Pet Food Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, By Pet Type (Dog, Cat, Others), By Sales Channel (Pet Specialty Store, Supermarket/Hypermarket, Online, Others), By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Pet Food market was valued at USD 201.34 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 309.75 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.50% during the forecast period. The global pet food market is expanding due to rising pet ownership, humanization of pets, and increasing demand for premium, organic, and functional pet food products. Consumers seek high-quality, nutritious, and customized diets for their pets, driving innovation in ingredients and formulations. Sustainability trends, including eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing, are shaping industry developments. E-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales channels are growing rapidly, enhancing market accessibility.

Pet ownership statistics indicate that millennials represent the largest demographic of pet owners in the U.S. As of 2024, millennials account for 33% of total pet owners, demonstrating their strong affinity for pet companionship. They are followed by Generation X, which comprises 25% of pet owners, and baby boomers, who make up 24%. The increasing pet ownership among millennials is driven by factors such as higher disposable incomes, delayed parenthood trends, and a growing emphasis on pet health and wellness. This generational shift is influencing market trends, with millennials seeking premium, organic, and customized pet food options to meet their pets' evolving needs.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Pet Ownership and Humanization of Pets

The increasing number of pet owners worldwide is a primary driver of the pet food market. As urbanization and nuclear families grow, more people are adopting pets for companionship, emotional support, and security. Particularly in developed economies, pets are considered family members, leading to increased spending on high-quality food, treats, and supplements. This "humanization" trend has driven demand for pet food products that mimic human diets, such as organic, grain-free, and high-protein options. Additionally, the rise of pet adoption and rescue initiatives further fuels market growth, as more households integrate pets into their lifestyles. For instance, Over the past three decades, pet ownership in the U.S. has experienced substantial growth. As of 2024, 66% of U.S. households, equivalent to 86.9 million homes, have a pet.

Premiumization and Demand for Functional & Organic Ingredients

Consumers are shifting toward premium and specialized pet food products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Functional pet foods containing probiotics, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and other bioactive ingredients are gaining popularity as pet owners prioritize digestive health, immunity, and joint support. Additionally, the growing awareness of food sensitivities and allergies in pets has led to increased demand for grain-free, hypoallergenic, and limited-ingredient diets. Organic and natural pet food options are also on the rise, as consumers seek clean-label products with no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. Pet food manufacturers are innovating to meet these evolving preferences, leading to the expansion of high-quality, nutritionally rich offerings.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing Trends

Environmental concerns and ethical considerations are reshaping the pet food market. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the ecological impact of pet food production, leading to the demand for sustainably sourced ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and alternative protein sources such as insect-based or plant-based pet foods. Additionally, transparency in supply chains and ethical treatment of animals used in pet food manufacturing have become critical factors influencing purchasing decisions. Many brands are responding by incorporating recyclable packaging, reducing carbon footprints, and adopting cruelty-free and humane sourcing practices. Sustainability initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in the long-term development of the pet food industry.

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Key Market Challenges

Fluctuating Raw Material Prices and Supply Chain Disruptions

One of the biggest challenges in the pet food industry is the volatility in raw material prices and disruptions in the global supply chain. The production of pet food relies on ingredients such as meat, grains, vegetables, and specialty additives like vitamins and probiotics. Fluctuations in the prices of these ingredients, driven by factors like climate change, agricultural output, and geopolitical tensions, significantly impact production costs. Additionally, supply chain disruptions, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to raw material shortages, delays in shipping, and increased logistics expenses.

Manufacturers must navigate these uncertainties by diversifying sourcing strategies, improving inventory management, and leveraging local supply chains where possible. However, passing these increased costs onto consumers can lead to reduced demand, especially in price-sensitive markets. To mitigate this challenge, many companies are exploring alternative protein sources, such as insect-based or lab-grown pet food, to reduce dependency on traditional meat and grain supplies.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety Concerns

The pet food industry is highly regulated, with strict quality and safety standards imposed by governing bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and other regional authorities. Compliance with these evolving regulations presents a significant challenge for manufacturers, particularly when operating in multiple markets with varying requirements.

Product recalls due to contamination, mislabeling, or the presence of harmful substances can severely damage brand reputation and consumer trust. For instance, past incidents involving contaminated pet food with salmonella or toxic ingredients have led to increased scrutiny from regulatory agencies and more stringent testing requirements. Companies must invest in rigorous quality control measures, traceability systems, and compliance strategies to ensure their products meet global safety standards.

