Rising Trends of Pet Humanization Among People and Increasing Adoption of Pets Among Elderly Population Have Boosted the Germany Pet Food Market During 2016-2020

The Germany Pet Food Market grew at a significant rate owing to the increased adoption of pets among the population that gave rise to the demand for pet food. Pet food is considered a proper diet for domesticated animals that meets their nutritional needs. Pet food commonly contains meat, meat by-products, grains, grain, vitamins, and minerals. There are over 3,000 different pet food alternatives, including dry, canned, and semi-moist kinds, as well as biscuits, kibbles, and treats. The majority of pet food is "complete and balanced," which means that each serving contains all of the nutrients required. As a result, veterinary scientists and experts in companion animal nutrition create painstakingly crafted recipes for pet foods. The four major types of nutrients include proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and independent amino acids.

The production of pet food was 1,765.9 metric tons in 2016 which rose yearly till 2020 and produced 2,363.8 metric tons. In Germany, the pet population was estimated at around 34.5 million animals in 2016. According to the German Pet Trade and Industry Association, 43 percent of German homes have at least one pet, with 58 percent of families with children adopting their pet. Additionally, increased pet adoption, rising demand for premium dog and cat food, and changes in pet animal food manufacturers' strategy have all boosted dog and cat food sales in Germany. During the lockdown, pet owners stocked up on dog and cat food, resulting in a short-term spike in sales.

In 2016, Germany's pet food industry had a great year in terms of volume (+2.5%) and current value (+2.6%) growth. As individuals become increasingly concerned about the health of their pets, the adoption of pet food is increasing. Pet food provides sufficient nourishment and energy to animals, allowing them to live a healthy life. As a result, consumers are attempting to train their pets to eat pet food to improve their health. Over the historical period of 2016-2020, the trends of adopting pets among the population gave rise to the usage of pet food drove Germany Pet Food Industry during 2016 -2020.

Nowadays, people are concerned about the health of their pets which results in a growing demand for pet food. According to various research, 44% of adults consider their pet as children and they treat them like their own baby which increase the use of a nutritious diet for their pet and hence escalating the market growth. Pet owners want the same high-quality food for their pets as they do for themselves. Pet owners are increasingly less concerned about the price of pet food and more concerned about the food's quality. Almost half of German pet owners are giving up their Netflix subscription to pay for high-quality pet food, and at least 55 percent of German pet owners are working hard to pay for pet food. Owing to all such reasons, the demand for pet food grew in the timeframe of 2016 - 2020.

Among the elderly population, the adoption of pets soaring owing to their loving nature and caring attitude. People in today's generation are busy due to their work schedules, and as a result, they are unable to spend time with their grandparents or elders. People nowadays leave their families to pursue a great job, leaving the older generation alone at home. As a result, older people are adopting pets to make the most of their time. Animals can aid in the reduction of stress, the reduction of blood pressure, the increase of social contact and physical activity, as well as the reduction of depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness. Dogs are the most commonly adopted animal among Germany's elderly population, and they have become an integral part of their family. Owing to such reasons, the adoption of pets surges among the older generation which further gave rise to the demand for pet food.

In December 2020, Mars Pet care launched pet food packaging with food safe recycled content. The move comes in the context of a joint partnership of Mars Pet care with SABIC and Huhtamaki to develop and deploy recycled plastic in pet food pouches using advanced recycling technologies.

The major companies in the Germany pet food market include Mars Incorporated, Nestle S.A., Vitakraft-Werke Wührmann & Sohn GmbH & Co., KG, The Procter & Gamble Company, Deuerer, Heristo AG, Aldi, Fressnapf, Carry Pet Food, and K&K Petfood GmbH among others.

Over the years, major market players have focused on different types of pet food which is beneficial for the health of the animal. The launch of new market companies, adequate funding, and government-aided policies help in the innovation of pet food products. The continuous developments in the German pet food market are the major factors set to drive the Germany Pet Food Market over the period 2016-2020.