India Pet Food Market Report

India Pet Food Market Size and Share:

The India pet food market size was valued at USD 2.4 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 4.6 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.2% from 2025-2033. The market is expanding due to the rising pet adoption, especially in urban households, and a growing awareness about pet health and nutrition. Inflating disposable incomes allow pet parents to spend more on specialized, premium food products. The wider product availability through online and offline channels, and endorsements by veterinarians are further encouraging demand. Additionally, pet humanization trends are driving the demand for functional and organic pet food, therefore expanding the India pet food market share.

The rising number of households with pets, attributed to evolving lifestyles, is resulting in a greater need for reliable and convenient feeding solutions. As pets are becoming more integrated into family life, providing them with nutritionally balanced meals becomes essential. Additionally, the growing humanization of pets, wherein they are treated with the same care and attention as human family members, is offering a favorable market outlook. This mindset shift is catalyzing the demand for high-quality, specialized, and health-oriented pet food products that support well-being and longevity. Besides this, with more people experiencing financial growth, they are more willing to allocate a part of their budget to non-essential but valued expenses like pet care. This financial flexibility supports the growth of both premium and mid-tier pet food categories.

Moreover, the greater accessibility of pet food on digital platforms and contemporary retail stores is improving buyer access and enhancing shopping experience. This wider distribution network speeds up market entry and purchasing frequency. Apart from this, veterinarians are essential in advising pet parents on scientifically formulated diets, especially when pets have health issues or specific dietary requirements. Their expert approval boosts confidence in packaged pet food. In addition to this, brands are developing products that align with local user expectations, including pricing, taste, and dietary beliefs. This customization encourages adoption among a wider client base and supports the India pet food market growth.

India Pet Food Market Trends:

Expansion of Organized Retail and E-Commerce Channels

The extensive accessibility of pet food via structured retail and online platforms is transforming buying behaviors in India. Shoppers who previously depended on neighborhood stores with few options can now find a diverse range of branded items via supermarkets, pet specialty stores, and veterinary clinics. Online shopping sites are further speeding up this transformation by providing home delivery, attractive prices, subscription options, and in-depth product information. These characteristics are particularly attractive in city settings, where convenience and time-efficient solutions are important. According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India's e-commerce sector, estimated at Rs. 10,82,875 crore (US$ 125 billion) in FY24is anticipated to achieve Rs. 29,88,735 crore (US$ 345 billion) by FY30, with a growth rate of 15% CAGR. This increase enhances the availability of pet food, even in lesser-known towns. With improved visibility and simpler access to reliable products across various retail formats, a growing number of pet parents are transitioning from homemade meals or unbranded alternatives to standardized, ready-to-serve pet food.

Diversification Across Pet Categories

India's pet food market is gradually growing beyond its usual emphasis on dogs, fueled by an increasing interest in cats, birds, fish, and various small pets. Urban lifestyle and compact homes are making cats a favored option for many pet parents, particularly in apartments where their minimal care requirements suit hectic schedules. This change is driving the need for species-specific food, encouraging brands to actively expand their product offerings. In 2025, Allana Consumer Products Ltd. launched "Purrfeto," a premium cat food range for kittens and adult cats, manufactured at its advanced Zaheerabad facility. The brand aims to capture 40% market share in 3 years with products available in 30 Indian cities. The launch included a creative "Cattitude: Relax from Home" campaign to engage cat parents. As adoption patterns shift and non-canine pets gain popularity, the industry is evolving into a more segmented market with specialized nutrition and targeted marketing. This trend is expected to significantly influence the India pet food market forecast over the coming years.

