The pet food industry is currently valued at over $75 billion and is estimated to be worth over $90 billion by 2025. Clearly, the sector is looking up and will continue to do so for quite a while. This increase in revenue isn’t just about greater demand but also about companies bending to emerging trends. Here are the top trends to watch out for:

Greater Focus On Quality and Nutrition
Pet owners are more savvy about their pets’ health than ever before. Not only is there greater interest in this department, but the average person tends to be better-informed as well. This allows them to know which ingredients should and shouldn’t be included in pet food.

Pet owners are also pushing for a higher quality of pet food. They are ditching brands that include fillers, preservatives, and anything else that might compromise their pet’s health. Instead, they gravitate towards well-sourced, wholesome, and even organic components.

There is also a greater focus on holistic pet food that is carefully prepared for animals with various types of dietary requirements. These pet food options run the gamut from grain-free varieties to limited ingredient foods.

A Rise in Fresh Meals
Pet parents have begun to put more thought into what their furry companions eat. This has led to a greater interest in fresh pet meal offerings. These are akin to human refrigerated meals that can be found in grocery stores.

Most consumers make sure to check that whole and high-quality ingredients are used in pet food. They are also aware that the food is freshly prepared, often just days or hours before being put on their pet’s plate. These foods feel like a safer option.

Sustainability Will Become a Priority
People are becoming increasingly environmentally-conscious. In particular, they have begun to pay attention to the packaging used for various items. This is true for the packaging of pet food products as well.

As people buy more food and treats for their pets, they are becoming aware of how most packaging ends up in a landfill. This has resulted in consumers asking pet food companies to do better. Many brands are responding to these requests and creating more biodegradable packaging.

Brand Loyalty Will Be Based On Value
A few years ago, a pet owner was loyal to a brand because it was well-known. There were also lesser brands to choose from as a whole.

However, these days, pet owners examine ingredient quality, product quality, sustainability, and a variety of other factors before choosing a brand to stick to. It is easier for owners to do research on earlier issues and recalls, ensuring that these will factor into their final decisions as well.

The pet food industry has transformed over the last few years. Research shows that it will continue to grow and evolve by leaps and bounds over the next several years. At least now you can be prepared for what to expect.