United States Pet Food Market, By Pet Type (Dog, Cat, Fish and Others), By Food Type (Dry, Wet, Other), By Sales Channel (Supermarket/Hypermarket, Pet Shop/ Pet Specialty Shop, Online, Others), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

United States Pet Food Market was valued at USD 78.71 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow USD 120.34 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.39% during forecast period. The United States pet food market has experienced significant growth, driven by the increasing number of pet owners and the growing humanization of pets. Consumers are increasingly seeking high-quality, natural, and organic food options for their pets, reflecting a greater awareness of pet health and nutrition. The market has seen innovations such as grain-free, protein-rich, and tailored diets for specific pet breeds or health needs. Additionally, pet food manufacturers are investing in product diversification to cater to the evolving preferences of pet owners.

Key Market Drivers

Increasing Pet Ownership

The rise in pet ownership has been a major driver in the growth of the United States pet food market. Over recent years, pet ownership has significantly increased, with more households choosing to welcome pets into their lives. This trend has been particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many individuals sought companionship during isolation. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 67% of U.S. households owned a pet in 2021, compared to 56% in 1988. The growing number of pets directly translates to a heightened demand for pet food, as more pet owners look to meet the nutritional needs of their animals.

As pets become more integrated into family life, pet owners increasingly view them as family members rather than just animals. This shift has influenced the demand for premium, high-quality pet food. Pet owners are more willing to invest in specialized products that cater to their pets' health needs, including organic, natural, and breed-specific formulas. Furthermore, as pet ownership becomes more widespread across various demographics, it broadens the market for pet food, ranging from urban to suburban and rural areas, thereby driving overall growth.

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 67% of U.S. households owned a pet in 2021, compared to 56% in 1988. The growing number of pets directly translates to a heightened demand for pet food, as more pet owners look to meet the nutritional needs of their animals.

Humanization of Pets

The humanization of pets is another key driver influencing the pet food market. Over the past decade, pets are increasingly being treated like family members, with owners prioritizing their pets' well-being and comfort. This trend is particularly evident in the increasing demand for pet foods that mirror the quality and nutritional benefits of human-grade food.

As part of the humanization trend, pet owners are opting for high-quality, often premium-priced pet food products that feature natural ingredients, organic certification, and specialized formulations. Pet food brands have capitalized on this trend by developing foods that mirror human diets, including gluten-free, grain-free, high-protein, and even plant-based formulas, appealing to health-conscious pet owners. For example, pet food brands now offer gourmet and organic pet food lines that cater to pets with specific dietary restrictions, similar to human food trends.

The report states that adoptions experienced a slight increase in 2024, with dog adoption rates reaching 57% and cat adoption rates rising to 64%. This upward trend is fueling increased market demand for pet-related products and services, which drives the market growth.

Growing Awareness of Pet Health and Nutrition

There is a growing awareness among pet owners regarding the importance of proper nutrition for their pets. This trend has significantly impacted the types of pet food being purchased in the U.S. market. Consumers are now more informed and concerned about the ingredients used in pet food, seeking out those that promote better health outcomes for their pets. As a result, pet food manufacturers are prioritizing transparency in labeling, offering detailed information about ingredients, sourcing practices, and nutritional benefits.

This awareness has led to increased demand for premium and specialized pet food products. Pet owners are increasingly inclined to choose products that feature high-quality, natural, or organic ingredients, avoiding fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. Moreover, as pets live longer and owners seek to improve their pets' quality of life, there is a growing interest in foods that prevent or treat health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and digestive problems. Functional pet foods, which provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition, have thus become a rapidly growing segment of the market.

Veterinary services are expected to see a significant rise in demand over the next decade. A 2024 survey of 2,300 consumers revealed that 80% of pet owners visited a vet at least once in the past six months, with nearly two-thirds making one to three visits an increase of four percentage points from 2022. Additionally, respondents reported relying heavily on veterinarians' recommendations when purchasing pet food and treats, which accounted for approximately 44% of total pet spending in 2023. These trends are key drivers of market growth in the pet care industry. 

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Key Market Challenges

Regulatory Challenges and Compliance

The U.S. pet food market is subject to stringent regulatory oversight, including guidelines set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). While these regulations are designed to ensure the safety and quality of pet food products, they also present a challenge for manufacturers, particularly when it comes to compliance with evolving standards.

Regulatory requirements often change, forcing companies to adapt to new labeling, packaging, and ingredient standards. For example, changes in ingredient sourcing requirements or the introduction of new regulations for pet food safety can increase operational costs, as companies need to ensure that they meet updated guidelines. Manufacturers may also face the need for additional testing, certifications, or documentation to maintain compliance with new laws, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Intense Competition and Market Saturation

The U.S. pet food market is highly competitive, with a vast array of brands offering everything from budget-friendly kibble to premium, organic, and functional pet food products. As consumer preferences shift toward higher quality, specialized, and personalized pet food, companies must differentiate themselves to stand out in an increasingly saturated market.

Larger, well-established brands, such as Mars Petcare, Nestlé Purina, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, dominate the market, benefiting from brand recognition, extensive distribution networks, and significant marketing budgets. These companies also have the resources to invest in research and development, ensuring that their products meet the growing demand for innovation in pet nutrition. Smaller, emerging brands may find it difficult to compete on price or scale, even if they focus on niche markets or premium offerings.

Key Market Trends

Increasing Demand for Premium and Natural Pet Foods

One of the most significant trends in the United States pet food market is the rising demand for premium and natural pet foods. Pet owners are becoming increasingly health-conscious, not only for themselves but also for their pets. This growing concern for pet health is driving the shift toward high-quality, natural, and organic ingredients in pet food products. Consumers are more aware of the impact of artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers, which has led them to seek out products that offer cleaner, more wholesome formulations.

