Pet & Animal Food Manufacturers NAICS 3111

Nov 25, 2025 - Preparing for Higher H5N1 Risks

• According to a report in DVM360, pet food manufacturers are being urged by the FDA to prepare for heightened risks related to H5N1 avian influenza in their food safety plans as the fall migratory season increases detections. This follows recent cases where raw cat food tested positive for H5N1, including a San Francisco incident in which a cat consuming RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats became infected and was ultimately euthanized. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, raw meat, especially poultry, and unpasteurized milk have been sources of H5N1 infections in cats. Dogs may also contract H5N1, but typically present mild symptoms. The FDA advises that manufacturers source ingredients from healthy flocks and herds, use processing steps to neutralize H5N1 such as heat treatment, and apply controls throughout the supply chain to ensure the ingredients do not come from infected animals.
• Softening consumer sentiment and confidence in late 2025 reflects a growing weakness in discretionary spending, posing challenges for pet and animal food manufacturers. The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment dropped 6.2% month-over-month in November's preliminary results to 50.3, a 29.9% year-over-year decline. The Current Economic Conditions Index fell to 52.3, and the Expectations Index to 49, down 36.3% annually. Year-ahead inflation expectations rose to 4.7%, while long-run expectations declined to 3.6%, with increased uncertainty across both horizons. Meanwhile, the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index edged down to 94.6 from 95.6 in October, as improved current conditions (Present Situation Index up to 129.3) were offset by weaker short-term expectations (Expectations Index down to 71.5). Inflation expectations rose to 5.9%, and over half of consumers anticipated higher interest rates.

• According to Grain Journal, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has released its 2024–25 State of the US Animal Food Industry Report, spotlighting a $267.1 billion economic footprint and over 80,000 jobs tied to nearly 5,650 manufacturers nationwide. Key policy efforts outlined by the report include modernizing ingredient approvals, supporting the Innovative FEED Act, and addressing trade and supply chain challenges. Safety remains a focus, with less than 1% of FDA inspections requiring corrective action and over 1,000 facilities certified under AFIA’s Safe Feed/Safe Food programs. Sustainability efforts also gained traction, with over half of pet food and 37% of livestock feed incorporating upcycled ingredients. In 2024, US animal food exports reached $11.6 billion in value, led by shipments to Canada, Mexico, China, and South Korea. The report reinforces the sector’s strategic importance in agriculture and global trade, while highlighting its stances on regulatory reform, safety, and environmental stewardship.
• Premium pet food purchases regained strength in 2024 after declining in 2023, according to the 2025 Dog & Cat Report conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). Forty-one percent of dog owners purchased premium food in 2024, up 5% year over year, and 38% of cat owners bought premium food, up 9% year over year. Those purchasing basic food declined 7% in 2024 for both cat and dog owners year over year. Sales of mixers/toppers have increased significantly since 2018. Nearly 20% of cat owners and 16% of dog owners reported purchasing mixers/toppers in 2024, growth of 138% and 129% respectively. Sales of pre- and probiotic diet products also saw sales growth in 2024, with13% of dog owners and 12% of cat owners purchasing the products, per the report.