Global Trends Shaping the Pet Food Ingredient Market

The global pet food ingredient market is witnessing a pivotal transformation in 2025. From innovative protein sources like cultivated meat to region-specific distribution expansions, manufacturers are reimagining what goes into pets' bowls. Four major developments in recent months signal where the industry is headed—sustainability, fresh nutrition, clean labels, and omnichannel accessibility. Let us dive into these key drivers.

Cultivated Meat: A Disruptive Protein in Pet Nutrition

One of the most groundbreaking innovations in 2025 is the regulatory approval of cultivated meat for pet food. Friends & Family Pet Food Company has secured regulatory approval from Singapore’s Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) to commercially offer cultivated meat-based pet food, making it the first company in Asia to receive such authorization. Production of cultivated meat treats for cats and dogs is scheduled to begin in Singapore later this year.

\Granted in June, the approval enables Friends & Family to introduce eight initial SKUs to the Singapore pet food market, with more products in development. All manufacturing will take place locally in Singapore. The company also stated that it has stockpiled several tons of cultivated meat to support large-scale commercial production of its pet nutrition offerings.

Environmental Benefits of Cultivated Meat Pet Treats

According to research referenced by Friends & Family Pet Food Company, cultivated meat offers several sustainability advantages over traditional animal agriculture:

Significant Emissions Reduction:

Cultivated meat pet treats generate approximately 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions per unit compared to conventional beef-based treats.

Reduced Land Usage:

The production process requires up to 90% less land than traditional livestock farming.

Lower Water Consumption:

Cultivated meat manufacturing uses 78% to 96% less water, contributing to resource conservation.

Decreased Environmental Pollution:

The process substantially lowers air and water contamination, supporting cleaner ecosystems.

“This marks a significant milestone for both the cultivated meat industry and Singapore, which soon will be the only place in the world where consumers can purchase cultivated treats for their cats or dogs,” said Maurice Yeo, Chief Operating Officer of Friends & Family.

Summary:

Regulatory Milestone: Friends & Family Pet Food Company became the first in Asia to receive approval from Singapore’s Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) to commercially produce and sell cultivated meat-based pet food, with local production set to begin later this year.

Product Rollout: The approval allows the company to launch eight SKUs in the Singapore market, supported by a sizable inventory of cultivated meat and full-scale manufacturing operations within the country.

Environmental Advantages: Cultivated meat pet treats offer substantial sustainability benefits, including up to 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, 90% less land use, up to 96% less water consumption, and reduced environmental pollution.

Gently Cooked Meals Are Gaining Momentum

Fresh, gently cooked pet food is also taking center stage. Royal Canin U.S., a global leader in pet health nutrition and a billion-dollar brand under Mars, Inc., has introduced Royal Canin Fresh Health Nutrition, officially entering the gently cooked pet food category. 

The product line includes three specialized formulas tailored to different life stages—puppy, adult, and senior dogs. Each recipe is developed using what the company describes as a “fresh nutrient design,” aimed at supporting specific health requirements while ensuring complete nutritional balance.

Key Ingredients in Royal Canin Fresh Health Nutrition Formulas

1. Puppy Formula

• Protein Sources: Eggs and chicken

• Fiber & Vitamins: Summer squash and peas

• Brain Development: Fish oil

• Digestive Health: Brown rice

2. Adult Formula

• Primary Protein: Pork

• Nutrient-Rich Additions: Summer squash, spinach

• Digestive Support: Brown rice

3. Senior Formula

• Protein Blend: Chicken and beef

• Bone Health: Kale

• Antioxidants: Summer squash

• Digestive Support: Brown rice

The Fresh Health Nutrition line is designed to complement Royal Canin’s existing dry food offerings, such as the Breed Health Nutrition and Size Health Nutrition ranges. Products must be stored in the freezer until ready for use and should be thawed in the refrigerator 24 hours prior to feeding. After opening, portions can be kept refrigerated for up to five days.

Summary:

1. Category Expansion: Royal Canin U.S., part of Mars, Inc., has launched Royal Canin Fresh Health Nutrition, marking its entry into the gently cooked pet food segment with formulas tailored for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.

2. Targeted Nutrition: Each formula features a unique blend of ingredients—such as eggs, chicken, pork, and vegetables—designed to support life stage-specific needs like brain development, digestive health, and bone strength.

3. Storage and Compatibility: The gently cooked meals are freezer-stored, require refrigeration before serving, and remain fresh for up to five days once opened. They are also formulated to complement Royal Canin’s existing dry food lines.

Strategic Retail Partnerships Are Reshaping Accessibility

Retail dynamics are shifting with high-impact partnerships. PetSmart has formed an exclusive partnership with General Mills to launch Edgard & Cooper in the U.S. market, bringing the European pet food brand to customers both in stores nationwide and through online platforms.

Serving over one million pets throughout Europe, Edgard & Cooper offers a comprehensive dog food portfolio made with fresh meat recipes, whole fruits and vegetables, and completely free of meat meal ingredients. The range includes both dry and wet food options, as well as treats featuring proteins like chicken, venison, and duck.

Rising Demand for Premium Pet Nutrition

According to General Mills and data from the American Pet Products Association (APPA):

• Consumer Trend: There is increasing interest in high-quality pet food that goes beyond basic nutrition.

• Dog Owners: 54% are seeking premium pet food products that offer added health benefits.

• Cat Owners: 47% express a preference for elevated nutrition options tailored to their pets’ well-being.

• Market Insight: The Edgard & Cooper launch in the U.S. aims to meet this demand by providing fresh, nutrient-rich, and ethically formulated pet food choices.

The partnership aligns with General Mills’ strategy to grow its pet food portfolio by incorporating established European brands. Edgard & Cooper’s products are specifically formulated to promote digestive health and support coat condition across various dog breeds and life stages.

Summary:

1. Strategic U.S. Launch: PetSmart and General Mills have partnered to introduce European brand Edgard & Cooper to the U.S. market, making its premium pet food available both in stores nationwide and online.

2. Fresh, Nutrient-Rich Formulas: Edgard & Cooper offers a full range of dry and wet dog food, as well as treats made with fresh meat, fruits, and vegetables—entirely free of meat meal ingredients and tailored for various life stages.

3. Meeting Premium Demand: With over half of dog owners and nearly half of cat owners seeking high-quality nutrition, the launch addresses a growing market for pet food that supports digestive health and coat condition across breeds.

Key Players in the 2025 Pet Food Ingredient Market

Conclusion:

The pet food ingredient market in 2025 is undergoing a dynamic shift driven by sustainability, targeted nutrition, and strategic global partnerships. From cultivated meat to gently cooked formulas and premium European imports, these innovations underscore a growing demand for transparency, health-conscious options, and environmental responsibility in every bowl. As consumer expectations rise, companies that invest in ethical sourcing and next-generation formulations will define the future of the Pet Food Ingredient industry.

About the Author:

Karabi Sonowal is an experienced SEO Executive and Content Writer in digital marketing. She excels in SEO, content creation, and data-driven strategies that boost online visibility and engagement. Known for simplifying complex concepts, Karabi creates impactful content aligned with industry trends. She can be reached at [email protected]