Global Postbiotics Pet Food Market - 2025-2032

Global Postbiotics Pet Food Market - 2025-2032

Global Postbiotics Pet Food Market reached US$ 12.24 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 17.80 billion by 2032, growing with a CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period 2025-2032.

Postbiotic foods are prepared by fermenting live bacteria, which break down carbs and proteins into easily digestible nutrients. It mimics the natural diets of wild dogs and cats, which improves gut health and digestion. There are numerous potential benefits to include postbiotics in pet meals, including increased immunity, reduced inflammation and better general health. Over 70 percent of the immune system is situated in the gut, therefore when the gut flora is healthy, pets thrive.

ADM's study, published in 2024, in the Journal of Animal Science, found that supplementing healthy adult dogs with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CECT 8145 (BPL1™) is safe and beneficial to their gastrointestinal health. BPL1 is an ADM-branded functional ingredient that comes in two forms: live (probiotic) and heat-treated (postbiotic). With a greater emphasis on pet health, ADM investigated the application of biotics in animal health.

Dynamics

Driver 1 - Rising pet humanization and awareness

Pets are increasingly seen as family members, resulting in increased spending on premium, health-related products. Pet owners are looking for specific diets, including postbiotic-enriched food, to safeguard their pets' health and longevity. Pet food premiumization with postbiotics that promote immunological health, digestive support and stress reduction.

A number of factors contribute to the expansion of the postbiotic pet food business. Pet ownership is growing worldwide, particularly in metropolitan areas, expanding the consumer base. This trend is especially visible in cities, where pets are increasingly regarded as companions in nuclear families and by people living alone.

Pet ownership in US has increased majorly during the last three decades. As stated by Forbes, as of 2024, 86.9 million homes or 66% of US households, possess a pet, including 65.1 million homes with dogs, 46.5 million with cats, 11.1 million with freshwater fish, 6.7 million with small animals and 6.1 million with birds.

As stated by Danielle Bernal, DVM, global veterinarian with Wellness Pet Company, Tewksbury, Mass., present supplement trends indicate a shift toward total wellbeing as a growing number of pet owners take a more preventive approach to their own health and, by extension, that of their four-legged family members. Pet owners are increasingly treating their pets like family members, referring to them as ""fur babies."" This cultural shift has resulted in increased emotional and financial commitment in pet health, including postbiotics pet food.

Driver 2 - Rising consumer demand for digestive health

The demand for digestive health benefits in pet food is driving the growth of postbiotics in the pet food market. With probiotics and prebiotics already popular due to their proven health benefits, postbiotics are emerging as a new frontier in microbiome science, offering exciting opportunities for innovation in pet nutrition.

Probiotics and prebiotics have seen a rise in pet food formulations, driven by consumer awareness of gut health. In US, 62% of consumers are aware of probiotics and 20% are interested in digestive health benefits for their pets. This growing awareness paves the way for postbiotics, which are byproducts produced by probiotics, offering health benefits without the survival challenges faced by live probiotics in production.

Postbiotics, such as short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, have potential benefits for gut health, nutrient absorption and stress support. Unlike probiotics, postbiotics are more stable during production, making them an attractive option for pet food manufacturers. Their inclusion is expected to rise as consumers seek effective and targeted functional ingredients.

Postbiotics provide differentiation in the competitive pet health market, allowing manufacturers to create specialized products addressing specific health concerns such as digestion, immunity and stress management. These factors position postbiotics as a key driver in the pet food industry.

Restraint: Safety Concerns and Health Risks

The global postbiotics pet food market faces several restraints related to the safety and tolerance of postbiotics in certain groups. While postbiotics are generally considered safe and well-tolerated in healthy individuals, they may cause digestive side effects, such as gas, bloating and mild stomach discomfort, especially when consumed through probiotic supplements. These symptoms typically subside as the body adjusts.

However, the use of postbiotics in pet food may pose risks for animals with weakened or compromised immune systems, increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions. Pets recovering from surgery, those with structural heart disorders, digestive tract issues or other underlying health conditions may face heightened risks.

The lack of clear guidelines and research on the safe use of postbiotics in certain animals, particularly young or pregnant pets, limits their broader acceptance. As with any supplement, consultation with a veterinarian is essential before introducing postbiotics into a pet's diet.

