North America is the primary market, accounting for approximately 34.8% of the global share with a mature pet economy; meanwhile, the Chinese market is rapidly catching up, driving increased demand for packaging for premium kibble, freeze-dried products, and treats. Trends such as the humanization of pets, a shift toward premium nutrition, and the rise of omnichannel retail are reshaping packaging strategies for this category.
The trends are clear. Subscription boxes and gift sets are on the rise—pet owners are willing to pay for the “unboxing experience,” creating new opportunities for birthday gifts, holiday sets, and subscription-based mystery boxes. Sustainability is a key theme—regulations on the circular economy are driving material redesigns, making mono-materials and recyclable packaging mandatory procurement requirements. Moisture resistance and freshness preservation are non-negotiable—pet food is susceptible to oxidation and moisture, so high-quality liners and sealing mechanisms are essential.
How should suppliers be selected? Focus on four criteria: a track record in pet food packaging (experience with similar brands); food-contact compliance (complete documentation for materials, inks, and test reports); capabilities regarding moisture-resistant liners (proven experience with sealing and freshness-preserving structures); and expertise in gift and subscription boxes (mature designs for box shapes, internal compartments, and unboxing experiences).
Pets are evolving from mere “animals we keep” into “family members”; as owners spend more on their pets, packaging is being upgraded accordingly. This article outlines market trends and key procurement considerations for pet food packaging, serving as a practical reference for pet food brands.
The market is expanding. Estimates vary by source but point to consistent growth: one projection places the global pet food packaging market at $12.38 billion in 2026 and $16.63 billion by 2031; another forecasts $14.38 billion in 2026 and $22.8 billion by 2035 (a CAGR of ~5.26%); while a third estimates $13.6 billion in 2026 and $19.8 billion by 2033 (a CAGR of ~5.5%). Despite slight differences in figures, the upward trajectory is undeniable.
This has a direct impact on procurement decisions. Packaging must simultaneously address three key requirements: food-contact safety (ensuring inks, adhesives, and materials are compliant), moisture protection and freshness (incorporating proper liners, seals, and desiccants), and the shelf and unboxing experience (conveying a premium feel through the design of color boxes, display cases, or gift boxes). Meeting just one criterion is insufficient; all three standards must be met.
