Grain Free Pet Foods Market Size to Grow USD 52.32 Bn in 2025

Grain Free Pet Foods Market Set for Strong Growth Driven by Health-Conscious Owners

The global grain free pet foods market size is expected to grow from USD 52.32 billion in 2025 to USD 92.22 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. This market growth is driven by increasing pet humanization, rising awareness of pet health and nutrition, and growing preference for premium, natural, and allergen-free pet food formulations.

Last Updated: 12 August 2025 Category: B2C Food & Beverages Products Insight Code: 5791 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

The global grain free pet foods market size estimated at USD 49.13 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 52.32 billion in 2025 to nearly reaching USD 92.22 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The increasing demand for customized, organic, and premium pet food options, which may enhance pet’s health and wellbeing accelerate the growth of the market.

Grain Free Pet Foods Market Size 2025 to 2034

Key Highlights

  • By region, North America dominated the grain free pet foods market share of 39% in 2024, driven by the growing number of pet population.
  • By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period, driven by increasing demand for high quality food products.
  • By pet, the dogs segment held a major market share of 71% in 2024, driven by the increasing demand for specialized and premium nutrition. 
  • By pet, the cats segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2025 and 2034, driven by the rising demand for grain-free feline diets. 
  • By product, the dry pet food (kibble) segment held a major market share of 49% in 2024, driven by increasing demand for clean-label and premium pet foods.
  • By products, the freeze-dried & fresh food segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2025 and 2034, driven by the increasing demand for premium quality pet food.
  • By ingredient, the animal-based proteins segment dominated the market share of 68% in 2024 due to the increasing awareness towards pet health and wellbeing. 
  • By ingredient, the exotic and insect proteins segment is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for nutritional pet food.
  • By life stage, the adult pets segment dominated the market share of 60% in 2024 due to the growing cat population.
  • By life stage, the senior pets segment is expected to grow rapidly due to the increasing demand for joint/digestive support.
  • By distribution channel, the pet specialty stores segment dominated the market share of 41% in 2024 due to the increasing demand for offline stores.
  • By distribution channel, the online and DTC subscription models segment is expected to grow rapidly due to the increasing demand for e-commerce platforms.

Industry Coverage

Study Coverage Details
Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 CAGR of 6.5%
Market Size in 2025 USD 52.32 Billion
Market Size in 2026 USD 55.72 Billion
Market Size by 2034 USD 92.22 Billion
Largest Market North America
Base Year 2024
Forecast Period 2025 to 2034
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa

Increasing Consumer Preferences in Pet Nutrition may Revolutionize Market Growth in 2024

The grain free pet foods market focuses on the production and distribution of pet foods that exclude grains such as wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, and soy. Instead, these diets use alternative carbohydrate sources like potatoes, peas, lentils, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes, primarily targeted at pets with grain allergies, sensitivities, or for owners seeking natural and ancestral diets for their pets. The global market growth is significantly driven by the increasing awareness among pet owners related to the advantages of grain-free diets and increasing pet ownership. 

One of the major growth factors driving the market is the increasing disposable incomes of pet owners, especially in emerging countries. People are more inclined to spend on premium pet food products that are more beneficial for their pets and perceived to be healthier, as they have more financial resources. In addition, various people are treated pets as their family member, due to the increased trend of pet humanization. This trend is significantly important in urban countries where pet owners are more likely to invest in premium pet food options and pet ownership is on the rise, which further expected to drive the growth of the market.

  • Increasing awareness of pet health and nutrition: Consumers are more informed and concerned about grain free pet food to enhance their health, which is expected to fuel the growth of the grain free pet foods market. 
  • Rise in sustainable packaging: to explore paper-based and compostable, contributed to accelerating the market demand, there is an increasing consumer trend towards eco-friendly brands and options, which further propels the market growth.
  • Increasing creativity by pet food manufacturers: Companies are concentrating on meeting various kinds of food products for pets to enhance their health and wellbeing, which is expected to drive the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Market Opportunity 

Technological Advancements in Grain Free Pet Food 

The rising technological advancements in grain free pet food are transforming market expansion. Increasing technological advancements are transforming pet feeding with automatic and instant feeders that make sure that pets are fed continuously and dispense food at decided times. Smart bowls consists with connectivity and scales to mobile applications which helps in monitoring food intake, track nutritional metrics and offer dietary recommendations, such as wheat, corn, oats and other derived nutrients which further presents growth opportunities in the global market. In addition, increasing focus on functional, health-focused and personalized food and growing popularity are further expected to revolutionize the growth of the grain free pet foods market in the coming years.

Market Challenge 

Increasing Stringent Government Regulations 

One of the major restraining factors hindering market growth is the increasing strict government regulations. Grain free pet food is one of the most demanding foods in developed and underdeveloped markets. Grain free pet food products are studied strictly at every level in the developed market. The rise in rigidity connected with commercialization can be a major restraining factor hindering market growth. In addition, lack of acknowledgment for qualitative or high-quality pet food across various developing markets can also be a major restraining factor, which further hinders the expansion of the grain free pet foods market.