Key Market Trends

Focus on Pet Health & Wellness

The growing focus on pet health and wellness is a major trend shaping the global pet food market. Pet owners are increasingly prioritizing high-quality, nutritious food that supports overall well-being, mirroring human dietary trends. This shift has led to a rising demand for functional pet food enriched with probiotics, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin.

Additionally, grain-free, organic, and natural pet food options are gaining traction as consumers seek minimally processed diets free from artificial additives and fillers. Brands are innovating with superfoods, novel proteins, and customized nutrition plans tailored to specific breeds, life stages, and health conditions.

Veterinarian-formulated diets addressing concerns like obesity, digestive health, and skin allergies are also becoming mainstream. Advances in pet food technology, such as AI-driven dietary recommendations and DNA-based nutrition plans, further enhance pet health optimization.

Rising Disposable Incomes & Willingness to Spend

Increasing disposable incomes, particularly in emerging economies, are driving higher spending on premium pet food. As pet owners' financial capabilities grow, they are more willing to invest in high-quality, organic, and functional pet nutrition. This shift is fueling demand for premium, grain-free, and human-grade pet food that offers enhanced health benefits.

Consumers are also opting for customized and vet-formulated diets, reflecting a greater focus on pet well-being. The trend extends to subscription-based and direct-to-consumer models, where convenience and quality drive repeat purchases. With pet humanization on the rise, discretionary spending on pet food is expected to grow further.

Segmental Insights

Sales Channel Insights

Pet specialty stores dominated the global pet food market due to their extensive product variety, expert guidance, and premium offerings. These stores provide high-quality, specialized pet food, including organic, grain-free, and prescription diets, catering to health-conscious pet owners. Leading chains like PetSmart and Petco enhance customer experience through loyalty programs, exclusive brands, and personalized recommendations. Additionally, pet specialty stores often offer in-store veterinary services and pet grooming, further strengthening consumer trust. Their focus on premiumization and tailored nutrition, combined with a growing demand for functional pet food, solidifies their dominance in the global pet food distribution landscape.

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Regional Insights

North America dominated the global pet food market due to high pet ownership rates, increasing humanization of pets, and strong consumer demand for premium and functional pet food. The region, led by the United States and Canada, has a well-established pet food industry with major players like Mars Petcare, Nestlé Purina, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. The rise of e-commerce, direct-to-consumer sales, and personalized pet nutrition further fuels market growth. Additionally, North America has stringent pet food regulations, ensuring high-quality and safe products. The growing trend toward sustainable, organic, and specialized pet diets continues to drive market expansion in the region.

Recent Developments

• In February 2025, Marsapet launched MicroBell, a vegan, grain-free dog food formulated with Calysta's FeedKind Pet protein—a cultured, non-GMO protein created through natural fermentation without relying on arable land or animal ingredients. MicroBell blends sweet potatoes, peas, FeedKind protein, and potatoes, delivering a balanced amino acid profile ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.

• In September 2024, Growel Group, a well-established player in aquaculture feeds, aqua healthcare, and seafood processing, strategically entered the rapidly expanding pet food market with the launch of its new brand, 'Carniwel'.

• In February 2025, French pet food producer Natura Plus Ultra Pet Food announced investments to enhance its manufacturing capacity and product offerings. Under its flagship brand, Ultra Premium Direct, the company introduced four new kibble recipes for dogs and cats, featuring fresh poultry and salmon.

• In February 2025, Meatly, in partnership with the plant-based dog food brand THE PACK, introduced "Chick Bites," a pet food featuring cultivated meat. These treats blend plant-based ingredients with Meatly Chicken, a cell-cultured protein sourced from a single egg sample, providing a sustainable and nutritious alternative to conventional dog treats.

Key Market Players

• Schell & Kampeter, Inc. (Diamond Pet Foods)
• Nestlé S.A. (Purina)
• Mars, Incorporated
• Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc.
• Blue Buffalo Company Ltd.
• Wellness Pet Company, Inc.
• Simmons Foods, Inc.
• Unicharm Corporation
• The J.M. Smucker Company
• Affinity Petcare, S.A.U.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Pet Food Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

•   Pet Food Market, By Pet Type:

o   Dog

o   Cat

o   Others

• Pet Food Market, By Sales Channel:

o   Pet Specialty Store

o   Supermarket/Hypermarket

o   Online

o   Others

• Pet Food Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  Japan

§  India

§  Australia

§  South Korea

§  Indonesia

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   South America

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

§  Brazil

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

§  Turkey

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Pet Food Market.

Available Customizations:

Global 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).

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