulatory frameworks and diverse distribution channels.

Recent Developments & News

  • In September 2025, Virbac introduced Vikaly in Europe, the first medicated cat food combining renal kibble with veterinary medication requiring prescription and marketing approval under European Regulation 2019/4.
  • In February 2025, Nestlé Purina PetCare expanded its pyramid-shaped wet cat food range with new jelly variants containing soft meat pieces under the Purina Gourmet Revelations brand in 15 European markets, aiming for further expansion in 2026.

Key Players

  • Virbac
  • Nestlé Purina PetCare
  • Marsapet GmbH
  • MicroHarvest
  • VEGDOG

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