The American Pet Products Association reports that approximately 86.9 million households in the U.S. own a pet. As the pet industry continues to expand in response to this growing number, consumer expectations are also rising. Once upon a time, pets were considered animals, now they are cherished members of the family. Accordingly, pet owners expect the products they buy for their pets to meet the same high standards they apply to their own lives—wholesome, beneficial and natural ingredients. To stay competitive, pet product companies must continually innovate while staying attuned to industry trends. Below are some of the key trends in the pet industry to watch for in 2025 and beyond:
Food That Mirrors Our Own
Studies have long suggested that pet ownership is linked to longer human lifespans. As people seek to live longer, they want the same for their pets. Pet owners are increasingly focusing on ways to extend their pets’ lives, whether that’s through preventive medications, probiotics to support gut health, or using top-of-the-line ingredients. Today, pet owners have access to a wide variety of health-conscious options, including dry, wet, fresh, raw, and freeze-dried food. These nutrient-dense, high-quality foods—crafted much like those we consume—are quickly replacing outdated offerings.
Packaging Made Just for Fido
Personalized pet food packaging isn’t a new concept—Purina’s launched its line of Just Right customized packaging in 2014. Personalized packaging, featuring images or names of pets or even nutritional information customized to your pet, helps deepen the emotional connection and strengthen brand loyalty. As a result, companies are reimagining packaging to keep up with this evolving demand. For example, Fortune magazine recently reported that Mars Petcare announced a plan to invest $1 billion over the next three years in digital innovations and enhanced market growth, driven by consumer preferences for convenience and customization.
Convenience is King
E-commerce continues to thrive, and the pet industry is no exception. According to a report from Capital One Shopping, e-commerce sales in the pet industry are expected to reach $60 billion by 2030. As online shopping for pet products increases exponentially, manufacturers must rethink their packaging strategies to cater to this surge. Packaging that is both practical for shipping and visually appealing to online consumers will be a key factor in driving sales and customer satisfaction.
Sustainability
As consumer awareness of environmental issues grows, sustainability remains a driving force in the pet industry. From simple, eco-friendly packaging to designs that reflect a company’s commitment to sustainability, the shift toward greener options is evident.
If you are interested in customizing your packaging or making it more sustainable, PCA can help your business build an effective packaging strategy that not only reduces your environmental impact but also elevates your brand presence.
