Millions of pets adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic are now reaching midlife, prompting growing attention around long-term pet health and preventive nutrition.
Royal Canin said new global research found many owners remain emotionally connected to their pets but are still delaying conversations about aging and health management. The study, commissioned by the company, surveyed more than 19,000 pet owners across multiple international markets.
The research found that 38% of surveyed owners believe nothing can be done about pet aging, while 55% avoid discussing the topic because it feels emotionally difficult. At the same time, 74% said they buy gifts for pet birthdays or milestones, showing continued growth in emotional spending within the pet care category.
Royal Canin said many “pandemic pets” are now reaching around six to seven years old, a stage increasingly recognized by veterinary researchers as an important period for preventive health support.
The company also pointed to a wider shift happening across the pet nutrition industry, where healthspan-focused feeding, age-specific nutrition, and preventive veterinary care are becoming more commercially important.
According to the survey, 44% of owners only begin thinking about aging once health problems appear, while nearly one-third delay taking action because their pet still “seems fine.”
The findings reflect a broader premiumization trend inside global pet care, where consumers continue increasing spending on specialized nutrition, wellness products, supplements, and preventive care services.
Pet care has become one of the most resilient growth categories across global FMCG over the past several years, supported by higher ownership levels following the pandemic and stronger emotional attachment between consumers and companion animals.
Mars, Incorporated said the research was presented alongside scientific discussions at the Royal Canin Veterinary Symposium 2026, which focused on the concept of “healthspan” — the portion of a pet’s life spent in good health before age-related illness develops.
Why it matters
The story highlights how pet nutrition is evolving beyond standard feeding into a longer-term health management category.
For FMCG companies and pet food suppliers, aging pets are becoming an increasingly important commercial segment. That could drive further growth in:
- premium nutrition,
- age-specific formulas,
- veterinary partnerships,
- supplements,
- and preventive wellness products.
The large generation of pets adopted during the pandemic is also creating a long-term demand cycle that may influence product development and category investment across the global pet care market for years ahead.
