Tailored diets, functional ingredients, and rising demand for life-stage nutrition are accelerating long-term growth across global pet food categories

NEWARK, Del., Feb. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the global pet food market is entering a new phase of value-led growth as pet ownership expands and consumers increasingly treat pets as family members. Valued at USD 132.4 billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach USD 247.7 billion by 2035, advancing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.

Growth is being driven by a sustained shift toward premiumization, personalized nutrition, and formulations designed for specific life stages, breeds, and health needs. Product innovation continues to strengthen category value, with demand rising for solutions that support digestive health, joint care, and immune function.

Quick Stats for the Pet Food Market

Market Value (2025): USD 132.4 billion
Forecast Value (2035): USD 247.7 billion
Forecast CAGR (2025 to 2035): 6.5%
Nature Leader (2025): Conventional (70% market share)
Top Animal Type Segment: Dog (60% market share)
Key Growth Region: Western Europe (UK fastest-growing at 6.8% CAGR)
Key Players: Simmons, Inc., Merrick Pet Care, Inc., Champion Petfoods LP, Nature’s Variety, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Cargill, Incorporated, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, General Mills, Inc. (Blue Buffalo), Mars Petcare Inc., Nestlé Purina PetCare, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, J.M. Smucker Company, Diamonds, Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd., Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., Unicharm Corporation, Deuerer GmbH, Sunshine Mills, Inc., Nutriara Alimentos Ltda., Unicharm PetCare Corporation.

Get Access of Free Pet Food Report Sample: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/brochure/rep-gb-17309 

Market Snapshot

The pet food market accounts for an estimated:

3.6% of the USD 72 billion animal nutrition market
1.73% of the USD 150 billion pet care market
0.072% of the USD 3.6 trillion packaged food market
0.026% of the USD 10 trillion global consumer goods market

Its expansion is supported by three structural shifts: rising pet ownership, higher spend on nutrition quality, and global pet humanization trends.

Regulatory Landscape Continues to Shape Manufacturer Strategy

Government regulations remain central to product development, labeling, and market access across major pet food markets.

In the United States, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine oversees compliance related to nutritional standards and ingredient approvals.
In Europe, EFSA regulations require strict safety assessments, while FEDIAF guidelines help standardize formulations.
In Japan, labeling and ingredient safety standards are enforced under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Globally, regulatory frameworks increasingly emphasize:

transparency in sourcing
restrictions on harmful additives
hygienic manufacturing practices
accurate labeling and product claims

These requirements continue to shape operating models and compliance investments for pet food manufacturers worldwide.

Key Growth Outlook by Market and Segment

The UK is projected to be the fastest-growing national market, expanding at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2025 to 2035. The USA and Germany are also expected to post stable growth at 6.2% and 6.4% CAGRs, respectively.

At the segment level:

Conventional pet food will lead the nature category with 70% share
Dog food will dominate animal type with 60% share
Kibble/Dry will remain the leading product type with 42.5% share by 2025
Animal-derived source segment will lead with 22.7% share in 2025

Investment-Focused Segmentation Analysis

The pet food market is segmented by product type, source, animal type, nature, and region.

By Product Type

The market includes:

Kibble/Dry (extruded, baked, coated)
Dehydrated food
Freeze-dried cooked
Freeze-dried raw
Wet food
Frozen
Raw food
Powder
Treats & chews (dog and cat variants)

By Source

Animal-derived (fish, chicken, duck, beef, pork, venison, lamb, turkey)
Plant-derived
Insect-derived (crickets, mealworms, black soldier flies)

By Animal Type

Cats (kittens, seniors)
Dogs (puppies, adults, seniors)
Birds
Others (rabbits, hamsters)

By Nature

Organic
Monoprotein
Conventional

By Region

North America
Latin America
Western Europe
Eastern Europe
Balkans & Baltic
Russia & Belarus
Central Asia
East Asia
South Asia & Pacific
Middle East & Africa

Kibble/Dry Leads with 42.5% Share as Convenience and Value Stay Core to Demand

Kibble/Dry is projected to lead the product type segment, accounting for 42.5% of market share by 2025. The format continues to appeal to pet owners looking for cost-effective, practical, and nutritionally consistent feeding options.

Key factors supporting kibble/dry leadership include:

crunchy texture that supports dental benefits
compatibility with automated feeding systems in urban households
continued innovation in flavors and coatings to improve palatability

Animal-Derived Sources Lead with 22.7% Share on Protein Preference and Performance Nutrition

The animal-derived segment is expected to lead the source category with approximately 22.7% market share in 2025, supported by sustained demand for high-protein formulations.

Major demand drivers include:

strong adoption of chicken and fish due to digestibility and availability
premium demand for beef, lamb, and turkey
rising preference for fish-based proteins for omega-3 benefits linked to skin and coat health

Dog Food Dominates with 60% Share as Premium and Life-Stage Nutrition Expands

The dog segment is expected to capture 60% of the market in 2025, backed by higher ownership rates and stronger spending across premium treats and targeted diets.

