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

The pet food manufacturing industry in the European Union involves the processing of agricultural raw materials and animal by-products into nutritious, prepared foods for companion animals. The sector is experiencing steady, value-driven expansion guided by the ongoing humanization of pets and the rising consumption of premium and specialized diets. According to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) Facts & Figures 2026 report, annual sales of pet food products across Europe reached 29.4 billion euros on a volume of 8.6 million tonnes in 2024 (FEDIAF).

Industry snapshot

Key public data points

Historical & forecast

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

The pet food manufacturing industry encompasses the preparation and production of complete, complementary, and therapeutic foods for domestic pets, primarily cats and dogs. The scope spans multiple product formats including dry kibble, wet canned food, wet pouches, and single-ingredient or functional treats. It is classified as a distinct manufacturing segment that utilizes both agricultural crops and high-quality animal by-products not intended for human consumption.

• •Dry pet food represents the largest volume segment, making up 60% of dog food and 36% of cat food in Europe as of 2024 (FEDIAF).
• •Wet pet food, particularly packaged in flexible pouches, leads the value share for cat food at 60% of total sales (FEDIAF 2024).
• •The industry relies heavily on Category 3 animal by-products, utilizing approximately 400,000 tonnes of Category 3 animal fats annually (EFPRA/FEDIAF 2022).

Who operates in the industry and how is it structured?

The European pet food market features a diverse mix of multinational food conglomerates, specialized regional producers, and private-label contract manufacturers. Production facilities are distributed throughout the European Union to leverage local agricultural supply chains and minimize transport logistics. Operators range from massive industrial plants servicing global brands to agile mid-sized firms focused on premium, organic, or veterinary-exclusive product lines.

• •Over 140 million European households, representing approximately 49% of the total, owned at least one pet in 2024 (FEDIAF).
• •The total companion animal population in the territory reached 306 million pets in 2024, including 111 million cats and 91 million dogs (FEDIAF).
• •Private-label production is a significant sub-sector, with major players contracting local capacity to supply leading European supermarket and discount chains.

What drives demand in the industry?

Demographic shifts within the European Union, including an increase in single-person households and an aging population, structurally elevate the emotional role of companion animals. This pet humanization translates into increased pet owner willingness to spend on high-quality, life-stage specific, and premium organic pet foods. Furthermore, a growing awareness of pet wellness and preventative health drives strong consumer demand for veterinary diets and functional treats.

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

The European Union pet food market is highly competitive and dominated by a mix of massive global players alongside rapidly growing European-based groups. These companies compete intensely on brand loyalty, veterinary endorsements, product formulation, and sustainable packaging initiatives. Local capacity expansions and strategic acquisitions continue to shape the corporate landscape across major EU member states.

• •Nestle Purina PetCare and Mars Petcare operate as the leading global market leaders with extensive manufacturing facilities and brand portfolios throughout the EU.
• •United Petfood is a prominent Belgium-headquartered private-label manufacturer with a network of high-capacity factories across Europe.
• •VAFO Group, a major Czech-based producer, expanded its EU manufacturing footprint with a new 14 million euro wet pet food facility in Poland announced in 2026.
• •Virbac, a French-headquartered global animal health company, competes in the premium veterinary-exclusive pet food segment.

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The EU pet food sector is undergoing a strong push toward sustainability, highlighted by carbon-neutral manufacturing targets and ingredient upcycling. Producers are also navigating resource competition, as alternative sectors bid up the price of essential animal fats. Innovation in alternative proteins, such as insect-based ingredients, is gaining steady commercial traction under supportive regulatory approvals.

• •Pet food manufacturers face rising competition for Category 3 animal fats due to mandates under the EU's Renewable Energy Directive (RED) favoring biofuels.
• •The use of insect-derived proteins has expanded across European brands since official approval by the European Commission for use in companion animal feed.
• •Major R&D investments are ongoing, such as Cargill's 5.4 million euro extrusion pilot plant built in Belgium in 2026 to rapidly prototype new dry foods and treats

How is the industry regulated?

Pet food manufacturing in the European Union is subject to stringent regulatory oversight governing safety, labeling, and hygiene standards. Products must strictly comply with EU animal by-product laws, undesirable substances limits, and feed additive regulations to guarantee animal health. Market access for non-EU imports requires rigorous certification and compliance with single-market harmonized standards.

• •EU Regulation 2023/2419 harmonizes organic pet food labeling, making the EU organic logo mandatory for prepacked pet food containing at least 95% organic agricultural ingredients.
• •The primary legislative frameworks governing marketing, usage, and safety limits are Regulation (EC) No 767/2009 and Regulation (EC) No 178/2002.
• •Official veterinary controls and strict establishment listings are managed by the European Commission to monitor the feed chain and prevent contamination

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

• FEDIAF Facts & Figures 2026 ·
• USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) - EU Adopts New Rules for Organic Pet Food 2023 ·
• USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) - Exporting Feed and Pet Food to the EU 2026 ·
• European Animal By-Product Processing Sector (EFPRA) Reports