Date: 27/01/2025

Each year, the Pet Food market transforms, bringing new expectations and trends that reflect changes in pet owners’ behavior and industry innovations. Consumer demands constantly evolve, requiring products that meet pets’ basic needs, promote health and well-being, and consider aspects such as sustainability and cost-effectiveness. In this context, understanding the trends that will shape 2025 is essential for guiding market solutions. In today’s blog, we will explore these market trends and how BRF Ingredients works with options that support the industry.

Topics:

Relevance of the Pet Food market in Brazil

The pet market in Brazil is expanding rapidly, establishing itself as one of the largest in the world. In recent years, the sector generated R$ 68.7 billion, representing a growth of 14%.

Of this total, the food segment was responsible for 55.5% of the revenue, about R$ 38.1 billion, highlighting the importance of this niche to the Brazilian economy.

This growth reflects a combination of factors, such as the increase in the number of pets in households and the greater dedication of pet owners to their pets' care, seeking high-quality products. Additionally, Brazil holds a high position in the global pet food market ranking, demonstrating the potential and relevance of this sector in the global market.

With positive projections for the coming years, the Brazilian market needs to implement projects for innovation and investments, especially in segments such as preventive health, functional foods, and natural products.

Treating pets as family members and the emphasis on premium products

The close relationship between pet owners and their pets has significantly driven the premium pet product market in Brazil.

For many pet owners, pets are considered family members, which increases the demand for high-quality foods that promote efficient digestion, strengthen the immune system, and improve the coat.

According to Mintel’s global research, 92% of Brazilian pet owners consider their pets family members, while 61% of Canadian pet owners view their animals as companions. This relationship also demonstrates an increasing demand for foods that help reduce stress, as reported by 31% of German pet owners.

Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) shows that the population of domestic animals in the country increased from 132.4 million in 2013 to 144 million in 2022.

Currently, there are different types of food for pet nutrition, and in this case, the concept of premium feeding is closely linked to the health, well-being, and good coat condition of pets, with options that promote more efficient digestion, strengthen the immune system, and improve coat and overall vitality.

Premium foods are also often tailored to different life stages or specific conditions, such as food for elderly pets, overweight pets, or those with food sensitivities, reflecting the detailed and personalized care that pet owners want to provide to their pets.

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 51% of pet owners choose premium foods as part of a strategy to keep their pets healthy for longer.

Preventive health as a priority in pet care

The growing appreciation for premium pet food is directly connected to another significant trend: preventive health as a priority in pet care.

Just as pet owners seek high-quality foods, they are also becoming increasingly attentive to solutions that promote well-being and prevent health problems in their pets.

Products focused on preventive health, such as functional foods and dietary supplements, have gained prominence in the market. These items go beyond traditional nutrition, offering specific benefits such as immune system support, joint and digestive health, as well as helping with weight control.

A study conducted by the Companion Animal Commission (Comac) revealed that 94% of pet owners value preventive health for their pets, strictly following vaccination, deworming, and flea control recommendations, as well as taking care of their pets' diet.

This approach reflects a shift in consumer behavior, with pet owners viewing prevention as an investment in the longevity and quality of life of their animals. As a result, the market is adapting to meet this demand, offering increasingly specialized products aligned with the individual needs of pets.

The search for natural and organic products

Just like in the emerging trends in Food Ingredients, the demand for natural and organic products is also becoming a strong trend in the Pet Food market.

This growing concern for overall health and well-being has led pet owners to seek foods free from artificial preservatives, colorants, and other chemical additives.

In Brazil, this trend aligns with the growth of the global natural and organic product market, driven by pet owners who want to extend the same care they adopt for themselves to their pets.

A survey by Euromonitor revealed that around 60% of pet owners prefer natural or organic foods for their animals, prioritizing high-quality ingredients and health benefits.

Leadership in the launch of snacks and pet treats

Based on insights from Mintel, another segment leading the global market launches is snacks and treats for pets. Between 2019 and 2024, these products accounted for 66% of new releases in North America, highlighting their growing popularity among pet owners.

The convenience and additional health benefits make this category attractive for both dogs and cats. While snacks for dogs often emphasize benefits such as digestive health and the prevention of oral problems, products for cats prioritize skin and coat care.

Technological and sustainable innovations in the sector

Sustainability also plays a central role in the development of pet food, driving the creation of innovative products that balance nutrition and environmental efficiency.

The use of insect protein provides a rich nutritional solution with a lower demand for natural resources. Additionally, treats made from agricultural by-products and food waste exemplify initiatives that ensure food quality and safety while promoting the reuse of materials that would otherwise be discarded.

Another significant innovation lies in the application of advanced technologies, such as gamma radiation sterilization and the dehydration of animal by-products. These techniques reduce the reliance on raw materials grown exclusively for pet food and help decrease the environmental impact of the production chain.

BRFi’s commitment to innovation in the Pet Food market

BRF Ingredients acts as a strategic extension of BRF, leveraging the potential of co-products from the poultry and pork production chains to develop solutions that foster innovation in the Animal Nutrition market.

By integrating circular economy concepts, it transforms high-quality raw materials into ingredients that add value to animal nutrition, promoting sustainability across all stages of production.

Here are some highlights from our portfolio:

BioActio Hydrolyzed Proteins

BioActio Hydrolyzed Proteins result from an enzymatic hydrolysis process that concentrates bioactive peptides and essential amino acids, promoting high digestibility and efficient nutrient absorption.

Animal Meals

Produced from fresh raw materials sourced from the integrated BRF chain, the meals undergo cooking, pressing, and grinding processes, ensuring stability and ideal nutritional properties. Among the meal options that contribute to balanced and functional formulations, we offer:

● Pork Crackling Meal
● Porcine Meat and Bone Meal
● Poultry Meal - Low Ash
● Poultry Meal - Standard
● Feather Meals
● Feather Meal with Blood

Animal Oils and Fats

Animal Oils and Fats are extracted through cooking and pressing of fresh poultry and pork raw materials. Rich in fatty acids and with unique sensory characteristics, these ingredients are essential for producing foods that combine palatability and nutritional efficiency. Our portfolio includes products that complement pet food formulations:

● Poultry Oil
● Pork Fat
● Pork Crackling Fat

Final Considerations

The Pet Food market in 2025 will be marked by trends that reflect the central role of animals in people's lives and the evolution of consumption needs.

The appreciation of premium foods, tailored to specific needs and life stages, reflects the search for solutions that promote health and longevity. At the same time, preventive health stands out as a priority, with products that offer benefits beyond traditional nutrition, catering to the demand for well-being and detailed care.

Another strategic position is analyzed with a focus on sustainability. Advanced technologies and practices that repurpose agricultural by-products and food waste align innovation with environmental responsibility, meeting a public that values more conscious choices.

With increasingly discerning consumers, the industry is moving towards solutions that link efficiency, quality, and shared values.