Forecast Period
|
2026-2030
|
|
Market Size (2024)
|
USD 843.89 Million
|
|
CAGR (2025-2030)
|
15.37%
|
|
Fastest Growing Segment
|
Online
|
|
Largest Market
|
North
|
|
Market Size (2030)
|
USD 1,983.78 Million
|
Market Overview
India Pet Food Market was valued at USD 843.89
million in 2024 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 15.37% through 2030. The
India pet food market has experienced substantial growth over the past decade,
fueled by increasing pet ownership, urbanization, and rising disposable
incomes. As more families adopt pets, particularly in urban areas, the demand
for high-quality pet food products has surged. Pet owners are increasingly
aware of the nutritional needs of their animals and are willing to invest in
premium and specialized pet food products.
According to the State of Pet
Homelessness report updated on may 2024, approximately 69.3 million stray cats
and dogs are found across India. The research indicates there are 8 million
stray cats and 52.5 million stray dogs. While these figures are significant,
they represent a decrease of over 10 million homeless animals compared to 2021.
This decline in stray animal populations may reflect efforts in various regions
to address pet homelessness through initiatives such as spaying and neutering
programs, adoption drives, and increased awareness about responsible pet
ownership.
Government and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) have been instrumental in implementing these measures,
aiming to reduce the stray animal population, mitigate public health risks, and
improve animal welfare standards across the country.
The market is also seeing a trend
towards natural and organic pet food, driven by increasing health consciousness
among pet owners. This shift is creating opportunities for new entrants and
niche brands focusing on holistic and organic pet food solutions.
Key Market Drivers
Increasing
Pet Ownership
The surge in pet ownership in India stands as a
pivotal driver for the pet food market. Increasingly, pets are being embraced
as integral family members, particularly in urban areas, driven by evolving
lifestyles, higher disposable incomes, and a growing recognition of the
emotional benefits and companionship pets offer.
This trend has led to a significant rise in demand for
pet food products. While dogs and cats remain the most popular pets, there is
also a notable increase in ownership of birds, fish, and small mammals,
expanding the diversity of available pet food offerings. According to Dogster,
63% of pet owners in India have dogs, 42% have cats, and 11% own at least four
pets, underscoring the market's robust growth potential.
Urbanization
and Lifestyle Changes
Urbanization is transforming India's demographic
landscape, with more people moving to cities in search of better opportunities.
This urban migration is accompanied by lifestyle changes, including the
adoption of pets as companions in smaller, often more isolated living
environments. Urban dwellers, who may not have the space or time for extensive
pet care routines, increasingly prefer the convenience of commercially prepared
pet food over traditional homemade diets. This shift is particularly evident
among the younger population and working professionals who view pets as family
members and are willing to spend more on their wellbeing, including
high-quality and specialized pet food.
Rising
Disposable Incomes
India's economic growth has led to a significant
increase in disposable incomes, especially among the middle and upper-middle
classes. This economic prosperity allows pet owners to spend more on premium
products, including pet food. Higher incomes also correlate with greater
awareness of pet health and nutrition, prompting owners to opt for
high-quality, nutritionally balanced pet food products. The willingness to
invest in premium, organic, and specialized diets for pets is growing,
mirroring trends seen in more developed markets. This trend is further
bolstered by the proliferation of information through digital media, making pet
owners more informed about the benefits of proper pet nutrition.
Awareness
of Pet Health and Nutrition
Increased awareness about pet health and nutrition is
driving the demand for high-quality pet food in India. Pet owners are becoming
more knowledgeable about the specific dietary needs of their animals, seeking
products that cater to different life stages, health conditions, and
breed-specific requirements. Veterinarians and pet care experts play a crucial
role in educating pet owners about the importance of balanced diets, leading to
a shift away from home-cooked meals to commercially prepared pet foods that
ensure consistent nutritional value. Brands are responding to this demand by
offering a variety of products, including age-specific formulas, grain-free
options, and therapeutic diets for pets with medical conditions.
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Key Market Challenges
Regulatory
and Quality Control Issues
One of the foremost challenges in the
Indian pet food market is the lack of stringent regulatory frameworks and
quality control standards. Unlike in many Western countries, where pet food
regulations are well-established and rigorously enforced, India lacks
comprehensive guidelines governing the production, labeling, and distribution
of pet food. This regulatory gap can lead to inconsistencies in product
quality, with some manufacturers potentially using substandard or harmful
ingredients.
The absence of clear regulations also
makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices. Labels may not
always provide complete or accurate information about the nutritional content
or safety of pet food products. This situation is exacerbated by the presence
of counterfeit or low-quality products in the market, which can jeopardize pet
health and erode consumer trust.