Segment Analysis

The global postbiotics pet food market is segmented based on pet type, form, application, distribution channel and region.

Digestive health innovations in pet wellness

The global postbiotic pet food market is experiencing a notable rise in demand for digestive health solutions, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the connection between gut health and overall pet wellness. Pet owners are prioritizing products with scientifically validated ingredients, such as Bifidobacterium animalis, known for its ability to promote gut flora balance and improve digestion. This trend is particularly evident in premium pet food segments and therapeutic formulations targeted at aging pets or those with sensitive digestive systems.

Postbiotics offer a strategic advantage for pet food manufacturers due to their stability during production and storage, ensuring consistent efficacy. Their resilience under harsh processing conditions enables their integration into various formats, including dry kibble, wet food and functional treats. The demand for such versatile and convenient solutions aligns with consumer preferences for innovative products that enhance pet health without compromising quality or convenience.

For instance, in May 2024, ADM’s postbiotic-based offerings like Lactobacillus plantarum for oral health and Bifidobacterium animalis for digestive support, illustrate the market's potential. These advancements cater to the growing segment of health-conscious pet owners seeking targeted solutions for their pets’ specific needs. As the pet food industry continues to evolve, companies adopting postbiotic innovations are well-positioned to capture significant market share in the digestive health category.

Geographical Penetration

Rising demand for postbiotic-infused pet food in North America

The North American pet food market is witnessing a surge in demand for postbiotic-infused products, driven by growing consumer awareness of their health benefits for pets. Postbiotics, the bioactive compounds produced during fermentation, are increasingly recognized for their role in promoting gut health, bolstering immunity and enhancing overall well-being.

The trend aligns with the broader shift towards functional pet foods that cater to the humanization of pets, as owners seek scientifically backed, high-quality nutrition solutions. The market growth is further supported by advancements in microbiome research and increased adoption of gut health-focused diets. Pet owners in North America are prioritizing premium products with clear health benefits, pushing manufacturers to innovate in line with evolving preferences.

Key trends include a preference for natural, non-GMO ingredients, sustainability in sourcing and transparency in labeling. Postbiotics are seen as a compelling addition, complementing probiotics and prebiotics, as they provide stability and efficacy in formulations. This shift highlights the opportunity for companies to cater to niche segments, such as senior pets or those with specific health conditions, with targeted solutions.

For instance, Cargill is transforming pet care in North America by addressing the growing demand for premium pet nutrition. Leveraging the trend of pet ""humanization,"" the company focuses on innovative, high-quality solutions such as human-grade food, gut health support and precision nutrition. This launch reflects evolving consumer expectations for tailored pet care products, ensuring optimal health and well-being for companion animals.

Competitive Landscape

The major Global players in the market include Cargill, Incorporated, Nestlé Purina, Lallemand Inc., DeliGuard and DSM-firmenich.

Sustainability Analysis

The postbiotics pet food industry presents a strong argument for sustainability, utilizing the significant advantages of fermented and post-fermentative products. Postbiotics originating from microbial fermentation, are intrinsically sustainable due to their scalability, renewability and ability to utilize by-products from sectors like brewing. Wild Earth’s fungi-based protein necessitates 90% fewer resources than conventional meat-based proteins, illustrating the potential for significant resource conservation in pet food manufacturing.

Postbiotic components such as Lactobacillus LB are especially revolutionary. Research indicates their capacity to improve gut health by fostering beneficial bacterial communities, inhibiting pathogens such as Helicobacter and Salmonella and mitigating diarrhea severity, comparable to or exceeding therapeutic interventions. These advantages are associated with enhanced feed conversion rates, maximizing resource utilization and minimizing environmental impact.

Postbiotics demonstrate significant durability, enduring acidic pH and temperature variations, so facilitating their incorporation into extruded or retorted pet food formats, which typically impede live probiotics. With the increasing demand for natural, ecological and health-focused pet feeds, postbiotics perfectly connect with market expectations for environmentally friendly and welfare-oriented solutions. Thus, they signify not just an advancement in animal nutrition but also progress in tackling global sustainability issues.

