U.S. Pet Food Market Size to Cross USD 45.39 Billion in 2025

U.S. Pet Food Market Thrives on Premiumization and Humanization Trends

The U.S. pet food market size is projected to witness strong growth from USD 45.39 billion in 2025 to USD 66.88 billion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 4.4% over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. This market growth driven by the rising trend of pet humanization, demand for premium and functional nutrition, and increasing pet ownership.

Last Updated: 17 July 2025 Category: B2C Food & Beverages Products Insight Code: 5729 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

U.S. Pet Food Market Size, Share and Growth Forecast 2034

The U.S. pet food market size was calculated at USD 43.48 billion in 2024 with projections indicating a rise from USD 45.39 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 66.88 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 4.4% throughout the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The increasing demand for customized, organic, and premium pet food options in the United States drives the growth of the market. 

U.S. Pet Food Market Size 2025 to 2034

Key Highlights

  • By pet, the dogs segment held a major market share of 62% 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 increasing prevalence of novel and fresh protein. 
  • By product, the dry pet food segment held a major market share of 44% in 2024, driven by increasing demand for clean-label and premium pet foods.  
  • By product, the veterinary diets segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2025 and 2034, driven by the increasing awareness about pet wellness. 
  • By ingredient, the animal-derived protein segment dominated the market share of 58% in 2024 due to the increasing awareness towards pet health and wellbeing. 
  • By ingredient, the functional ingredients is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period due to the consumer preference towards preventive nutrition. 
  • By price tier, the mid-range segment dominated the U.S. pet food market share of 47% in 2024 due to the increasing middle-class population. 
  • By price tier, the premium segment is expected to grow rapidly due to the increasing demand for high-quality food products. 
  • By distribution channel, the distributors/wholesalers segment dominated the market share of 34% in 2024 due to the increasing demand for offline stores.      
  • By distribution channel, the online/E-commerce platforms segment is expected to grow rapidly due to the increasing demand for e-commerce platforms.   
  • By packaging, the bags segment dominated the market share of 39% in 2024 due to the increasing demand for smart packaging.  
  • By packaging, the pouches segment is expected to grow rapidly due to the increasing demand for ready-to-drink food options.

Industry Coverage

Study Coverage Details
Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 CAGR of 4.4%
Market Size in 2025 USD 45.39 Billion
Market Size in 2026 USD 47.39 Billion
Market Size by 2034 USD 66.88 Billion
Base Year 2024
Forecast Period 2025 to 2034

The U.S. pet food market refers to the domestic industry engaged in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of food and nutritional products for pets, primarily cats and dogs, but also birds, fish, reptiles, and small mammals. With rising pet ownership, humanization of pets, and growing awareness of animal nutrition, the market is driven by demand for premium, natural, organic, and functional pet food. E-commerce adoption, customized diets, and veterinary-approved formulas are also shaping the industry. 

One of the major significant factors driving the growth of the market is the increasing pet ownership. The rapidly increasing pet personalized and metropolitan areas are encouraging pet owners to choose quality and nourishing food for their pets, which helps fuel market growth. In addition, to assisting pets’ health, the rising per-person income of pet owners motivates them to spend on natural and wholesome food products for their pet animals. Furthermore, increasing pet population across the globe, increasing pet humanization, growing expansion of e-commerce pet food sales, and increasing demand for premium pet food are further expected to drive the growth of the market.  

  • Rise in sustainable packaging: The increasing consumer preference towards eco-friendly brands and options to explore paper-based and compostable, contributed to accelerating the U.S. pet food market demand.  
  • Increasing awareness of pet nutrition and health: Consumers are more concerned and informed about pet food to improve their health, which is expected to drive the growth of the market. 
  • Increasing creativity by pet food manufacturers: Companies are focusing on meeting various types of food products for pets to improve their health and wellness, which is further expected to drive the growth of the market.  

Market Opportunity 

Rising Technological Advancements 

The rising technological advancements in pet food are revolutionizing market growth. Rising technological advancements are transforming pet feeding with automated feeders that ensure pets are fed regularly and dispense food at scheduled times. Smart bowls tailored with connectivity and scales to mobile apps can provide dietary recommendations, track nutritional metrics, and monitor food intake, which may create major opportunities in the market. In addition, the rising fresh and raw food movement, increasing focus on health-focused and functional food, and personalized nutrition are further expected to revolutionize the growth of the market in the coming future.  

