Dog Food Market

Global Dog Food Market:

The global dog food market size reached USD 72.6 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 105.2 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.79% during 2025-2033. The rising pet ownership and pet humanization trends, increasing health and wellness concerns of pets, rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes, growing proliferation of e-commerce platforms, and increasing investments in high-quality dog food options are some of the major factors propelling the market growth.

Global Dog Food Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The market is witnessing impressive growth, driven by the rising awareness regarding dog health and nutrition, leading to a preference for premium and natural dog food products. Moreover, the increasing availability of dog food across online and offline retail channels is also contributing to the market growth. 
• Key Market Trend: Advancements in technology pertaining to the production and packaging of dog food are acting as significant market trends, leading to lucrative growth opportunities in the market. Additionally, the emerging trend of pet humanization is also catalyzing the market growth.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the leading dog food market companies include Mars Petcare, Inc., Nestlé Purina Pet Care, Hill's Pet Nutrition, and Del Monte Foods, among others. 
• Geographical Trends: According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share. North America has a significant pet ownership culture, with dogs being prominent companions in many households. The strong emotional bond between owners and their pets drives the demand for high-quality and diverse dog food options that cater to various breed sizes, life stages, and health requirements.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The industry faces challenges related to food safety, regulatory compliance, and concerns over ingredient sourcing. Opportunities lie in the development of innovative pet food formulations, expansion into emerging markets, and sustainability initiatives.

Global Dog Food Market Trends:

Increasing Ownership of Dogs

The global dog food market is significantly driven by the emerging trend of pet humanization, where pets are increasingly treated as family members. This shift has led to a substantial increase in pet ownership worldwide. Globally, dogs are the major pets adopted by pet parents. In 2022, they accounted for the largest share of the global pet food market, accounting for a market value of US$ 80.03 Billion in 2022. They are projected to reach US$ 156.60 Billion in 2029. This higher share can be attributed to a significant number of dog owners shifting from home-cooked food to commercial food, the significant dietary needs of dogs compared to other pets, and the larger dog population. For instance, the dog population was 604.5 million in 2022, whereas the cat population was 408.2 million globally. Pet owners are now more conscious of their dog's health and well-being, which translates into a significant rise in the dog food market size.

Rising Demand for Nutrition-Packed Dog Food

Health-conscious attitudes among pet owners have become a key factor influencing the dog food market. Dog parents invest most of their pet expenditure in dog food as they are concerned about their dogs' well-being and are seeking products that cater to specific health concerns like obesity, diabetes, and food allergies in pets. For instance, pet food accounted for 42.4% of pet expenses in the United States in 2022, and about 40% of pet parents purchased premium pet food in 2022. Manufacturers are increasingly investing in expanding their operations to offer a wide range of specialized products, including those with functional benefits such as enhanced immunity, digestive health, and coat condition. For instance, in October 2023, Nestlé announced the opening of two new production units at its Purina pet food factory in Hungary, increasing output by 66%. The expansion will see the annual production capacity of the facility increase from approximately 150,000 metric tons to 250,000 metric tons. In addition to this, various manufacturers are also offering unique treats since dogs show more preference for treats over other pets. These treats serve multiple purposes, including training, maintaining dental health, and providing rewards. The introduction of unique and healthy food variants for dogs is anticipated to propel the dog food market share in the coming years.

Technological Advancements

Advancements in technology pertaining to the production and packaging of dog food are creating a positive outlook for the overall market. The integration of modern technology in manufacturing processes is enabling the production of a wider variety of pet food with improved nutritional value and a longer shelf life. For instance, BrightPet Nutrition Group unveiled a refreshed brand presence for its Blackwood pet nutrition portfolio at Global Pet Expo 2024, held March 20–22 in Orlando. The rebrand precedes several new product launches planned for the brand later this year, including new meal toppers, freeze-dried, single ingredient treats, and granola treats, as well as a new branding for Blackwood's Oven Baked Bites. The new package designs for the Blackwood portfolio aim to communicate freshness, quality, and health benefits to consumers with enhanced formulations. Besides this, numerous leading market players are also incorporating sustainable packaging materials like biodegradable plastics or recyclable materials to reduce environmental impact, which is positively impacting the dog food market outlook.

Global Dog Food Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global dog food market report, along with forecasts at the global and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type, pricing type, ingredient type, and distribution channel.

Breakup by Product Type:

• Dry Dog Food
• Dog Treats
• Wet Dog Food
   

Dry dog food dominates the market

The dog food market report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes dry dog food, dog treats, and wet dog food. According to the report, dry dog food represented the largest segment.

Dry dog food offers convenience and a longer shelf life compared to wet or semi-moist alternatives. This convenience aligns with the modern lifestyles of pet owners, especially those in urban areas, where time constraints often dictate pet care routines. For instance, dry dog food in the economy range had the highest market value in India, amounting to over US$ 238 Million in 2021. This translated to a share of nearly 40% of the total market value for dry dog foods in India during the measured time period. Additionally, dry dog food's cost-effectiveness appeals to a broad range of consumers, making it a popular choice across various socioeconomic segments. These factors collectively establish dry dog food as a versatile, accessible, and economical option, positioning it as the dominant force in the dog food industry.

