Increased awareness of animal welfare, sustainability, and health concerns have contributed to the significant growth of vegan pet food in recent years. Due to the increase of vegan and vegetarian pet owners, the concept and demand for vegan pet food has been rising rapidly. These individuals seek pet food options that align with their ethical and moral beliefs and are often willing to pay a premium for such products. Moreover, pet owners are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of meat-based diets and are seeking alternatives with a smaller ecological footprint.
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Another driving force for the vegan pet food market is the increasing number of pet allergies and digestive problems. Pets can be allergic to meat base products and ingredients found in traditional pet foods, such as chicken, beef, and dairy products. Vegan pet food provides a solution for these pets by offering a hypoallergenic alternative.
The market for vegan pet food is getting popular not only among dogs and cats it is also popular in other types of pets, such as small pets, birds, rabbits and guinea pigs. This is a great opportunity for any company to expand their product lineup and diversify the range of customers.
The Rise of Vegan Pet Food: A Growing Trend
The vegan food for humans and for pets is rapidly expanding. Both new and established brands should pay attention to this significant shift in the pet food industry. Here’s why.
With new trends emerging and the addition of 3.2 million pets in the UK during lockdowns, people are paying more attention to their furry friend’s health. Caring for our companion animals, from energetic puppies to senior dogs, and from spirited kittens to distinguished cats, has led to the rise of plant-based pet food. Many pet owners are now turning to a vegan diet for their beloved animals, permanently reshaping the industry. Vegan dog and cat food is here to stay.
By 2028 it is expected that the plant-based pet food market will reach nearly $16 million, with growth likely to continue. This presents an excellent opportunity for pet brands to join the trend. But what makes vegan pet food so attractive, and why is it gaining momentum?
As human diets change, we tend to humanise our pets. We deeply love our animal companions and want them to share our preferences. When people become vegan and free from animal products in their diet, they often do the same for their pets. With the increasing popularity of plant-based lifestyles, the future of pet food products is evolving. By following the current trend we can easily predict that by 2025, a quarter of the population will be vegetarians and vegans.
Vegan pet food appeals to the conscious consumer. The top three reasons people adopt a vegan lifestyle are potential health benefits, animal welfare concerns, and a desire to be more eco-friendly. Climate change has put a spotlight on human consumption, prompting individuals to seek more sustainable lifestyles. The meat industry is notorious for its negative environmental impact. Research indicates that eliminating animal products is “the single biggest way” to lessen our environmental footprint – and this extends to our pets as well.
Sustainability is a pressing issue, and with a 71% rise in online searches for sustainable goods over the past five years, people are educating themselves. Offering a greener diet for their pets allows them to contribute to a more environmentally-friendly future, reducing their pets’ carbon paw-print.
Quality is paramount. Whether marketing dry kibble, fresh food, or other products, utilising high-quality ingredients is essential. The premiumization of pet food is booming as owners become more concerned about their pets’ nutrition. More than a quarter of pet owners admit to pampering their pets with treats and premium pet food. They’re embracing fresh, innovative trends to keep their companions content.
The raw food diet, with its focus on fresh ingredients and minimal processing, has gained popularity among dog owners. Over half of the pet owners surveyed claimed to feed their pets raw food. This trend stems from historical issues with pet food quality, such as harmful preservatives, artificial colours, and questionable meat content. As a result, pet owners are turning to healthy, nutritious meals and tasty treats from trusted organic brands. This shift is reflected in the growing global organic and natural pet food market, which reached a value of US $22.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.6% during 2021-2026. Health-focused pet food is here to stay.
Plant-based diets have the lowest cancer rates in humans. However, is a vegan diet healthy for pets? Some professionals suggest that a plant-based diet can be suitable for dogs and cats if managed correctly
As new information on this topic emerges daily, it’s no wonder that vegan and vegetarian pet owners want their companions to embark on a similar journey. Plant-based pet food brands should be aware of these trends when marketing their products.
For animal lovers, vegan dog and cat food provide care not only for their pets but also for other creatures. Vegans save 30 animals per month, and adhering to a meat-based pet food diet would contradict their principles. However, it is crucial to ensure that a vegetarian diet for pets is safe. Cats and dogs have specific nutritional needs, but fortunately, there are alternative ways to provide essential nutrients without using animal protein. Thanks to technological advancements and new processes, vegan pet food can now contain all the necessary amino acids, proteins, and vitamins that animals need. This makes plant-based pet food an increasingly viable option.
Transparency is vital in the vegan pet food market. Pet owners care deeply concern about their furry diet and care so they want to know what they are feeding them. Brands offering vegetarian dog and cat food must be honest about their ingredients and recipes, reflecting their brand values. Pet owners want to know that they’re providing their pets with a balanced diet, making it crucial to communicate the benefits of your products openly and honestly. With 69% of people fearing that more brands are spreading misinformation or fake news, clear and direct communication will help build trust with your audience.
