Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Market Size (2025) | USD 7.14 Billion |
Market Size (2030) | USD 8.72 Billion |
CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 4.08 % |
Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players![]() *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Germany Pet Food Market Analysis
The Germany Pet Food Market size is estimated at 7.14 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 8.72 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.08% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The German pet industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing consumer demographics and pet ownership patterns. As of 2022, 46% of German households owned at least one pet, with 14% having two or more pets, reflecting the growing integration of pets into family structures. This trend has led to increased demand for premium and specialized pet food products, with pet owners increasingly treating their animals as family members. The shift in consumer behavior has prompted manufacturers to develop more sophisticated product offerings, including natural ingredients, grain-free options, and functional foods targeting specific health conditions.
The distribution landscape of pet food in Germany has evolved considerably, with digital transformation playing a pivotal role. Traditional retail channels remain significant, with supermarkets and hypermarkets accounting for 40.2% of pet food distribution in 2022. However, the online channel has emerged as a formidable force, representing 30% of the market share in the same year. This shift has prompted traditional retailers to adopt omnichannel strategies, while pure-play online retailers continue to expand their product offerings and services.
Product innovation and sustainability have become central themes in the German Pet Food Market. In 2023, several major manufacturers launched new products focusing on health and sustainability. Notable developments include Mars Incorporated's introduction of new Pedigree Multivitamins in March 2023, Hill's Pet Nutrition's launch of MSC certified pollock products in July 2023, and Nestlé Purina's release of new cat treats under the Friskies brand in May 2023. These innovations reflect the industry's response to growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious and health-focused pet food market solutions.
The market is witnessing a significant shift towards specialized nutrition and functional ingredients. Pet food industry manufacturers are increasingly incorporating nutraceuticals, probiotics, and other functional ingredients into their products to address specific health concerns and enhance overall pet wellness. This trend is particularly evident in the premium segment, where products are formulated to address issues such as digestive health, joint care, and weight management. The industry has also seen increased focus on age-specific formulations and breed-specific nutrition, reflecting a more sophisticated understanding of pet dietary needs.
Germany Pet Food Market Trends
Cats are the major pets in Germany due to their adaptability to smaller living spaces and the belief of bringing good luck
- In Germany, cats are the major pets adopted by people, and they accounted for 43.9% of the pet population in 2022. The high adoption of cats is mainly due to them being more adaptable to smaller living spaces than dogs and staying indoors without feeling cooped up. Cats are more highly regarded than dogs and considered to be symbols of good luck or fortune. The population of cat parents in the country has remained stable for the last two years since 2020, accounting for 23% in both 2019 and 2020 and reaching 14.7 million in 2020.
- There was a rise in the pet population during the pandemic, and the cat population increased by 11.5% between 2020 and 2022. People adopted more cats during the pandemic to have a companion at home and avoid loneliness. Cats are quieter than dogs, and during lockdowns, there was no need to take them on walks. This trend is expected to be witnessed for more time due to the average lifespan of a cat being more than 20 years.
- The cats can be adopted from different channels, such as specialized breeders, pet stores, and animal shelters in the country. The potential pet parents are expected to purchase pets from specialized breeders as compared to animal shelters because of the complex legal procedure required to adopt a cat or a pet from an animal shelter. The government also treats pets, including cats, as a citizen, as the pet parents are required to have passports for their cats to travel with them. Therefore, the rise in the cat population is due to factors such as their easy maintenance, an increase in the need for companionship, and people living in small apartments, which are anticipated to also help increase the demand for cat food during the forecast period.
The increasing trend of pet humanization and greater demand for premium products resulted in a rise in expenditure
- In Germany, the expenditure on pets experienced a significant increase, with a rise of about 15.3% between 2019 and 2022. This upward trend in pet expenses can be attributed to the growing number of pets in the country, which expanded from 36.8 million in 2019 to 39.8 million in 2022. Additionally, the trend of pet humanization led to a greater demand for premium products, including natural and grain-free pet food options.
- Pet owners' annual spending on dog food witnessed a growth of about 23.3%, while spending on cat food increased by about 24.0%. Other pet animals also experienced a rise in expenditure of around 9.3%. Sales of dog pet food showed a CAGR of 4.4% from 2016 to 2020, while cat food sales exhibited a slightly lower CAGR of 1.8%. These findings indicate a higher level of premiumization in dog food despite the dog population being about 64.1% lower than the cat population as of 2022.