Ethical Consumerism and Sustainability Preferences

A growing segment of pet parents in India are aligning their purchasing decisions with broader ethical and environmental values. This shift is influenced by rising awareness around climate change, cruelty-free practices, and the environmental footprint of animal-based products. Individuals who follow plant-based diets or support sustainability causes are extending these beliefs to their pets, seeking food options that reflect their values. This is leading to a rise in the demand for vegan, vegetarian, and eco-conscious pet food alternatives that use plant-based proteins, avoid animal testing, and rely on sustainable packaging. The appeal of such products lies not just in their ingredient list but in their alignment with a lifestyle centered on compassion and low-impact living. This cultural and behavioral shift is creating new market niches and shaping the evolution of pet nutrition in India. In line with this trend, in 2024, Palak Jain launched Paws for Greens, India’s first vegan dog food brand. The plant-based, cruelty-free products were made from human-grade ingredients and aimed to promote ethical, eco-conscious pet care.

India Pet Food Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the India pet food market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on pet type, product type, pricing type, ingredient type, and distribution channel.

Analysis by Pet Type:

• Dog Food
• Cat Food
• Others

Dog food is the leading segment, holding 85.6% market share because there is a considerably larger number of pet dogs than other animals. Dogs are frequently seen as faithful and part of the family, resulting in greater expenditures on their health and diet. The increasing urban middle class is leading to a surge in dog adoption, especially in nuclear families, where dogs offer emotional support and companionship. This change is resulting in an increase in the demand for specific dog food that addresses different breeds, sizes, and life stages. Furthermore, understanding the negative impacts of home-cooked or unbalanced diets is encouraging pet parents to transition to commercially prepared dog food. The presence of a diverse selection of dog food choices, ranging from budget to premium and super-premium, is further contributing to the market growth. Pet care businesses primarily center their marketing and product innovation on dogs, emphasizing their supremacy in the market. This dominant positioning is expected to remain a key feature of the India pet food market outlook in the near future.

Analysis by Product Type:

• Dry Pet Food
• Wet and Canned Pet Food
• Snacks and Treats

Dry pet food dominates the market with 89.6% in 2024, accredited to its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and extensive availability in various retail formats. Its extended shelf life and simple storage make it very convenient for pet parents, particularly in urban homes where space and time are scarce. Dry food is more shelf-stable than wet food and does not require refrigeration, minimizing waste and upkeep. Serving is simplified and enables regulated feeding, promoting improved portion management and weight regulation in pets. The product comes in many different formulas designed for various breeds, life stages, and dietary requirements, enhancing buyer preferences. Moreover, dry food is more cost-effective than wet food on a per-meal basis, appealing to budget-minded individuals. Pet food producers are improving the nutritional value of dry food by incorporating added vitamins, minerals, and functional components, increasing its attractiveness to health-aware pet parents.

Analysis by Pricing Type:

• Mass Products
• Premium Products

Mass products represent the largest segment, accounting 70% of the market share because of their low cost, availability, and significant attraction to budget-conscious buyers. In India, many pet parents come from middle-income families that look for affordable nutrition alternatives for their pets while maintaining essential quality. Popular pet food brands provide well-balanced formulas at affordable prices, making them the ideal option for everyday feeding requirements. These items are easily accessible in supermarkets, neighborhood grocery stores, and online platforms, which enhances their distribution. The prevalence of dogs as domestic animals also boosts the demand for mass-produced items, given that buying dry dog food in bulk is more cost-effective. Producers in this category emphasize upholding vital nutritional standards while minimizing production and packaging expenses. Moreover, fierce marketing strategies, promotional deals, and extensive distribution channels enable these products to sustain a robust presence. Their value-for-money strategy guarantees ongoing demand, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas.

Analysis by Ingredient Type:

• Animal Derived
• Plant Derived

Animal-derived stand as the largest component in 2024, holding 80% of the market. The dominance of the segment is attributed to its superior nutritional value, taste appeal, and alignment with the natural eating habits of pets. The main pet species in India, including dogs and cats, are naturally predisposed to meat-oriented diets, which makes animal-derived food more suitable and gratifying for them. These ingredients provide vital proteins, amino acids, and fats needed for proper growth, muscle enhancement, and overall well-being. Pet parents are becoming more conscious about the significance of protein-rich diets, prompting a move away from solely plant-based choices. The inclusion of meat, poultry, and fish derivatives improves the taste and scent of pet food, resulting in increased consumption. Numerous producers emphasize animal-derived proteins as a vital marketing aspect, providing a range of mixes for diverse life stages and health issues. As the demand for biologically suitable diets increases, animal-derived ingredients remain the favored option in premium, mid-range, and mass-market product categories.

