Animal and Pet Food Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis By Type (Wet Food & Dry Food), By Application (Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Others), and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

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ANIMAL AND PET FOOD MARKET OVERVIEW

The Animal and Pet Food Market stood at approximately USD 122.88 billion in 2024 and is set to expand to USD 127.3 billion in 2025, eventually reaching USD 174.72 billion by 2033, driven by a CAGR of about 3.6%.

Animal and pet food refers to tailor-made products designed to provide significant nutrients and energy to pets such as dogs, cats, birds, fish and livestock such as cattle, chicken and wild boar. These foods are available in various forms, including dry kibal, weight canned, semi-Altar variants and raw or freezing drought options. 

Consumers are now more likely to use on premium and customized pet food products, providing health benefits such as better digestion, joint health and skin nutrition. In addition, the expansion of e-commerce platforms has made domesticated food more accessible, while urbanization and changed lifestyle have increased the demand for practical and nutritious alternatives. The increase in meat consumption in the livestock feed segment and the need for high quality feed to ensure that animal productivity and health also see an increase.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT 

The Animal and Pet Food Industry Had a Positive Effect Due to the Rise in E-Commerce During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels. 

A significant impact of COVID-19 in the animal and pet food markets was a dramatic change in consumer purchase behavior. During the preliminary closure, the purchase of panic and storage led to a temporary increase in domesticated food sales, especially in dry and tribute categories. When physical stores faced restrictions, many consumers approached online platforms for convenience and security, which accelerated digital changes in pet food. There was a rapid increase in domesticated e-commerce sales, and encouraged brands to strengthen their online appearance and direct-to-consumer strategies. In addition, the epidemic focused on consumer on pet health and welfare, demanding the driving of functional and organic pet food products. This change redesigned distribution channels again, but also affected long-term trends in product innovation and brand loyalty.

LATEST TRENDS

Surge in Organic and Grain-Free Pet Foods to Drive Market Growth

The emergence of organic and grain-free pet foods is an important trend that shapes the current animal and pet food markets. Kinders are looking for healthy and more natural alternatives for their animals quickly, reflecting preferences for human food. This has made a significant demand for synthetic additives, preservatives and fillers, for organic ingredients. Grain -free formulas, often using alternative carbohydrates such as sweet potato or peas, are popularly popular with pets with allergies or sensitivity. As a result so special diet segments have seen an increase of 15% in North America and Europe. This trend has pushed manufacturers to innovate and expand the product portfolio with purely marked, premium offers, which strengthen changes to total pets.

• According to the Government of India’s Ministry of Commerce & Industry, India’s dog and cat food imports rose to US $144.1 million in 2022, up from US $58.1 million in 2019—an increase of 86 million in three years.

• According to Mintel’s GNPD via government‑referenced industry data, 1,139 new pet food products were introduced in India between January 2018 and October 2023.

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ANIMAL AND PET FOOD MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into wet food & dry food.

• Wet Food: Wet food contains high moisture content and is often preferred for its palatability and ease of consumption, especially for pets with dental issues or low water intake.

• Dry Food: Dry food is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and supports dental health by reducing plaque buildup through chewing.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into dogs, cats, birds, and others.

• Dogs: The largest application segment, driven by high global dog ownership and demand for breed-specific and functional nutrition.

• Cats: Growing steadily due to increasing urban cat adoption and demand for protein-rich, grain-free diets.

• Birds: Niche segment focused on seed mixes and nutrient-fortified feeds for pet and exotic birds.

• Others: Includes small mammals, reptiles, and fish, with specialized dietary products tailored to unique nutritional needs.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities, and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

Rising Pet Humanization and Premiumization to Boost the Market

The rising pet humanization and premiumization are the driving factors in the Animal and Pet Food smartphone market growth. Animal and pet food markets are one of the most important driving factors for the domesticated humanization, where pets are quickly considered as family members. This emotional bond has increased the demand for premium, nutritious and customized pet food products. Consumers are ready to spend more on high quality ingredients, organic formulas, race-specific diets and supplements that promote general welfare and long life. This change to the prize has urged manufacturers to innovate and launch functional products aimed at specific health problems such as digestion, immune, skin and coat care.

• According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 94 million U.S. households—71% of households—own at least one pet in 2024.

• According to Petfood Industry reporting, dog food mixers and toppers increased by 129% since 2018, while cat equivalents rose 138%, indicating strong interest in added‑nutrition products.

Expansion of E-commerce and Online Retailing to Expand the Market

The rapid growth of e-commerce platforms has greatly increased access and visibility of pet food products. Online retail lets consumers easily detect a wide range of brands, compare nutritional information, read reviews and set recurrent shopping. The Covid-19 epidemic strengthened the trend, where many consumers transferred to security and easy online shopping. Member -based models and strategies for direct consumers have also gained popularity, offer personal food distribution and promote brand loyalty. This digital expansion has expanded market access and provided valuable consumer data for targeted marketing and product development.

Restraining Factor

Escalating Raw Material Costs to Potentially Impede Market Growth

An important factor that prevents the development of animal and pet foods is the increasing cost of raw materials, especially high quality protein sources such as chicken, fish and lamb. These components constitute the origin of many premium and functional pet food, and prices upwards affect overall production expenses directly. In 2024, the increase in raw material prices led to an increase of 12% in production costs, and put pressure on both manufacturers and consumers. Especially small companies faced challenges in maintaining profit margins without compromising on quality. In addition, high retail prices can reduce consumer strength and reduce demand for low -cost options and slow down the increase in the premium segment.

• India remains a net importer, with a trade deficit of US $80.4 million in 2022, given imports at US $144.1 million vs. exports at US $63.7 million.

