Pet Food Market Size, Demand and Share Report

Pet Food Market Size, Overview & Strategic Insights

The pet food market size valued at USD 108.16 billion in 2024, is forecast to grow from USD 113.02 billion in 2025 to USD 167.97 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 4.50% during the period from 2025 to 2034. Factors like increasing pet ownership, the inclination to treat pets like humans, an emphasis on pet health, and the expanding pet food industry are the concepts that propel the pet food market. 

Key Highlights 

• By region, North America dominated the market, holding the largest share of 43% in 2024.
• By region, Europe expects a significant growth in the market during the forecast period.
• By pet type, dog pet segment held the market with largest share of 43% in 2024.
• By pet type, cat segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period.

Market Overview 

The pet industry is thriving as an increasing number of families recognize the companionship and emotional rewards that pets offer. As per a 2023 report by the American Pet Products Association, around 70% of households in the U.S, which equates to about 90.5 million families, currently have a pet, up from 67% in 2019. This change emphasizes an increasing trend in which pets are regarded not merely as animals but as cherished family members. Consequently, expenditures on pet care items and services have surged. Families are focusing on the health of pets, spending on high-quality food, excellent healthcare, and even pet-friendly trips and experiences. The strengthening connection between pets and their owners is fueling considerable expansion in the pet food market. 

Animals can also experience high blood pressure and diabetes. Pet owners are now progressively moving towards selecting healthy foods produced by different companies due to growing awareness about maintaining their pets' health. As obesity among pets becomes more common, weight management has emerged as a major issue for pet owners. Pet food producers are creating tailored recipes that assist pets in managing a healthy weight or aiding in weight reduction.

This change in consumer preferences is anticipated to positively affect the pet food sector throughout the forecast period. The USDA has indicated a notable increase in the premium pet food segment and therefore, numerous consumers have adopted and financed it. Additionally, the role of FDA in overseeing food safety and quality standards has fostered consumer trust and spending. The swift expansion of E-commerce has greatly boosted the growth of the pet food market. 

Pet Food Market Trends 

• The significance of offering optimal nutrition for pets is increasing as more pet owners recognize health requirements of their animals and seek out natural, organic products and health supplements. Expenditure on pet care and pet food by consumers has notably increased in recent decades as pets have been treated more like humans. Pet owners tend to invest additional money in pet foods that provide unique features, like grain-free, organic, and high-protein diet choices.
• For instance, in 2023, The Rockster, a European dog food brand, introduced its bio-organic, superfood offerings for dogs to the United States. Phillips Pet Food & Supplies will distribute the products of company to over 120 independent pet retail stores nationwide. 
• Governments in different nations have launched initiatives to encourage the use of safe and nutritious ingredients to enhance the overall health of pets.
• In March 2025, the Nutriment Company, a supplier of high-quality natural pet food based in Stockholm, Sweden, purchased BAF Petfood, located in Krefeld, Germany, from Fressnapf, indicating a further advancement in the firm's growth throughout Europe. 

Market Opportunity 

Rising Product Innovation and Technology Advancements Leveraging the Market 

The pet food market has seen considerable expansion and innovation in recent years, propelled by evolving consumer tastes and technological advancements. Alongside sourcing sustainable ingredients, pet food producers are prioritizing eco-friendly packaging options. This involves the use of recyclable or compostable materials for packaging. A major use of AI in pet nutrition is developing customized dietary plans. Further the research and development on the constant enhancement in recipes and methods to improve the science and effectiveness of dog and cat food items accelerate the market expansion. 

Market Challenge 

Stringent Regulations by the Government

Pet food items are strictly regulated feed products, particularly in developed nations like the U.S. and various European countries. In these advanced markets, the tests performed on animal feeds are extremely rigorous across the supply chains, beginning with the components used in manufacturing through to their promotion and sales. Consequently, the stringent regulations linked to commercialization can serve as a considerable limiting factor in the pet food market expansion. 

Regional Insights

North America dominated the pet food market in 2024.

Pet cat adoption is rising in North America due to a strong demand for companionship and lower costs for cat food compared to dog food. The sector has experienced significant product innovation and premium offerings, highlighting changing consumer preferences and a greater emphasis on pet health and well-being. 

