Pet Food Supply Chains Under Pressure: UK Guide

Two major Pacific fisheries failed in the same season. Peru's anchovy extraction for fishmeal fell 97.6% in May. Japan's sardine grounds in eastern Hokkaido produced zero catches, with 24 purse-seine vessels leaving empty. Global fishmeal output was already down 26% before the second failure hit.

For UK pet owners, this matters more than you might expect. The UK sources 60-70% of its pet food ingredients from overseas, and fishmeal is a staple in everything from cat food to tropical fish flakes. When supply contracts on that scale, the knock-on effects reach your pet's bowl.

This guide breaks down what is happening, how it affects the brands on UK shelves, and what you can do to keep your pet fed without overpaying or compromising nutrition.

What Happened to the Global Fish Supply?

The story starts with El Nino. Warmer Pacific waters disrupted the anchovy populations off Peru's coast, the world's single largest source of fishmeal. Peru set a quota of 1.9 million metric tonnes for its first fishing season of 2026, roughly 27% of estimated biomass, but actual landings fell well short. Juvenile fish dominated the catch, eight fishing zones were closed, and anchovy congregated further offshore than usual, making harvesting inefficient.

Meanwhile, Japan's Pacific sardine fishery, which normally operates out of eastern Hokkaido, simply failed to form. Twenty-four purse-seine units left the grounds without catches. Supply shortages are lifting prices, and the stock's long-term outlook is uncertain.

These are not isolated blips. The IFFO, the Marine Ingredients Organisation, reports that lower raw material availability in Peru, Chile, and Northern Europe is constraining global marine ingredient supplies across the board. Northern Europe's reduced availability is driven by different factors than El Nino, but the cumulative effect is the same: less fishmeal, higher prices.

How This Reaches UK Pet Food Shelves

UK pet food manufacturers rely on imported fishmeal and fish oil for protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and palatability. According to industry data, the UK's domestic fishmeal production, concentrated in Scotland, covers only a fraction of demand. Most high-quality fishmeal comes from Peru, Chile, Norway, and Iceland.

When global supply drops 26%, the effects ripple through the supply chain in stages:

First, ingredient costs rise. Fishmeal prices are already up 30-40% since 2020. Manufacturers on fixed-price contracts absorb the hit temporarily, but those contracts expire. The IFFO notes that Chinese aquafeed production rose 17.4% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, adding competitive pressure on remaining supply.

Then, reformulation begins. Some manufacturers reduce fishmeal inclusion rates, substituting poultry meal or plant proteins. This can change the nutritional profile of familiar brands without any label redesign. The protein percentage might stay the same, but the amino acid balance shifts.

Finally, prices reach consumers. UK pet food is a GBP 3 billion-plus market. With 60-70% import dependence for key ingredients, manufacturers pass costs through gradually. Expect incremental price increases of 5-15% on fish-based products over the next six months.

Which Products Are Most Exposed?

Not all pet food is equally vulnerable. The exposure depends on how much fish-derived ingredient the formula contains:

High exposure: Fish-first cat foods (salmon, whitefish, tuna formulas), tropical and marine fish food, and premium omega-3 supplements. These products use fishmeal or fish oil as a primary ingredient.

Medium exposure: Multi-protein dog foods that include fish alongside chicken or lamb. The fish component contributes to cost, but substitution is easier when another protein leads the recipe.

Low exposure: Chicken-first or beef-first formulas with no fish in the top five ingredients. UK-sourced poultry and grain-based foods face less supply chain pressure, though grain prices carry their own volatility.

What UK Pet Owners Can Do Now

1. Check Your Pet Food's Ingredients

Turn the bag around. If fishmeal, fish oil, salmon, whitefish, or anchovy appears in the first five ingredients, the product is directly exposed to marine supply pressures. This does not mean you need to switch immediately, but it helps you understand where price increases might land.

2. Consider Chicken-First Alternatives

Chicken-based complete foods bypass the marine supply chain entirely. IAMS Adult Complete Dry Cat Food Chicken uses chicken as the primary protein with no fish in the top ingredients. For dogs, James Wellbeloved Turkey and Vegetables offers a poultry-led formula that avoids fish altogether.

3. Look at Insect and Plant-Based Options

The UK's insect protein sector is small but growing, with several pilot-scale farms producing under 5,000 tonnes annually. Insect-based pet foods are a genuine alternative for owners concerned about marine supply chains. Algal oils are also emerging as a plant-derived omega-3 source that sidesteps fish entirely.