Limited
Awareness and Education
Another significant challenge is the
limited awareness and education among pet owners regarding proper pet
nutrition. Many Indian pet owners still rely on home-cooked meals or table
scraps for their pets, often due to cultural practices or misconceptions about
the benefits of commercially prepared pet food. While there is a growing
segment of the population that is knowledgeable about pet dietary needs, a
large portion remains unaware of the specific nutritional requirements of
different pets.
This lack of awareness can lead to
nutritional deficiencies and health issues in pets, such as obesity,
malnutrition, and various diet-related diseases. Additionally, pet owners may
not recognize the advantages of specialized diets tailored to specific life
stages, breeds, or health conditions. Bridging this knowledge gap is crucial
for the sustained growth of the pet food market in India.
Distribution
and Accessibility
Ensuring widespread distribution and
accessibility of pet food products is another major challenge. India is a vast
and diverse country with varying levels of infrastructure development across
its regions. While urban areas have relatively better access to a variety of
pet food products through supermarkets, pet specialty stores, and online
platforms, rural and semi-urban areas often lack such facilities.
This disparity in distribution means
that many pet owners in less developed regions have limited options for
purchasing quality pet food. Moreover, logistical challenges such as
transportation costs, supply chain inefficiencies, and storage issues can further
complicate the availability of pet food products in remote areas. Addressing
these logistical barriers is essential to ensure that pet food products are
accessible to a broader demographic.
Pricing
and Affordability
Pricing and affordability remain
significant concerns in the Indian pet food market. High-quality and
specialized pet food products often come with a premium price tag, which can be
a deterrent for many pet owners. While the middle and upper-middle classes are
increasingly willing to spend more on pet care, a substantial portion of the
population still finds premium pet food products out of reach financially.
The challenge of affordability is
compounded by the economic disparities across different regions and income
groups in India. For many pet owners, especially in lower-income segments, the
cost of commercially prepared pet food can be prohibitive, leading them to opt
for cheaper, lower-quality alternatives or home-cooked meals. This issue
underscores the need for a range of products at different price points to cater
to diverse consumer segments while ensuring nutritional adequacy.
Key Market Trends
Rise
in Demand for Natural and Organic Products
There is a growing preference among
Indian pet owners for natural and organic pet food products. This trend mirrors
broader global consumer behavior towards healthier and more sustainable
options. Natural pet foods are perceived as offering better nutritional value,
free from artificial additives, colors, and preservatives that can potentially
harm pets. Organic options, made from ingredients grown without synthetic
pesticides or fertilizers, are also gaining popularity among health-conscious
consumers.
Brands are responding to this demand by
introducing product lines that emphasize natural ingredients, such as whole
grains, vegetables, and high-quality proteins sourced from organic farms. These
products often highlight their environmental sustainability credentials,
appealing to pet owners concerned about their pets' well-being and the planet.
Premiumization
and Humanization of Pet Food
There is a noticeable trend towards
premiumization and humanization of pet food products in India. As pet ownership
becomes more integrated into urban lifestyles, pet owners are increasingly
willing to invest in higher-quality and specialized diets for their animals.
Premium pet foods often feature gourmet ingredients, novel proteins, and
customized formulations tailored to specific health needs or dietary
preferences.
Humanization of pet food refers to the
concept of treating pets as family members and providing them with diets that
mirror human food trends. This includes pet foods that mimic popular human
dietary trends such as grain-free, gluten-free, or paleo diets. Manufacturers
are also focusing on enhancing the palatability and sensory appeal of pet
foods, with flavors and textures that appeal to both pets and their owners.
Expansion
of Functional and Therapeutic Foods
Functional and therapeutic pet foods are
gaining traction in the Indian market, driven by increasing awareness of pet
health issues and the desire to address specific nutritional needs. Functional
foods are designed to provide additional health benefits beyond basic
nutrition, such as improved digestion, joint health, or skin and coat support.
These products often contain added supplements like probiotics, omega fatty
acids, glucosamine, and antioxidants.
Therapeutic diets cater to pets with
specific medical conditions such as allergies, obesity, diabetes, or kidney
disease. These diets are formulated under veterinary supervision to help manage
or alleviate symptoms and improve overall health outcomes. The availability of
such specialized diets is expanding as veterinarians play a more prominent role
in recommending nutritionally balanced options for pets with health concerns.
E-commerce
and Digital Influence
The role of e-commerce in shaping the
pet food market in India cannot be overstated. Online platforms have
democratized access to a wide range of pet food products, offering convenience,
competitive pricing, and a vast selection that may not be available in local
brick-and-mortar stores. This trend has been accelerated by the COVID-19
pandemic, which prompted a shift towards online shopping for pet essentials.