Market Challenge 

Increasing Stringent Government Regulations 

In the Western markets, pet food is one of the most regulated foods. Pet animal foods are studied strictly at every level in the established market. The increase in rigidity linked with commercialization can be a major challenging factor restraining market growth. In addition, less acknowledgment for high-quality or qualitative pet food across various emerging markets can also be a major hindering factor, which further restrains the growth of the market.  

Country-Wise Analysis 

U.S. Pet Food Market Trends 

The market growth in the U.S. is attributed to factors such as the increasing demand for personalized snack packs, increasing innovative packaging solutions such as biodegradable and resealable options, and increasing adoption of cutting-edge processing technologies to enhance nutritional content, flavor, and product quality. 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. 

Segmental Insights 

Pet Insights 

How Dogs Segment Dominates U.S. Pet Food Market Revenue in 2024? 

The dogs segment dominated the market revenue in 2024. The segment growth in the market is attributed to the increasing rapid adoption of dogs and dog food via online and retail channels, increasing demand for functional, natural and premium dog food, increasing consumer trend or mentality to treat dogs as family members and increasing dog ownership.  

The cats segment expects the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The segment growth in the market is driven by increasing demand for specialized nutrition, health-focused and premium products, increasing cat ownership, increasing urbanization, and increasing popularity of cats.  

Product Insights 

Why Dry Pet Food Segment Held the Largest U.S. Pet Food Market Revenue in 2024? 

The dry pet food segment dominated the U.S. pet food market in 2024. The segment growth in the market is driven by benefits such as cost-effectiveness, longer shelf life, and convenience. Due to its dental health benefits, portion control, and ease of storage, various pet owners prefer dry food. 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 Veterinary Diets Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

Pet owners can receive the proper level of nutrients for their health issues, lifestyles, breed, and age by providing pets with prescription and super premium veterinary food. Veterinary diets enable pets to have healthier lives. This diet provides pets with plenty of exercise and water. Regular check-ups play an important role and ensure the pet is happy and healthy. Veterinary diets enable pets to have toned muscles and a healthy body. It includes enough protein, which helps in improving the repair mechanism of damaged cells and building organs, muscles, hair, skin, and other tissues, which is further expected to accelerate the demand for the segment.  

Ingredient Insights 

What Factors Help Animal-derived Protein Segment Grow in 2024? 

The animal-derived protein segment dominated the U.S. pet food 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 Functional Ingredients Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period. 

The functional ingredients offer specific health advantages and nutritional value. These ingredients help pets to maintain flexibility and joint health, particularly those with aging. Some functional ingredients, such as red fruits and taurine plants are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and bioflavonoids, which help a pet’s cardiovascular health. Essential fatty acids can improve heart function, maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and help reduce inflammation, which is further expected to fuel the growth of the segment in the market.  

Distribution Channel Insights 

How Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Segment Dominates the U.S. Pet Food Market Revenue in 2024? 

The hypermarkets and supermarkets dominated the U.S. pet food market in 2024. The segment growth in the market is attributed to the increasing 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, supermarkets and hypermarkets play an essential role in the market by providing extensive shelf space and diverse product selections. In addition, supermarkets and hypermarkets leverage their robust logistics networks to ensure consistent availability and efficient distribution, which further accelerates the segment demand. 

The Online/E-commerce Platforms Segment Expects the Fastest Growth During the Forecast Period. 

The segment growth in the 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.  

Price Tier Insights 

Why did the Mid-Range Segment Held the Largest U.S. Pet Food Market Revenue in 2024? 

The mid-range segment dominated the market in 2024. The segment growth in the market is attributed to the increasing demand for functional ingredients, increasing pet owner preference towards clean-label and natural food products, rising middle-class population, and growing pet population. In addition, the mid-range segment provides a balance between better ingredients and affordability, such as functional ingredients and real meat, which is expected to drive the segment growth. 

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

The segment growth in the market is propelled by factors such as increasing demand for high-quality pet food products, increasing focus on functional and preventive ingredients, growing sustainability, rising preference towards personalized food products, and growing e-commerce platforms.  

Packaging Insights 

How Bags Segment Dominates the Largest U.S. Pet Food Market Revenue in 2024? 

The bags segment dominated the U.S. pet food market in 2024. Pet food bags play an important role in keeping pet food healthy and safe. They are designed to protect food from light, moisture, and air. Good pet food bags keep the food nutritious and fresh for a longer period. Pet owners can make their pets stay healthy and happy by using the right kind of pet food bags. In addition, paper bags are more eco-friendly than plastic bags and are used for dry pet foods. Furthermore, various benefits of bags, such as preventing contamination, maintaining freshness, preventing nutrient degradation, and keeping food aromas inside, are further expected to accelerate the demand for pet food bags in the market in the U.S. 

