U.S. Pet Food Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Wet Pet Food, Dry Pet Food, Snacks/Treats), By Pet Type (Cats, Dogs), By Category, By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts
Published Date: May - 2025 | Publisher: MIR | No of Pages: 260 | Industry: bulk chemicals | Format: Report available in PDF / Excel Format
View Details Buy Now 2999 Download Sample Ask for Discount Request CustomizationU.S. Pet Food Market Size & Trends
The size of the U.S. pet food market was USD 43.45 billion in 2024 and will grow at a CAGR of 4.3% between 2025 and 2030. The U.S. pet food market is growing tremendously because of a number of interconnected drivers and consumer trends. One of the primary drivers is the increasing humanization of pets, with owners viewing pets as part of the family and being more willing to spend on their health and well-being. This has driven demand for high-end, organic, and personalized pet food products that focus on high-quality ingredients, nutritional content, and transparency in sourcing. Increasing interest in pet health and wellness is another primary driver. With an increased understanding of the relationship between diet and pet long-term health, consumers today are interested more than ever before in organic, grain-free, raw, and functional pet food. Products supporting specific conditions like allergies, gastrointestinal issues, joint health, or skin and coat health are the most sought after. The pet food market is responding by developing increasingly scientifically formulated and nutritionally enhanced products.
The growth in pet ownership, particularly amid and post-COVID-19 pandemic, has grown the consumer base considerably. People took up pets during lockdowns, and the trend has been ongoing, leading to an overall rise in pet food consumption. Consumers are not only purchasing more food but also opting for premium, clean-label, and targeted products that cater to the breed, age, or lifestyle of their pets.
Premiumization is also conditioning the market. American pet owners are attaching higher value to safety and quality, opting for pet food products with gourmet, limited-ingredient, or human-grade recipes. Underpinning the premium movement are transparency trends as pet owners would rather be assured of brand disclosures on sources used, utilization of sustainable materials, and the availability of environment-friendly packaging alternatives. For example, Mars Petcare launched a major sustainability program to use recycled plastic in its packaging of pet food, a trailblazing action in the sector. With the help of chemical firm SABIC and packaging expert Huhtamaki, Mars hopes to cut back on virgin plastic use and drive a circular economy.
In addition, the presence of local manufacturers that hold a large market share globally and the introduction of specialty formulations with multiple packaging alternatives are anticipated to fuel the market growth and be a challenge to small as well as large formulators seeking to acquire a high market share. The J.M. Smucker Company, The Hartz Mountain Corporation, Mars, Incorporated, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc., Nestlé Purina, ANI BRANDS, Petco Animal Supplies, Inc., General Mills Inc., and WellPet LLC are some of the leading manufacturers and distributors of pet food products in North America.
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Report Coverage & Deliverables
- Competitive benchmarking
- Historical data & forecasts
- Company revenue shares
- Regional opportunities
- Latest trends & dynamics
Consumer Insights
The U.S. demand for pet food is mainly fueled by the growing awareness among consumers of the merits of the product towards the health of pets, as well as the growing humanization of pets. The nation is currently ranked among the world's top five markets in terms of the number of cats, dogs, and fish. According to the 2024 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, about 82 million U.S. homes have a pet. 58 million homes have dogs, 40 million homes have cats, and 9 million homes have freshwater fish.
Furthermore, the increasing demand for pet food toppers and mixers and an increase in subscriptions to a number of pet food delivery schemes are driving sales in the region. Consumers in the region are increasingly conscious about the ingredients added to pet food formulations and are ready to pay premium prices for such quality offerings.
Apart from that, pets such as dogs and cats are also experiencing increasing anxiety. Strangerness anxiety in American dogs is a leading source of fear and anxiety among dogs and is increased by 295% compared to 2020, according to Green Element's 2022 survey. This has led companies to create several products that include cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp oil, which help soothe and calm the animals. These products are sold in different beef and butter-banana flavor chews to attract pets. Thus, the efforts by different companies towards catering to the changing needs of pet owners are also expected to fuel the market growth for pet food.
Grain-free, gluten-free, organic, and raw diets are also becoming popular, especially among urban and health-conscious pet owners. They are responding back with clean-label foods, limited-ingredient diets, and breed- or age-targeted nutrition programs. Phobias of allergies, obesity in pets, and persistent pet health issues also spurred rises in vet-prescribed therapeutic food and customized nutrition. It is a sign of a bigger trend to treat pets similarly with the same love and attention to nutrition given to individuals within the family.