Consumer Behaviour Analysis

Consumer behavior in the postbiotics pet food market indicates an increasing inclination towards functional and scientifically validated nutritional goods. A 2022 poll indicates that 29% of pet supplement purchasers relate probiotics with health benefits, although 9% connect prebiotics to comparable advantages. This increasing awareness highlights the requirement for postbiotics, an innovative and promising sector in pet nutrition.

Claims on digestive health substantially impact purchasing decisions, enhancing product attractiveness by 92% among pet owners. The preference for observable health advantages, such as enhanced digestion or a glossier coat, underscores the necessity for substantiated claims. Moreover, 60% of worldwide pet owners choose branded health ingredients, viewing them as more likely to be clinically confirmed.

While probiotics are well-known for their health advantages, difficulties in maintaining their viability in shelf-stable pet food have led to the emergence of postbiotics. These abiotic substances, obtained through probiotic culturing, have analogous advantages, such as immune enhancement and gastrointestinal health improvement. Prominent postbiotic components such as heat-treated BPL1™ are progressively included into pet products, ranging from daily supplements to baked confections.

Instructing customers on the distinct benefits of postbiotics will be crucial. Although European and global markets are familiar with probiotics, the notion of ""inanimate bacteria"" is yet innovative. Postbiotics offer a significant opportunity for pet nutrition businesses to meet changing consumer demands and enhance pet health.

Early Stage Innovations

The postbiotics pet food market signifies a promising domain of innovation, with firms such as Cargill and SYNPET leading developments in pet nutrition. These innovators are utilizing microbiome science to meet consumer demand for functional health benefits in pet food products.

Cargill's TruPet, referred to as TruMune in certain areas, is a prominent breakthrough in this sector. TruPet, awarded the Pet Food Innovation Award at Fi Europe 2024, is an ultraconcentrated postbiotic formulated to enhance intestinal health, immunity and energy in pets. In contrast to probiotics, which frequently lose viability during pet food manufacturing, TruPet preserves its potency using methods like extrusion and retort. This stability enables pet food makers to include it effortlessly into their recipes, addressing the increasing demand for dependable, multipurpose health solutions.

Likewise, SYNPET, a division of SYNBIO TECH, presented its innovative GABA 20 postbiotic at Petfood Forum 2024. GABA 20, produced via lactic acid bacteria fermentation, bolsters immunity, alleviates stress and promotes behavioral well-being in pets. Its elevated purity and bioavailability render it suitable for various pet food applications, ranging from capsules to treats.

Emerging Market Players and Strategic Initiatives

The global wellness business is experiencing a significant transformation, propelled by increased consumer demand for preventative health solutions and sustainable products. AI-driven personalized nutrition is emerging as a crucial difference, allowing marketers to target certain demographics, including athletes and gamers. AI-driven predictive analytics are transforming health risk assessments, enabling companies to create targeted nutraceuticals that improve efficacy and consumer happiness.

Sustainability continues to be a crucial trend, with upcycling and carbon-neutral techniques becoming increasingly significant. Startups lead innovation, with established companies like Givaudan partnering with upstart enterprises to develop new solutions, including Koffee’Up, an upcycled skincare component.

Industry leaders are concentrating on capacity augmentation and investment. BASF's development of vitamin A formulation capacity at its Ludwigshafen facility and ADM's investment in starch production illustrate initiatives to satisfy increasing global demand for plant-derived and nutraceutical components. This dynamic environment highlights the necessity of incorporating advanced technologies, sustainability and customized wellness solutions, thereby positioning stakeholders for sustained growth and consumer involvement in the postbiotics pet food industry.

Key Developments
• On March 28, 2023, TruMune Postbiotics, a Singapore-based company, revolutionized pet care with postbiotic supplements. The company introduced a total of 11 goods under the brand name Furment.
• In February 2024, Kerry Group introduced Plenibiotic (Lactobacillus casei subsp. 327), a postbiotic sourced from rice, intended for both human and pet supplement use. emphasizes the gut-skin connection, reflecting heightened consumer awareness of the correlation between gut health and general wellness.

Why Purchase the Report?
• To visualize the global postbiotics pet food market segmentation based on pet type, form, application, distribution channel and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the postbiotics pet food market with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global postbiotics pet food market report would provide approximately 55 tables, 61 figures and 203 pages.

Target Audience 2024
• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies