The global pet food testing market has seen notable expansion in recent years, growing from $7.63 billion in 2023 to $8.18 billion in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% according to new research.

This growth is driven by increasing concerns around pet health and nutrition, a rise in pet food manufacturing facilities, and a growing demand for transparency in pet food labelling. With the rise in food allergies in pets and greater disposable incomes, more consumers are prioritising high-quality, well-labelled pet food for their animals.

The Importance of Pet Food Testing

Pet food testing is an essential process to ensure that pet food products meet safety, quality, and nutritional standards. It involves a range of tests carried out in laboratories to assess whether pet food is fit for consumption and if it provides the necessary nutrients for a pet’s health and well-being. The growing demand for higher quality control in pet food manufacturing has highlighted the need for robust testing processes to protect pets from harmful substances and to ensure they receive proper nutrition.

The pet food testing market is expected to continue its upward trend, reaching a projected value of $10.89 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 7.4%. Several factors are contributing to this growth, including increased pet ownership, the humanisation of pets, and growing consumer awareness of the importance of providing safe, nutritious, and well-packaged pet food. Additionally, the shift towards direct-to-consumer sales models, rising consumer trust in branded portals, and strict compliance with food safety standards are key drivers behind the market’s expansion.

The rise in pet ownership, particularly as pets become more integrated into family life, is also boosting the demand for high-quality pet food. As pets provide emotional support and companionship, more owners are seeking to ensure their animals’ health and longevity through better nutrition. Consequently, the need for rigorous pet food testing has grown in parallel, with manufacturers looking to comply with high safety and nutritional standards.

Key Players in the Industry

Several major companies are leading the growth of the pet food testing market. Notable players include:

  • Mars
  • J.M. Smucker Co.
  • Nestlé Purina Petcare
  • Eurofins Scientific SE
  • SGS SA
  • Bureau Veritas
  • Unicharm Corp.
  • Intertek Group Plc

These companies are investing in innovative testing technologies and solutions to ensure pet food quality, safety, and nutritional adequacy.

Trends Shaping the Pet Food Testing Market

A key trend driving growth in the pet food testing sector is the development of advanced diagnostic tools, such as Salmonella testing kits, designed to quickly and accurately detect contaminants in pet food. These kits are critical in helping manufacturers meet stringent safety regulations and prevent the distribution of harmful products.

Salmonella testing kits are widely used to detect the presence of Salmonella bacteria in food, water, and environmental samples. The speed and accuracy of these kits allow manufacturers to identify potential safety risks before products reach the market, ensuring compliance with safety standards and protecting pets from foodborne illnesses.

The growing focus on technological advancements in pet food testing is likely to play a major role in the continued expansion of the market.