Pet News

New data from 2026 highlights significant trends in pet ownership and expenditure habits across Spain, indicating a thriving pet care market characterized by high adoption rates and traditional purchasing preferences. Over half of Spanish homes, specifically 54%, now include at least one animal companion, marking a two-percentage-point increase from the previous year. A notable 66% of these pets were acquired from rescue organizations or private individuals, with a smaller fraction (15.7%) purchased from retail outlets. Dogs continue to be the predominant choice, present in three-quarters of pet-owning households, although there's a slight decrease in dog-only homes, while cat-only households maintain stable figures. This information, drawn from the 2026 Barometer of Pet Parent Habits and Trends by the Spanish Pet Industry Association (AEDPAC), is based on 713 online interviews conducted early in the year.

Regarding dietary practices and purchasing channels, Spanish pet owners show distinct patterns, favoring a mix of food types and a strong inclination towards physical retail environments. The majority of dog owners (55%) feed their pets exclusively dry food, while 37% opt for a combination of dry and wet varieties. Cat owners are more inclined to mix food types, with nearly 60% using both, as opposed to 29% relying solely on dry food. Pet food constitutes the largest portion of monthly spending, accounting for 38.8% of the budget for both dog and cat owners, with dog owners spending slightly more. Despite a minor decrease in spending in 2025, the report notes this as a 'rationalized budget without compromising on care.' Furthermore, a significant majority (86% for dog owners and 86.8% for cat owners) prefer purchasing pet food from brick-and-mortar stores, primarily supermarkets, specialized chains, and veterinary clinics, underscoring the enduring appeal of in-person shopping experiences.

Beyond food, pet parents in Spain prioritize their animals' health and demonstrate a growing openness to insurance, reflecting a comprehensive approach to pet welfare. Online purchasing remains minimal, with less than 1% of pet owners relying exclusively on e-commerce. However, nearly 90% of pet parents now utilize an omnichannel approach, blending online and offline channels for convenience and comparison, indicating that this hybrid model has become the new standard. Health services are paramount, with over 90% of both dog and cat owners ensuring regular veterinary check-ups. Grooming services are also popular, utilized by close to 70% of dog owners and half of cat owners, while daycare and boarding services are less common. Monthly expenditures average €163 for dogs and €144 for cats, with veterinary care and additional items like hygiene products and toys making up significant portions. The increasing uptake of pet insurance, with average premiums of €25 for dogs and €24 for cats, highlights a trend towards greater formalization and adaptation to new pet care requirements.

The findings illuminate a committed community of pet owners in Spain who are dedicated to the well-being of their animal companions, emphasizing responsible care and a balanced approach to spending. This dedication not only supports the growth of the pet industry but also reflects a societal value placed on the companionship and health of pets, fostering a future where pet welfare continues to be a top priority and innovation in pet care services flourishes.

The pet food sector is undergoing a significant transformation as innovative protein sources, specifically mycoprotein and green leaf protein, are making their commercial debut. This evolution is driven by a global push for more sustainable practices, the necessity of diversifying supply chains, and a growing consumer appetite for advanced nutritional solutions for pets. Companies are actively exploring and implementing these alternative proteins, moving them from conceptual development to tangible market applications.

In Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, there's a notable increase in the evaluation of fungi-based, plant-based, and insect-derived components for pet food recipes. New companies in this space are successfully navigating regulatory hurdles, expanding their manufacturing capabilities, and establishing initial collaborations with pet food manufacturers. These developments highlight a pivotal moment where new dietary ingredients are becoming commercially viable and accessible.

Enifer, a Finnish biotechnology startup, reached a significant milestone in March 2026 by producing its first commercial batch of mycoprotein, PEKILO®Pet, following its approval by the European Food Safety Authority in 2024. This achievement underscores the growing availability of alternative proteins designed for pet nutrition across various markets. The company's successful production run of four tons provides substantial quantities for product development, allowing manufacturers to conduct real-world trials.

Enifer has already secured commercial agreements, including a partnership with Prima Pet from Finland, to develop cat and dog food incorporating mycoprotein. This collaboration aims to assess the protein's functional attributes and palatability. Another Finnish producer, Rovio Pet Foods, has partnered with Enifer to introduce a semi-moist dog treat featuring the novel ingredient. Enifer is also engaged with numerous other pet food producers, assisting them in integrating PEKILO into diverse product lines, with projects ranging from preliminary testing to advanced product formulation. Earlier, Enifer secured €36 million ($39 million) for a PEKILO production facility and an additional €12 million ($13 million) EU grant for recycling and reuse initiatives, underscoring significant investment in this area.

Parallel to mycoprotein's advancements, New Zealand's Leaft Foods has entered the pet nutrition market with its Alfalfa Protein Concentrate (APC), derived from green leaves. Leaft Foods has collaborated closely with pet food companies to ensure APC's suitability and has established a global distribution network with Meateor Pet Food Ingredients for the US market. The company's products are already being trialed or sold in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, Germany, and Canada.

Leaft Foods anticipates that several customers will launch APC-containing products this year. For instance, Hitowan, a Japanese pet retailer, has introduced a freeze-dried range featuring APC in various flavors, and additional New Zealand customers are developing kibble, freeze-dried options, and nutritional supplements. Operating from a 30,000 sq ft facility, which also produces Rubisco Protein Isolate for human consumption, Leaft Foods is now focused on scaling its production to meet increasing commercial demand. APC is rich in protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin K, antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein, and essential minerals. When used as a 5% substitute for beef in recipes, it can significantly reduce a product's carbon footprint by up to 20%. While farming innovation has garnered strong European governmental support, investors emphasize the importance of commercial readiness, and successful trials of these novel proteins could invigorate a sector that has recently faced challenges.

The pet food industry is on the cusp of a major transformation, embracing alternative protein sources like mycoprotein and green leaf protein. These innovations are being rapidly integrated into commercial products, driven by an increasing focus on environmental sustainability and the demand for diverse, high-quality pet nutrition. This shift is not merely about new ingredients but represents a broader movement towards ethical and eco-conscious practices within the global pet care market.