Its sales rose 10.0% to $317.8 million in the third quarter of 2026 on volume gains. In the UK, direct-to-consumer brand Butternut Box says it has served more than 315 million meals.
Why this market is moving now
- Fresh pet food keeps growing: Freshpet expects net sales growth of 12% to 13% in 2026, after 13.0% in 2025.
- Growth is coming from volume, not price: Freshpet's third-quarter 2026 volume rose 10.0%.
- Large pet food groups now sell fresh food too, as in General Mills' pet range of dry, wet and fresh foods.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshpet's net sales rose 13.0% to $1,102.0 million in 2025, from $975.2 million in 2024. | 1,102.0 USD million | 2025 | |
| Freshpet's net sales rose 10.0% to $317.8 million in the third quarter of 2026, driven by volume gains of 10.0%. | 317.8 USD million | 2026 | |
| Freshpet's net sales for the first nine months of 2026 rose 12.8% to $921.1 million. | 921.1 USD million | 2026 | |
| Freshpet raised its 2026 guidance to net sales growth of 12% to 13%, from 10% to 12%. | 12 % (low end of 2026 net sales growth guidance) | 2026 | |
| About 15.2 million US households bought Freshpet at the end of 2025; the brand is also sold in Canada and Europe. | 15.2 million households (United States) | 2025 | |
| General Mills' North America Pet segment, which sells dry, wet and fresh dog and cat food, had net sales of $2,613.3 million in the fiscal year to May 2026, up 6%. | 2,613.3 USD million | 2026 | |
| Butternut Box, a UK fresh dog food brand sold direct to consumers, says it has served more than 315 million meals (vendor claim). | 315 million meals (cumulative) | 2026 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Companies to watch
Freshpet
Refrigerated pet food maker with 2025 net sales of $1,102.0 million, sold in the United States, Canada and Europe.
General Mills (Blue Buffalo)
Its North America Pet segment, which includes fresh foods, had fiscal 2026 net sales of $2,613.3 million.
Butternut Box
UK direct-to-consumer fresh dog food brand that says it has served more than 315 million meals.
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the fresh pet food market?
No public primary source gives a world total. Freshpet, a refrigerated pet food maker, had net sales of $1,102.0 million in 2025, up 13.0%.
Is fresh pet food growing?
Yes. Freshpet's net sales rose 12.8% to $921.1 million in the first nine months of 2026, and it expects growth of 12% to 13% for the full year.
Who are the main fresh pet food companies?
Freshpet is a pure fresh pet food maker. General Mills sells fresh food within its pet range, and Butternut Box is a UK direct-to-consumer brand with more than 315 million meals served.
How many households buy fresh pet food?
About 15.2 million US households bought Freshpet at the end of 2025.
Where is fresh pet food sold?
Freshpet is sold in the United States, Canada and Europe through grocery, mass, pet specialty and club stores and online. Butternut Box sells direct to consumers in the UK.
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