The holidays are the season to exchange gifts with friends and loved ones. However, pet parents always remember to buy a few special treats for their fur babies. The holidays will be behind us in a few weeks, and retailers will focus on generating business in the new year. It’s always a good idea for independent retailers to be informed about category trends that impact consumers’ purchasing habits. The pet category continually grows and evolves to satisfy the demands of pet owners who only want the best products for their furry friends. Consumers want products that are tailored to their pet’s specific needs. That may be why there are 630 different pet food brands.
- Sixty-six percent of U.S. households own at least one pet
- Pet industry revenue exceeded $300 billion in 2023 (projected to reach $358 billion by 2027)
- Millennials make up 32 percent of all pet owners
- Men are more likely to own dogs, with women more likely to own cats
- Pet food and treats are the highest-selling product categories
Trends to Watch Now and in 2025
Sustainability: Consumers’ desire to purchase sustainable products also extends to items for their pets. Their preference for products that are eco-friendly, sustainable, and ethically sourced is shaping the purchasing decisions of many consumers.
Technology: Pet owners want to protect their pets, whether they are indoors or outside. New product innovations have leveraged technology to enable owners to monitor their pet’s well-being 24/7.
Automated Products: Products that were previously essentials are now being automated to improve their functionality and save time for owners. These products include litter boxes, water bottles, feeders, and ball launchers.
Pet Food Regulations: The FDA is approving new ingredient timelines that will result in a regulatory system similar to the one used to monitor human food.
Health and Wellness: As with people, the push for pet preventative care by their owners and veterinarians has become a critical issue. Pet wellness services are also becoming more commonly used to keep fur babies in prime condition. Some are treated to services provided at spas, salons, pools, and wellness centers.
Hot Products Racking Up Big Sales
Several products in the pet category are experiencing phenomenal growth. Depending on space requirements, most are ideal options for independent retailers who operate a pet niche and want to attract Millennial shoppers by selling a broader assortment of innovative products.
Lick Mats provide mental stimulation for dogs and cats and slow their feeding. Mats are typically made of rubber or silicon and have a textured surface to serve pets wet food, treats, or peanut butter. They are designed to improve digestion and reduce anxiety.
Slow Feeder Bowls are designed to reduce the speed in which pets consume wet food or dry food. Owners have the option to embed food in crevices or place it in an inside bowl with shapes that require greater effort on the pet’s part to remove food from the bowl.
Collagen Sticks are dog treats that contain collagen. The chewable sticks have several health benefits, including improving the mobility and joint health of dogs with arthritis. Two popular brands are Natural Farm and Pawstruck.
Freeze-dried dog Treats are another healthy option for dogs. Since the treats are freeze-dried, the moisture has been extracted, extending the shelf life and prohibiting the growth of dangerous bacteria.
Tofu Cat Litter is 100 percent natural and non-toxic. It is made from soybean dregs, a byproduct of processing soy milk. The litter is lightweight, long-lasting, and exceptional in clumping ability. Since it is eco-friendly, it can be flushed down the toilet without harming the environment.
Urinary Tract Cat Food helps prevent urinary tract infections, stones, and other health conditions. The food has higher levels of protein and antioxidants, in addition to salt, to lower the possibility of crystal formation in the urine.
Pet Air Purifiers help eliminate pet-related allergens, dander, odor, and airborne particles from the home. They are designed with an advanced filtration system that uses HEPA carbon filters.
These products are trending because they offer solutions to common problems most pet owners face. They make caring for furry friends more convenient and comfortable. Pet owners are generally concerned about their pet’s health, well-being, and nutrition. So, even when budgets are tight, they’ll spend money on their pets. These products may be something to consider when you develop a strategic buying plan for 2025.
