Ep 18: Pet Food Market Moves: Price Shock, Protein Pivots & Social Commerce

🔍 INSIGHTS & ANALYSIS

Algae, Ahiflower & Fermentation Are Rewiring Omega-3 Sourcing Pet parents want climate-positive nutrition, and suppliers are answering with plant- and microbe-derived DHA/EPA to reduce pressure on fisheries. Highlights include algae-based DHA produced via precision fermentation (35% DHA in biomass powder; see page 5) and ahiflower’s high ALA/SDA profile plus strong conversion data; one algal oil claims each ton replaces 66 tons of wild-caught fish (page 6), buffering brands from fish oil price shocks.

Source: ⁠Fishing for Omega alternatives⁠. 

Functional Fungi Rise—But Mind the Regulatory Gap Mushroom ingredients are moving from Expo floors into pet SKUs, with species like reishi, lion’s mane and turkey tail positioned for immune, cognitive and stress support. In the U.S., supplements aren’t covered by DSHEA; AAFCO only lists a handful of mushrooms as common foods, so NASC guidance, verified sourcing, and proper extraction (often dual hot water/alcohol) are essential.

Source: ⁠Functional fungi⁠. 

Sticker Shock Ahead: Owners Underestimate Lifetime Care by Thousands Synchrony’s 2025 study shows lifetime pet care costs up 11.65% for dogs and 19.4% for cats since 2022, with totals ranging roughly $22k–$61k (dogs) and $20k–$47k (cats). Nearly 8 in 10 owners underestimate costs; financial stress is rising as only ~1 in 5 has savings or insurance for big vet bills.

Source: ⁠Most pet owners underestimate lifetime care costs⁠. 

Gen Z Trades Vacations for Pets—Shifting Leisure & Spend Homeward A 5,000-person U.S. survey finds 56% of pet owners travel less after getting a pet; 61% worry more about pet wellbeing than their own vacation enjoyment, and many choose road trips or pet-friendly stays to keep animals close. Emotional bonds are redirecting discretionary budgets toward pet-centric products, services and at-home experiences.

Source: ⁠New survey shows Gen Z is skipping travel to stay home with their pets⁠. 

Retail Rebound Playbook: Private Label, TikTok & Protein Shifts NIQ data shows e-commerce up ~9% in 2024 (now ~40% of pet care), with TikTok-driven supplies sales hitting $158M (+93% YoY). As H5N1 pressures chicken—a flavor with ~40% dollar share—poultry sales fell $75M YoY, opening space for beef, lamb, salmon and multi-flavor lines; private-label supplies also outperformed, offering margin relief.

Source: ⁠TikTok to Private Label: How Pet Retailers Can Rebound From a Financial Slowdown⁠.