Growth within the segment is supported by:

high demand for puppy and adult diets with defined nutrition profiles
rising interest in senior dog food as pet populations age
wider marketing and adoption of breed-specific formulations

Conventional Formulations Retain Scale Advantage with 70% Share

The conventional nature segment is projected to dominate with approximately 70% market share in 2025, driven by affordability, broad retail availability, and trusted nutritional performance for general pet health maintenance.

Key reasons conventional products continue to lead:

balanced macronutrient profiles at accessible price points
continuous improvements in ingredient transparency and quality
niche growth in monoprotein and organic products that remains smaller in total value terms

Top Market Dynamics Shaping the Next Decade

Recent Trends in the Pet Food Market

Growing integration of smart packaging for transparency and traceability
Adoption of genetic profiling to support personalized nutrition plans
Increased use of functional ingredients such as probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants

Challenges in the Pet Food Market

High production costs for premium and specialized formulations
Regional differences in safety standards creating compliance complexity
Sustainability concerns tied to sourcing animal-derived proteins

Country-Level Demand Outlook Highlights

United Kingdom

The UK is forecast to be the fastest-growing market, with pet food revenue expanding at a CAGR of 6.8% (2025 to 2035). Growth is supported by premiumization, direct-to-consumer e-commerce expansion, and rising demand for breed-specific formulations.

Key trends:

stronger demand for breed-specific and life-stage products
increasing traction for organic and grain-free options

France

The French pet food market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6%, driven by pet humanization, premiumization, and growing adoption of functional treats.

Key trends:

strong uptake of treats targeting mobility and digestion
increasing popularity of organic and eco-friendly formulations

Germany

Germany is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.4%, supported by demand for hypoallergenic, natural, monoprotein, and organic formulations.

Key trends:

strong demand for monoprotein diets addressing sensitivities
expansion of organic and insect-based protein products

United States

The USA pet food market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 6.2%, supported by rising pet ownership and growing demand for organic, natural, and targeted functional diets.

Key trends:

strong demand for organic and natural formulations
high spending on products focused on dental health and joint care

Japan

The Japanese pet food market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1%, driven by demand for small-breed, age-specific, and urban-friendly nutrition formats.

Key trends:

high demand for small-breed tailored formulations
expansion of premium treats and functional supplements

Competitive Landscape: Moderately Consolidated Market with R&D-Led Differentiation

The global pet food market remains moderately consolidated, with leading companies including:

Mars Petcare Inc.
Nestlé Purina PetCare
Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Blue Buffalo (owned by General Mills)
Cargill Incorporated

These companies maintain strong positions through broad product portfolios tailored to dogs, cats, and small animals, while investing in:

personalized nutrition
functional ingredients (probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids)
sustainable alternatives including insect- and plant-based proteins

Leading manufacturers are increasing R&D investment as premium and natural segments continue to expand, helping drive product differentiation and long-term market growth.

Recent Pet Food Industry News

February 2025: UK retailer Pets at Home launched “Chick Bites”, dog treats made from lab-grown chicken meat (produced by Meatly), positioning the product as a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional meat-based treats.
February 2023: Mars Petcare completed its acquisition of Champion Petfoods, known for premium brands ORIJEN and ACANA.

Request Access of Full Report:  https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/pet-food-market 

Related Reports:

Pet Food Ingredients Market: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/pet-food-ingredients-market

Pet food ingredients market is anticipated to ascend from USD 47.9 billion in 2026 to USD 64.5 billion by 2036, registering a CAGR of 6.3%. Animal-Derived Ingredients are expected to hold a dominant 45% share, while Commercial Pet Food will lead the Application category with a 75.7% share.

Pet Food Collagen Market: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/pet-food-collagen-market

The pet food collagen market is valued at USD 989.4 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1,723.4 million by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 5.7%. Bovine collagen will hold around 55% share, with soft chews and dog-focused joint health supplements leading demand.

Pet Food Pulverizer Market: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/pet-food-pulverizer-market

The pet food pulverizer market is projected to grow from USD 108.2 million in 2025 to USD 169.7 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 4.6%. Hammer Mill Pulverizer will dominate with a 64.0% market share, while dog food will lead the application segment with a 52.0% share.

Pet Food Emulsifier Market: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/pet-food-emulsifier-market

The pet food emulsifier market is projected to grow from USD 487.2 million in 2025 to USD 593.8 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 2.0%. High Shear Emulsifier will dominate with a 49.0% market share, while dog food will lead the application segment with a 54.0% share.

Pet Food Preservative Market: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/pet-food-preservative-market

The pet food preservative market is projected to grow from USD 668.1 million in 2025 to USD 860.6 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 2.6%. Nisin will dominate with a 24.7% market share, while dog food will lead the end-use application segment with a 57.3% share.

Pet Food Antioxidants Market: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/pet-food-antioxidants-market

The pet food antioxidants market is projected to grow from USD 139.3 million in 2025 to USD 202.2 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 3.8%. Natural Antioxidants will dominate with a 56.3% market share, while dog will lead the pet type segment with a 48.9% share.

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