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

The segment growth in the market is attributed to the various benefits such as extending shelf life, enhancing freshness, improving pet food quality and safety, usability and convenience for pet owners, increasing demand for resealable pet food packaging, brand differentiation, customization, and reducing the necessity of stock holding.  

Recent Developments in the U.S. Pet Food Market

Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL)

  • Launch: In May 2025, Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) announced the launch of a pet care brand, Godrej Ninja under Godrej Pet Care (GPC). The aim behind this launch was to expand its footprint into the pet market. (Source: Global PETS)

Nutrition Nxt

  • Launch: In April 2025, a startup offering solutions for pet care, Nutrition Nxt launched its range of ‘Parent’ pet food. This pet food offers life-stage-specific wholesome nutrition for pets. (Source: The Hans India)

General Mills

  • Launch: In June 2025, two new launches for Edgard & Cooper and Blue Buffalo was announced by General Mills within its North America Pet segment with initiatives. The aim behind this launch was to accelerate the company’s growth in pet feeding and meet evolving pet parent preferences. (Source: General Mills)

U.S. Pet Food Market Leading Companies

U.S. Pet Food Market Companies

  • Mars Petcare
  • Nestlé Purina PetCare
  • Hill's Pet Nutrition (Colgate-Palmolive)
  • Blue Buffalo (General Mills)
  • Diamond Pet Foods
  • Spectrum Brands (United Pet Group)
  • The J.M. Smucker Company (Milk-Bone, Nutrish)
  • WellPet LLC (Wellness, Holistic Select)
  • Freshpet Inc.
  • Champion Petfoods (Orijen, Acana)
  • Merrick Pet Care
  • Nulo Inc.
  • Nature’s Variety (Instinct)
  • Canidae Pet Food
  • Earthborn Holistic
  • Solid Gold Pet
  • Natural Balance Pet Foods
  • Halo Pets
  • Stella & Chewy’s
  • Open Farm

Segments Covered in the Report

By Pet Type

  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Fish
  • Birds
  • Small Mammals
  • Reptiles
  • Others

By Product Type

  • Dry Pet Food
  • Wet/Canned Pet Food
  • Semi-Moist Food
  • Frozen/Chilled Pet Food
  • Treats & Snacks
  • Veterinary/Prescription Diets
  • Raw & Fresh Food

By Ingredient Type

  • Animal-Derived Protein 
  • Plant-Based Protein 
  • Grain-Free/Gluten-Free Ingredients
  • Functional Ingredients 
  • Organic/Natural Ingredients
  • Synthetic Additives & Supplements

By Distribution Channel

  • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
  • Pet Specialty Stores
  • Veterinary Clinics
  • Online/E-Commerce Platforms
  • DTC (Direct-to-Consumer Subscriptions)

By Price Tier

  • Economy
  • Mid-Range
  • Premium
  • Super Premium

By Packaging Type

  • Cans
  • Pouches
  • Bags
  • Tubs & Trays
  • Bulk Packaging
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  • 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 U.S. pet food market is valued at USD 45.39 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach approximately USD 66.88 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.4%. This growth is fueled by rising pet ownership, premiumization, and functional, and natural pet food products.

Major trends include the rise of personalized nutrition, premium and organic products, sustainable packaging, and growing online sales. The shift toward treating pets like family is driving innovation in functional and fresh food offerings.

The sector offers strong investment opportunities across premium nutrition, e-commerce platforms, functional food innovations, and smart packaging. High pet ownership rates and demand for wellness-based diets signal long-term stability and ROI.

Technologies like smart feeders, AI-based diet personalization, automated packaging, and traceable sourcing are transforming pet food manufacturing and retail. Startups and major brands alike are integrating tech to boost quality, transparency, and convenience.

It is moderately consolidated, with key players like Mars Petcare, Nestlé Purina, and General Mills dominating. However, emerging premium, organic, and raw food brands are disrupting traditional dominance through DTC and innovation-focused strategies.

Dry pet food dominates due to convenience and long shelf life, while veterinary/prescription diets are the fastest-growing category, reflecting growing health concerns and demand for disease-specific nutrition.

Challenges include stringent regulatory hurdles, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs of premium ingredients. Additionally, market saturation in certain categories and inconsistent quality in lower-tier brands can limit growth.

Dogs hold the largest market share at 62% in 2024, driven by high adoption and demand for premium products. However, the cat segment is growing fastest, fueled by urbanization and rising interest in fresh protein-based diets.