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Sustainability Trends In The Pet Industry

4+ MIN

02/03/2026

Sustainability Trends In The Pet Industry

For advocates, keeping a finger on the pulse of the industry that feeds and supplies companion animals is essential. The inaugural State of Sustainability in the Pet Industry report, produced by the Pet Sustainability Coalition, combines data from several sources to provide an overview of the trends, challenges, and opportunities around sustainability in the pet industry. Ultimately, it argues that environmental responsibility has shifted from a niche marketing trend to a structural necessity.
The report's primary data comes from the Pet Sustainability Coalition's first-ever benchmark assessment, a self-reported survey of their 200+ members worldwide regarding sustainable business practices. This is supplemented by pet consumer data acquired from research partners Nextin and BBMG, as well as publicly available industry data tracking global trends in sustainability, consumer behavior, and market innovation.
It's important to note that much of the internal data comes from companies that have already joined a sustainability coalition, potentially skewing results toward more environmentally conscious businesses. Consumers Want Transparency
A major takeaway for advocates is the shift in consumer expectations. The report finds that 84% of companion animal guardians hold companies responsible for addressing climate change. Furthermore, guardians are much more likely to act on these values than non-guardians: 62% bought an environmentally friendly product in the past month, compared to only 46% of non-guardians.
However, blind trust is fading. Consumers, particularly younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials, are becoming skeptical of vague 'green' claims. They're looking for verifiable proof of responsible sourcing and recyclable packaging rather than unsubstantiated marketing. While affordability remains a primary barrier to purchasing sustainable goods, sustainability is often the deciding factor when price expectations are met. The Business Case
According to the report, companies are increasingly recognizing that sustainability drives business resilience. Climate change poses material financial risks. In the pet food sector, for instance, extreme weather contributes to price volatility when sourcing meat and fish, suggesting that diversifying into alternative proteins could help address this vulnerability. Consequently, 54% of CEOs now link sustainability directly to business performance, up from 34% in 2018. Regulatory Pressure
Perhaps the strongest driver of change is the tightening regulatory landscape. The report highlights a shift from voluntary guidelines to mandatory legal requirements. For example, the European Union's Green Claims Directive requires companies to verify environmental claims with third-party evidence to combat greenwashing, while in California, Senate Bills 253 and 261 mandate disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks for large companies doing business in the state. Laws like these are forcing companies to move beyond simple marketing to rigorous data collection and reporting. Innovation In Proteins And Packaging
The report identifies protein sourcing as the most significant environmental impact in the pet food sector. It presents a nuanced view of the trade-offs involved in different protein choices. For instance, while human-grade diets use minimal processing and appeal to consumers who value ingredient transparency, they can have higher energy requirements for refrigeration and cold-chain distribution. Given these concerns, novel proteins such as fermentation-derived and plant-based options are highlighted as critical tools for supporting the industry's long-term sustainability goals.
Packaging is another major focus, with industry trends moving toward 'circularity.' This involves designing packaging that's recyclable or reusable, driven in part by Extended Producer Responsibility laws which shift waste management costs from consumers to producers. Advocating For Progress, Not Promises
The report concludes that the pet industry is currently in an early-to-mid stage of sustainability maturity. While there's progress, significant gaps remain, particularly in measuring value chain emissions — those occurring in the supply chain where the biggest impacts, like ingredient sourcing, lie.
For advocates, the report offers several actionable insights:
Push for alternative proteins: The pet industry is beginning to acknowledge that novel proteins, including plant-based and fermentation-derived, are necessary for climate resilience. Advocates can leverage this business case to promote non-animal protein sources.
Demand verification: With the rise of anti-greenwashing laws, advocates can hold companies accountable by demanding third-party verification for any environmental claims.
Support systemic changes: Advocates can support legislative efforts like Extended Producer Responsibility laws and climate disclosure mandates, which force transparency and penalize wasteful practices.
By understanding that the industry views sustainability as a tool for risk mitigation and profit, advocates can better frame their campaigns to accelerate the transition toward a more ethical and environmentally sound food and supply system for companion animals. Summary By: Meghann Cant | Original Study By: Pet Sustainability Coalition. (2026).
Source: faunalytics

Reference
Pet Sustainability Coalition. (2026). State of sustainability in the pet industry – 2025 edition. https://psc.petsustainability.org/state-of-the-industry

Others

4+ MIN

25/02/2026

ANDRITZ: Technology to Feed the Future

In recent years, pet food manufacturing has undergone a significant shift. The industry is no longer driven by volume but by innovation. In this context, ANDRITZ Feed & Biofuel consolidated itself as a key technological partner.

This transformation is evident as pet humanization has increased consumer demands—who once purchased 'dog food', now seek functional products with digestive or hypoallergenic benefits, or made from alternative proteins. In sales, packaging highlights claims, such as Omega-3, antioxidants, insect protein, and premium formulas free of artificial additives. Behind the well-being narrative lies a deep change in production processes.

'Today's consumers seek the same things for their pets as they do for themselves: well-being, variety, and sustainability,' note representatives from ANDRITZ Chile. 'This requires plants to be more flexible, to innovate more efficiently, and to incorporate technologies that enable a rapid response to market trends.'

The team summarizes a silent revolution: pet food as a technological product. A robust extruder or efficient dryer is no longer enough. Today, manufacturers require more complete lines capable of ensuring traceability, energy control, nutritional precision, and above all, consistency.
Integral Solutions and Precision Technology
In the pet food industry, every detail matters. Grinding, mixing, baking, and coating processes not only shape textures and flavors but also define digestibility and nutritional value. ANDRITZ provides both stand-alone equipment and turnkey solutions for the entire process—from raw material reception to final bagging.

The equipment is as diverse as the products it helps create: the Multimill Hammer Mill for precise and homogeneous grinding; Optimix mixers provide uniformity in formulation; the Combi-Zone Dryer for stable textures and extended shelf life. Finally, EX Series extruders combine low operational costs with flexibility to produce everything from dry kibbles to functional snacks.

'We aim to be a comprehensive supplier to ensure total compatibility between the equipment. Customers don't need to worry about adjusting interfaces or performance—everything is designed to work in harmony,' ANDRITZ's experts explain.

The result is a cleaner, efficient, and more reliable output: a plant where each phase connects seamlessly to the next, without leaks or inconsistencies, creating a technological ecosystem where energy, quality, and productivity align with the design.

'Each machine is thought to operate with minimal energy consumption and maximum reliability. Sustainability is not optional: it is part of the design.'

ANDRITZ's innovation is also represented in process intelligent control. The FLEXTEX system allows operators to monitor and adjust specific mechanical energy (SME) in real time during extrusion, without downtimes or modifications. This enables adjustments to density, texture, or product expansion with millimetric precision while the plant is still operating.

