Organic Pet Food Promises Health and Wellness Trend Has Led to A Greater Demand

Introduction

According to Organic Pet Food Statistics, Organic pet food, defined by its use of natural ingredients grown or raised without synthetic additives, encompasses a range of products aimed at providing dogs and cats with high-quality nutrition.

Typically including organic meats, vegetables, fruits, and grains, these foods prioritize balanced diets free from pesticides, antibiotics, and GMOs.

Certifications such as the USDA Organic seal ensure compliance with rigorous standards, though this quality often comes at a higher price point compared to conventional options.

Despite the cost, many pet owners opt for organic food due to perceived health benefits, including improved digestibility and coat condition, as well as ethical considerations regarding sustainability and animal welfare.

The organic pet food market continues to grow as consumers increasingly prioritize their pets’ well-being and seek transparency in food sourcing and production.

Editor’s Choice

• In 2023, the global organic pet food market revenue was recorded at USD 23.6 billion.
• Dry food dominates the market among various food types, accounting for 52% of the total market share.
• Global pet food sales reached USD 133.9 billion in 2023.
• The global pet food market showcases significant revenue contributions from various countries. Leading the market, the United States generates a substantial revenue of USD 58,420 million.
• Novel or exotic proteins are selected by 9% of both dog and cat owners, while environmentally friendly packaging is preferred by 11% of dog owners and 14% of cat owners.
• Among those aged 18-34 in the U.S., 51% expressed interest in treats that provide added nutrition, and an equal percentage showed interest in natural meat treats.
• In the European Union, the regulation (EU) 2023/2419 mandates that pet food must contain at least 95% organic agricultural ingredients to be labeled as organic, ensuring high standards akin to those for human food.

Organic Pet Food Market Overview

Global Pet Food Market Size

• The global organic pet food market has demonstrated a steady growth trajectory from 2022 to 2032 at a CAGR of 6.7%.
• In 2022, the market revenue was recorded at USD 22.1 billion. By 2023, it increased to USD 23.6 billion, and in 2024, it reached USD 25.0 billion.
• The growth is expected to persist, with the market size projected to attain USD 38.7 billion in 2031 and USD 41.6 billion by 2032.

Global Pet Food Market Size – By Pet Type

• The global organic pet food market has exhibited consistent growth, with total revenue rising from USD 22.1 billion in 2022 to a projected USD 41.6 billion by 2032.
• In 2022, the revenue generated from organic dog food was USD 8.49 billion, while organic cat food accounted for USD 7.29 billion, and other pet types contributed USD 6.32 billion.
• Throughout these years, the contribution from dogs is expected to rise from USD 12.33 billion in 2028 to USD 15.97 billion in 2032, from cats from USD 10.59 billion to USD 13.73 billion, and from other pets from USD 9.18 billion to USD 11.90 billion.

Pet Food Market Share – By Food Type

• In the global organic pet food market, different types of food hold varying market shares.
• Dry food dominates the market, accounting for 52% of the total market share.
• Wet food follows, with a 30% market share, while frozen food comprises the remaining 18%.

Nutritional Composition of Pet Food

• Organic pet food is designed to provide balanced nutrition using high-quality, natural ingredients free from synthetic additives, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
• Typically, organic pet food ingredients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals in proportions that meet the specific dietary needs of pets.
• Proteins, sourced from organic meats like chicken, beef, and fish, make up a significant portion, ensuring muscle maintenance and repair.
• Carbohydrates derived from organic grains and vegetables, such as brown rice and sweet potatoes, provide energy.
• Healthy fats from sources like fish oil and flaxseed support skin and coat health.
• Vitamins and minerals, added through organic fruits and vegetables like blueberries and carrots, enhance overall health and immune function.

Global Overall Pet Food Sales

• The global pet food market sales have shown substantial growth over the past decade.
• In 2013, global pet food sales were USD 69.6 billion.
• Looking forward, the sales are projected to reach USD 123.6 billion in 2022 and USD 133.9 billion in 2023, indicating sustained and robust expansion in the pet food industry.  

Pet Food Market Revenue in Various Nations

• The global pet food market showcases significant revenue contributions from various countries.
• Leading the market, the United States generates a substantial revenue of USD 58,420 million.
• China follows with USD 8,203 million, reflecting its growing pet ownership and expenditure.
• The United Kingdom stands at USD 7,465 million, while Brazil contributes USD 6,879 million.
• Germany and France also have a strong market presence, with revenues of USD 5,863 million and USD 5,124 million, respectively.
• Japan’s pet food market revenue is USD 4,762 million, closely followed by Italy at USD 3,921 million and Canada at USD 3,885 million.
• Australia rounds out the list with a market revenue of USD 3,062 million.

