10+ Insights That Defined The Pet Industry in 2025

From the FDA’s split with AAFCO and this spring’s H5N1 outbreak to tariff tribulations, misleading research, and failed rebrands-turned-culture wars, the pet industry has had an interesting year. To be fair, I’m sure we all had an interesting year in our own rights.

Amid regulatory purgatory, economic uncertainty, and no shortage of polarizing debates over the way we feed and care for our pets, the BSM Partners team has kept its collective ear to the ground to keep industry professionals, innovators, owners, and animal lovers informed about the stories and trends that matter most.

Keep scrolling to glimpse our top articles from 2025 and stay tuned for another year of education and advocacy in 2026!

Buyer Beware: What Research and Resulting Media Got Wrong About The Farmer’s Dog’s Recent Study

Not all research is created equally, and not all of it rightfully earns the media attention it gets. A peer-reviewed paper published this past fall is a perfect example of this scientific phenomenon. Read more to learn why this particular paper isn’t up to snuff, and why it matters especially for pet owners.

How Chili’s Made a Comeback, And What Businesses Can Learn from It

A Blue-Ocean take by Eric Rittenhouse, this article explores Chili’s successful resurgence amid a struggling restaurant scene. “Sometimes, the most effective strategy is to identify what works best for you by returning to your strengths and understanding your consumers,” he writes.

Paws Auf Deutschland: Insights Into the German Pet Market

With nearly 34 million pets inhabiting the country—and cats reigning supreme—the German pet industry is a robust playground for innovation and impact. Dig deeper into this market with data from Germany’s own pet industry trade association.

Tis the Season for Tightening Wallets: Consumers Are Expected to Spend Less

According to a study of 4,000 U.S. shoppers, consumers were expected to spend less during the 2025 holiday season, particularly younger generations. “Consumers are feeling uncertain, as if waiting for an impending storm,” writes Senior Analyst Kait Wright.

The Future is Feline: Why the Cat Market Can't Be Ignored

“For years, dogs have ruled as America’s favorite pet, dominating the pet food aisle and shaping industry trends. But something surprising is happening—cats are quietly taking over,” writes Neeley Bowden, Product Innovation Manager. Get the “why” behind this trend by reading the full article.

International Regulatory Divergence: Exports at Risk

The global pet food realm is facing increasingly fragmented regulatory standards. From the United States to Europe to China to Australia and everywhere between, there’s no longer a one-size-fits-all approach. Read more about the nuanced global regulatory environment and how brands can stay compliant across borders.

Hijacked: Southwest Airlines’ Sudden and Unfortunate Rapid Descent!

In July, Southwest Airlines announced it would no longer offer free first checked bags or offer open seating—two perks that have set the airline apart in the past. According to author Eric Rittenhouse, this could cause Southwest’s customer loyalty to lose serious altitude. Learn more about the saga from a Blue Ocean perspective.

Hype vs. Health: Fact-Checking Pet Trends from SUPERZOO 2025

SUPERZOO 2025 was packed with hype and creativity. In this article, Co-Authors Dr. Sydney McCauley and Anna Guilfoyle wanted to dig deeper, “separating the marketing flair from meaningful innovation.” Keep reading to learn more about the top trends spotted at this year’s pet industry tradeshow, and what they really mean for pets and their people.

Beyond Brushing: How Microbiome Science is Reshaping Oral Care for Dogs and Cats

Dental disease impacts more than 80% of dogs over the age of three. These diseases can cause harmful, systemic effects throughout a pet’s body when left untreated. Besides a daily dental chew, scientists are now exploring how probiotics and postbiotics could help support a healthier oral microbiome. Get the scoop from Dr. Katy Miller, DVM, Director of Veterinary Services.

We Like Big Bags and We Cannot Lie

Join Oksana Lylak, Director of Packaging Engineering, as she explores why American pet owners prefer to buy their pets’ food in bulk, and explains how that preference impacts the industry’s ability to deliver scalable, sustainable flexible pet food packaging solutions.

The Hidden Risk of Avian Influenza in Pet Food: Protecting Dogs and Cats

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 hit the United States hard in early 2025, impacting not only the poultry supply chain but also the health and well-being of some raw-fed domestic cats. Learn more about H5N1, who is at risk, what are the costs, and how we can all take steps to keep ourselves, our furry companions, and other animals safe when H5N1 returns in the spring of 2026.

AAFCO: PURR Act Places Pet Food Transparency on the Chopping Block

Pet food in the United States is regulated at both the state and federal levels for a variety of reasons, but the Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform Act (PURR Act) of 2025 aims to shift regulatory authority to the federal level only. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), these changes “could negatively affect consumer protection, reduce transparency in pet food labeling, and jeopardize the safety of pet food products.”

Is My Pet Fluffy or Fit? The Truth About Body Condition Scores

More than 60% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese, and this extra “fluff” can often lead to serious systemic health issues in our pets. Tools like the Body Condition Score (BCS) chart can help veterinarians and pet owners alike keep tabs on their pets’ weight visually and regularly. Learn more about this tool and how to use it from Dr. Katy Miller, DVM.

These headlines are just a brief snippet of more than 230 articles the BSM Partners team published since January, covering everything from the pet industry impact of mass-media headlines to the quality of research coming out of our sector. Pressing concerns like pet obesity and dental disease continue to shape conversations around formulation and innovation, highlighting a growing divide between evidence-based care and marketing-driven narratives.

Sustainability was a frequent talking point in 2025, but follow-through told a different story. Concepts like insect protein, upcycled ingredients, invasive species, and regenerative agriculture have sparked curiosity, but still lack the real-world adoption to be truly sustainable. Meanwhile, the PURR Act, conversations around copper and DCM in dogs, and questionable research continue to muddy the waters around what’s truly best for our pets and the industry at large.

As we head into 2026, our team will continue to cut through the noise, ask harder questions, and spotlight the topics that genuinely advance pet care. Thank you for reading, debating, and thinking alongside us this year. Follow us on LinkedIn or bookmark www.bsmpartners.net/insights to keep up with these trends and more in 2026, and tune in to the Barking Mad podcast for no-nonsense commentary, fresh insights, and bold predictions about all things pet care.

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About the Author

Jordan Tyler is the Director of Media at BSM Partners and co-host of the Barking Mad podcast. She has more than seven years of experience reporting on trends, best practices and developments in the North American pet nutrition industry. Jordan resides in Bentonville, Arkansas, with her husband and their three furry family members.