It’s dog food, mate 🐶

Howdy.  

Believe it or not, I’m a dog-person. In fact, our canine companion made its way home to us after we spotted him chained up alone without any care or interaction while we were on holiday. My wife began to take him food and fell in love, so we approached the individual that made a quick stop to feed him once a day and….now he’s a well-loved member of the family.  

It was only after this that I realised the massive explosion in the pet food industry over the past few years. Pets have gone from snacking on kibble to demanding Michelin-starred meals. And honestly, who can blame them? 

What’s driving this gourmet pet food revolution? 

Well, for starters, the numbers are pretty staggering. The global pet food market is projected to hit around $115 billion by 2025, with the craft and natural segment leading the charge. In the UK alone, the pet food industry is booming, with sales growing by 17% year-over-year. A key driver? Pet owners are increasingly treating their furry companions as family members—(guiiillltttyyy 👋🏾) meaning, of course, they deserve the very best (and don’t even get me started on the organic, grain-free, and ethically sourced labels). 

But why the sudden surge? 

1. Humanisation of Pets: Our pets are no longer just animals; they’re our best friends, our confidants, and sometimes, our therapists. This shift in perception has led to a growing demand for high-quality, craft pet food that mirrors our own eating habits. I mean, if we’re going organic and gluten-free, why shouldn’t our pets? 
2. Health Consciousness: Just as we’ve become more aware of what goes into our bodies, we’re now scrutinising what goes into our pets’ bowls. According to a survey by Mintel, 44% of UK pet owners say they’re more focused on the health and wellness of their pets than they were two years ago. Brands like Lily’s Kitchen and Edgard & Cooper have capitalised on this by offering all-natural, nutritionally balanced meals that promise to keep our pets happy and healthy. 
3. Rise of the Ethical Consumer: Today’s pet owners care about sustainability and ethical sourcing. It’s not just about what’s in the food, but how it’s made. UK brands like Harringtons and Forthglade have tapped into this by ensuring their products are as good for the planet as they are for our pets. It’s the kind of thing that makes you feel like a responsible pet parent—and gives you something to brag about at the dog park I suppose. 

What’s next? 

As the craft pet food industry continues to grow, we’re likely to see even more innovative products hitting the shelves. Think customised diets based on your pet’s DNA, or subscription services that deliver fresh, tailored meals right to your door (because who has time to meal prep for themselves, let alone their pets?). 

Either way, our pets have never had it so good. For the UK job market (the recruiter in me couldn’t resist!), the growth of the pet food market in the UK is creating significant opportunities in the job market, particularly in areas like manufacturing, product development, marketing, and supply chain management.  

As demand for high-quality, craft pet food rises, companies are expanding their operations and investing in talent to meet consumer expectations, leading to increased job creation across the industry – good news all round. 

Until next time,  

Lukas.