Top 11 Pet Treat Trends You Need to Know in 2024
Pet treat demand is skyrocketing, driven by evolving consumer preferences and a booming pet industry. Wholesalers, retailers, and distributors must stay ahead of trends to cater to the ever-changing pet parent demands. In this post, we’ll dive into the top 11 trends shaping the pet treat market in 2024. These insights will help your business thrive in a competitive landscape, especially if you’re sourcing products like wholesale pet treats, dog treats, or cat treats.
1. Natural and Organic Ingredients
Pet parents today are as concerned about their furry companions’ diet as they are about their own. Just like human food trends, pet treats are shifting towards natural, organic, and non-GMO ingredients. Consumers seek products free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Many are opting for treats made with superfoods like sweet potatoes, blueberries, or chia seeds.
Real-time Insight:
A recent survey shows that 71% of pet owners prefer treats with recognizable ingredients, with an expected annual growth rate of 5.2% in organic pet food sales .
2. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Packaging
Environmental responsibility is no longer optional—it’s expected. Eco-conscious consumers want sustainable pet treats, and packaging is at the forefront. Plant-based packaging, recyclable materials, and minimal waste production have become key selling points.
Pro Tip:
By offering sustainable wholesale pet treats, you can tap into a growing segment of eco-conscious pet parents. Incorporate eco-friendly practices in both product development and packaging.
3. Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated Treats
Freeze-dried treats are gaining traction for their long shelf life, nutrient retention, and raw-food appeal. These treats cater to the growing raw food movement among pet parents who want minimally processed food for their pets. Wholesale freeze-dried dog treats, in particular, are becoming popular because they offer a crunchy texture that dogs love while keeping the nutrient profile intact.
Fun Fact:
The freeze-dried pet food market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% by 2028 .
4. Single-Ingredient Treats
Pet owners, especially those with pets that have allergies or sensitivities, are drawn to single-ingredient treats. These products often consist of a single source of protein, such as chicken, beef, or fish, ensuring transparency and making it easy for pet parents to monitor what their pets consume.
5. Functional Treats
Consumers are increasingly seeking treats that offer more than just taste. Functional pet treats are designed to address specific health concerns, such as dental health, joint support, or digestive aid. For instance, glucosamine-infused treats can promote joint health in older dogs, while dental chews with natural abrasives can help clean teeth and reduce tartar buildup.
Market Data:
The functional pet food market, including treats, is expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2025, driven by rising awareness of pet health .
6. CBD-Infused Treats
CBD pet products have become a significant trend in the pet industry. Pet owners use CBD treats to help manage anxiety, arthritis, and other conditions in their pets. The surge in pet CBD demand reflects a larger trend towards natural wellness solutions. However, it’s essential to source from reputable suppliers to ensure the CBD used is safe and effective for pets.
Industry Watch:
In 2023, the pet CBD market was valued at $426 million, with expectations of a 40% CAGR .
7. Customizable and Personalized Treats
Pet owners are increasingly interested in personalized products, tailored to their pet’s unique dietary needs and preferences. Brands that offer customizable pet treats—where owners can choose the ingredients based on their pet’s requirements—are growing in popularity.
8. Human-Grade Ingredients
More pet parents are demanding treats made from human-grade ingredients, meaning the food meets the same quality standards as human food. This shift reflects the increasing “humanization” of pets, where owners treat their furry friends as family members deserving of the same quality of care.
9. Exotic Proteins
Traditional proteins like chicken and beef are still popular, but there is growing interest in exotic proteins such as kangaroo, alligator, or bison. These proteins are often used in hypoallergenic diets and are viewed as a premium option. For pet treat wholesalers, adding exotic protein options can attract a more discerning clientele looking for something unique.
Tip for Wholesalers:
Consider offering limited-edition exotic protein treats to differentiate your product line and appeal to niche markets.
10. Grain-Free Options
Grain-free treats are a continuing trend, spurred by concerns over food allergies and sensitivities. Though grain-free diets have received some mixed attention in recent years, they remain a strong category in the pet treat industry, particularly for pet owners seeking premium, allergy-friendly options.
11. Pet Treat Subscriptions
Subscription-based pet treat services are booming. These services allow pet owners to receive curated treat boxes delivered to their doorstep regularly. Offering a subscription model can help businesses build customer loyalty while generating a steady revenue stream.
Market Potential:
Subscription boxes in the pet industry are projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.9%, with pet treats playing a significant role .
Why These Trends Matter for Your Business
As a pet treats wholesaler or retailer, these trends highlight crucial consumer demands that you should consider when planning your product assortment. Staying ahead of the curve with products like wholesale freeze-dried dog treats or offering eco-friendly packaging can help you attract modern, mindful pet owners.
By understanding and adapting to these trends, businesses can meet the needs of a growing and increasingly discerning market. Whether you’re looking to source wholesale dog treats, cat treats, or custom pet treat solutions, ensuring your product offerings align with current trends will give your business a competitive edge.
For more information on the latest in wholesale pet treats, visit Pack’n Pride, your trusted partner for premium pet treats. We specialize in wholesale dog treats, wholesale cat treats, and freeze-dried dog treats that cater to modern pet parents.