'SME control is key to final product quality. FLEXTEX offers a precise and dynamic tool to innovate without compromising process stability.'

Thanks to these technologies, manufacturers can develop specific products for each segment—from small-breed kibbles and energetic snacks for sporting dogs to digestive formulas for senior cats.
Innovation and Sustainability as Growing Drivers
In a sustainability-driven era, social concerns are also reflected in pet food. Pet owners demand traceability, natural ingredients, and clean processes—what once was a value-added feature is now essential.

Emerging trends aim to alternative proteins, such as insects or pulses, functional snacks with digestive or oral health properties, and highly digestible vegetable formulas. In all these options, processing technology plays a decisive role.

'Producing more is not the challenge: producing better is. Plants must adapt quickly to new recipes and raw materials without losing efficiency or quality,' ANDRITZ's team states.

ANDRITZ technology bridges the gap between a formulator's creativity and industrial reality. It transforms ideas—such as new oral-care treats or plant-based kibbles—into scalable, safe, and consistent products.

Moreover, the company has a global support network and strong local service. In Latin America, the team works closely with manufacturers, providing predictive maintenance, original spare parts, and continuous training.

'Client proximity is in our DNA. We work hand in hand with manufacturers to ensure each plant maintains optimal performance over time.'

ANDRITZ's commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy savings. Plants integrate automation, remote monitoring, and digital traceability systems to control each parameter and reduce raw material waste.

'In the future, plants will be more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable. Our mission is to prepare every client for that technological leap (with no attributable change),' Oliva assures.
Global Experience, Local Support
With more than 180 years of industrial experience and presence in major global markets, ANDRITZ Feed & Biofuel combines precision engineering, global support, and local expertise to lead pet food manufacturers to a new productive era.

ANDRITZ offers more than machinery—it brings knowledge, experience, and continuous support. The company becomes part of the design and operation of each plant, adapting every solution to market needs and product goals.

The pet food industry is facing one of its most dynamic moments. Driven by increasingly demanding and informed consumers, it follows a model in which technology and sustainability are inseparable. On this path, ANDRITZ is more than a supplier—this partner understands that behind every kibble, snack, or innovative formula, there is science, commitment, and vision.

'At ANDRITZ, we do more than build equipment; we help build a more efficient and sustainable industry, ready to feed the future.'

ANDRITZ – Innovation, sustainability, and industrial precision for a new era in pet food manufacturing. By ANDRITZ
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

Pet food protein paradox: Is ‘human-grade’ sourcing sustainable?

Others

4+ MIN

11/02/2026

Pet food protein paradox: Is ‘human-grade’ sourcing sustainable?

The growing 'humanisation' of pet food is driving demand for premium muscle meats. However, this trend can conflict with the environmental benefits of whole-animal utilisation and circular sourcing models, according to a report published by the Pet Sustainability Coalition. Jim Lamancusa, CEO and executive director of the Pet Sustainability Coalition, told Fi Global Insights that the industry faces a communications challenge around co-products, such as liver and heart. For brands to scale co-products and novel proteins, they should lead with 'functional benefits like nutrition, digestibility, or allergy support, and then layer in sustainability benefits with clear proof', he said. Reframing circularity in pet food and addressing misconceptions around byproducts The trend towards humanisation has triggered a surge in both human-grade and frozen pet food formats. While these formats may resonate with consumer demand for ingredient transparency and clean labels, they can carry a higher environmental burden – particularly due to the energy requirements of cold-chain distribution and refrigeration, according to State of Sustainability in the Pet Industry – 2025 Edition. By contrast, traditional kibble and dry pet food formats can utilise a wide range of animal-derived co-products that are not typically consumed by humans. This approach supports whole-animal utilisation and can lower the greenhouse gas intensity of finished formulations, the report found. Lamancusa described the main barrier to wider adoption of circular ingredients as a perception issue, rather than a nutritional limitation. 'The challenge is that the term 'byproduct' has been poorly explained to consumers, not that the ingredients themselves are low quality,' he said. He added that brands could improve consumer acceptance by naming specific ingredients, 'such as liver and heart', and communicating their nutritional value and benefits, before introducing the sustainability narrative. Novel fats show promise, but scaling, cost, and validation remain barriers Global meat and fish sourcing is now considered 'extremely exposed' to climate-related risks, the report found. At the same time, government mandates prioritising renewable fuel sources have created direction competition for animal fats and oils. This has resulted in ingredient costs for animal fats and oils doubling, and even tripling in some cases, creating extreme price volatility. Lamancusa explained that the industry is struggling to find an easy exit from this economic squeeze, noting that 'much of the pet food industry is still absorbing those pressures, rather than pivoting away'. This slow transition is due to the technical complexity of pet food, as 'fats are critical for palatability, processing, and nutritional performance, which makes rapid substitution difficult', he said. 'Novel fats such as insect oils show promise, but scaling, cost, and validation remain barriers,' he added. 'Overall, the pressure is accelerating innovation, but most companies are still navigating trade-offs rather than finding easy substitutes.' Does acceptance of novel proteins lie in hybrid protein models? The report identified the emergence of novel proteins, including insects, invasive fish species, and fermentation-derived ingredients, as essential tools for diversifying the future protein portfolio and protecting biodiversity. However, the success of these ingredients in the market is dependent on how they are framed to a consumer base that often assumes sustainability means health and quality. The report referenced a survey of 2,400 cat and dog parents by Nextin Research that found that just 5% of cat parents and 11% of dog parents list 'sustainability' as a top-of-mind consideration. Lamancusa suggested that instead of asking consumers to make a radical leap to unfamiliar ingredients, brands should utilise 'hybrid products that blend conventional and novel proteins'. This allows pet parents to participate in sustainability progress without the disruption of a total dietary change. Delivering lower footprint proteins while maintaining nutritional adequacy Protein sourcing has become a strategic priority for the pet industry, and the report authors noted that lifecycle data clearly shows that shifting from whole meat to co-products or from higher footprint proteins such as beef to lower footprint proteins like chicken can significantly reduce environmental impact. However, along with this comes the burden for ingredient suppliers to ensure their products maintain nutritional adequacy. Lamancusa said: 'Different proteins have different amino acid profiles, digestibility, and functional properties, all of which must still meet nutritional adequacy standards.' To manage this variability, he explained that suppliers are increasingly relying on tighter specifications and frequent testing to ensure performance remains consistent during protein transitions. As regulatory frameworks such as the European Union's Green Claims Directive move towards mandatory third-party verification of environmental statements, this level of testing is increasingly becoming a regulatory requirement rather than a voluntary measure. Source: Fi Global Insights

