At Pet Alliance Europe’s annual #PetPower Night in Brussels, industry leaders including FEDIAF EuropeanPetFood highlighted the therapeutic role of pets and their deep integration into family life. With companion animals now present in nearly half of all European households (139 million), this evolving human-animal bond continues to propel demand for specialized, high-quality pet nutrition.

Pet Alliance Europe, co-founded by European pet food federation FEDIAF and AnimalhealthEurope, hosted nearly 100 EU policymakers, veterinary associations, and welfare organizations in Brussels for its annual #PetPower Night. Held under the theme “A Different Kind of Care: Animals That Heal,” the event showcased the therapeutic power of companion animals, featuring initiatives like Italy’s Sanpa Dogs, which integrates rescued dog care into addiction rehabilitation.

For the global pet food industry, the gathering underscored the structural shifts shaping market growth. With 139 million households in Europe owning a pet, representing roughly 50 percent of all European homes, pets are increasingly viewed as core family members. This demographic trend is directly accelerating demand for premium, functional, and ethically produced pet food formulations across European markets.

A NEW REGULATORY BENCHMARK: THE EU’S FIRST UNIFIED WELFARE STANDARD

The event also coincided with a major regulatory shift for the sector. In June 2026, the European Union adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/1818, its first-ever unified framework on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats. Taking effect in 2028, the regulation establishes binding standards for breeding and housing, further reinforcing quality and welfare benchmarks across the entire companion animal value chain.