The global pet food industry evolves with consumer demands for health-focused, natural, and sustainable products, propelling significant growth and innovation.
GLOBAL PET FOOD INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
The global pet food industry is undergoing significant transformation, driven by evolving consumer demands for healthier, natural, and sustainable products. According to a recent report by Bloomberg Intelligence, the pet care industry is expected to grow by more than 45% to surpass US$500 billion by 2030. Pet food specifically is forecasted to increase nearly 7% this year and maintain an annual growth of approximately 5%, reaching US$146 billion by the end of the decade. The United States remains the dominant market, followed by Europe, which accounts for nearly one-third of global sales. Additionally, China’s pet care sector is anticipated to grow at a compound annual rate of 6%. One of the most notable trends in the pet food industry is the increasing focus on health and wellbeing. Pet owners are prioritising nutritional content, seeking foods fortified with vitamins, minerals, and immune-supporting ingredients (Pet Food Industry, 2025). Natural and minimally processed ingredients are gaining traction, with consumers favouring transparency in labelling and avoiding artificial additives. Cost-effectiveness remains a key factor, with brands striving to offer value without compromising quality. The rise of online shopping is also influencing the industry, with digital platforms providing greater convenience and personalised product offerings. Furthermore, sustainability is playing an essential role, with alternative protein sources, such as Plant-Based and insectderived ingredients, gaining interest globally (IFEEDER, 2024).
SOUTH AFRICAN PET FOOD MARKET INSIGHTS
South Africa presents a unique perspective on pet nutrition. In this market, the emphasis remains on natural, high-protein products with clear labelling and minimal processing. Nevertheless, there is potential for Plant-Based proteins with strong natural credentials. A noteworthy development in South Africa’s pet food sector is the exploration of sustainable protein sources, particularly from wild game. Lallemand’s Yeast-Based Solutions for Pet Food: Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, represented and distributed in South Africa by Savannah, offers a premium range of yeast-based ingredients tailored for the pet food industry, ensuring both palatability and nutritional excellence. Brewer’s yeast and yeast extracts act as effective pet food palatants, enhancing flavour while providing essential nutrients. Rich in high-quality proteins, brewer’s yeast supports muscle maintenance and overall pet health. It supplies key amino acids vital for growth and recovery, making it an excellent dietary component for both young and ageing pets. Beyond its protein content— typically around 50% in inactive yeast—yeastbased products offer a concentrated source of B vitamins, including B1, B6, and B12. These vitamins play a crucial role in energy metabolism, nervous system function, and skin and coat health. Brewer’s yeast is also a natural source of essential trace minerals such as selenium and zinc, known for their immune-boosting and antioxidant properties, promoting overall vitality in companion animals.
LALVITA® T31 AND WHOLE-LYFE® 933
Lallemand’s Lalvita® T31 and WholeLyfe® 933 (autolysed yeast) provide highly appetising options, delivering bold, savoury notes that naturally attract pets to their food. Whether used in dry snacks, wet meals, or treats, their rich umami profiles enhance palatability, making each bite more appealing. Beyond taste, both contribute to the overall sensory experience, encouraging even the fussiest eaters to enjoy their meals. For formulators seeking allergen-free solutions, Lalvita® 2130 offers an alternative to brewer’s yeast, delivering essential nutritional benefits without introducing gluten into the formulation. For pet food brands prioritising sustainability and premium nutrition,
PLANT-BASED ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS
Additionally, for pet food formulations incorporating plant-based alternative proteins, Lallemand, through Savannah, offers torula yeast-based masking ingredients, such as the Toravita® range. Toravita® 024, for example, combines its naturally high protein content (>48%) with flavour-masking properties. This ingredient supports the development of pet food using diverse alternative protein sources, enabling flavourists to work from a more neutral base that can be customised to suit companion animals’ preferences while completing the nutritional profile. Engevita® HiPRO Beyond presents an exceptional alternative protein source. With a well-balanced flavour profile, high digestibility (as demonstrated through in vitro PDCAAS results), and the absence of antinutritional factors, this complete yeast-based protein provides all essential amino acids. It is particularly beneficial for puppies, kittens, and senior pets requiring superior nutrition. Unlike many alternative proteins, Engevita® HiPRO Beyond boasts a mild, pleasant taste without undesirable off-notes.
VERI-TE RESVERATROL
Veri-te™ Resveratrol is another ideal ingredient for use in canine health products to support age-related challenges. Many scientific studies have revealed chronic inflammation and oxidative stress as an important risk factor in the increasing incidences of cardiovascular, metabolic and cognitive conditions among companion animals. Stiffening of joints, loss in vitality and diminishing quality of life are the consequences of oxidative stress in dogs due to aging. Resveratrol promotes a normal inflammatory response and combats oxidative stress in dogs. Data suggests resveratrol supplementation depresses oxidative burst reactions while promoting pro-inflammatory leukocyte cytokine production and decreasing anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Verite™ resveratrol is therefore a perfect solution for specialized pet food to target joint, bone, cognitive, cardiovascular, or metabolic health. As the pet food industry continues to evolve, Lallemand’s yeast-based solutions provide a sustainable, high-quality option to meet the growing demand for natural, nutritious, and functional ingredients for pets.