The growth of e-commerce and subscription pet food services has also driven expansion further. Such platforms offer convenience, variety, and ease of access to higher-end products, which makes it easier for consumers to regularly buy high-quality food. The role of veterinarians and pet-oriented social media influencers also goes a long way in determining consumer choice, recommending certain products or diets that help improve pet health.
At the 2025 Global Pet Expo, JustFoodForDogs launched its new JustFresh line, an award-winning series of shelf-stable, fresh dog food available in resealable 12-ounce pouches. The line includes four recipesHome-Cooked Beef, Chicken, Pork, and Turkey, made with human-grade ingredients including high-quality animal proteins, antioxidant vegetables like carrots and kale, and easily digestible grains like rice and oats. Formulated as a standalone meal or a topper for dry food, JustFresh™ is an easy way for pet owners to give their dogs the good, clean, preservative-free food they need. This introduction supports JustFoodForDogs' mission to improve dogs' health through improved nutrition and positions the company at the forefront of the emerging fresh pet food industry.
Product Insights
Dry pet food generated a revenue share of 59.5% in 2024. Dry pet food is increasing in demand owing to its convenience, longer shelf life, and lower cost compared to wet or fresh offerings. Pet owners like dry food for being easy to store, portion, and being healthy for their teeth since the kibble reduces tartar and plaque formation. Also, the increased availability of nutritionally complete and specialized dry foods, including grain-free, high-protein, and breed-specific formulations, is drawing consumers who are health-conscious and want customized nutrition for their pets.
The pet treats/snacks market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 4.7% during the period 2025-2030. The expansion of the pet food market for snacks and treats is fueled by the growing humanization of pets, with owners treating their pets more like family and rewarding them in the same manner. Pet treats are not only being utilized for training and behavior reinforcement but also to show affection and build bonding. Further, there is increased demand for functional treats that are beneficial to their health, providing joint support, dental care, or calming effect, which drives market growth even further. The extensive range of flavors, shapes, and health-oriented choices also appeals to people who want to indulge their pets while enhancing their well-being.
Pet Type Insights
Dog pet food achieved a revenue share of 58.8% in 2024. Sales of dog pet food in the United States are increasing steadily because of increasing dog ownership in the nation and increased inclination toward treating dogs as part of the family. The owners are spending more time on their pets' health and nutrition, which is creating demand for high-quality, customized food items according to special dietary requirements and life stages. The growth of the market is also being driven by the popularity of natural, premium, and functional dog food, including grain-free, hypoallergenic, and breed-specific diets. Additionally, the availability of dog food both offline and online has made it easier to access than ever before.
Cat food is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2025 through 2030. Increased urbanization and the rising popularity of cats as low-maintenance pets, with low space requirements, have been directly responsible for increased cat ownership, particularly in cities such as London, where apartment living is practiced. Cat owners are increasingly treating their cats as part of the family, driving demand for premium, health-oriented, and specialty nutrition, including products addressing specific health issues like obesity, digestive health, and allergies.
Category Insights
Conventional pet food for commuters had a revenue share of 86.3% in 2024. Conventional pet food in the United States is increasing on the basis of its affordability, extensive availability, and popularity among long-standing pet owners. Consumers still believe in tried brands that provide consistent quality and nutritional consistency at reasonable prices. Amidst an age of increasing cost of living, conventional dry and canned pet food is still an affordable option for budget-strapped families. As well, major supermarkets and chain grocery stores sell these products en masse, hence making them ready at hand for regular consumers.
Specialist veterinary nutrition pet food is anticipated to register a CAGR of 4.5% during the period 2025-2030. ​In the United States, most pet owners prefer to purchase pet food from specialist veterinary nutrition companies since they value their pets' individual health needs and believe in professional advice. These experts provide customized diets that treat medical conditions such as allergies, obesity, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal disorders, which regular pet foods cannot effectively support. As more consumers become health-conscious about pets, they appreciate the guarantee of scientifically developed, vet-approved nutrition that enhances the quality of life and lifespan of their pets.
