Interzoo 2026 wrapped up in Nuremberg last week and the ideas didn't disappoint. Brands, scientist, and founders from across the globe showed up with one thing in common: the industry is shifting, and it's moving fast. Here's a broad overview of the trends that defined this year's conversations.
Ingredient science is getting serious
Gone are the days when "natural" was enough of a claim. Across multiple sessions, speakers pushed the conversation toward functional, evidence-backed ingredients.
Symrise Pet Food presented research on targeted functional proteins for digestive health, arguing that precision formulation outperforms broad-spectrum approaches when it comes to delivering real results and claims pet owners can trust. APC inc. followed with peer-reviewed data on plasma in canine nutrition and its measurable impact on gut health and mobility. ADM Pet Nutrition introduced postbiotics as a stable, effective alternative to probiotics for microbiome support.
The underlying message was consistent: ingredients need science behind them, not just a good story.
Sustainability moved from trend to standard
Regenerative agriculture, circular sourcing, and low-carbon production were recurring themes rather than novelties. ADM Pet Nutrition presented a case study on integrating regenerative farming into the pet food supply chain, covering soil health, biodiversity, and carbon reduction. Intact Regenerative showcased pea and fava bean proteins grown with a 0.63 kg CO2e footprint. Kuro & Kai raised eyebrows with cat litter made from upcycled olive pits.
The clearest signal? Sustainability is no longer a differentiator. It's becoming the baseline expectation.
Pet health is expanding beyond food
Several sessions tackled health from angles that don't begin with a bowl. CHIP Pet Health AB, founded by a veterinarian, addressed the sobering reality that 60% of dogs and cats are overweight, and that 96% of weight loss programmes fail because they rely entirely on reducing food. Their approach centres on a preload supplement that works with hunger biology rather than against it.
PETFAMILY presented a proprietary material that breaks down ammonia in pet environments rather than masking it, with independent tests showing up to 82% removal. No fragrance, no cover-up: a genuine air quality solution for pet households.
Seppic introduced Sepifriend, a new ingredient validated specifically for topical and supplement applications, with safety methodology designed to meet European regulatory standards.
Clean cosmetics found its moment
One session stood out as directly relevant to the professional grooming world. Dr. Julian Rossig from SOCRE presented on ultra-clean cosmetics in high-end dog care, reporting strong growth in premium pet boutiques that are actively expanding into science-led, clean-formula grooming products. His point: high-performance grooming cosmetics are no longer a niche. Upscale physical retail is proving that pet owners will pay for products with real credentials.
It's a space Milla & Max knows well. Our formulas are developed alongside vets and groomers, pH-balanced for dogs, and built around skin health rather than fragrance and filler. That's exactly the category that's growing.
The Sun Protection collection is a good example of that. Built around real UV defence rather than marketing claims, it spans over ten products covering face, coat, and skin. Every formula is allergen-free and grounded in organic oils chosen for their nourishing and protective properties. From SPF 20 to SPF 50, the range covers different coat types, breeds, and use cases, giving groomers and pet owners a complete toolkit for summer care that doesn't compromise on skin health.
Technology is entering the salon ecosystem
Smart tech made a strong showing. ZeroMOUSE (mousebouncer GmbH) launched an AI-powered cat flap that detects prey animals and blocks entry until the cat drops them. Practical, specific, and genuinely clever.
HUNTER International introduced their VetCheck product line, developed using biomechanical gait analysis and veterinary expertise to design collars and harnesses that reduce pressure and support natural movement. It's a good example of how evidence-led design is starting to carry real weight with professional buyers.
The bigger picture
What Interzoo 2026 made clear is that the pet industry is professionalising across every category. Pet owners are more informed, retailers are raising their standards, and brands that can't back up their claims with science or sustainability credentials are going to have a harder time holding shelf space.
For professional groomers, that's actually good news. The clients walking through your door already expect more, which means there's real appetite for the kind of results that only well-formulated, professional-grade products can deliver.
The industry caught up to what good grooming always was. Now it just has the language to talk about it.