Sustainability

3+ MIN

02/02/2026

5 Impactful Insights from the 2025 State of Sustainability in the Pet Industry Report

Built with data from PSC's Annual Benchmark Assessment, PSC Accredited member reports, proprietary consumer research from Nextin and BBMG, and publicly available data from credible sources that track sustainability trends across the globe and the pet sector, the report offers an 'easy-to-understand snapshot of the sustainability landscape of today and where we are headed tomorrow.'
Here are 5 insights that capture sustainability in the pet industry today Pet parents are passionate about sustainability and expect more from businesses
Understanding how pet parents define, prioritize, and reward sustainability is a strategic necessity.
84% of pet parents believe companies should be doing more to address climate change, which is 9% more than non-pet parents. And they're acting on those beliefs: 62% bought an environmentally friendly product in the past month, according to GlobeScan's 2025 Health and Sustainable Living Study.
Younger generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z, expect brands to be transparent and data-driven. They want to see recyclable packaging, responsible sourcing, and third-party verified claims according to this Deloitte Survey. As the report puts it, 'In a market where we see that sustainability has become synonymous with trust, proof is the new price of entry.' Sustainability drives business value across the board
The pet industry is at an inflection point where authentic sustainability can be a core driver of market advantage and risk mitigation.
The report highlights four major benefits for companies prioritizing sustainability:
Operational Excellence: Reducing waste, energy use, and emissions improves efficiency Innovation as an Enabler: New regulations are prompting material and product innovation Attracting & Retaining Talent: Purpose-driven companies are more likely to engage employees Data-Driven Decisions: Companies that disclose their impact build stronger supply chain visibility.
In fact, 62% of business leaders plan to increase sustainability investments in 2025, which is a 10% jump from last year according to the Capgemini Report – Navigating uncertainty with confidence: Investment priorities for 2025. Scope 3 emissions remain a blind spot… but they're critical
Only 40% of PSC Benchmark respondents extend their measurement to Scope 3, the area where the greatest environmental risks exist.
That includes emissions from upstream sourcing, downstream distribution, and product end-of-life. According to CDP, more than 90% of a company's carbon footprint typically comes from Scope 3 emissions.
Despite this, only a minority of companies currently measure or report on them, revealing a major gap in climate risk strategy and transparency. Stronger sustainability governance is emerging
The PSC Benchmark data shows that foundational practices are becoming more common across the industry. For example:
54% of companies have a public-facing sustainability statement 56% integrate sustainability into company strategy and decision-making 79% have a formal sustainability role or team, often at a leadership level.
The report concludes that 'companies that build disciplined systems for measurement, governance, and disclosure gain clearer visibility into risks, unlock operational efficiencies, and create a stronger platform for future growth.'
These practices help companies move from one-off projects to long-term, integrated strategies. Understanding regulation is no longer optional
As regulatory expectations rapidly evolve, businesses that fail to keep up will fall behind. The report warns that 'regulatory pressure is fueling innovation, forcing the disclosure of energy data, the redesign of packaging, the pursuit of alternative proteins, and the optimization of logistics.'
From Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), compliance is shifting from a box-checking exercise to a catalyst for operational efficiency and product innovation. Yet many companies remain unaware of these requirements, especially the full scope of Scope 3 emissions or the need for third-party verified claims.
The report's forward-looking analysis is clear: 'legislative pressure will fragment and intensify.' Companies that embed ESG risk into business planning, align with global reporting frameworks, and prepare for what's coming (not just what's already here) are poised to turn compliance into competitive advantage.
Most companies in the report described their efforts as early-stage or evolving. But there's alignment around where to focus next:
Expanding Scope 3 emissions measurement Building more transparent, verifiable claims Aligning with global goals like SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 3 (Health & Well-being).
More companies are making sustainability part of their business strategy and are ready to continue making measurable progress and continuous improvement. Those that do will stand out with consumers, who are looking for brands they can trust to back up their claims with real action. Source: Pet Sustainability Coalition

Your Pup’s Dinner Can Have Greater Climate Impacts Than Your Own Meals

Sustainability

5+ MIN

15/01/2026

Your Pup’s Dinner Can Have Greater Climate Impacts Than Your Own Meals

Although many of us have been warned about the environmental impacts associated with our own dietary choices, I'll bet many of you have not thought about the environmental impacts from dog food. But these impacts do exist and surprisingly, they can be significant.
Dogs fed a diet of premium raw meat can have a larger climate pawprint than their owners, according to a recent study published by a team of scientists based at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Exeter. The analysis found that wet, raw, meat-rich dog foods are associated with substantially higher greenhouse gas emissions than are dry dog foods.
In their study – the largest of its kind conducted so far – the researchers estimated that production of ingredients used in UK dog foods contributes somewhere between 0.9–1.3 % to total UK greenhouse gas emissions.
The scientists figured this out by examining ingredients and nutritional labeling on dog foods and using that information to calculate the carbon footprint for almost 1,000 commercial dog food brands, based on emissions created during production of the ingredients. Their study of food samples included dry, wet and raw foods, as well as plant-based and grain-free options (Figure 1).

Fig. 1. Simplified flow diagram showing the steps we take to calculate environmental impact estimates for each food. Ingredients list (1a), and typical analysis (1b), were web scraped from a single major UK pet retailer. Ingredient macronutrient information (3a) is from animal feed databases (INRAE-CIRAD-AFZ, 2021; USDA, 2023a) and USDA FoodData Central (USDA, 2023b). Environmental impact information (3b) is from the Poore and Nemecek (2018) meta-analysis, supplemented by information from Gephart et al. (2021) for fish and other aquatic foods.

How applicable are these findings to dog foods sold elsewhere in the world? 'Pet food is an international market with similar formulations across Europe and the US (although brands may vary), and trends (e.g. raw grain-free) are replicated across countries,' said the study's lead author, veterinarian John Harvey, who is a doctoral researcher at the University of Edinburgh and a Research Associate at the University of Exeter.