Pet Food Prices

• The pet food per unit price has shown a steady increase from 2018 to 2028.
• In 2018, the per unit price was USD 2.2.
• The forecast for the following years shows the price reaching USD 2.9 in 2024 and 2025, followed by a further increase to USD 3.0 in 2026 and USD 3.1 in 2027 and 2028.

Most Searched Pet Food Attributes

• Recent data from Amazon.com reveals significant increases in the number of searches for various pet food attributes, highlighting changing consumer preferences.
• Searches for low-calorie pet food surged by 113%, reflecting a growing concern for pet obesity and a focus on healthier dietary options.
• Frozen pet food saw a 111% increase in searches, indicating a rising interest in fresh and preservative-free meal choices for pets.
• Searches for diabetic support pet food increased by 85%, underscoring the need for specialized diets to manage pet health conditions.
• Seafood ingredient pet food experienced a 37% increase in searches, suggesting a preference for diverse protein sources.
• Additionally, searches for organic pet food rose by 35%, emphasizing a trend towards natural and sustainably sourced ingredients for pets.

Key Dog and Cat Food Attributes Related to Pet Food

• A survey of dog and cat food attributes shows diverse preferences among pet owners when choosing food for their pets.
• Novel or exotic proteins are selected by 9% of both dog and cat owners, while environmentally friendly packaging is preferred by 11% of dog owners and 14% of cat owners.
• Human-grade ingredients are important to 14% of dog owners and 12% of cat owners. Locally sourced ingredients appeal to 7% of dog owners and 6% of cat owners.
• Non-GMO food is chosen by 17% of dog owners and 15% of cat owners. Superfood ingredients are favored by 6% of dog owners and 7% of cat owners.
• Sustainably sourced ingredients attract 9% of dog owners and 8% of cat owners. Ancient grains are selected by 3% of both dog and cat owners.
• Plant-based food is chosen by 5% of both dog and cat owners. Ethnically sourced ingredients are favored by 6% of dog owners and 7% of cat owners.
• Clean-label ingredients are important to 10% of dog owners and 12% of cat owners. Functional ingredients are preferred by 12% of dog owners and 11% of cat owners, while vegan food is chosen by 1% of both dog and cat owners.

Interest in Various Treat Concepts by Age Group

• In 2019, interest in various pet food and treat concepts varied significantly across different age groups in the US.
• Among those aged 18-34, 51% expressed interest in treats that provide added nutrition, and an equal percentage showed interest in natural meat treats.
• In the 35-54 age group, 48% were interested in nutritional treats, while 51% favored natural meat treats.
• For individuals aged 55 and above, 43% were interested in added nutrition treats, and 36% preferred natural meat treats.
• Additionally, sustainably sourced pet food attracted 28% of the 18-34 group, 24% of the 35-54 group, and 15% of the 55+ group.
• Interest in pet food with plant-based protein was highest among the 18-34 age group at 25%, followed by 18% in the 35-54 group and 10% among those aged 55 and above.

Trends in Consumer Agreement with the Superiority of Natural/Organic Pet Products Over Standard National Brands

• Consumer sentiment regarding the superiority of natural and organic pet products compared to standard national brand products has shown a notable shift from 2016 to 2018.
• In 2016, 21% of consumers strongly agreed with this statement, which increased to 22% in 2017 and 23% in 2018.
• The proportion of those who somewhat agreed peaked in 2017 at 32%, compared to 28% in 2016 and 27% in 2018.
• Conversely, the percentage of consumers who neither agreed nor disagreed was 35% in 2016, dropping to 31% in 2017 before rising again to 37% in 2018.
• Those who somewhat disagreed with the statement decreased from 10% in 2016 to 9% in 2017 and further to 8% in 2018.
• Similarly, the percentage of consumers who strongly disagreed fell from 7% in 2016 to 6% in 2017 and then to 4% in 2018.

Regulations for Organic Pet Food in Various Nations

• Regulations for organic pet food vary across different regions, reflecting local priorities and standards.
• In the European Union, the regulation (EU) 2023/2419 mandates that pet food must contain at least 95% organic agricultural ingredients to be labeled as organic, ensuring high standards akin to those for human food.
• This regulation aims to provide greater certainty for consumers and maintain high production standards​​​​.
• In the United States, recent updates by the USDA have focused on strengthening organic standards, including the “Organic Livestock and Poultry Standards” to ensure high welfare and outdoor access for animals and the “Strengthening Organic Enforcement” rule to address fraud in organic supply chains​.

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