MARKET REPORT FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2023 77 called Friskies. Friskies was initially a dry cat food, but later became a wet cat food. Dry pet food production increased during World War II, when canned food was scarce and dry pet food was cheaper and easier to store. The pet food market grew and developed further in the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century. As pet ownership rates increased, pet owners became more concerned about their pets’ health and nutrition. Factors such as quality, safety, and nutritional value of pet foods became important. The ingredients used in pet foods were influenced by the increasing awareness of specialty foods, grain-free and organic foods. The variety of pet foods also increased. Pet foods used different ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, grains, etc., and different formulations for pets’ age, breed, size, and health condition. The presentation of pet foods also changed. The shape, colour, smell, and taste of pet foods were improved, and the packaging of pet foods became more attractive and convenient. Today, the pet food market caters to a wide range of pets including fish, small mammals, birds, and reptiles. According to the report of Maximize Market Research, it is overwhelmingly dominated by cats and dogs, with global sales exceeding five billion pounds. This market encompasses various product types, including dry, canned, and semimoist pet foods, as well as an array of snacks such as biscuits, and treats, offering pet owners a choice from over 3,000 different products. The industry's growth has been marked by a shift towards more nutritious and scientifically formulated pet foods, tailored to the specific life stages and health conditions of pets, alongside a reduction in fatty components and an increase in protein-rich ingredients. Additionally, the pet snack category has gained popularity with a wide array of products, ranging from jerky snacks to biscuit pieces, reflecting the ever-evolving preferences of pet owners in providing the best for their furry companions. Overall, the pet food market continues to thrive as an essential segment of the pet care industry, addressing the diverse dietary needs and preferences of pets and their devoted owners. GLOBAL PET FOOD PRODUCTION According to Agri-Food Outlook 2023 report, prepared by Alltech, global pet food production has been growing steadily in recent years, reaching 35.27 million metric tons in 2022. This is a 7.25% increase from 2021, when the production was 32.88 million metric tons. However, the share of pet food in total compound animal feed production of 1.266 billion metric tonnes in 2022 is only 2.8%. The leading region in global pet food production is Europe, which produced 11.78 million metric tons of pet food in 2022. This is a 1.65% increase from 2021, when the production was 11.59 million metric tons. Europe is followed by North America, which produced 11.20 million metric tons of pet food in
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