'Some countries [for example] have a higher wet versus dry sales mix — this is important because if a country where little wet food is currently sold suddenly increases its wet proportion, there can be big environmental consequences,' Dr Harvey told me in email.
Dr Harvey and collaborators also discovered that dog foods could generate greenhouse gas emissions that are equivalent to more than half the annual emissions produced by commercial airline flights burning jet fuel — assuming, of course, that the same types of dog foods are fed around the world as in the UK.
Dr Harvey and collaborators made some other surprising findings, too. For example, they found dramatic differences in environmental impacts when feeding dogs a vegan diet versus a raw meat diet.
'Dog foods showed over 65 times more variation in the effect they have on the planet, compared to a 2.5-fold difference between vegan and high-meat human diets,' Dr Harvey told me in email. This means that changing a dog's diet to a carefully selected meat diet — or to a vegan diet — has large impacts on the environment.
'The potential to reduce — or increase — environmental damage by changing dog diets is enormous,' Dr Harvey pointed out. 'By choosing meat products wisely for pet food and making labelling clearer, we can cut this hidden part of our food footprint and have healthy, well-fed dogs.'
Interestingly, recent studies indicate that vegan diets designed especially to meet dogs' nutritional needs, especially with careful sourcing for nutrients like vitamin D3 and taurine, can actually lead to better health outcomes (fewer disorders and fewer vet visits) than either conventional meat or raw meat diets (ref). Further, raw meat and conventional meat diets carry heightened health risks such as ingestion of microbial pathogens, particularly Salmonella and E. coli, as well as assorted nutritional deficiencies.
'As a veterinary surgeon working on environmental sustainability, I regularly see owners torn between ideals of dogs as meat‑eating 'wolves' and their wish to reduce environmental harm,' Dr Harvey told me in email. 'Our research shows just how large and variable the climate impact of dog food really is.' Should all dogs either become vegans or solely eat kibble? 'I'm NOT trying to push a particular food agenda, just trying to provide information to support people making good decisions,' Dr Harvey replied in email.
'Simple rules like 'dry always has a lower environmental footprint than wet' do not hold for every product. The ingredient mix within each product is key,' Dr Harvey explained in email. 'So, for owners looking to reduce the environmental footprint of their pet food, it's important to know that choosing grain-free, wet or raw foods can result in higher negative environmental effects compared to standard dry kibble foods.'
Nevertheless, selecting foods that use genuine animal by‑products or plant proteins rather than competing directly for meat — so called 'prime meat' — that people typically eat is preferable. Using large amounts of prime meat increases greenhouse gas emissions, whilst the use of nutritious carcass parts that are in low demand helps limit environmental impact. Which meats have the greatest environmental impact? 'For most metrics (especially carbon), beef followed by lamb have the highest impacts. However, there are lots of environmental variables (water, land use, biodiversity loss, eutrophication etc., etc.) you can look at – and the exact pattern varies across each one for each ingredient type.'
Dry food — not marketed as grain-free — tended to have a lower environmental impact than wet, raw or grain-free options. Dog owners who want to reduce environmental impacts but not change food type should check the label for descriptions of meat cuts used in the food, aiming for a lower content of prime meat. What is the biggest barrier to changing a dog's diet? 'Which is environmental considerations being seen as in some way in conflict with strongly held views owners or others may have on what to feed,' Dr Harvey said. 'This doesn't have to be the case — whatever type of food is being fed to a pet, there's the opportunity to reduce impacts.'
The study's authors highlighted the need for greater transparency and better labeling of dog food ingredients to help consumers make informed choices, particularly as pet ownership continues to rise.
'It's important for owners to know that choosing grain-free, wet or raw foods can result in higher impacts compared to standard dry kibble foods,' Dr Harvey summarized. 'The pet food industry should make sure meat cuts used are of the types not typically eaten by humans, and that labeling is clear. These steps can help us have healthy, well-fed dogs with a smaller pawprint on the planet.'

Source: Forbes

Reference
John D. Harvey, Sarah L. Crowley, Vera Eory, and Peter Alexander (2026). Estimating the environmental impact of dog foods marketed in the UK, Journal of Cleaner Production | doi:10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.147277

Sustainability

Safeguarding Circularity: European Pet Food Industry Calls for Coherent EU Bioeconomy Policies

2+ MIN

20/04/2026

Safeguarding Circularity: European Pet Food Industry Calls for Coherent EU Bioeconomy Policies

The paper, Towards a coherent EU Bioeconomy: Safeguarding Sustainable Access to Category 3 Animal By-Products for Pet Food, highlights growing competition for these limited resources as demand from subsidised biofuels and biogas production increases under EU renewable energy policies.
Category 3 ABPs—safe materials not consumed by humans but suitable for animal nutrition—are a cornerstone of the circular economy. The European pet food sector transforms these resources into nutritious products for around 300 million companion animals across Europe while supporting the rendering industry and reducing food waste.
However, policy incentives linked to renewable energy frameworks are increasingly directing these materials toward energy recovery. According to FEDIAF, this risks undermining both circularity and the efficient use of biomass.
'Category 3 animal by-products are a finite resource and play a critical role in pet nutrition and animal welfare,' said Franco Garbelotto, Deputy Secretary General of FEDIAF. 'EU policies should ensure that these valuable materials remain available for their highest-value uses within the feed chain before being directed to energy applications.'
The position paper warns that diverting feed-grade animal fats and other ABPs toward energy may create unintended consequences. If these ingredients become less available, pet food manufacturers could be forced to rely more heavily on alternative raw materials with potentially higher environmental footprints and greater dependency on imports.
FEDIAF therefore calls on EU policymakers to reinforce the cascading use principle, ensuring biological resources are used where they generate the greatest societal and environmental value. The association also stresses the importance of aligning renewable energy incentives with broader EU objectives on circularity, food security and sustainable resource management.
The publication comes at a critical moment for EU policymaking. Several forthcoming initiatives—including discussions around the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, the development of a Circular Economy Act, and the ongoing implementation and future review of renewable energy frameworks such as the Renewable Energy Directive and sectoral fuel regulations—will shape how biomass resources are prioritised across Europe's economy.
FEDIAF believes these policy processes offer an opportunity to ensure greater coherence between energy, agricultural and food-chain legislation. The association proposes measures such as improved monitoring of biomass flows, more transparent traceability of ABP use, and balanced incentive structures that avoid subsidising the use of feed-grade materials for energy.
'The pet food industry is a reliable partner in Europe's circular bioeconomy,' Garbelotto added. 'With coherent policies and transparent data, Europe can simultaneously support climate ambitions, safeguard feed and food security, and strengthen the competitiveness of its bio-based industries.'
FEDIAF stands ready to work with EU institutions, Member States and stakeholders across the value chain to ensure biological resources are used efficiently and sustainably as Europe advances its climate and circular economy goals. Source: FEDIAF

Sustainability

3+ MIN

11/03/2026

Strategies for Sustainability in the Pet Food Market

What Makes A Sustainable Pet Food Product?
When discussing sustainability, we consider a range of environmental, social and economic issues. The goal is to meet the needs of the present without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. While there is no all-encompassing definition of a sustainable ingredient or practice, we can use the above table to guide our decisions. Sustainable Ingredient Sourcing
Sustainability starts in the pet food bag. It is becoming more prevalent to source pet food ingredients using sustainable methods to ensure there is minimal negative impact on ecological, environmental or human wellbeing.