- The demand for pet food in the country is on the rise, particularly for those providing specific nutrition, functional nutrition, and a variety of food experiences while also addressing safety and health concerns. This focus on special diets and ingredients has resulted in an increase in the average unit price, particularly in the premium and super-premium segments. Most of the premium pet products are marketed through specialty stores, whereas mid-priced pet products are available in both specialty stores and supermarkets. As of 2022, around 40.2% of all pet sales were through supermarkets in the country. The growing awareness of the benefits of high-quality pet food and the increasing premiumization of pet food are expected to continue driving pet expenditure in the country.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Increased desire for companionship during the pandemic and increasing adoption from animal shelters and rescue organizations led to population growth
- Ornamental birds and fish are popular other pets due to low maintenance and less space requirement
- The increasing trend of pet humanization and greater demand for premium products resulted in a rise in expenditure
Segment Analysis: PET FOOD PRODUCT
Food Segment in Germany Pet Food Market
The pet food segment maintains its dominant position in the German pet food market, commanding approximately 70% market share in 2024. This substantial market presence is primarily driven by the regular feeding requirements of pets and the increasing shift from home-cooked to commercial pet food products. Within this segment, dry pet food holds a significant share of about 61%, particularly due to its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and longer shelf life. The segment's growth is further supported by the expanding pet population in Germany and the rising trend of pet humanization, where owners increasingly prioritize high-quality commercial food products for their pets' daily nutritional needs.

Pet Treats Segment in Germany Pet Food Market
The pet treats segment is experiencing the most dynamic growth in the German pet food market, projected to expand at approximately 5% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This remarkable growth is driven by the increasing use of treats for training purposes and as rewards, particularly among dog owners. The segment's expansion is further fueled by innovations in treat varieties, including dental treats, freeze-dried treats, and functional treats that offer additional health benefits. The growing awareness among pet owners about the importance of positive reinforcement in pet training and the rising demand for premium and natural treat options are key factors contributing to this segment's accelerated growth trajectory.
Remaining Segments in Pet Food Product
The veterinary diets and pet nutraceuticals segments play crucial roles in the German pet food market, catering to specific health and wellness needs of pets. The veterinary diets segment focuses on specialized nutrition for pets with various health conditions, including digestive sensitivities, diabetes, and renal issues. Meanwhile, the pet nutraceuticals segment addresses preventive care and overall wellness through supplements containing vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics. Both segments are benefiting from the growing trend of preventive healthcare among pet owners and increased awareness about the pet nutrition market and wellness, contributing to the market's overall sophistication and diversification.
Segment Analysis: PETS
Cats Segment in Germany Pet Food Market
The cats segment dominates the German pet food market, accounting for approximately 54% of the total market volume in 2024. This significant market share is attributed to cats being the most popular pets in German households, with their population reaching 17.5 million. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by cats' adaptability to smaller living spaces compared to dogs, making them ideal pets for urban households. The segment is also experiencing the fastest growth trajectory, projected to grow at around 4% annually from 2024 to 2029. This growth is driven by increasing cat adoption rates, rising demand for premium cat foods, particularly wet cat food options which account for over 54% of cat food sales, and the growing trend of pet humanization where cats are treated as family members.
Remaining Segments in Pet Food Market
The dogs segment represents the second-largest category in the German pet food market, despite dogs having a lower population compared to cats. This segment is characterized by a higher per-pet consumption rate and a stronger tendency toward premium product purchases. The other pets segment, which includes small mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles, maintains a smaller but stable presence in the market. These segments are influenced by factors such as increasing pet humanization, growing awareness about pet nutrition, and the rising demand for specialized diets. Both segments continue to evolve with changing consumer preferences, particularly in terms of natural ingredients and specialized nutritional requirements for different pet life stages.
