Dry Pet Food Manufacturing in European Union 2026: Industry Statistics & Trends

The dry pet food manufacturing industry in the European Union involves the processing, formulation, and production of shelf-stable kibble and dry nutritional products primarily for dogs and cats. The sector is steering toward advanced premiumization, sustainable ingredient sourcing, and functional veterinary health diets as household companion animal populations remain elevated across the continent. According to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) Annual Report 2025, the total European pet food market achieved an annual turnover value of 29.3 billion EUR based on 2023 industry data, yielding an annual volume output of approximately 9.1 million tonnes across more than 400 opera

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What does the Dry Pet Food Manufacturing in European Union industry cover?

This industry encompasses the large-scale manufacturing of prepared dry animal feed exclusively intended for domestic companion pets, predominantly dogs and cats. The scope is bounded by the processing of agricultural raw materials, proteins, grains, and nutritional additives into kibble, pelleted food, and dried treats. These products are formulated to act as complete or complementary daily rations providing shelf-stable, balanced nutrition.

• •Primary output includes extruded dry kibble, air-dried or freeze-dried raw formulations, and dry treats or biscuits.
• •Classified under official statistical systems strictly covering prepared feeds for companion animals.
• •Excludes raw un-extruded fresh meats, dedicated canned wet foods, and therapeutic pharmaceutical compounds distributed solely under medical licensing.

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The European operating landscape consists of a mixed structure featuring massive multinational FMCG corporations alongside a highly active tier of localized mid-sized processors and private-label manufacturers. Production facilities are strategically positioned across key agricultural regions in Europe to secure direct access to cereal grains and animal by-products. The market relies heavily on a dual-distribution framework dividing output between mass-market retail channels and specialized pet care networks.

• •The wider European pet food landscape features more than 400 companies operating over 500 distinct production plants according to FEDIAF 2023 data.
• •Dry formulations comprise the single largest category by volume for dog nutrition, accounting for 61% of total dog food volume produced.
• •Cat nutrition reflects a different structural balance, where dry food represents approximately 36% of the volume output compared to wet varieties.

What drives demand in the industry?

Market demand is intensely driven by the long-term demographic trend of pet humanization, where owners treat companion animals as family members and purchase higher-value foods. This behavioral shift fuels consistent consumer trade-up from economy formulations to functional, single-protein, and grain-free dry alternatives. Furthermore, the expansion of dedicated pet e-commerce platforms and automated subscription models ensures predictable, recurring volume consumption across urban centers.

• •Driven by a sustained population of approximately 299 million domestic pets across European households registered in official 2023 data.
• •Approximately 139 million European households maintain ownership of at least one companion animal, creating a broad institutional consumer base.
• •Increased consumer focus on preventive pet healthcare has accelerated the demand for functional dry foods containing prebiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and joint-support additives.

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

The competitive environment in the European Union is highly intense, led by major global corporations alongside prominent European-based public and private entities operating extensive regional manufacturing networks. Competitors aggressively vie for shelf space and digital market share through rapid product innovation, brand premiumization, and strict adherence to localized ingredient transparency. Strategic market positioning is heavily influenced by corporate consolidation and investments into high-capacity automated extrusion facilities.

• •Nestlé Purina PetCare (a subsidiary of Nestlé S.A.) maintains an expansive manufacturing footprint across the EU, driving major brands like Pro Plan and Purina ONE.
• •Mars, Incorporated operates extensive EU production facilities supporting top global dry food brands including Royal Canin and Pedigree.
• •Hill's Pet Nutrition (a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive Company) captures significant market share within the premium veterinary and specialized dry nutrition channels.
• •Affinity Petcare S.A. operates as a leading European-based player with extensive manufacturing networks and market penetration across Mediterranean and Western European regions.

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The industry's near-term outlook is shaped by aggressive sustainability targets and systemic shifts in protein sourcing. Manufacturers are increasingly integrating novel and climate-resilient raw inputs, such as insect-derived proteins and plant-based concentrates, to lower the carbon footprint of traditional livestock sourcing. The commercial environment is also adjusting to strict regulatory pressures targeting ecological transparency and verifiable environmental labeling on product packaging.

• •In February 2025, FEDIAF published its reviewed Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for Pet Food in coordination with the European Commission.
• •The industry is actively restructuring product labeling and marketing lines to comply with impending EU Green Claims Directive mandates.
• •Dry treats and specialized life-stage formulas represent the fastest-growing sub-segments by value within mature EU member states.

How is the industry regulated?

Operators within the European Union must navigate a rigid, comprehensive legislative architecture governing food safety, traceability, and ingredient authorization. Pet food manufacturing is heavily regulated under broader EU feed legislation, requiring all facilities to implement strict hazard controls and utilize approved agricultural materials. Strict compliance protocols govern chemical limits, label definitions, and specific health claims marketed to consumers.

• •Operations are bound by Regulation (EC) No 767/2009, which establishes strict harmonized conditions for the placing on the market and use of feed.
• •Ingredient sourcing must adhere to strict Category 3 animal by-product rules, ensuring raw animal materials are derived from animals declared fit for human consumption.
• •FEDIAF maintains updated Nutritional Guidelines for Cats and Dogs, acting as the peer-reviewed scientific benchmark recognized by European authorities for complete pet rations.

Government, statistical and trade sources used for this Claight analysis.

• FEDIAF European Pet Food Industry Federation Facts & Figures 2025 ·
• FEDIAF Annual Report 2024/2025 ·
• European Commission Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) Feed Legislation