E-commerce platforms allow pet owners to
research product reviews, compare prices, and make informed purchasing
decisions from the comfort of their homes. Manufacturers and retailers are
leveraging digital marketing strategies, including social media campaigns and
influencer partnerships, to engage directly with consumers and build brand
loyalty. The convenience of subscription services for auto-delivery of pet food
further enhances customer retention and ensures regular supply.
Segmental Insights
Pet
Type Insights
In the Indian pet food market, the dog
food segment is experiencing rapid growth, driven by several factors
contributing to its prominence. Dogs are the most popular pets in India,
particularly in urban areas where pet ownership is on the rise due to changing
lifestyles and increasing disposable incomes. As more families choose to adopt
dogs, the demand for specialized and nutritionally balanced dog food products
has surged.
Manufacturers are responding to this
growing demand by introducing a wide range of dog food options tailored to
different breeds, sizes, and life stages. This includes dry kibble, wet food,
treats, and supplements that cater to specific dietary needs and preferences.
Premiumization within the dog food segment is also notable, with consumers
increasingly opting for higher-quality products that offer health benefits such
as improved digestion, joint support, and coat health.
The influence of veterinary
recommendations and increased awareness among dog owners about the importance
of proper nutrition further drives growth in this segment. Online platforms and
pet specialty stores play a crucial role in expanding access to a diverse array
of dog food brands and formulations, enhancing convenience and choice for pet
owners across the country. As the dog food segment continues to evolve,
innovations in product development and marketing strategies are expected to
sustain its rapid growth trajectory in the Indian market.
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Regional Insights
In the India pet food market, the North
region stands out as a dominant force due to several key factors.
Geographically, this region encompasses major metropolitan areas such as
Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region), Chandigarh, and Jaipur, which have high
urbanization rates and a large population base with significant disposable
incomes. These urban centers are hubs of economic activity and cultural
diversity, contributing to a higher concentration of pet ownership compared to
other regions.
Moreover, the North region benefits from
a well-developed infrastructure that supports the distribution and retailing of
pet food products. It hosts a dense network of supermarkets, pet specialty
stores, and veterinary clinics that cater to the needs of pet owners. This
accessibility to a variety of pet food brands and products enhances consumer
choice and promotes market growth.
Culturally, North India also has a
long-standing tradition of pet ownership, with pets being considered integral
members of many households. This cultural affinity towards pets drives demand
for high-quality and specialized pet food products that meet the nutritional
requirements and preferences of different pet species and breeds.
Overall, the North region's combination
of economic prosperity, urbanization, robust infrastructure, and cultural
factors positions it as a dominant player in shaping the trajectory of the pet
food market across India.
Recent Developments
- In April 2024, Bowlers® from Allana, a
respected name in pet health, introduced Nutrimax, an innovative new line of
dog food. The product debut was led by prominent veterinarians from various
regions of India, emphasizing its authoritative launch in the market.
- In October 2023, Scientific Remedies, a
companion animal health company, unveiled the pet food brand Affinity Advance
in India. This launch marks a strategic partnership between Scientific Remedies
and Affinity Petcare, aimed at delivering premium-quality pet food products to
pet owners across the country. The collaboration underscores their commitment
to offering top-tier nutrition solutions for pets in the Indian market.
Key Market Players
- Mars International India Private Limited
- Nestlé India Limited
- Himalaya Drug Company Private Limited
- Drools Pet Food Private Ltd
- Venky's (India) Limited
- Goa Medicos Private Limited (Farmina)
- AOV Agro Foods Pvt. Ltd
- Bharat International Pet Foods Private
Limited
- Orange Pet Nutrition Private Limited
- Hausberg Private Limited (Canine India)
|
By Pet Type
|
By Food Type
|
By Ingredients
|
By Sales Channel
|
By Region
|
|
|
|
|
- Pet Specialty Store
- Supermarket/Hypermarket
- Online
- Others
|
|
Report Scope:
In this report, the India Pet Food Market has been
segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends
which have also been detailed below:
- India Pet Food Market, By Pet
Type:
o Dog
o Cat
o Fish
o Other
- India Pet Food Market, By Food
Type:
o Dry
o Wet
o Others
- India Pet Food Market, By Ingredients:
o Plant-based
o Animal-based
- India Pet Food Market, By
Sales Channel:
o Pet Specialty Store
o Supermarket/Hypermarket
o Online
o Others
- India Pet Food Market, By
Region:
o North
o South
o East
o West
Competitive Landscape
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents
in the India Pet Food Market.
Available Customizations:
India Pet Food Market report with the given market
data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific
needs. The following customization options are available for the report:
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and
profiling of additional market players (up to five).
India Pet Food Market is an upcoming report to be
released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm
the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]