Segment Analysis: DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Segment in German Pet Food Market
Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the German pet food distribution landscape, accounting for approximately 40% of the market share in 2024. These retail channels have established themselves as the primary destination for pet food purchases due to their extensive nationwide presence and convenience factor. Major retail chains like Edeka with over 11,000 stores, REWE with about 6,700 stores, and Lidl and Kaufland with nearly 4,000 combined stores provide widespread accessibility across Germany. These channels particularly excel in offering a comprehensive range of pet food products, from standard daily nutrition to specialized dietary options, while maintaining competitive pricing through regular promotions and bulk purchase discounts. The success of supermarkets and hypermarkets is largely attributed to their ability to serve as one-stop shopping destinations, allowing pet owners to conveniently purchase pet food alongside their regular grocery shopping, which particularly appeals to middle-class and economy-conscious consumers seeking value for money.
Online Channel Segment in German Pet Food Market
The online channel segment is experiencing remarkable growth in the German pet food market, projected to expand at approximately 6% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This growth is being driven by major e-commerce platforms such as Zooplus, Fressnap, and Happyhunde, alongside emerging startups like Fellowfy, HonestDog, and DrSam, which are revolutionizing the pet food retail landscape. These platforms are distinguishing themselves by offering comprehensive pet-related services beyond just food products, including veterinary consultations and pet adoption services. The segment's growth is particularly notable in the veterinary diets category, where online retailers excel in providing a diverse range of specialized nutrition options. The convenience of home delivery, competitive pricing strategies, and the ability to easily compare products and prices across different brands have made online channels increasingly attractive to modern pet owners. Additionally, these platforms are enhancing the shopping experience through features like automated subscription services, personalized recommendations, and detailed product information, further solidifying their position in the market.
Remaining Segments in Distribution Channel
The German pet food market's distribution landscape is further diversified through specialty stores, convenience stores, and other channels, each serving distinct consumer needs and preferences. Specialty stores, including chains like Fressnapf and Das Futterhaus, cater to premium segment customers seeking expert advice and specialized products. These stores differentiate themselves through their focused approach to pet care, offering extensive product knowledge and personalized customer service. Convenience stores serve as quick-access points for pet food purchases, particularly beneficial for urban consumers needing immediate supplies. The other channels category, encompassing veterinary clinics, feed stores, and pet shelters, plays a crucial role in serving specific market niches and providing specialized products and services. These diverse channels contribute to the market's robust distribution network, ensuring pet food accessibility across different consumer segments and geographical locations.
Germany Pet Food Industry Overview
Top Companies in Germany Pet Food Market
The German pet food market is characterized by companies actively pursuing product innovation as a primary growth strategy, with a particular focus on developing premium and specialized pet nutrition solutions. Companies are consistently launching new product lines targeting specific dietary needs, health conditions, and pet life stages while incorporating natural and high-quality ingredients. Operational agility is demonstrated through rapid adaptation to changing consumer preferences, especially the shift toward natural and organic pet food options. Strategic partnerships with research institutes, veterinary clinics, and technology providers are becoming increasingly common to enhance product development capabilities and market reach. Market expansion strategies include strengthening distribution networks across various channels, with particular emphasis on e-commerce platforms and specialty pet stores, while also investing in local manufacturing facilities to ensure better market penetration and supply chain efficiency.
Mix of Global Leaders and Regional Specialists
The German pet food market exhibits a hybrid competitive structure with both global conglomerates and specialized regional players maintaining significant market positions. Global companies leverage their extensive research capabilities, established brand portfolios, and international distribution networks to maintain market leadership, while regional players capitalize on their deep understanding of local preferences and agile response to market changes. The market demonstrates moderate fragmentation, with the top players collectively holding a significant but not dominant share, allowing room for smaller specialized manufacturers to thrive in specific market niches.
The market has witnessed strategic consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, primarily driven by larger companies seeking to expand their product portfolios and gain access to specialized market segments. These acquisitions particularly target companies with strong positions in premium pet food segments, natural and organic offerings, or those with innovative product formulations. Regional players are increasingly becoming attractive acquisition targets for global companies looking to strengthen their presence in the German market, leading to a gradual consolidation trend while still maintaining competitive diversity. Pet food manufacturers in Germany are actively participating in these strategic moves to enhance their market position.
Innovation and Channel Optimization Drive Success
Success in the German pet food market increasingly depends on companies' ability to innovate across product formulations, packaging, and distribution channels. Incumbent companies must focus on continuous product innovation, particularly in premium segments and specialized diets, while maintaining strong relationships with veterinarians and pet care professionals. Developing robust omnichannel distribution strategies, especially strengthening e-commerce capabilities, has become crucial for maintaining market share. Companies must also invest in sustainable packaging solutions and transparent supply chains to meet growing consumer demands for environmentally responsible products.