Distribution Channel Insights
Sales of pet food via pet specialty stores contributed a revenue percentage of 31.1% in 2024 within the U.S. pet food industry. The stores provide an assortment of premium, niche, and high-quality pet food products targeting specific dietary requirements and health issues, in line with the premiumization and pet humanization trend. Shoppers are demanding more transparency of ingredients and nutrition, which is more likely to be found at specialty stores. Moreover, such stores tend to have knowledgeable salespeople who can provide personalized service and recommendations, making the pet owner's shopping experience more positive.
Pet food sales via online/e-commerce channels are projected to increase at a CAGR of 5.9% between 2025 and 2030. ​The rise of e-commerce in the U.S. pet food industry is fueled by a number of important drivers. First and foremost, the ease of shopping online enables pet owners to browse a vast selection of products from the comfort of their homes, a phenomenon that the retail digitalization has intensified. This change has resulted in increased retail investments in their online competence to address demand from consumers.
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Key U.S. Pet Food Company Insights
American pet food producers are increasingly employing state-of-the-art food processing technologies to enhance the quality, flavor, and nutritional value of products. Methods involving vacuum frying, air frying, and freeze-drying preserve ingredients' natural characteristics and nutrients with minimal oil usage. The producers are also introducing new packaging solutions, such as biodegradable and resealable, to increase convenience as well as sustainability. Customization is also picking up steam, with companies providing a range of different seasoning mixes, organic options, and customized snack/treat packages to satisfy the distinctive tastes of pet owners.
Key U.S. Pet Food Companies
- The J.M. Smucker Company
- Nestlé Purina
- Mars, Incorporated
- LUPUS Alimento
- Total Alimentos
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
- General Mills Inc.
- WellPet LLC
- The Hartz Mountain Corporation
- Diamond Pet Foods
Recent Developments
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In April 2025, JustFoodForDogs extended its fresh-frozen dog food lineup to more than 900 PetSmart locations in the U.S., making more minimally processed, whole-food nutrition available for dogs. The extended product lineup features top-selling recipes developed by JustFoodForDogs' in-house veterinary and nutrition team, using whole ingredients such as fresh meats and vegetables without artificial fillers or preservatives. This collaboration is part of a larger consumer trend as pet owners increasingly look to cleaner, science-based nutrition for their pets that aligns with the standards they maintain for food.
In November 2024, The Protein Ball Co. founders launched new pet treat company It's The Dog in an effort to give dogs the same high-quality, natural ingredients used in their human protein snacks. The company's first product is a peanut butter ball specifically designed for the health of dogs with ingredients such as chia seeds, toasted pumpkin seed protein, chicory fiber, and coconut cream. The products are made to be high-protein, grain-free, low-carb, and high-fiber, yielding benefits such as enhanced digestion, muscle support, and a healthy coat.
During April 2024, Purina PetCare plans introduced more than 100 new products in the United States, taking advantage of increased production capacity to address rising consumer demand. The effort involves returning to market categories previously constrained by supply issues and expanding in microbiome-based nutrition, specifically in the Purina ONE True Instinct canine food line. These actions support Purina's science-driven, premium pet nutrition commitment and support the growing pet population and consumer demand for specialized diets.
U.S. Pet Food Market Report Scope
|
Report Attribute |
Details |
|
Market size value in 2025 |
USD 45.25 billion |
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Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 55.93 billion |
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Growth rate |
CAGR of 4.3% from 2025 to 2030 |
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Actual data |
2018 - 2024 |
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Forecast period |
2025 - 2030 |
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Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million/ billion, volume in kilo tons, CAGR from 2025 to 2030 |
|
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
|
Segments covered |
Product, pet type, category, distribution channel, region |
|
Key companies profiled |
The J.M. Smucker Company; Nestlé Purina; Mars, Incorporated; LUPUS Alimento; Total Alimentos; Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.; General Mills Inc.; WellPet LLC; The Hartz Mountain Corporation; Diamond Pet Foods |
|
Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
|
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
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U.S. Pet Food Market Report Segmentation
Product Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
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Wet Pet Food
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Dry Pet Food
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Snacks/Treats
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Pet Type Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
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Cats
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Dogs
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Others
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Category Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
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Traditional Pet Food
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Specialist Veterinary Nutrition
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Cats
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Dogs
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Others
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Distribution Channel Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
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Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
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Convenience Stores
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E-commerce
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Pet Specialty Stores
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Others
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