Analysis by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Online Stores
• Others

Specialty stores lead the market with 50% of market share in 2024 due to their targeted product selections, tailored service, and the trust cultivated among pet parents. These stores usually carry a carefully selected variety of pet food brands, addressing particular dietary needs, health issues, and breed specifications. Pet parents frequently depend on advice from knowledgeable staff at specialty shops, who can give informed suggestions considering the age, weight, or health problems of their pets. The in-store experience enables shoppers to physically inspect products, compare ingredients, and discover new releases. In contrast to typical retail shops, specialty stores frequently host pet care activities, provide loyalty rewards, and promote community involvement, improving client loyalty. Additionally, their strategic positioning in cities with elevated pet adoption rates enhances their importance. With the growing demand for high-quality and customized pet nutrition, specialty shops consistently gain from providing quality assurance, education, and a range of options, attributes that resonate significantly with health-aware pet parents.

Regional Analysis:

• South India
• North India
• West and Central India
• East India

In 2024, North India held the biggest market share of 35% because of inflating disposable incomes and a rise in pet adoption in urban areas like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jaipur. The area features a robust network of organized retail and specialized pet shops, enhancing access to branded pet food. Knowledge regarding pet nutrition and veterinary services is also comparatively elevated, resulting in an increased demand for commercial pet food items. The impact of nuclear family dynamics and hectic routines is accelerating the transition from homemade meals to commercial pet food. Furthermore, numerous top companies concentrate their marketing and distribution strategies on urban centers in North India, strengthening their supremacy. The presence of pet care services, grooming options, and online delivery systems is further strengthening the market growth.

Competitive Landscape:

Major participants in the market are proactively broadening their product ranges to address a variety of dietary requirements and preferences for pets. They are putting funds into research operations to launch specialized formulas aimed at age-specific, breed-specific, and health-oriented nutrition. Businesses are enhancing their distribution systems, including digital platforms, to boost accessibility in urban and semi-urban areas. Numerous companies are also shifting production locally to cut expenses and guarantee freshness. Moreover, collaborations with veterinary experts and pet influencers are assisting brands in boosting their credibility. Strategic marketing initiatives are also utilized to inform individuals about pet nutrition and foster brand loyalty. In 2025, Hyderabad-based startup Nutrition Nxt launched its ‘Parent’ range of pet food, offering life-stage-specific nutrition for pets. The products include specialized formulas like ‘Mother and Puppy’ and ‘Puppy’.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the India pet food market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

Latest News and Developments:

• April 2025: Godrej Consumer Products entered the pet food market with the launch of 'Godrej Ninja' in Tamil Nadu. Developed by Godrej Pet Care, the brand offers scientifically formulated dry dog food aimed at enhancing gut health and immunity through probiotics, prebiotics, and polyphenols.
• March 2025: Avanti Pet Care officially launched its new pet food brand in partnership with Thailand-based Bluefalo Group. The initial offering to be introduced was the Avant Furst line of cat food. By the end of 2025, the company reportedly intends to add dry, wet, and treat forms of dog and cat food to its line-up.
• September 2024: Growel Group launched its new brand of pet food, Carniwel, officially entering the Indian pet food industry. Carniwel offers a wide range of premium products with palatability that are designed to satisfy pets' changing demands as they progress through different stages of life.
• February 2024: The Pet Journey, an Indian pet-care start-up, introduced Journey Raw Dog Food, a species-appropriate diet designed to meet the evolutionary nutritional needs of dogs. The brand offers raw meals made from human-grade ingredients, including meats, bones, organs, and select vegetables, aiming to promote optimal health and longevity in pets.

India Pet Food Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the India pet food market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the India pet food market.
• 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 India pet food industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.