Explore the latest innovation in pet food with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product development of the year across regions EMEA, APAC, and the Americas.
Key innovation trends in the pet food category are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.
This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative launches in the global pet food market. Understanding innovation in pet food has never been so easy.
Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis
This report was written by Neha Srivastava. Neha has expertise in patent searching and analysis. In her thirteen years of experience as a patent analyst, she has supported R&D teams at various FMCG, healthcare and biotech companies by providing intelligence on competitor activity and tracking patent technology and emerging innovation trends across the domains.
Product innovation in the pet category is increasingly health-focused, with a demand for natural and nutritional recipes, and a growing emphasis on sustainability.
Neha Srivastava
Senior Patent Analyst – Food & Drink and Beauty & Personal Care
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- What we have seen
- Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
- Other innovative launches
- The Future of Pet Food: 2025
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EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)
- Europe: pet food sees grain-free products soar
- The grain-free trend is driven by perceived health benefits and allergy concerns
- Grain-free products continue to expand in the pet food category
- Graph 1: cat/dog food launches, by grain-free claim, 2020-24
- Grain-free pet food launches address sensitivities and allergies
- Europe: brands remain dedicated to supporting musculoskeletal health
- The growing trend of bone, muscle, and joint health focused pet food
- Steady growth in pet food launches for bone, muscle and joint health
- Graph 2: share of pet food launches with joints, bones & muscle claims, by year, 2020-24
- Pet food launches for strong bones, joints and muscles
- The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- Pet food launches emphasise eye health benefits
- Brands are exploring a diverse range of ingredients to support heart health
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ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)
- Asia: pet food launches with immune health claims are increasing
- Healthier pets, lower maintenance costs
- Rising trend of immune health claims in pet food
- Graph 3: cat/dog food launches, by share of immune health claim, 2020-24
- Pet food launches highlighting immune health claims
- Asia: pet food brands are promoting free-from products
- Redefine pet food with clean labels
- No additives/preservatives claim is prominent as consumers seek minimally processed products
- Graph 4: share of pet food launches, by select natural claims, 2020-24
- Brands leverage innovative technologies to reduce the reliance on preservatives
- Australia & New Zealand
- Health benefits drive latest pet snack launches
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THE AMERICAS
- North America: gut health continues to take centre stage
- Prioritising pets’ gut health
- A growing appetite for gut health benefits
- Graph 5: share of pet food launches, by select claims, 2020-24
- Prebiotics and probiotics take the spotlight in gut health claims
- North America: rise in pet treat launches highlighting skin and coat health claims
- Skin and fur health reflects pets’ overall wellbeing
- Pet treats are expanding, with a growing focus on supporting skin and coat health
- Pet treats are fortified with nutrients essential for skin and coat health
- Latin America: eco-friendly packaging and product claims
- Eco-friendly claims are gaining traction
- Graph 6: pet food launches, by share of select claims, 2020-24
- Brands reuse waste and cut emissions with eco-friendly packaging
What is 'A Year of Innovation' Report?
To truly understand a market, it’s essential to look at the products that are shaping it. Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports provide a detailed review of specific categories, focusing on the most notable product launches from the past 12 months. These reports are designed to give you a clear and comprehensive picture of recent innovation and its impact.
How We Analyse a Year of Innovation
By deconstructing the past year’s activity, we can provide valuable context for your current and future strategies. Here’s how we do it.
A Deep Dive into Product Launches
The core of these reports is a thorough examination of new products. We go beyond simply listing what’s new. Our analysis delves into the “why” behind each product launch, exploring the strategies, ingredients, and marketing claims that are driving innovation. This helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where the market is headed.
Powered by the Global New Products Database (GNPD)
Our insights are built on a foundation of robust data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). This powerful tool tracks and catalogues new product launches from around the world. By leveraging the GNPD, we offer a complete exploration of innovative activity within your category, ensuring our analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant.
Uncovering Trends and Consumer Shifts
Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports are designed to equip you with actionable insights into how to lead innovation in your category. By studying recent product launches, we can identify shifting consumer habits and preferences. These reports help you connect the dots between what consumers want and how companies are responding. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends, allowing you to refine your own product development and marketing strategies with confidence.
For a more detailed look at a Year of Innovation report, take a look at a sample PDF report below.
Please Note: All of the figures, graphs, and tables have been redacted.
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