Premium pet foods often contain higher-quality proteins, natural vegetables, and fruits, and are free from by-products, preservatives, and artificial flavors. Brands are responding to this demand by offering grain-free, gluten-free, high-protein, and even human-grade food options. This trend reflects the increasing humanization of pets, where pet owners consider their pets as family members and are willing to invest in premium products for their health and well-being.

Focus on Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices

Sustainability has become an important consideration for many pet food companies, driven by growing environmental awareness among consumers. Pet owners are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases, and this has prompted many brands to focus on eco-friendly packaging, sustainable ingredient sourcing, and reduced carbon footprints in production.

For example, many pet food brands are shifting toward using recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable packaging to reduce plastic waste. Companies are also exploring alternative protein sources, such as insect-based or plant-based proteins, which have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional meat sources like beef or chicken. The use of sustainable sourcing for ingredients—such as responsibly farmed fish or humanely raised meat—is another growing trend. Some brands are even promoting the use of circular economy practices, such as sourcing ingredients from food waste or by-products from human food manufacturing.

Shift Toward Specialized and Customized Pet Foods

There is a growing trend in the U.S. pet food market toward specialized and customized food options tailored to the specific needs of individual pets. This shift reflects the increasing demand for pet foods that cater to pets’ age, breed, health conditions, and even preferences. Pet owners are looking for products that are designed to meet the unique dietary needs of their pets, from puppies to senior dogs, or for pets with specific health concerns such as food allergies, obesity, or sensitive stomachs.

Customization is becoming a significant trend in the pet food industry, with some companies offering personalized meal plans based on a pet’s breed, weight, and health requirements. These brands use data and technology to create tailored diets for pets, ensuring they receive the exact nutrients they need. For example, services like NomNomNow and Ollie allow pet owners to receive freshly prepared meals tailored to their pets’ specific needs, delivered directly to their door.

Segmental Insights

Pet Type Insights

Dogs represent the dominating segment in the United States pet food market, driven by their widespread ownership and the deep emotional bond shared with their owners. Americans spend significantly on dog nutrition, seeking high-quality, premium, and specialized food products that support canine health and longevity. The humanization of pets has led to increased demand for organic, grain-free, and customized dog food options. Furthermore, innovations in functional dog food—targeting digestion, joint health, and immunity—are gaining popularity. With consistent spending patterns and evolving dietary awareness, the dog segment continues to outperform other pet categories in both value and volume across retail channels.

Sales Channel Insights

Supermarkets/hypermarkets hold the dominating share in the United States pet food market due to their wide accessibility, convenience, and extensive product variety. These retail outlets offer a one-stop shopping experience, allowing consumers to purchase pet food alongside household essentials. Major chains like Walmart, Target, and Kroger stock both premium and budget-friendly pet food brands, catering to diverse consumer preferences. Their established supply chains, promotional discounts, and in-store visibility further boost sales. Moreover, the ability to physically inspect products and benefit from loyalty programs encourages repeat purchases, solidifying the supermarket/hypermarket segment's leadership in the pet food retail landscape.

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Regional Insights

The South was the dominating regional segment in the United States pet food market, attributed to its large population, high pet ownership rates, and expansive suburban and rural areas ideal for pet companionship. States like Texas and Florida contribute significantly to market demand, supported by a strong culture of pet care and spending. The region also benefits from widespread retail availability, including supermarkets, pet specialty stores, and growing e-commerce activity. Additionally, the warm climate encourages active outdoor lifestyles for pets, increasing the need for tailored nutrition. These factors collectively reinforce the South’s leading position in the U.S. pet food market.

Recent Developments

• In Feb 2025, Marsapet has launched MicroBell, the first dog food featuring FeedKind Pet protein—a vegan, grain-free, and gluten-free kibble made with fermented protein, offering a sustainable, allergen-friendly option for health-conscious pet owners.

• ​In Feb 2025, Jinx officially launched its premium dog food line on Amazon, expanding access to its clean-label products made with sustainably sourced proteins, probiotics, and superfoods, catering to dogs of all breeds and life stages. ​

• ​In March 2025, Natural Pet Food Group has expanded its U.S. distribution by partnering with Pet Food Experts (PFX) to service the Western region. This collaboration aims to increase consumer awareness and drive growth for its K9 and Feline Natural brands across independent pet retail channels.

• In Aug 2024, Big Idea Ventures and Mars Petcare have launched the Next Generation Pet Food Program pilot, collaborating with AAK and Bühler to support startups innovating in sustainable proteins and fats for pet food.

Key Market Players

• Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (Nestle S.A.)
• Mars Inc.
• Schell & Kampeter, Inc. (Diamond Pet Foods)
• The J.M. Smucker Company
• Colgate-Palmolive Company
• Blue Buffalo Company Ltd.
• The Hartz Mountain Corporation
• Wellness Pet Company, Inc.
• Simmons Foods, Inc.
• Stella & Chewy’s, LLC

Report Scope:

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

• United States Pet Food Market, By Pet Type:

o   Dog

o   Cat

o   Fish

o   Others

• United States Pet Food Market, By Food Type:

o   Dry

o   Wet

o   Other

• United States Pet Food Market, By Sales Channel:

o   Supermarket/Hypermarket

o   Pet Shop/ Pet Specialty Shop

o   Online

o   Others

• United States Pet Food Market, By Region:

o   South

o   West

o   Midwest

o   Northeast

Competitive Landscape

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

Available Customizations:

United States 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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