The growth of vegetarian pet foods demonstrates that consumers expect more from pet-care companies. 94% of people will stay loyal to a transparent brand. Effective packaging design that conveys your brand’s beliefs and clear messaging through expert planning will help your brand stand out in the competitive pet food market. To ensure your brand shines, contact our team today to discuss how we can help.
- Plant-Based Pet Food Market Growth Trends: A Comprehensive Outlook (2022-2032)
- The global plant based pet food market is predicted to grow at an impressive CAGR of 9.2%, reaching a revenue of USD 57.43 Billion by 2032, up from USD 26.01 Billion in 2022.
- The surge in vegan consumables awareness, coupled with increased pet adoption, drives plant-based pet food sales and fosters innovation in the sector.
- Plant-based Pet Food Market Value (2022) US$ 26.01 Billion
- Plant-based Pet Food Market Anticipated Value (2032) US$ 57.43 Billion
- Plant-based Pet Food Market Projected Growth Rate (2022-2032) 9.2%
The FMI research report highlights that the rising demand for organic food propels plant-based pet food sales. The market’s growth is driven by the vegan movement, pet humanization, and the increasing number of vegan pet owners choosing plant-based diets for their pets. Dogs and cats receive plant ingredients and supplementation on vegan diets, providing essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Despite the slight impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain, the adoption of plant-based pet food remains steady.
FMI analysis reveals that plant-based pet food demand has grown at a higher rate than traditional pet food. Vegan formulas are developed by certified nutritionists and adhere to the same standards as meat-based formulas.
Future Projection on the Vegan pet food market
The global study on the plant-based pet food market predicts a fruitful future for the industry, as new cultivation methods emerge for plant-based food. The pet food sector is working on nutrients for cats and dogs that promote healthy and shiny coats, balance body weight, and reduce bad breath.
Pet food market has seen significant growth in demand for vegetarian and plant base diets for both omnivorous and carnivorous pets. Consumption of plant-based pet food is believed to reduce allergies, alleviate skin issues, improve bad breath, and maintain weight in pets, increasing demand across various regions.
Market Drivers and Restraints
As pet adoption increases in new regions, pet owners seek healthy alternatives to meat-based pet food, which has numerous side effects. This search leads to the emergence of plant-based pet food. Pet owners today are well-informed about nutrients in pet food, and the high organic value of plant-based pet food drives its sales. FMI identifies two major market-driving forces:
High Nutritional Value
Wheat and soy are cost-effective sources of plant protein. As more pet owners prefer ultra-premium, grain-free pet food, this presents a significant challenge to the market, particularly in North America. Pea protein is filling the gap as peas become a more popular plant-protein source for pet food manufacturers. Legumes are increasingly incorporated into pet meals due to their versatility and compatibility with most pet food manufacturing methods, fueling plant-based pet food sales.
Creating plant-based meat substitutes often requires adding new ingredients to the list. Given the industry’s focus on shorter ingredient labels, adding extra components can be a concern. Plant-based pet diets are gaining popularity due to the significant consumer shift toward plant-based meals.
For plant-based pet food manufacturers, success lies in partnering with those who understand the technology behind plant-based ingredients and optimizing them for use in pet food production processes.
Emerging Market Opportunities
Asia-Pacific has shown significant growth potential in the plant-based pet food market. The high demand for meat substitutes is expected to create lucrative opportunities for plant-based pet food manufacturers. This is driven by the increasing number of pet adoptions, rising disposable incomes, and growing awareness of plant-based diets in the region.
Technological advancements in food processing and the development of new plant-based pet food varieties will further propel the market growth. Investment in research and development will be crucial for manufacturers to cater to the evolving needs of pet owners and their pets.
Competitive Landscape
Key players in the plant-based pet food market are focusing on expanding their product portfolios and enhancing their online presence. Some of the prominent market players include:
- Wild Earth Inc.
- Benevo Vegan Pet Foods
- V-dog
- Nestlé Purina PetCare
- Halo Pets
- Evolution Diet Pet Food Corp
- Natural Balance Pet Foods
- Petguard Holdings LLC
- Happier Pets Pte. Ltd.
- 5th Generation Pet Food
Strategies employed by these companies include mergers, acquisitions, collaborations, and partnerships to maintain their competitive edge and expand their market presence.
Despite its growth potential, the vegan pet food market faces challenges, such as the perception that vegan pet food may not provide adequate nutrition for pets. However, this perception is gradually changing as companies invest more in research and development to ensure their products meet pets’ nutritional needs.
The plant based pet food market is growing so robustly, for reasons such as increased pet adoption, and rising awareness about the benefits of vegan diets. Market players are focusing on developing innovative and high-quality plant-based pet food products to cater to the evolving demands of pet owners. However, manufacturers must invest in research and development to stay ahead in the competitive landscape and meet the changing requirements of pet owners and their pets.
