Move over kibble—fresh pet food is stealing the show! The U.S. fresh pet food market is set to grow by a whopping $1.23 billion from 2024 to 2028, with a jaw-dropping CAGR of 29.91%, according to a Technavio report. North America leads the pack, driving 100% of this growth. Pet parents are trading preservatives for fresh, human-grade ingredients, and the industry is wagging its tail with excitement over this shift. Let’s dig into why this trend has tails wagging everywhere.
Paws and applause
The spotlight around fresh pet food is no joke—it’s a tail-wagging sensation! The market is set to explode with $1.23 billion in growth over just four years. With a staggering CAGR of 29.91%, it’s clear that fresh pet food is having its moment. What’s fueling this surge? Pet parents are ditching overly processed options and embracing natural, minimally processed meals. It’s health-conscious, it’s fresh, and it’s paws-itively game-changing for our furry friends!
Fresh pet food frenzy
The pet food game is getting a major makeover, and it’s all about fresh and fabulous! Freshpet Inc. is serving up wag-worthy excitement with their veggie-packed dog food line, Spring and Sprout, making tails wag and noses twitch with delight. Over at The Farmers Dog Inc. and NomNomNow Inc., they’re revolutionizing mealtime with fresh, subscription-based meals that are as convenient as they are tasty. And let’s not forget the retail giants—Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods are stepping up their game, dishing out fresh pet food options like never before. It’s a pet food revolution, and your furry friend is about to get a whole lot happier!
From bowls to business
This shift in pet care is more than just a passing trend; it’s a full-on revolution. Transparency has become the gold standard, with pet owners demanding to know every ingredient that goes into their pets’ bowls, ensuring they’re feeding them the best. Whole, healthy ingredients are taking center stage, with lean meats, fresh veggies, and fruits becoming the stars of pet food recipes. Convenience is also a key factor, with fresh options now available everywhere—from online subscriptions to local pet shops—making it easier than ever for pet owners to provide nutritious meals for their furry companions. It’s clear: the future of pet food is fresh, transparent, and incredibly convenient.
Pets are now dining like royalty, thanks to the growing human-grade craze, where minimally processed meals are becoming the norm. This shift is being fueled by the dominance of offline retailers—supermarkets and pet specialty stores—serving as the central hubs of this market boom, making high-quality pet food accessible to more people than ever. At the same time, tailored nutrition is reaching new heights, with options like grain-free and hypoallergenic formulas ensuring that pets with specific dietary needs are well-catered for. Innovation in the pet food industry is thriving, offering a diverse range of choices to meet every pet’s unique requirements.
Healthy pets, happy owners
This growth wave is reshaping the pet food industry, with key trends driving the shift toward healthier, more accessible pet options. The focus on natural, wholesome ingredients mirrors the growing emphasis on quality and nutrition seen in human food trends, making it clear that health is a top priority for pet owners. As demand for high-quality, fresh food increases, suppliers are under pressure to keep up with these expectations, ensuring they provide the best ingredients. Meanwhile, a retail revolution is taking place, with expanded options bringing premium, fresh pet food to pet parents
Pet food goes gourmet
This isn’t just another trend—it’s a new era for pet care. The U.S. fresh pet food market is redefining how we think about nutrition for our four-legged friends. For suppliers and retailers, this is an opportunity to innovate and grow alongside these changing preferences. After all, happy pets mean happy owners.
Want to stay ahead of the curve? Reach out to Source86 or explore our premium offerings today—because every pet deserves the best!