Sustainable Sourcing & Agronomy
Pet food manufacturers can partner with suppliers using sustainable sourcing practices. Kemin is one of the most vertically integrated suppliers of plant-based ingredients. Across the supply chain, Kemin controls the breeding, plant selection, growing, harvesting and extraction of our specialty crops. Kemin's rosemary and spearmint crops are grown to meet the world's most stringent operational standards. These crops are integrated into the production of Kemin's natural antioxidants.

Sustainable Proteins
Using alternative proteins can reduce the dependency on traditional proteins used in human food supply. Options for sustainably-sourced proteins include certain varieties of fish, nuts and seeds, which also provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids for pets. Using invasive species as a protein source also benefits the environment from which they're removed. Many pet food manufacturers are also exploring insect proteins, which offer a source of protein for pets that's not in competition with human food supply.

Rendered Products
Another commonly unrecognized source of sustainable proteins are rendered products. Rendering creates valuable fats and proteins filled with vitamins and minerals for pets. Rendering is recycling; as this process makes use of 56 billion pounds1 of raw materials in the U.S. and Canada every year that would otherwise be sent to landfills.
Sustainable Packaging
Much of what we consume comes packaged, and most plastic packaging can take 10 to 1,000 years to decompose. But new, innovative solutions can be used to save space in landfills. Some sustainable packaging solutions in the pet food industry include:
Recycled cardboard, paper or plastic Innovative biodegradable options such as bioplastics Reusable containers for bulk transport
The trend of small, individually-packaged pet food portions is not as sustainable as including multiple portions in one package. Pet food manufacturers can optimize portion sizes by using antioxidants and food safety ingredients to help maintain the shelf life of larger packages of pet food.
Third-Party Certifications
The pet food industry is constantly impacted by new trends and shifting consumer perceptions. Because of this, consumers are wary of 'greenwashing' efforts by companies to appear sustainable without proof of verified or certified practices. There is a variety of third-party certifications that pet food manufacturers can use to certify how their products are produced, including:
Certifications for ingredients: Sustainable seafood (MSC – certified – Marine Stewardship Council) Sustainably Grown (SCS Global) RSPO or RTRS (Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil & Roundtable for Responsible Soy) Non-GMO USDA Organic
Certifications within production & operations: Supply chain certifications that evaluate traceability, ingredient integrity and ethical and transparent sourcing Animal Welfare Certified Renewable energy and net-zero emissions Sustainable and recyclable packaging Certified vegan Sustainability at Kemin
Sustainability is a key area of focus at Kemin, as reflected in our vision statement. Along with sustainable agronomy practices, Kemin has sustainability initiatives for energy, waste, conservation, and biodiversity. Learn more about sustainability at Kemin here. Key Takeaways Sustainability is now a mainstream expectation among pet owners
Pet owners are increasingly choosing sustainably produced and packaged products, making sustainability a core market driver rather than a niche trend.
Sustainable ingredient sourcing is central to reducing environmental impact
Pet food manufacturers are shifting toward sustainably grown, plant‑based, alternative, and upcycled protein sources—such as rosemary, spearmint, insect proteins, and rendered products—to lessen resource strain and promote environmental health.
Vertically integrated and certified supply chains support stronger sustainability outcomes
Kemin highlights its vertically integrated model as a way to ensure responsible agronomy, regenerative practices, and traceable ingredients throughout the supply chain. Source: Kemin Nutrisurance

Sustainability

11/03/2026

Strategies for Sustainability in the Pet Food Market

Sustainability

02/03/2026

Sustainability Trends In The Pet Industry

Sustainability

02/02/2026

5 Impactful Insights from the 2025 State of Sustainability in the Pet Industry Report

Artificial Intelligence

Eyes That Never Blink: How AI Is Transforming Food Inspection and Safety

5+ MIN

03/04/2026

Eyes That Never Blink: How AI Is Transforming Food Inspection and Safety

AI has been a firestorm, sweeping through almost every aspect of our day-to-day, and the same can be said for food manufacturing. AI may be the new tool that will allow almost any product to finally achieve 100% inspection, reducing defects and failures at the consumer level. So too, we are seeing incredible advancements in AI-driven food manufacturing, which, when fully developed and capitalized, will most certainly reset the bar for what consumers consider a 'high-quality' product.
Advancements are infiltrating many aspects of daily life for food safety and quality professionals. This is leading to some very exciting initiatives to prevent deviations from specification and enhance manufacturers' ability to ward off potential food safety problems.
There are many advancements hitting the marketplace, but some worth mentioning are in the following areas. Vision Systems
Some of the most common quality complaints include missing labels, misaligned labels, missing or illegible code dates, the wrong label for the product, seal failures, and other packaging defects. New optical cameras with AI technology can automatically detect and remove these types of defects well before the consumer purchases them. Many systems use multipoint inspection, like the one pictured below, and can view a package from a 360° perspective. When defined parameters are exceeded, the product is automatically removed from the line.
Photo courtesy of ANTARES VISION S.p.A These systems can even detect various foreign materials, such as hard and soft plastics, wood, and other materials, based on their optical signatures. Metal Detection and X-Ray Systems
Metal detectors are common in most food operations where knives and blades are used for protein harvest or when grinding protein-based products. They are used as a food safety measure for foreign materials that can cause harm when ingested. X-ray systems are often used for harder types of foreign materials, such as bones, cartilage, glass, and metal. In the past, this equipment was only as useful as the number of false positives it would produce during a production shift.
Now, with advances in AI algorithms, these smart detectors can discern multiple types of materials in pieces, much like the technology used to screen luggage at the airport does, in multiple layers or overlapping placement. This ensures foreign material is detected accurately and distinguishes between various types and the number of foreign objects in a product. This will allow for early detection and root cause prevention Hyperspectral Technology
This is a fascinating new field that will likely revolutionize food safety. These systems utilize spectroscopic measurements and ultra-sensitive cameras to detect images at the pixel level, across very narrow wavelength ranges within spectral bands, providing a 3D view of the test sample. It's like incorporating a microscope and a microbiologist at the same time. This type of testing is very rapid and does not use any chemicals, making it very environmentally friendly. The system is literally looking for live organisms in a sample and can even quantify them, so it is very accurate. Source: Pandey AK, Samota MK, Kumar A, Silva AS and Dubey NK (2023). Fungal mycotoxins in food commodities: present status and future concerns. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7:1162595. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1162595. Predictive Microbial Risk Modeling
AI systems analyze historical data, such as environmental monitoring results, sanitation logs, and process data, to predict where microbial contamination is most likely to occur in a facility. These predictive systems help companies prevent contamination rather than simply responding to it. By being predictive rather than reactive, food safety and sanitation professionals can reduce sanitation failures, line downtime, and prevent recalls. These models could also be used to validate environmental testing programs and food safety plans.
One additional integration for predictive modeling and food safety inspection is that it monitors employees' adherence to good manufacturing practices. AI is now being used to ensure employees do not use utensils that fall on the floor, use soiled equipment, or forget to wash their hands when working with food. Enhanced Grading and Sorting Systems
By using optical cameras integrated with smart AI, machines can now be taught to recognize correct shapes and colors, and previously subjective quality grades can be measured objectively. If you have a baked kibble product, for example, how dark is too dark?
As quality professionals, we used to create picture-based scales to train employees on color and shape, but these tools were only as good as the original picture-taker and the printer you had to display the grading. Now, camera technology has gotten so good that a color scale and a given shape template can be programmed to ensure each piece of treat or kibble is within specification. This uniformity will lead to higher yields and fewer packaging issues, as the product itself will be more consistent. Process Control Monitoring for Food Safety and Processing Parameters
Examples include thermal process schedule reviews, critical control point (CCP) and process control point (PCP) monitoring, and temperature and weight monitoring. One limitation of inspection is that you may only be able to perform it at a limited frequency, say, once per hour.
Almost anything that can be continuously measured can now be enhanced with AI logic to provide continuous, real-time monitoring of all your critical or process control points. This provides tons of data, and as root causes are identified and logged for a deviation or failure, your AI system will begin to predict useful information, such as, 'Your average temperature deviation is every 41 days and has been assigned to a sensor failure. You should add it to the preventive maintenance list to change or check every 40 days.' Real-time monitoring also increases release time and does not need a formal pre-shipment review. Unblinking Eyes: The Future of Food Safety
The creativity and uses for AI in food safety and quality systems are only now being realized. The market for equipment and use is only in its infancy. As a food safety and quality professional, I am excited to see how more advanced technology, like these systems that never get fatigued and have 'eyes that never blink,' is implemented.
If you share my enthusiasm or have a compelling use case from your own operation, please share it in the comments. The future of food safety will be written not just by the technology itself, but by the professionals bold enough to implement it. By August Konie
Source: BSM Partners
About the Author
August Konie has been a Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Professional for over 30 years. He was worked in many sectors of the food industry including fisheries, beverages, poultry, pork and pet food, under both FDA and USDA regulatory oversight. As an active committee member in various trade organization for food and pet food organizations, he was successful of implementing new regulatory guidance. He has worked with various teams across Asian, Europe, North and South American on various food safety, quality and import/export concerns. He currently serves as the Principal of BSM Assurance overseeing FSQAR activities at BSM Partners.