4. Buy a Small Buffer, Not a Hoard

Buying an extra bag or two of your pet's current food makes sense while supply stabilises. Check the best-before date and store dry food in a cool, sealed container to maintain freshness. Avoid buying months' worth, as pet food does degrade over time, and sudden brand changes can cause digestive upset.

5. Transition Gradually If You Switch

If you do change brands, mix the old and new food over 7-10 days. Start with 75% old and 25% new, shifting the ratio every two to three days. This gives your pet's digestive system time to adjust and reduces the risk of vomiting or diarrhoea.

Recommended Products

These options are either fish-free or use fish as a secondary ingredient, reducing exposure to marine supply chain volatility:

For cats:

• IAMS Adult Complete Dry Cat Food Chicken 3kg - Chicken-first, no fish in top ingredients
• Scrumbles Sensitive+ Chicken Grain Free Dry Cat Food 700g - Grain-free, chicken-led, suitable for sensitive stomachs
• Purina One Adult Complete Dry Cat Food with Salmon 800g - If you prefer fish-based, this uses sustainably sourced salmon

For dogs:

• Harringtons Complete Salmon and Potato 12kg - UK-made, but salmon-dependent, so monitor for price changes
• James Wellbeloved Turkey and Vegetables 10kg - Poultry-led, avoids fish ingredients
• Orijen Adult Original 11.4kg - Multi-protein with fish as secondary ingredient

For fish keepers:

• AQUARIAN Complete Nutrition Tropical Fish Flakes 200g - Standard tropical fish food, expect possible price increases
• Tetra Min Tropical Fish Food Flakes 200g - Widely available, monitor stock levels

The Longer View

The structural issue is that the UK imports 60-70% of its pet food ingredients, with domestic production covering only 30-40% of total demand. Fishmeal from Peru and Chile, soybean meal from Brazil, and vitamins from China form the backbone of most formulations. When any one of these supply chains tightens, the effects compound.

There are reasons for cautious optimism. The second half of 2026 typically sees stronger marine ingredient output from Morocco, China, India, and Oman. IFFO suggests these regions could offset some of the South American shortfall. But the Japan sardine failure adds a second structural risk that is temperature-linked and may recur.

For UK pet owners, the practical takeaway is straightforward: diversify your pet's protein sources where possible, keep a small buffer of staple foods, and stay informed about which brands are most exposed to marine ingredients. You do not need to overhaul your pet's diet overnight, but understanding the supply chain helps you make smarter choices when prices shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will pet food prices go up in the UK in 2026?

Fishmeal prices have already risen 30-40% since 2020, and two major Pacific fisheries failed in the same season. The UK imports 60-70% of its pet food ingredients, so further price increases are likely for fish-based and premium pet foods over the coming months.

What are alternatives to fish-based pet food?

UK-sourced poultry, insect protein, and algal oils are emerging alternatives. Several UK pet food brands now offer chicken-first or insect-based formulas that avoid marine ingredients entirely. These can maintain omega-3 intake through plant-derived or fermentation-sourced alternatives.

How can I tell if my pet food uses fish ingredients?

Check the ingredients list on the packaging. Fishmeal, fish oil, salmon, whitefish, and anchovy are the most common marine ingredients. If any of these appear in the first five ingredients, the product is exposed to fish supply chain pressures.

Should I stock up on pet food before prices rise?

Buying a few extra bags of your pet's current food makes sense, but avoid hoarding. Check the best-before date and store dry food in a cool, sealed container. Switching abruptly between brands can cause digestive upset, so plan any change gradually over 7-10 days.

Are UK-sourced pet foods more reliable?

UK-sourced ingredients face fewer international supply chain risks, but domestic production covers only 30-40% of total pet food ingredient demand. Brands using primarily UK poultry and grains are better positioned than those relying on imported fishmeal, though complete self-sufficiency is rare.

Suggested Reading

Cat Food Supply Disruption 2026: What UK Owners Should Know How to Choose Dry Cat Food: UK Buyer Guide Wet vs Dry Cat Food: Which Is Better for Your Cat? Best Fish Food UK 2026: Our Top Picks Reviewed

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Last reviewed: September 8, 2026 · Evidence-based content · Contains affiliate links