Global trends in pet food ingredients: What's setting the pace in Europe and the US?
How the pet food giants are redefining what it means to “feed with conscience”… and what you should demand, too.
Introduction
Did you know that more than 60% of pet owners believe they are choosing the best for their animals, but less than 20% actually understand what's behind the ingredients they buy?
(Source: Pet Food Institute, 2024)
This is not a minor fact, it is a warning.
We live in a world where the love for our pets It has become a multi-million-dollar industry. And where marketing—with labels like “natural,” “premium,” or “grain-free”—often outweighs scientific evidence or actual nutritional impact.
But what's really making the difference in pet food formulas globally?
In this article, we lay bare the most influential trends in Europe and the US , and most importantly: We separate what is marketing… from what is true nutrition.
Prepare to question, learn, and participate in a debate that can change the way you feed your pets and how you formulate products if you're part of the industry.
1. The protein revolution: from the ocean to insects
- Europe has been a pioneer in the approval and adoption of proteins alternatives and functional : insects, cultured meat, and marine by-products such as salmon meal, fish oils rich in omega-3 and peptones.
- In In the US , although alternative proteins are growing, the market is still dominated by traditional meat and cheap plant-based sources, such as corn gluten meal , soy and animal by-products without clear traceability.
Are you interested in knowing if insect proteins are truly sustainable?
We invite you to read our full article with technical analysis and critical insight:
🔗 Insect protein: Is it really sustainable?
✅ Real profit or marketing?
Insect and marine proteins (especially oils rich in EPA and DHA) have scientific support for cognitive, immune, and skin health.
The key is in the bioavailability and origin , not in the exotic name.
2. Functional ingredients: fashion or preventive medicine?
- Europe is increasingly integrating functional ingredients with clinical support:
- The US tends to use eye-catching formulas with claims like "with superfoods" without these ingredients being in clinically active doses.
✅ Real profit or marketing?
When properly dosed, functional ingredients do improve health markers. But if they appear in symbolic doses, they're just cosmetics for the label.
3. Sustainability and the circular economy: who's really doing it?
- In Europe, regulations require traceability of origin, circular economy plans, and controlled use of category 3 animal by-products.
- In the US, many brands use sustainability as an emotional storytelling, without measurable commitments or independent audits.
✅ Real profit or marketing?
It is only sustainable if you can trace the origin, demonstrate waste reduction and ensure safety. This is where ingredients like Raw salmon oil, functional meat meal or hydrolysates and peptones (all available at MCE Global) really make a difference.
4. Comparison: Europe vs. USA (2025)
|
Key Element |
Europe 🇪🇺 |
United States 🇺🇸 |
|---|---|---|
|
Proteins |
Insects, traceable by-products, marine sources |
Common meats, gluten, non-traceable by-products |
|
Functionality |
High scientific evidence, clinical dosages |
Symbolic presence of “superfoods” |
|
Sustainability |
Regulated, audited, circular |
Self-declared, emotional |
|
Labeling |
Strict and transparent |
More permissive and marketing-oriented |
|
Consumer Education |
Science-focused |
Emotion- and convenience-focused |
5. Recommended sources for further study
- PetFoodIndustry.com
- FEDIAF – European Pet Food Industry Federation
- AAFCO – Association of American Feed Control Officials
- Future Market Insights – Global Pet Food Reports
- Mintel Reports – Pet Food Trends
6. Conclusion
The pet food industry is evolving. But you decide whether you move forward with information or impulse.
As a formulator, veterinarian, distributor or conscious guardian, You have the power to demand more: functional ingredients, traceability, sustainability, and real benefits.
In At MCE Global , we are committed to this:
✔️ Highly functional marine and animal-derived ingredients
✔️ Traceable, functional and competitive quality
✔️ Technical and nutritional support
Want to learn more or try our ingredients?
Technical and Commercial Contact:
💼 fromero@mceglobal.cl | 🌍 www.mceglobal.cl | 📧 ventas@mceglobal.cl
Participate in the debate
- What ingredients do you consider key to the future of pet food?
- What challenges do you face as a formulator or buyer in the market?
- How to better educate the end consumer?
We'll read your comments or emails. Share this post with your network to continue promoting a more ethical, effective, and conscious industry.
MCE Global Disclaimer
The information contained in this article has been prepared by MCE Market SpA hereinafter MCE Global For educational and informational purposes, intended for pet food industry professionals and conscientious guardians. While we strive to keep information up-to-date and based on reliable sources, MCE Global does not guarantee that all data reflects the latest technical regulations or trading conditions in each market.
MCE Global acts as a supplier and distributor of functional ingredients for animal nutrition, not as a formulator of specific diets. Therefore, we always recommend consulting with veterinary professionals or nutritionists before making changes to product formulas or pet food.
Likewise, MCE Global is not responsible for the improper use, improper storage, or poor formulation of products made by third parties from our ingredients.
All products offered by MCE Global are intended exclusively for industrial or professional use, and not for direct sale to the end consumer.
For more technical or commercial information, please contact us directly through our official channels. https://mceglobal.cl/pages/contact