Artificial Intelligence

The Role of AI in Communication Between the Pet Food Industry and Consumers

4+ MIN

30/12/2025

The Role of AI in Communication Between the Pet Food Industry and Consumers

The constant expansion of the pet food market demands solutions that integrate innovation, quality, nutrition, and sustainability while offering transparency. Artificial intelligence, already used in health and agriculture, is now gaining ground in animal nutrition. In the pet food sector, AI contributes to the development of more precise diets and the optimization of production processes and the supply chain as well.

In this context, AI serves as a strategic tool to bring the industry and consumer together through digital solutions that strengthen loyalty and sales experience. Communication between brands and pet parents—once limited by traditional advertising—is now driven by intelligent systems that provide recommendations, real-time support, and preference analysis. This shift represents a new era for the industry and its customers, benefiting both sides.

It also helps the industry to keep up with market demands. Companies gain an advantage by quickly identifying trends through data, social media comments, and purchasing preferences.

Artificial intelligence serves as a strategic pillar for the future of the pet food industry. More than just technology, it is an ally that ensures quality, innovation, sustainability, and personalization in this continuously evolving and demanding sector.
Application of AI Related to Tutors
Artificial intelligence strengthens the relationship between the industry and consumers by offering tools that guide them on the ideal pet diet. AI chatbots allow tutors to access information without human contact. These systems answer ingredient questions, indicate foods tailored to age, weight, and size; they also remind tutors to restock food. Continuous assistance promotes benefits and security.

In e-commerce and apps, AI recommends products based on a pet's profile and the sales record. It reduces indecision when faced with available options and improves precision in selecting the proper diet.

AI tools can process thousands of comments and analyses on digital platforms, identifying patterns of preference or dissatisfaction. These insights help the industry understand tutors' demands, anticipate consumption trends, and adjust products or marketing strategies. Technical language is an obstacle in formulation; AI acts as a 'translator' by explaining how ingredients function. In this way, tutors understand that fibers and antioxidants play a functional role in animal well-being—they are not simply a 'filler.'

Using AI is beneficial for both the industry and customers. On one hand, companies gain loyalty, better marketing precision, and market-aligned products. On the other hand, tutors are more confident, with better benefits and security when selecting food, besides personalized pet care.

AI is redefining the relationship between pet parents and the pet food industry. Offering intelligent assistant tools, personal recommendations, feedback analysis, and clear communication, AI strengthens loyalty, improves the consumption experience, and attracts brands and consumers. This movement not only represents technological innovation but also a strategy to address an increasingly demanding market, focused on personalization.

By Josiane Volpato and Karla Memare
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

