Interzoo 2026: beyond cats and dogs, upcycling, cultivated meat and more

Interzoo 2026 has wrapped up in the German city of Nuremberg, drawing 39,000 visitors from more than 130 countries, according to organizer WZF – Pet Industry Services. The pet industry event also brought together 2,400 exhibitors representing 70 countries.

GlobalPETS explored some of the major highlights, emerging trends and innovative products presented during the 4-day event.

Beyond cats and dogs

The small-mammal and backyard-animal categories experienced an unprecedented level of premiumization at this year’s show. Supreme Petfoods promoted their Selective Care Supplements range, specifically designed for small pets, alongside a Selective Junior Rabbit Food bundle that includes a preventive Early Years Care supplement. 

Burgess showcased global expansions of their specialized Excel and Country Values ranges, while Czech manufacturer Nutrin and poultry-focused brand Henola highlighted how specialized manufacturers are leaning into optimized, functional formulas for rodents and backyard chickens.

Belgian player Laroy Group shifted the paradigm for small pets by focusing heavily on “foraging” toys and snacks. For rabbits and guinea pigs, preventive health relies intrinsically on continuous dental wear and gut motility. Exhibitors pushed hard-baked, natural hay-and-herb logs, bark-coated treats and interactive foraging mats. 

From upcycled waste to preventive care 

More pet players are taking by-products from human food and beverage manufacturing that would normally be composted and giving them a second life as higher-value pet products. 

Just as Kuro & Kai capitalized on olive pits for cat litter, EB Keksz showcased how the industry can intercept waste from cold-pressed juice manufacturing. 

Preventive health was present at this edition of Interzoo. Italian Gheda Petfood introduced a specialized formula to combat oxidative stress and aging in seniors, as well as a version targeting oral and dental health for small breeds.

Cultivated meat  

Cultivated meat continues moving from laboratory development toward commercial application. Bene Meat presented the first EU trial of cultivated meat for dog treats at Interzoo, which, according to the company, delivered “highly positive” outcomes.

More than 95% of participants expressed confidence in feeding cultivated meat to their dogs, with very few reporting any concerns. The study also highlighted significant market potential, as over 86% of respondents said they would be willing to purchase the product once it reaches the market.

FORZA10 brand, part of Nasta Pet Food, introduced Coolty Meat, a complete wet dog food containing cultivated meat supplied by BeneMeat. “This is the world’s first commercial launch of complete pet food with cultivated meat and represents a major milestone for the pet food industry,” the company says. 

Packaging: sustainability and value 

Brands are rethinking their packaging strategies, driven simultaneously by environmental regulations and economic realities. Coveris presented their new PFAS-free pet food packaging, addressing major health and environmental concerns regarding “forever chemicals.” 

“Pet food producers are actively seeking solutions that balance product protection, environmental impact, and operational efficiency,” says the company in relation to the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), an EU law standardizing packaging rules across Europe.

Packaging is also behind the recent investment by the Indian pet food brand Drools in the fresh segment. The Bengaluru-based firm presented Asia’s first fresh pet food in aseptic Tetra Recart cartons in Germany, made in collaboration with Tetra Pak.

British pet food manufacturer Supreme Petfoods also presented its strategy to introduce smaller pack sizes for its Tiny Friends Farm line for value-conscious pet owners.

Global processing companies like Lan Handling and JBT Marel promoted their new automation systems engineered specifically for the explosion of small-format packaging. They showcased robotic handling and filling solutions designed exclusively to manage the rapid production of flexible single-serve pouches ranging from 50g to 300g, proving that the supply chain is actively retooling to support smaller SKUs.

Unique products 

Visitors to Interzoo 2026 could also see an array of eccentric, highly specialized products. 

Bite Right presented their pet-friendly “burgers and spaghetti,” leaning into the humanization trend. 

Other highlights included Nutrin’s “Nature” line for rats. The company claims it covers all nutritional needs for omnivorous rodents without relying on artificial dyes, preservatives or flavorings.

Estonian company ViWell presented ready-to-drink beef-flavored hydration for dogs with electrolytes, amino acids and vitamins.

The Max Fusion (Maxfusion) line of pet accessories and dog toys is manufactured in China and distributed in the United States by Arlee Home & Pet and in the United Kingdom by Pet Brands Ltd. The brand incorporates Nike Grind, a source of recycled materials, including recycled sneakers. 

PetsEar presented its specialized noise-reducing earmuffs and headphones designed for dogs and cats, featuring ergonomic designs to dampen loud, distressing noises such as fireworks, thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners, and city traffic.

Some of the models even come with magnetic awareness covers, washable pads, and pouches to attach tracking devices like Apple AirTags.

Interzoo awards

Ahead of the official opening, the organizer, WZF – Pet Industry Services, hosted the prestigious Interzoo Awards. 

dsm-firmenich took home the prestigious Interzoo Sustainability Award 2026 for developing highly functional, algae-based omega-3 ingredients blending sustainable marine sourcing with preventive health.

The Long Distance Award was presented to Zealandia Ltd., based in Auckland, New Zealand. The manufacturer of sustainable dog and cat food traveled 18,300 kilometers to showcase its products in Nuremberg. 

The entrepreneurial drive of the industry’s newcomers was celebrated with the inaugural Interzoo Pioneer Award. The Cologne-based startup “redoggo” won the prize for its ingenious approach to manufacturing dog toys from upcycled automotive materials, such as discarded airbags and seatbelts.

Throughout the event, 37 start-ups and established brands took the stage to pitch their most innovative products and solutions. 

The Fresh Ideas Contest, an award ceremony celebrating the industry’s most creative and practical new concepts, recognized German startup mousebouncer for developing an AI-powered cat flap. Using advanced facial recognition technology, this smart door detects what is in a cat’s mouth and automatically locks, effectively preventing feline companions from bringing unwanted hunting trophies into the house. 

The runner-up prize was awarded to Spanish start-up Kuro & Kai for its strong commitment to sustainability, with its natural cat litter crafted entirely from upcycled olive pits. 

Frankfurt-based Lumiies secured the third spot with its premium line of dog accessories, proving that elevating everyday pet gear remains a winning strategy in the modern pet care market.

The next edition of Interzoo will take place from 23 to 26 May 2028.