Germany Pet Food Market - Forecast(2025 - 2031)

Germany Pet Food Market Overview:

Germany Pet Food Market size is estimated to reach US$6.1 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period 2024-2030. The Germany pet food market is seeing rapid growth driven primarily by increasing pet adoption rates. The demand for premium and specialized pet food is rising as pet owners become more conscious of pet health and nutrition. Additionally, a shift towards healthier pet food options is fueling market expansion along with the trend of pet humanization where pets are treated as family members leading to a higher demand for treats. Moreover, the innovations in pet food formulations and flavors are creating a strong demand for quality pet food options across the German market.

A key trend is the growing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly pet food. As consumers become more aware regarding sustainability, there is a growing interest in pet food products that use sustainable ingredients and environmentally responsible packaging. In November 2024, German pet food startup Wynn Petfood announced it is packing its entire product portfolio of premium pet food blends and practical snacks for dogs 100% in paper. According to Koehler Paper, the designer of the packaging material, this is the first time paper packaging was used for wet food blends. Wynn is one of the first companies in the pet food industry to do so. Another significant trend is the demand for personalised and health-conscious pet food. Brands like Tails.com, Butternut Box and Pets Deli are tapping into this trend. The emphasis on subscription-based services and fresh, tailored meals is particularly attractive to a segment of pet owners willing to pay a premium for convenience and health benefits. This represents the Germany Pet Food Industry Outlook during the forecast period.

Market Snapshot: 

Germany Pet Food Market - Report Coverage:

The “Germany Pet Food Market Report - Forecast (2024-2030)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the Germany Pet Food Market.

COVID-19 / Ukraine Crisis - Impact Analysis:  

COVID-19 positively impacted the pet food market in Germany. Due to lockdowns, several people adopted pets for companionship. According to statistics from Global News, almost 30% of Canadians adopted a new animal during the pandemic and 31% of those who adopted new pets during this time were actually first-time pet parents. This led to an increased demand for pet food.
The Russian-Ukraine war significantly affected the pet food market. Due to war, the inflation worsened in the country resulting in high prices of ingredients thereby impacting the pet food market. Ukraine is a major grain exporter and the grain is used in pet food, therefore, the war resulted in supply chain bottlenecks as manufacturers had to look for alternation sources of grain.

Key Takeaways

Cats are the Largest Segment

Cats are the largest segment in the German pet food market in terms of pet due to their minimal need for dependence on their owners and being able to live in small places making them ideal for apartments. As per the Central Association of Zoological Specialist Companies (ZZF), a German trade association, 2024 report on the Deutsch pet market, ZZF recorded populations of 15.7 million cats in Germany in 2023. In 42% of all cat-owning households there were two or more cats in German homes. As per the report, cat food represented the largest share of pet food sales in Germany in 2023, totaling $2.5 billion and growing 14.4% over 2022. According to ZZF, wet cat food sales made up the major’s share of total cat food revenue at $1.6 billion, up 15.3% year-over-year while dry cat food accounted for $426.7 million, up 11.3% year-over-year, and cat treat and snacks accounted for $400.8 million, up 14% year-over-year.

Online to Grow the Fastest

Online is projected to be the fastest growing distribution channel for pet food in Germany as consumers shift to digital platforms for convenience, competitive pricing and a wide range of choices. With direct-to-door delivery and subscription options available, e-commerce appeals to pet owners who prioritize convenience and time efficiency. In February 2024, Zooplus, a German online store that sells pet supplies and food, expanded its subscription model, which then became available in 8 markets. This helps customers automate repeat purchases, like pet food and set up frequencies for shipping. And in June 2024, the company announced plans to launch its own marketplace. By doing this, the platform will be able to quickly expand its product range. The rise of specialty pet food products has also spurred online demand as digital platforms offer detailed information and reviews to help consumers make informed choices. Seasonal promotions and personalized recommendations further enhance the online shopping experience attracting more pet owners to buy online. As e-commerce expands, online sales are anticipated to play an important role in the growth of Germany’s pet food market.

Bags are the Largest Segment

Bags are the largest segment, by packaging type, in the Canadian pet food market due to their durability, convenience and cost-effectiveness. Most dry pet foods such as kibble and treats are packaged in bags that are easy to store, transport and reseal. Bags are versatile and available in various sizes, along with resealable options appealing to convenience needs. The packaging’s ability to preserve food quality and prevent moisture or contamination makes it a preferred choice among pet owners. With these benefits, pet food in bags remains the largest segment in the German market reflecting both practicality and consumer demand for quality packaging.

Humanization of Pets Drives the Market

The humanization of pets has significantly transformed the pet food market in Germany. Pet owners increasingly view their pets as family members prioritizing their well-being and happiness. This trend has been particularly evident since the COVID-19 pandemic as individuals and families turned to pet companionship. According to Germany Trade & Invest, almost 50% of German households have at least one pet and the market is booming as Germans spend more and more on their non-human loved ones. This shift has driven demand for pet food with a focus on quality, taste and nutritional benefits. Consumers are willing to spend on organic, grain-free and high-protein options that mimic human-grade food. The market benefits from both first-time pet parents and existing pet owners expanding the demand for pet food across various segments.

 Rising Pet Food Prices to Hamper Growth
 
 Key Market Players: 

Product/Service launches, approvals, patents and events, acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations are key strategies adopted by players in the Germany Pet Food Market. The top 10 companies in the Germany Pet Food Market are:
1. Mars Petcare 
2. Nestlé Purina PetCare 
3. General Mills 
4. Heristo AG
5. Deuerer
6. Bewital Petfood GmbH & Co. KG
7. Rondo Food
8. Gimborn
9. Vitakraft Pet Care GmbH & Co.
10. Josera Petfood

Scope of Report: 

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