References
BSM PARTNERS. Understanding the Role of AI in Pet Nutrition: How Technology Is Shaping the Future of Pet Food. 2024. Disponível em: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/understanding-the-role-of-ai-in-pet-nutrition-how-technology-is-shaping-the-future-of-pet-food/ Garcia, R. G., Naas, I. A., Burbarelli, M. F. C., Caldara, F. R., Komiyama, C. M., Valentim, J. K., & Sgaviolo, S. (2025). Aplicações de inteligência artificial para otimização do bem-estar e sustentabilidade em sistemas de produção animal. In Nutrição animal: Novas perspectivas e avanços para a sustentabilidade e otimização dos sistemas de criação - Vol. 2 (pp. 8–34). Editora Científica. https://doi.org/10.37885/250619568
KLEIN, Katharina; MARTÍNEZ, Luis F. O impacto da antropomorfização na satisfação do cliente no comércio eletrônico: um estudo experimental no setor alimentício. Electronic Commerce Research, 16 maio 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10660-022-09562-8. Disponível em: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9108695/. Acesso em: 4 set. 2025.
TYLER, J. Donos de animais de estimação mais jovens estão mais interessados em ração personalizada para cães. Pet Food Processing, 26 ago. 2021. Disponível em: https://www.petfoodprocessing.net/articles/15034-younger-pet-owners-more-interested-in-personalized-dog-food. Acesso em: 04 set. 2025.
Petfood Forum News. AI in pet food marketing: Strategies, challenges and future trends. Publicado em 6 de março de 2025. Disponível em: https://www.petfoodindustry.com/news-newsletters/petfood-forum-news/article/15739303/ai-in-pet-food-marketing-strategies-challenges-and-future-trends Petfood Industry. (2025). Pet food industry split on AI adoption; marketing emerges as top priority. Retrieved September 4, 2025, from https://www.petfoodindustry.com/pet-food-market/article/15753686/pet-food-industry-split-on-ai-adoption-marketing-emerges-as-top-priority SUDERSANADAS, Kavita. Application of artificial intelligence on nutrition assessment and management. European Journal of pharmaceutical and medical research, v. 8, n. 6, p. 170-174, 2021. TEDESCHI, Luis O. ASAS-NANP Symposium: Mathematical Modeling in Animal Nutrition: The progression of data analytics and artificial intelligence in support of sustainable development in animal science. Journal of Animal Science, v. 100, n. 6, p. skac111, 2022. SIAD, Oussama; BOUZID, Chaima. Biotech meets Artificial Intelligence to Enhance the Value of By-Products in Animal Nutrition. Biological Sciences, v. 3, n. 1, p. 353- 365, 2023. YANG, Zhongqi; KHATIBI, Elahe; NAGESH, Nitish; ABBASIAN, Mahyar; AZIMI, Iman; JAIN, Ramesh; RAHMANI, Amir M. ChatDiet: Empowering Personalized Nutrition-Oriented Food Recommender Chatbots through an LLM-Augmented Framework. arXiv, 18 fev. 2024. Disponível em: https://arxiv.org/abs/2403.00781 Zhang, L., Guo, W., Lv, C., Guo, M., Yang, M., Fu, Q., & Liu, X. 2023. Avanços na tecnologia de inteligência artificial para melhorar o bem-estar animal: aplicações atuais e progresso da pesquisa. An. Res. One Health. 2(1):93–109. https://doi.org/10.1002/aro2.44

By Josiane Volpato

Artificial Intelligence

30/12/2025

The Role of AI in Communication Between the Pet Food Industry and Consumers

By Josiane Volpato

Artificial Intelligence

22/12/2025

Artificial Intelligence in the Pet Food Industry: Innovation, Marketing, and the Future of Communication

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Artificial Intelligence

08/12/2025

Huge Growth Forecast for AI Use by Retailers

Others

Digital Twins in the Pet Food Industry: From Simulation to Predictive Control

4+ MIN

07/04/2026

Digital Twins in the Pet Food Industry: From Simulation to Predictive Control

What Digital Twins Are and How They Are Used Today
A digital twin is a dynamic, virtual representation of a physical object, process, or entire an production system. Unlike static simulation, it continuously utilizes real data from sensors and control systems, enabling it to accurately reflect the current state of the process and predict its future behavior.

According to IBM, digital twins are currently used in manufacturing to improve operational efficiency, optimize processes, reduce failures, accelerate product development, and enable predictive maintenance. In industrial environments, their application ranges from individual production lines to entire plants, integrating operating variables, energy consumption, quality, and equipment performance, as well as supporting plant planning, virtual testing of new products, layout optimization, and control of complex processes, among other uses.
From Simulation to Predictive Decision-Making
The advancement of digital twins is closely linked to the convergence of process simulation, industrial sensors, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. This integration enables manufacturers to move from a reactive model—based on manual sampling and subsequent adjustments—to a predictive and preventive approach.

According to an article by StartUs Insights, the market for digital twins applied to manufacturing could reach USD 714 billion by 2032, driven by the need to optimize complex processes and reduce operational inefficiencies. The same report indicates that more than 81% of global companies are already actively exploring the industrial metaverse, and that 62% increased their investment in these technologies over the past year.

These figures reflect a structural shift: simulation is no longer limited to the design stage but is becoming a central tool for day-to-day plant management.

The study, Digital Twin applications in the food industry: a review, identifies four main approaches to applying digital twins in the food industry, defined by their role within the production system. First, forecasting digital twins are used to anticipate the future behavior of processes or equipment based on the analysis of historical data and current conditions, enabling the prediction of deviations, inefficiencies, or failures before they occur. Second, reactive simulation models allow real-time process monitoring and autonomous responses to deviations, adjusting operating variables and recommending corrective or preventive actions. A third approach is virtual commissioning, which utilizes digital twins to test, validate, and optimize new technologies, equipment, or plant configurations in a virtual environment before physical implementation. Finally, synchronization-based simulation keeps the digital twin aligned in real time, or near real time, with the physical system, creating a highly accurate representation of the process that is especially valuable for scenario analysis, operational optimization, and improved decision-making in complex systems.
How Do Digital Twins Contribute to the Pet Food Industry?
Focusing specifically on the pet food industry, raw material variability is one of the main factors affecting final product quality. Ingredients, such as cereals, protein meals, fats, and animal by-products naturally fluctuate in moisture, protein content, fat levels, and particle size distribution.

According to a technical analysis published by Haskell, these variations directly affect critical operations such as extrusion and drying, influencing attributes such as texture, density, nutritional stability, and product shelf life. Traditional control methods often detect these deviations only after the product has already been produced, leading to reprocessing, waste, and efficiency losses. Digital twins, by contrast, anticipate these effects before they impact the final product.

In pet food production, a digital twin is built from models that represent the thermal, mechanical, and dynamic behavior of each unit operation (mixing, conditioning, extrusion, drying, and cooling). These models are powered in real time with data from sensors installed in the plant, such as ingredient moisture measurements, extruder barrel temperature, screw speed, pressure, airflow, and dryer parameters. This information synchronizes the virtual model with the real process, creating a living representation of the plant in operation.

In closed-loop control systems, besides observing the process, digital twins predict how variations in raw materials will affect the final product and automatically adjust operating parameters to compensate—often even before the ingredient enters the extruder.
Benefits of Implementation
Implementing digital twins delivers tangible benefits at multiple levels. First, it significantly improves product consistency by reducing batch-to-batch variability, a key factor for consumer trust and brand reputation.

By preventing out-of-spec production, raw materials and energy waste are reduced. This approach also optimizes energy consumption and increases throughput without compromising quality, directly impacting operating costs.

Another strategic benefit is to hasten product development. Formulations can be tested virtually, evaluating their performance in the process before conducting physical trials, thereby reducing time, risk, and costs associated with industrial testing.

Added to this is the ability to integrate predictive maintenance, using digital twins to detect deviations in equipment performance and anticipate failures, avoiding unplanned downtime.
Digital Twins: Key Technology for Building Truly Connected Plants
The incorporation of digital twins marks a turning point in how pet food production plants are managed. It is no longer just about automation, but about deeply understanding the process, anticipating deviations, and making decisions based on real, comparable data.

