Pet food industry – current state and perspectives

Keywords: pet food, trends, sustainability, innovations

Abstract

Pet food is more than simply a basic meal that contains the components required for an animal’s growth and development. Nevertheless, it takes a human-oriented approach to food, adhering to the guidelines of a well-balanced diet that includes all necessary ingredients and supplements, being aesthetically pleasing, and concentrating on the owner who wishes to provide the best for their pet. A pet is now a part of the family with the same status as the other family members, not just an animal.

The use of natural ingredients, sustainability, and product and recipe personalization are the three main global trends in pet food production. Customers are likely to consider their pets and explore the healthiest food options for them as they continue to seek ways to customize and improve their health However, the use of natural ingredients free of artificial additives remains popular in dog and cat food, just as it is in human food. The largest obstacle to achieving “naturalness” in pet food is the distribution, storage, and transportation of frozen or chilled food. Sustainability is becoming ever more important in the pet food sector, particularly regarding packaging. In keeping with the trends in human nutrition, there are now pet food companies that focus on regenerative agriculture.

 

 

Published
2025-10-24
How to Cite
Đuragić, O. (2025). Pet food industry – current state and perspectives. Scientific Journal "Meat Technology", 66(3), 195-198. https://doi.org/10.18485/meattech.2025.66.3.30