Grain Free Pet Foods Market Regional Insights

How North America Dominates the Grain Free Pet Foods Market Revenue in 2024?

North America dominated the market revenue in 2024. The market growth in the global market is attributed to the increasing demand for health-focused and functional nutrition and pet humanization, growing e-commerce platforms, rising technological advancements in smart pet feeding and rising innovation in grain free pet food.

The U.S. and Canada are Dominating Countries Driving the Market Growth in the Region.

The U.S. dominated the grain free pet foods market revenue in 2024, driven by factors such as increasing adoption of cutting-edge processing technologies to enhance nutritional content, flavor, and product quality, increasing innovative packaging solutions such as biodegradable and resealable options and the increasing demand for personalized nutrients such as wheat, corn oats and others. With grain-free options making up over 40% of the dry pet food, grain free pet food consumption increases significantly in the U.S. In addition, about 86 million American households are rapidly adopting pets in the U.S., according to the American Pet Product Association, which contributed to propel the market growth in the U.S.

Grain Free Pet Foods Market Share, By Region, 2024 (%)

Asia Pacific Grain Free Pet Foods Market Trends

Asia Pacific expects the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The market growth in the region is driven by factors such as growing pet population, increasing awareness towards pet’s health and wellness, increasing demand for organic pet food products and increasing pet ownership. China, India, Japan and South Korea are the fastest growing countries driving the market growth in the region.

India is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period, driven by increasing demand for grain free pet food, growing pet ownership, increasing consumer awareness towards pets' health and wellness and increasing demand for grains, such as rice, wheat, corn, oats and others.

There are most trusted manufacturers in India for grain free pet food due to great presence of agriculture industry and allied essentials, such as the pet supplements, pet grooming essentials and pet nutrients. Indian Broiler Group and Mars Inc are the two largest pet food companies in India representing significant sales of pet food products India contributed to 100 million pets, such as 30 million in households. In India, there is approximately 29 million of pet population, with around 24 millions of dog population. With 73 percent opting to shop online, pet owners in India spend an average of Rs 23,000 per year on food and treats, which further increase the demand for dietary supplements of pet in India.

Segment Insights

Pet Insights

How Dogs Segment Dominates the Grain Free Pet Foods Market Revenue in 2024?

Dogs segment dominated the market revenue in 2024. The segment growth in the global market is attributed to the. The segment growth in the market is attributed to the increasing dog ownership, increasing consumer desire or trend to treat dogs as family members, increasing demand for premium and natural grain nutrients such as wheat, corn, rice and oats and increasing rapid adoption of dogs and dog food. The right amount of food for dogs depends on various factors, such as health status, activity level, weight and age. Senior dogs, adult dogs and puppies all have different nutritional demands.

The Cat Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

The segment growth in the market is driven by factors such as growing popularity of cats, increasing demand for cat grain free food supplements and products, increasing cat ownership, increasing urbanization and increasing demand for grain free feline diets. Cats are predatory carnivores and consume nutritional food from birds, small reptiles, fresh rodents and other prey animals. In addition, there are various benefits for cats consuming dietary supplements, such as addressing nutritional deficiencies, supporting health diseases, managing health-related needs, and ensuring balanced nutrition for specific diets, which is further expected to drive the segment growth.

Product Type Insights

Why Dry Pet Food Segment Dominates the Grain Free Pet Foods Market Revenue in 2024. 

The dry pet food segment dominated the market in 2024. The segment growth in the market is driven by benefits such as cost-effectiveness, longer shelf life, and convenience. Due to the high demand for nutritional grains such as wheat, rice, corn and oats, various pet owners prefer dry food products. In addition, the increasing availability of specialized and nutritionally balanced dry formulas, including breed-specific options, high-protein and grain-free options, is looking for tailored nutrition for their pets and attracting health-aware consumers, which is expected to drive the segment growth.

The Freeze-Dried and Fresh Food Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

The segment growth in the grain free pet foods market is driven by the increasing focus on pet health and nutrition and increasing pet humanization. These advanced processed options, such as gently cooked fresh food and freeze-dried raw diets provide significant nutritional benefits. In addition, the segment growth in the market is also driven by various benefits such as increasing demand for minimally and natural processed food, increased shelf life and convenience, humanization and premiumization and nutritional superiority.

Ingredient Source Insights

What Factors Help Animal-based Proteins Segment Grow in 2024?

The animal-derived protein segment dominated the grain free pet foods market revenue in 2024. Animal-derived protein includes lamb, fish, beef, chicken, and various protein sources, which help pets to improve their health. In addition, the segment growth in the market is attributed to the increasing disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, increasing demand for functional and premium pet foods, increasing popularity of novel and exotic proteins, increasing demand for high-quality protein diets, and rising pet humanization.

The Exotic & Insect Proteins (Sustainable Alternatives) Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

The segment growth in the market is driven by various health benefits such as reduced land use, lower water consumption, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, high-quality protein and lower water consumption. In addition, exotic and insect protein sources providing essential nutrients and high-quality protein for pets and offer significant path towards nutritious and more sustainable pet food options, which further drives the segment growth.

Life Stage Insights

Why Adult Pets Segment Held The Largest Grain Free Pet Foods Market Revenue In 2024?