In a context where efficiency, sustainability, and quality are increasingly decisive, digital twins are consolidating their role as a strategic tool for manufacturers seeking to scale, differentiate, and build truly connected and resilient plants. By Candelaria Carbajo – All Pet Food
Source: All Pet Food Magazine
References
Gallagher, Nick (Updated October 17, 2025) What is a Digital Twin? IBM
Prasser, David R. (July 21, 2025). Future of Manufacturing: 13 Trends Driving 2026-2035 Growth. StarUs Insights
Abdurrahman, Emadaldin Elfatih M. & Ferrari, Giovanna. (April 3, 2025). Digital Twin applications in the food industry: a review. Frontiers
Haskell. (December 19, 2025). A Process Engineering Perspective on Digital Twins in Pet Food Manufacturing.

By María Candelaria Carbajo

Others

Dog and Cat Food Processing: Our Daily Challenge

5+ MIN

17/03/2026

Dog and Cat Food Processing: Our Daily Challenge

Pet foods are currently classified into three categories: complete, complementary, and specific, whether dry or wet. Within each category, companies develop sub-segments to meet the needs of different animal profiles, such as senior pets, athletic animals, and obese pets, among others. The search for alternative diets, functional ingredients, and more sustainable solutions has shown steady growth. This movement has driven intensive research to ensure that products deliver not only adequate nutrition but also additional health benefits, improved quality of life, and a reduced environmental footprint.
To achieve all of this, the industry no longer relies solely on robust equipment or generic formulations for dogs and cats. More than ever, manufacturers must be connected in real time to every stage of the process, with each department involved in the production of pet food. Machines, sensors, software, and people, therefore, need to operate in an integrated manner so that production continuously adapts to the process and improves over time. By combining automation, data, and technical expertise, an automated plant transforms production into a dynamic, intelligent system capable of continuous evolution.
Daily Manufactured Innovation The achieved precision at each stage of the process—extrusion, drying, and coating— is a practical example of how this approach is carried out. An automated system enables:
Precise, automated dosing of micro-ingredients, especially in complementary foods that require a high level of accuracy. Automated control and inclusion of fresh meat, meals, and oils. High-tech laboratories that analyze all raw materials upon reception. Aligned NIR systems with just-in-time results, enabling immediate adjustments when required. Minimization of variations that affect digestibility and palatability. Fully digital traceability, from raw material intake to finished product. Automation of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) helps identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
In extrusion, one of the most critical steps in kibble manufacturing, the process is significantly optimized through automation:
Temperature and pressure control in each extruder zone. Screw speed control. Steam and water addition as required. Greater baking consistency, which improves digestibility, texture, and kibble durability. More homogeneous kibble density and expansion, with improved starch gelatinization and reduced waste. Automatic recording of process parameters, ensuring traceability and batch-to-batch standardization.
The drying stage is crucial for removing moisture and controlling water activity, both of which directly contribute to microbiological safety. Moisture also affects palatability: dogs tend to prefer slightly higher-moisture foods, while cats generally accept drier products. For this reason, the integration of sensors and intelligent software in dryers is critical to prevent under- or overprocessing and to ensure that each batch reaches the exact target moisture content. This level of precision ensures stability, safety, and palatability aligned with the specific requirements of each species.
Another key step is coating, a particularly delicate stage in the manufacturing of dry pet food. Today, the market offers more advanced coating systems, such as vacuum batch processing equipment, which allows highly precise ingredient application. This level of control directly impacts palatability, oxidative stability, and final product acceptance, ensuring superior sensory performance and overall food quality.
Automation enables much more robust and accessible traceability. With integrated systems, each batch can be tracked from raw material to finished product, ensuring:
Rapid identification of non-conformities. More efficient responses in case of product recalls. Greater transparency for consumers. Complete, auditable history of every stage of the process.
This traceability is especially critical in the production of complementary and therapeutic foods, where any nutritional deviations may compromise product efficacy. Through digitalized controls, the industry ensures precision, consistency, and total batch safety for pet consumption. The Importance of Labeling Labelling is another equally essential step to ensuring that all mandatory information is present and accurate, in compliance with the legislation of each country.
At this stage, it is crucial to involve representatives from all areas of the production chain—including Regulatory Affairs, Quality Control, Research and Development, Packaging, and Marketing. This integration ensures that labeling and packaging are developed safely and efficiently, without rework, while remaining compatible with filling lines and attractive to the end consumer. Technology also plays an increasingly important role in this process. Many companies now utilize specialized software that automatically checks label descriptions against each version. It compares information, detects inconsistencies, and significantly reduces the risk of human error. With automation, greater document security, faster review processes, and higher reliability in final label approval are obtained.
Another topic gaining increasing relevance in the pet food industry—and one that directly impacts the entire production chain—is sustainability. Far from being just a trend, sustainability has become a strategic pillar guiding decisions from raw material selection to packaging development and industrial process design. Implementing sustainability in the pet food industry is a complex challenge, as it requires balancing production efficiency, costs, and regulatory requirements while also meeting consumer expectations that are increasingly influenced by environmental awareness. The supply chain is complex: it depends on both animal- and plant-based ingredients, requires large volumes of water and energy, and relies on high-barrier packaging that is often difficult to recycle.
Nevertheless, the sector has made consistent progress. An increasing number of companies are incorporating innovative raw materials, so-called super proteins, including insect meals, which offer a reduced environmental footprint and excellent nutritional value. At the same time, there is a growing internal movement to reduce water and energy consumption, reuse resources, monitor and mitigate CO₂ emissions, and develop 100% recyclable mono-material packaging, facilitating reintegration into the production cycle and reducing environmental impact.
An even more strategic step is the adoption of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a tool that quantifies the environmental impact of a product from the origin of its ingredients to its destination. Companies that already apply LCA stand out for making data-based decisions, identifying critical points, and directing their efforts more effectively—whether in raw material selection, process efficiency, or packaging sustainability. LCA is considered one of the key trends shaping the future of the industry and a competitive advantage for organizations genuinely committed to reducing environmental impact across all stages of the value chain.
By combining innovation, responsibility, and a long-term vision, the pet food industry demonstrates that sustainability is not merely rhetoric, but an irreversible path and a tangible opportunity to create better products, more efficient processes, and a more balanced future for the planet and coming generations. This underscores that the challenge of producing pet food goes far beyond formulation or ingredient selection; it involves a complex chain that depends on technology, integration, rigorous control, and continuous innovation.
By Josiane Volpato and Juliana Soares Brazorotto
Source: All Pet Food Magazine

By Josiane Volpato

Others

17/03/2026

Dog and Cat Food Processing: Our Daily Challenge

By Josiane Volpato

Others

25/02/2026

ANDRITZ: Technology to Feed the Future

Others

11/02/2026