In the United States, the pet food market is vibrant, driven by an increasing number of households with pets. Pet owners are now investing more in high-quality, specialized pet food that caters to their pet's specific health requirements, including weight control, allergies, or age-related needs. The trend of pet humanization, where pet owners treat their pets like family, has also fueled the demand for premium, gourmet, and specialty pet food items, leading to overall market expansion. The swift expansion of e-commerce has changed the pet food industry in the U.S. Digital platforms provide convenience, subscription options, and a variety of products. A lot of pet owners today choose online shopping due to its convenience, home delivery, and savings. 

Europe expects a significant growth in the pet food market during the forecast period. In Europe, 150 pet food companies were founded, providing jobs for around 118,000 individuals in 2022, resulting in fierce competition to nourish the estimated 340 million pets across the continent. Cats and dogs are popular pets, with populations of 127 and 104 million, respectively, in Europe for the year 2022.

The UK pet food industry has observed several significant trends lately, indicating shifts in consumer tastes and lifestyle choices. A significant market factor has been the growing humanization of pets, as owners look for high-quality and nutritious food that aligns with the health standards, they have for themselves. This trend has increased the demand for natural and organic components in pet food as customers emphasize transparency and sustainability. 

• In February 2025, Meatly claimed it would be the first company globally to offer cultivated meat for sale as pet food. In partnership with The Pack, plant-based dog food brand. It is a limited edition of Chick Bites would be available for purchase at Pets at Home in Brentford, London, starting Friday. Chick Bites blend plant-based components with Meat Chicken to offer a healthy and eco-friendly substitute for conventional dog treats.

Segmental Insights 

Pet Type Insights

Dog pet segment held the largest share of the pet food market in 2024.

Demand for the dog food product is expected to increase as the trend of bringing dogs into homes as pets becomes more common. The concept of humanizing pets is becoming increasingly popular, especially among dogs. As a result, there has been a rise in dog ownership, and more people are providing their pets with nutritious food. The most favoured type of dog food is dry, representing around 30% of total dog food consumption, exceeding wet dog food, which held a 20% share.

Wet Pet food made from animals had greater environmental effects than dry dog food, primarily because of greater packaging demands and heavier transportation needs ascribed to its elevated water content. The maintenance and enhancement of dog weight have garnered more focus due to heightened consumer awareness regarding pet health. Shoppers choose from a variety of foods and prioritize product brands highly. Producers aim to enter the market for premium dog food and increase their overall profit margin. 

Cat segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the pet food market during the forecast period. The worldwide cat food industry is significantly shaped by the trend of cat humanization, where felines are regarded as part of the family. A recent Cargill survey revealed that 59% of pet owners currently have a cat, with over one-third having multiple cats, a rise attributed to cats' compatibility with contemporary, hectic urban living.

Even with the increase in cat ownership, survey findings indicate that numerous cat owners are unhappy with the available choices for fresh cat food. A recent survey by Cargill revealed that although 90% of cat owners buy dry food, two-thirds also buy canned food while half purchase wet food in pouches. Cat owners are progressively looking for functional foods that offer vital nutrients and cater to health requirements, which is contributing to a rising trend. 

• Avanti Pet Care, a division of Avanti Feeds, one of India's major aquaculture firms, ventured into the pet market by introducing its own cat food brand. The launch event, which took place on March 2, 2025, was attended by more than 100 veterinarians who specialize in companion animals. Avanti Group highlighted that it has delivered premium nutrition for both animals and humans via its innovative shrimp feed and processed shrimp products available worldwide. 

Recent Developments in the Pet Food Market

• In February 2025, Nestlé Purina PetCare extending its unique pyramid-shaped wet cat food in the United States and Europe. In Europe, a new variant featuring a clear jelly containing finely chopped tender pieces in three options like chicken, salmon, or white fish introduced in 15 markets under the Purina Gourmet Revelations label. Plans are in place to expand further in 2026 to achieve scale and promote growth. 
• In February 2025, Calysta and Marsapet introduced the first all-inclusive dog food containing FeedKind Pet protein, a cultured protein produced through fermentation that does not require arable land or animal products. 

Pet Food Market Leading Companies 

• Nestlé Purina PetCare
• Mars Petcare Inc.
• Hill's Pet Nutrition
• General Mills
• Diamond Pet Foods
• J.M. Smucker
• United Petfood
• Simmons Pet Food
• Spectrum Brands / United Pet Group
• Unicharm Corp

Segments Covered in the Report

By Pet Type

• Dog
  
  • Wet Food
  • Dry Food
  • Snacks/Treats
• Cat
  
  • Wet Food
  • Dry Food
  • Snacks/Treats
  • Others

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
• Latin America