• Government‑reported data shows in 2022, only 14.5% of pet food was sold via e‑commerce; 49.6% via pet‑shops and superstores, and 31.7% through veterinary clinics.

Growth in Pet Ownership in Emerging Economies to Create Opportunity for the Product in the Market

Opportunity

An increasing opportunity in the animal and pet food markets is the increasing frequency of pet ownership in emerging economies such as India, Brazil and Southeast Asian countries. As disposable income increases and Urban lifestyle expands, people adopts more pets and invest in their care and nutrition.

This change causes a strong demand for food products for basic and premium pets in smaller areas than before. Local and global manufacturers identify this trend and open with cheap, culturally chipped Prasad in these markets, opening high capacity for expansion and sales growth.

• According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, India’s dog and cat food imports increased from US $25.5 million in H1 2019 to US $69.8 million in H1 2024, and import volumes rose from 6 million kg in 2015 to 29 million kg in 2024.

• According to the same government data, Thailand exported pet food worth US $71.24 million to India in H1 2024, followed by South Africa (US $12.2 million) and Italy (US $10.45 million), illustrating more sourcing options.

Stringent Regulatory Standards Could Be a Potential Challenge for Consumers

Challenge

A major challenge before the market is the increasing complication of regulatory standards for pet food safety, labeling and component collection. Governments and international bodies tighten the rules to ensure the quality of the product and animal health, companies require companies to carry out strict testing, maintain traceability and fulfill developed adherence.

These rules can be cumbersome especially for small manufacturers and exporters, which increases operating costs and delays in starting products. Navigating the diverse regulatory structure in areas also creates a logical and legal obstacle, which affects the global supply chain efficiency.

• According to Global Trade Tracker data via government sources, Thailand accounted for approximately 57.5% of India’s pet food imports in 2022, signaling supplier concentration risk.

• According to pet industry trade associations, manufacturers face numeric challenges such as ingredient sourcing delays, packaging shortages, freight management, and staffing gaps—all measurable by shipping delays and percentage shortages in raw material deliveries.

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ANIMAL AND PET FOOD MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America 

North America is the fastest-growing region in this market and holds the maximum Animal and Pet Food market share. North America dominates the animal and pet food markets, mainly due to high pet ownership rates, especially in the United States and Canada. Humanization of pets is a strong trend in the region, where owners look for fast premium, organic and customized food options. The presence of large market players, advanced veterinary care and strong distribution networks further contribute to the dominance of the market. In addition, the awareness of high disposable income and pet health has intensified demand for functional and medical pets in the United States Animal and Pet Food market.

• Europe

Europe is an important and growing area in the animal and pet food markets. Consumers in countries such as Germany, France and the United Kingdom are moving towards food for durable, biological and grain-free pets, reflecting a broad regional commitment to environmental and animal welfare standards. Strict EU rules ensure product quality and security, which creates consumer confidence. The increase in individual homes and aging population has also increased the adoption of PET, which supports market growth in both premium and mass market areas.

• Asia

The Asia Pacific region is looking at the fastest growth in the animal and pet food markets, fueled by rapidly expanding middle class, urbanization and changed lifestyle. Pet adoption is seen in countries such as China, India, Japan and South Korea, especially in urban centers where the requirements for the association are increasing. With improvement in the awareness of industry and health, the demand for high quality pet food increases. Global brands invest in local production and marketing to use this huge and relatively unused market capacity.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

Innovation and expansion play an important role in the development of large players in animals and pet food markets. Companies invest heavily in research and development to meet specific health requirements, such as digestive care, weight management, common support and advanced diets such as allergen-free diets. Introducing new ingredients such as insect protein, plant -based alternatives and probiotic-infected dishes helps differentiate in the competitive market. In addition, strategic expansion companies through mergers, procurement and partnership companies enter into new geographical areas and diversify the product portfolio.

• According to authoritative industry tracking (e.g. government‑referenced sources and standard industry listings), it ranks among the top five global pet food producers as of 2020–2024.

• Identified in major global pet food company rankings alongside Hill’s, Mars, Purina and J. M. Smucker—making up five leading producers.

For example, the installation of localized production units helps reduce costs and fulfill regional flavor preferences, while expansion of e-commerce and member services ensures more customer access and loyalty. This effort not only promotes branding and market share but also enables companies to adapt quickly to changing consumer requirements and regulatory landscapes, ensuring long-term growth and flexibility.

List of Top Animal And Pet Food Companies    

• Hill's Pet Nutrition(U.S.)
• Blue Buffalo Pet Products(U.S.)
• Del Monte Foods(U.S.)
• C&D Foods(U.S.)
• Nutro Products(U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

2024: In 2024, Mars Petcare launched a new line of plant-based pet food products, capturing a 5% increase in sales within six months of release, highlighting the growing consumer shift toward sustainable and alternative pet nutrition.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The global animal and pet food markets are experiencing stable and dynamic growth, motivated by pet owners, and increasing awareness of animal health and developing consumer preferences against premium and natural food products. Arabs include valuable, dried foods, wet foods, behavior, supplements and special diets in the market, such as dogs, cats, birds and special diets for different species such as small animals. Urbanization, nuclear family structures and emotional ties between humans and pets have extended demand especially in North America and Europe. In addition, emerging economies in the Asia Pacific and Latin America become an attractive market due to increasing disposable income and changed lifestyles. Product development, stability initiatives and innovation in digital expansion through e-commerce platforms form the market landscape again, and offer both challenges and opportunities for manufacturers. Since consumers prioritize rapid quality, openness and health benefits, the animal and pet industry are expected to continue its projection in the coming years.