A Holistic View of Pet Retail
Andrea opened with a reminder of how expansive and dynamic the pet care market has become. With pet care sales topping $86 billion and online channels driving double-digit growth, the landscape is evolving rapidly. She emphasized that today’s pet parents are omnichannel shoppers, with 82% of pet care dollars now coming from consumers who buy both in-store and online.
Three Themes Driving Innovation
Andrea’s presentation centered on three key themes shaping consumer behavior:
- Products that pet parents consider are better for pets
- Products that are better for the planet
- Products that make pet parenting easier
These themes were reflected in the 10 growth trends she highlighted—each backed by data and real-world examples from the show floor.
“Pet parents are redefining what quality means—from sustainable packaging to tech-enabled feeding. What we’re seeing isn’t just innovation; it’s a shift in how people want to care for their pets.”
Andrea Binder, VP, Pet Industry Insights Leader
Sustainability in Packaging and Ingredients
Sustainable packaging stood out as a major growth area. Pet care products with sustainable packaging claims grew 18.6% year-over-year, far outpacing the category average. Yet, Andrea noted that many products still fail to clearly communicate their eco-friendly attributes on-pack.
Upcycled ingredients also made a strong showing. From bruised fruits to human food tofu byproduct, brands are finding creative ways to reduce waste while delivering value.
Fresh and Functional Food Formats
Fresh pet food continues to gain traction, with refrigerated formats showing exponential growth. Andrea pointed out that while fresh food still represents a small share of the category, its momentum is undeniable.
Functional ingredients are also expanding across species. Supplements and health-focused treats for chickens, horses, reptiles, and fish were featured prominently in the showcase. Goat milk products, digestive health claims, and allergen-free formulations (especially poultry-free) were among the notable trends.
Tech-Enabled Pet Care
Technology is making pet care smarter and more personalized. Andrea highlighted innovations like feeders that scan microchips to dispense food, AC-enabled crates, and apps that guide home cooking based on pet activity and dietary needs.
Health monitoring tools—such as at-home test kits and smart collars—are also gaining popularity, especially as vet visits decline and pet parents seek more control over their pets’ wellness.
DIY Pet Parenting and Premiumization
DIY feeding is on the rise, with 23% of dog owners preparing homemade meals using human-grade ingredients. This trend is driving demand for tools like treat makers, enrichment bowls, and home cooking systems. Andrea noted that while these formats come at a premium, they reflect a growing desire for customization and control.
Looking Ahead
Andrea’s tour of the New Product Showcase wasn’t just a walk through innovation; it was a glimpse into the future of pet care. From sustainability to smart tech, the products on display reflected a market that’s evolving to meet the needs of modern pet parents. As Andrea emphasized, today’s pet parents are omnichannel shoppers, and their expectations are rising across every touchpoint.
As the industry continues to grow and diversify, these trends offer a roadmap for what’s next and what brands should be watching closely.