For contenders looking to gain market share, focusing on specific market niches, such as organic pet food or specialized dietary requirements, offers significant opportunities. Success factors include developing strong relationships with specialty retailers and veterinary clinics, investing in digital marketing capabilities, and building direct-to-consumer channels. The market shows relatively low substitution risk due to pet owners' increasing preference for commercial pet food over homemade alternatives, though regulatory requirements regarding ingredient sourcing and product safety continue to influence market dynamics. Companies must also adapt to evolving regulations around pet food ingredients and labeling while maintaining strong quality control measures. German pet food brands and German dog food brands are at the forefront of these innovative strategies, ensuring compliance and quality.
Germany Pet Food Market Leaders
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Colgate-Palmolive Company (Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.)
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Heristo aktiengesellschaft
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Mars Incorporated
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Nestle (Purina)
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Schell & Kampeter Inc. (Diamond Pet Foods)
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Germany Pet Food Market News
- July 2023: Hill's Pet Nutrition introduced its new MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified pollock and insect protein products for pets with sensitive stomachs and skin lines. They contain vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
- May 2023: Nestle Purina launched new cat treats under the Friskies "Friskies Playfuls - treats" brand. These treats are round in shape and are available in chicken and liver and salmon and shrimp flavors for adult cats.
- March 2023: Mars Incorporated launched new Pedigree Multivitamins, a trio of soft chews formulated to help pets with their immunity, digestion, and joints. It has been developed with the Waltham Petcare Science Institute team, vets, and pet nutritionists.
Germany Pet Food Market Report - Table of Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
2. REPORT OFFERS
3. INTRODUCTION
- 3.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
- 3.2 Scope of the Study
- 3.3 Research Methodology
4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
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4.1 Pet Population
- 4.1.1 Cats
- 4.1.2 Dogs
- 4.1.3 Other Pets
- 4.2 Pet Expenditure
- 4.3 Regulatory Framework
- 4.4 Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)
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5.1 Pet Food Product
- 5.1.1 Food
- 5.1.1.1 By Sub Product
- 5.1.1.1.1 Dry Pet Food
- 5.1.1.1.1.1 By Sub Dry Pet Food
- 5.1.1.1.1.1.1 Kibbles
- 5.1.1.1.1.1.2 Other Dry Pet Food
- 5.1.1.1.2 Wet Pet Food
- 5.1.2 Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements
- 5.1.2.1 By Sub Product
- 5.1.2.1.1 Milk Bioactives
- 5.1.2.1.2 Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- 5.1.2.1.3 Probiotics
- 5.1.2.1.4 Proteins and Peptides
- 5.1.2.1.5 Vitamins and Minerals
- 5.1.2.1.6 Other Nutraceuticals
- 5.1.3 Pet Treats
- 5.1.3.1 By Sub Product
- 5.1.3.1.1 Crunchy Treats
- 5.1.3.1.2 Dental Treats
- 5.1.3.1.3 Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats
- 5.1.3.1.4 Soft & Chewy Treats
- 5.1.3.1.5 Other Treats
- 5.1.4 Pet Veterinary Diets
- 5.1.4.1 By Sub Product
- 5.1.4.1.1 Diabetes
- 5.1.4.1.2 Digestive Sensitivity
- 5.1.4.1.3 Oral Care Diets
- 5.1.4.1.4 Renal
- 5.1.4.1.5 Urinary tract disease
- 5.1.4.1.6 Other Veterinary Diets
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5.2 Pets
- 5.2.1 Cats
- 5.2.2 Dogs
- 5.2.3 Other Pets
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5.3 Distribution Channel
- 5.3.1 Convenience Stores
- 5.3.2 Online Channel
- 5.3.3 Specialty Stores
- 5.3.4 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
- 5.3.5 Other Channels
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Key Strategic Moves
- 6.2 Market Share Analysis
- 6.3 Company Landscape
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6.4 Company Profiles
- 6.4.1 Affinity Petcare SA
- 6.4.2 Alltech
- 6.4.3 Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (Wellness Pet Company Inc.)