The adult pets segment dominated the grain free pet foods market revenue in 2024. Adult pet food is designed to offer a particular balance of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats and protein to address the demands of adult pets. To maintain a healthy weight, adult pet foods offer a proper caloric density. Adult pet food plays an important role in maintaining the wellness and health of cats and dogs between their kittens, puppy and senior pets. To support dental health, such as kibble shapes, some adult formulas include specific textures or ingredients, which further fuels the segment growth.

The Senior Pets Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

The segment growth in the market is driven by the increasing demand from joint/digestive support and growing senior pets population. Senior pets food formulated to promoting healthier and longer life and address age-related changes in health, digestion and metabolism, which is expected to boost the segment growth in the global market.

Distribution Channel Insights

How Pet Specialty Stores Segment Dominates the Grain Free Pet Foods Market Revenue in 2024? 

The pet specialty stores segment dominated the market in 2024. The segment growth in the market is attributed to the increasing grain free pet food product visibility and pet owner awareness towards pet health and wellness, and increasing strategic locations, coupled with promotional activities and competitive pricing. To serve varying pet owner preferences, pet specialty stores play an essential role in the market by providing extensive shelf space and diverse product selections. In addition, pet specialty stores leverage their robust logistics networks to ensure consistent availability and efficient distribution, which further accelerates the segment demand. 

The Online and DTC Subscription Models Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

The segment growth in the grain free pet foods market is driven by factors such as increasing consumer trend towards online shopping, growing e-commerce platforms, increasing busy and modern lifestyles, increasing demand for online retail stores, doorstep delivery, easy return and exchange policies.

Recent Developments in the Grain Free Pet Foods Market

Marsapet and Calysta

  • Launch: In February 2025, the first comple dog food was launched by Calysta and Marsapet featuring FeedKind Pet protein. Without utilizing any animal ingredients or arable land, this is a cultured protein. This is a gluten free, grain free and vegan pet food to keep dogs healthy. (Source: Calysta)

WySE Products LLC

  • Launch: In June 2025, a company committed to redefining pet nutrition, WySE Products LLC announced the launch of the first-of-its-kind countertop appliance, Total Pet Kitchen Multicooker (TPK). The aim behind this launch was to dispense and cook healthy foods for pets using huma-grade ingredients. (Source: Globe News Wire)

Grain Free Pet Foods Market Leading Companies

Grain Free Pet Foods Market Companies 

Segments Covered in the Report

By Pet Type

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Others (Rabbits, Ferrets, Exotic Pets)

By Product Type

  • Dry Food (Kibble)
  • Wet/Canned Food
  • Freeze-Dried & Dehydrated Food
  • Frozen Raw & Fresh Food
  • Treats & Snacks
  • Meal Toppers & Mixers

By Ingredient Source

  • Animal-Based Proteins (Beef, Chicken, Turkey, Salmon, Lamb, Duck)
  • Alternative Proteins (Insect, Plant-Based, Exotic Meats)
  • Carbohydrate Substitutes (Potatoes, Peas, Lentils, Chickpeas, Tapioca)

By Pet Life Stage

  • Puppy/Kitten
  • Adult
  • Senior

By Distribution Channel

  • Pet Specialty Stores
  • Veterinary Clinics
  • Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
  • Online Retail & E-Commerce
  • Direct-to-Consumer Subscriptions

By Regional

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • Latin America
Share With : linkedin twitter facebook
  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Vidyesh Swar, Senior Research Analyst at Towards Food & Beverages, specializes in market research, focusing on supply-demand evaluation, pricing analysis, alternative proteins, plant-based foods, and sustainable food technologies within the industry.

Learn more about Vidyesh Swar

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in Food and Beverages market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards FnB's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

Related Insights

FAQ's

The grain-free pet foods market was valued at USD 49.13 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5%, reaching USD 92.22 billion by 2034, driven by increasing demand for premium and health-focused pet food options.

North America holds the largest market share at 39% in 2024, driven by a large pet population. However, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest rate due to increasing pet ownership and demand for high-quality pet food products.

The dog segment holds the majority market share at 71% in 2024, driven by rising demand for specialized nutrition. The cat segment is also growing rapidly, driven by an increasing preference for grain-free feline diets.

Dry pet food (kibble) dominated in 2024, accounting for 49% of the market share. Freeze-dried and fresh food products are expected to grow rapidly, driven by the demand for premium quality and health-focused pet food options.

Animal-based proteins, including chicken, beef, and salmon, dominate the market at 68%. However, alternative proteins like insect and exotic meats are expected to grow at the fastest rate due to their nutritional benefits and sustainability.

The market faces challenges like increasing regulatory scrutiny, especially in developed markets, and a lack of acknowledgment for high-quality pet food in emerging markets, which can hinder market entry for new players.

Technological advancements, such as smart pet feeders and AI-driven nutritional recommendations, are enhancing the pet feeding experience. These innovations are expected to drive market growth by improving pet health management and convenience.

Key trends include a rise in sustainable packaging, growing demand for eco-friendly and clean-label products, and increasing creativity by manufacturers to offer health-focused and customized food options for pets.