Breakup by Pricing Type:

• Premium Products
• Mass Products
   

Mass products hold the largest share in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the pricing type has also been provided in the report. This includes premium products and mass products. According to the report, mass products accounted for the largest market share.

Mass products are strategically priced to cater to a broad spectrum of consumers, making them highly accessible and appealing to a wide range of pet owners across different income levels. This affordability aligns with the diverse global demographics of dog owners and ensures a larger customer base. Additionally, mass products often leverage economies of scale in their production processes, enabling manufacturers to maintain competitive pricing while achieving substantial volumes. This allows companies to tap into the mass market without compromising on quality or nutritional value, making them a preferred choice for value-conscious consumers seeking cost-effective yet reliable options for their pets.

Breakup by Ingredient Type:

• Animal Derived
• Plant Derived
   

Animal derived accounts the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the ingredient type. This includes animal derived and plant derived. According to the report, animal derived represented the largest segment.

Dogs are carnivorous by nature, and their dietary needs are inherently tied to animal proteins and nutrients. Animal-derived ingredients, such as meat, poultry, and fish, align more closely with the natural dietary preferences and nutritional requirements of dogs, making them a vital component in formulating balanced and nutritious dog food. Additionally, animal-derived ingredients offer a rich source of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to the overall health and well-being of a dog. Recent research from scientists in Portugal and Germany, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, dove deep into two novel protein sources for use in pet food. According to the study, squid meal and shrimp hydrolysate are ideal as protein sources in dog food. Furthermore, the perception of animal-derived ingredients as premium and authentic aligns with the trend of pet owners seeking to provide their dogs with nutrition that resembles their ancestral diets.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Online
• Others
   

Supermarkets and hypermarkets hold the largest share in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel has also been provided in the report. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, specialty stores, online, and others. According to the report, supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for the largest market share.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the dominant distribution channels in the pet food market. For instance, PetSmart was the largest pet specialty retail chain in North America as of March 2022 in terms of store count, with a total of 1,669 stores. Retail giants like these offer a wide variety of pet food brands, making them convenient one-stop shops for pet owners. These retail outlets offer a one-stop shopping experience, where pet owners can easily find a variety of dog food brands and products alongside their regular household shopping. The convenience factor is particularly crucial in urban settings, where pet owners often seek efficient ways to purchase essential items for their pets. Additionally, supermarkets and hypermarkets benefit from economies of scale, allowing them to stock a diverse range of dog food options, including both mass-market and premium products.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
• Western Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Eastern Europe
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America exhibits a clear dominance in the market

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share.

North America has a significant pet ownership culture, with dogs being prominent companions in many households. For instance, between 2017 and 2018, pet parents who consider dogs as family members accounted for 85% in the United States. Additionally, in North America, there was an increase of 9.6% in the pet dog population between 2020 and 2022 due to the rise in the work-from-culture and millennials increasingly adopting new pets. Moreover, North American consumers prioritize their pets' health and well-being, leading to a preference for premium and specialized dog food products. The trend of humanization, where pets are regarded as family members, translates into a willingness to invest in nutritionally balanced and tailor-made options.

Competitive Landscape:

Leading companies continually invest in research and development to create novel dog food formulations. This includes introducing specialized diets for specific health needs, incorporating premium and natural ingredients, and experimenting with new flavors and textures that cater to evolving consumer preferences. Additionally, recognizing the significance of pet health, key players emphasize nutrition. They collaborate with veterinarians and animal nutritionists to develop balanced recipes that address dietary requirements and promote overall well-being, appealing to health-conscious pet owners. Other than this, in response to growing consumer awareness of sustainability, key players are incorporating ethical sourcing practices, traceable ingredients, and eco-friendly packaging. Transparent labeling and clear information about sourcing reassure pet owners about the quality and origins of the products they choose. Besides this, leveraging technology, companies engage with pet owners through online platforms, social media, and mobile apps. They offer educational content, product recommendations, and personalized feeding plans, enhancing the consumer experience and building brand loyalty.

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Mars Petcare, Inc.
• Nestlé Purina Pet Care
• Hill's Pet Nutrition
• Del Monte Foods
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Global Dog Food Market News:

• June 2024: Notti Pet Food secured a seed investment of US$ 500,000 from 500 Global and First Move. The company plans to use this capital to launch new product lines and expand into the Philippines and Singapore markets.
• April 2024: Bowlers from Allana, a trusted brand in pet health, launched Nutrimax, a revolutionary new range of dog food. This innovative line caters to pet owners who prioritize complete and balanced nutrition for their furry companions, without compromising on quality.
• January 2024: PawCo Foods launched its two newest plant-based dog food products, LuxBites, InstaBites. PawCo Foods uses AI for nutrition optimization and palatability improvement of its products.

Global Dog Food Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the dog food market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global dog food market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the dog food industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.