- 6.4.4 Colgate-Palmolive Company (Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.)
- 6.4.5 General Mills Inc.
- 6.4.6 Heristo aktiengesellschaft
- 6.4.7 Mars Incorporated
- 6.4.8 Nestle (Purina)
- 6.4.9 Schell & Kampeter Inc. (Diamond Pet Foods)
- 6.4.10 Virbac
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR PET FOOD CEOS
8. APPENDIX
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8.1 Global Overview
- 8.1.1 Overview
- 8.1.2 Porter’s Five Forces Framework
- 8.1.3 Global Value Chain Analysis
- 8.1.4 Market Dynamics (DROs)
- 8.2 Sources & References
- 8.3 List of Tables & Figures
- 8.4 Primary Insights
- 8.5 Data Pack
- 8.6 Glossary of Terms
Germany Pet Food Industry Segmentation
Food, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, Pet Treats, Pet Veterinary Diets are covered as segments by Pet Food Product. Cats, Dogs are covered as segments by Pets. Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.Pet Food Product | Food | By Sub Product | Dry Pet Food | By Sub Dry Pet Food | Kibbles |
Other Dry Pet Food | |||||
Wet Pet Food | |||||
Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements | By Sub Product | Milk Bioactives | |||
Omega-3 Fatty Acids | |||||
Probiotics | |||||
Proteins and Peptides | |||||
Vitamins and Minerals | |||||
Other Nutraceuticals | |||||
Pet Treats | By Sub Product | Crunchy Treats | |||
Dental Treats | |||||
Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats | |||||
Soft & Chewy Treats | |||||
Other Treats | |||||
Pet Veterinary Diets | By Sub Product | Diabetes | |||
Digestive Sensitivity | |||||
Oral Care Diets | |||||
Renal | |||||
Urinary tract disease | |||||
Other Veterinary Diets | |||||
Pets | Cats | ||||
Dogs | |||||
Other Pets | |||||
Distribution Channel | Convenience Stores | ||||
Online Channel | |||||
Specialty Stores | |||||
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets | |||||
Other Channels |
Germany Pet Food Market Research FAQs
How big is the Germany Pet Food Market?
The Germany Pet Food Market size is expected to reach USD 7.14 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 4.08% to reach USD 8.72 billion by 2030.
What is the current Germany Pet Food Market size?
In 2025, the Germany Pet Food Market size is expected to reach USD 7.14 billion.
Who are the key players in Germany Pet Food Market?
Colgate-Palmolive Company (Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.), Heristo aktiengesellschaft, Mars Incorporated, Nestle (Purina) and Schell & Kampeter Inc. (Diamond Pet Foods) are the major companies operating in the Germany Pet Food Market.
Which segment has the biggest share in the Germany Pet Food Market?
In the Germany Pet Food Market, the Cats segment accounts for the largest share by pets.
Which is the fastest growing segment in the Germany Pet Food Market?
In 2025, the Cats segment accounts for the fastest growing by pets in the Germany Pet Food Market.
What years does this Germany Pet Food Market cover, and what was the market size in 2025?
In 2025, the Germany Pet Food Market size was estimated at 7.14 billion. The report covers the Germany Pet Food Market historical market size for years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Germany Pet Food Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Germany Pet Food Market Research
Mordor Intelligence provides a comprehensive analysis of the Germany pet food market. We leverage our extensive expertise in the pet food industry to deliver valuable insights. Our detailed report examines the diverse landscape of pet food manufacturing and distribution across Germany. It includes leading German pet food brands and emerging trends in the organic pet food market segments.
The analysis covers various sectors, from German dog food to German cat food, and explores specialized segments such as the ferret food market and the pet nutrition market. The report offers valuable insights for pet food manufacturers Germany and stakeholders in the pet care market in Germany. It is available as an easy-to-read report PDF download.
Our analysis includes an examination of pet stores in Germany, focusing on both traditional and modern retail channels. We pay particular attention to pet ownership in Germany trends. The comprehensive coverage includes a detailed analysis of Marina GmbH cat food and other prominent manufacturers. It also looks at specialized segments like D&B urinary products and the growing Germany organic pet food market. Stakeholders benefit from detailed insights into distribution channels, consumer preferences, and emerging opportunities across the German pet industry.