2021 Pet Food Packaging Trends

Transparency, Ease of Use, Relationship Building and Sustainability are Some of the Top Trends in Pet Food Packaging

Do you know someone who welcomed home a new dog during the pandemic? You’re not the only one! According to the ASPCA, 1 in 5 families adopted a new dog or cat during Covid and the companionship of a pet became an essential part of these people’s lives.

In the past, dogs were simply “the family pet” and owners were more likely to buy the easiest or cheapest food and treats available. This is no longer the case. Today, dogs are members of the family and owners want to buy food that is the same quality they would buy for a human.

If you are someone who welcomed a pet into your home this last year, pay attention to the pet brands you love to see if they are following these trends!

If you own a pet food brand, keep these four trends in mind. Even though 2021 is ending, these trends are sure to carry through into the new year!

1. Transparent Pet Food Packaging

In 2021, one of the top trends for food packaging was transparency. People want to know exactly what they are getting when they buy a product. The same way people want to know exactly what is in their food, they want to know exactly what is in their pet’s food.

Transparency creates trust and helps build relationships with customers. This was one of the reasons Big Easy Blends asked the ICEY team to create packaging for Paw Pops™ frozen slushy dog treats that highlights the ingredients. Not only what’s included, vitamins, but also what is NOT included - grains!

2. Ease of Use

Pets are many peoples’ children. Therefore, just like parents want snacks that come in easy packaging to give their kids, easy packaging also appeals to pet parents.

Packaging that closes easily and securely. Packaging that is individually wrapped. Pakaging that doesn’t take up a lot of space. These are a few ways to make pet food packaging easy.

MyPup™ is a great example of easy packaging designs!

Each individual MyPup™ comes in an easy to open popsicle pouch. Owners can easily squeeze the contents into their dog’s bowl or let them enjoy it straight from the pouch - just like the kids!

The main bag can be easily resealed to keep each frozen slushy treat fresh. It is also the perfect size to keep in the pantry or freezer.

3. Relationship Building Pet Food Packaging

Appealing to customers’ emotions has always been an important tool in marketing. However, in the last two years there has been a shift in the type of emotional marketing.

Since the pandemic, brands are more focused on appealing to their customers’ sense of safety and emotional well-being in order to build relationships and this goes for pet food customers too. Pet packaging needs to make pet owners feel safe and that what they are purchasing will be good for their pet and make them happy.

The owners of Paw Pops™ were inspired by their own dog Copper. Copper is a member of the family, and that meant creating a product that was the same quality of food for every other family member!

That’s why on the front of the Paw Pops™ bag it clearly states, “Human Grade.” Right away, pet owners are put at ease. They know when they buy Paw Pops™ they are buying a product that is safe for their pup. They know their pups are getting a REAL food treat!

4. Sustainable Pet Food Packaging

Pet owners are not only concerned about how the food impacts their pets, but how the packaging it comes in impacts the environment around their pets.

The demand for sustainable packaging in food products has been increasing for the last several years. This demand isn’t just for packaging that provides human food.

The most common questions currently being asked on the internet about pet food are related to packaging recyclability:

• How to recycle pet food packaging?

• Can pet food cans be recycled?

• Are pet food pouches recyclable?

While these were the top questions asked around pet food packaging this year, this practice of researching trending questions is a great practice year-round for brands. It is a quick way to get insight into the values of your ideal client so you can create products and packaging that speaks to them.

The Purchasing Power of Pets

This year’s trends make it clear who the MVPs of the pandemic were – pets! Bringing comfort and companionship during a difficult time, they made their way from family pet to family member in homes around the world.

While trends tend to come and go, we don’t think this new position pets have found in the family will be changing. This means, following the 4 tips above is the perfect place to begin when creating packaging for pet food products!