United States Pet Food Market Trends & Forecast 2025–2033

According to Renub Research Latest Report United States pet food market is set for significant expansion, projected to reach US$ 64.17 billion by 2033, up from US$ 44.66 billion in 2024, reflecting a CAGR of 4.11% from 2025 to 2033. The growth is primarily driven by rising pet ownership, increased demand for premium and organic pet food, and a stronger focus on pet health and wellness.

Pet food includes specially formulated diets for dogs, cats, birds, and small mammals, available in dry kibble, wet canned, freeze-dried, and raw formats, often supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and functional ingredients to ensure optimal pet health.

Market Overview

In the U.S., the pet food industry is evolving rapidly due to humanization of pets, wherein owners increasingly treat pets as family members. This trend has fueled demand for high-quality, specialty, and gourmet pet food products, often tailored to age, size, health condition, or breed.

Health-conscious owners are driving premiumization, with interest in organic, grain-free, and functional foods that support weight management, joint care, food sensitivities, and overall wellness.

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Growth Drivers

1. Humanization of Pets

Pet humanization is a major factor driving market expansion. In 2024, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet, including 65.1 million with dogs and 46.5 million with cats.

Owners increasingly treat pets as family members, willing to spend more on premium, organic, or custom-formulated pet foods to ensure health and longevity.

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) reports $123.8 billion spent on pets in 2022, including $58.1 billion on pet food and treats, illustrating the scale of expenditure on pet wellness.

2. Pet Health and Wellness Focus

Health-conscious pet owners are fueling demand for functional and therapeutic pet foods. Products that address weight control, joint health, allergies, and chronic disease are gaining popularity.

For instance, in April 2024, Cymbiotika launched a pet line featuring Probiotic+, Calm, Hip & Joint, and Allergy & Immune Health supplements, emphasizing high-quality ingredients for overall wellness.

Growing awareness of obesity and chronic disease in pets is driving demand for veterinary-prescribed and specialty diets, further propelling the market.

3. Rise of E-Commerce and Online Platforms

The U.S. online pet food market is growing rapidly, driven by convenience, doorstep delivery, and subscription services. Platforms like Chewy, Amazon, and Walmart dominate, offering personalized product suggestions, discounts, and frequent replenishment options.

In October 2024, Stella & Chewy’s launched a direct-to-consumer e-commerce site, featuring nearly 100 freeze-dried raw products, treats, and kibble, highlighting the shift to digital-first pet food sales.

Market Challenges

1. Unpredictable Raw Material Costs

Fluctuating prices of meat, grains, and other inputs affect production costs. Supply chain disruptions, inflation, and weather-related issues may prompt price hikes or lower margins, challenging manufacturers, especially small and niche players, to remain competitive.

2. Regulatory Compliance and Quality Standards

U.S. pet food companies face strict FDA and AAFCO regulations, requiring extensive testing, labeling, and ingredient safety compliance. Non-compliance risks recalls, litigation, and reputational damage, particularly impacting smaller manufacturers’ market presence.

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Market Segments

Dog Food

The dog food segment is the largest, driven by premiumization and widespread dog ownership.

Dry Food: Convenient, long shelf life, and increasingly available in breed- or life-stage-specific formulas.

Wet Food: Popular for palatability and hydration.

Snacks & Treats: Functional treats for training, dental health, and joint support.

Others: Freeze-dried and raw diets replicating natural dog nutrition.

Example: In 2023, Royal Canin launched SKINTOPIC for dogs with atopic dermatitis, while Mars Incorporated acquired Champion Pet Food to strengthen premium offerings.

Cat Food

The cat food segment is growing due to increasing cat ownership and attention to feline-specific dietary needs.

Dry Food: Convenient and fortified with nutrients.

Wet Food: Palatable and hydrating.

Snacks & Treats: High-protein, grain-free, functional treats for health support.

Example: In February 2025, Fancy Feast launched Gems, featuring a pyramid of pâté with gravy, designed for a mess-free, enjoyable cat dining experience.

Other Pet Food

Includes birds, small mammals, and exotic pets, with demand for functional, organic, and specialty diets steadily increasing.

Distribution Channels

Supermarkets & Hypermarkets: Mass-market availability for budget and mid-range products.

Specialized Pet Shops: Offer curated premium and therapeutic diets, expert advice, and niche products.

Online Sales Channel: Fastest-growing channel, enabling subscription services, doorstep delivery, and direct-to-consumer marketing.

Others: Veterinary clinics and specialty retailers providing therapeutic diets.

Key Players

J.M Smucker – Premium and specialty pet food

General Mills (Blue Buffalo) – Natural and functional pet diets

Tyson Foods – Mass-market pet food production

Colgate Palmolive – Pet oral care and wellness supplements

DS Holdings, Inc. – Pet nutrition and snack brands

Central Garden & Pet – Specialty and premium products

Nestle – Veterinary diets and mainstream brands

Archer Daniels Midland – Ingredient supplier and private label production

Key Focus Areas: Product innovation, premiumization, e-commerce expansion, and sustainable ingredients.

Market Outlook

The United States pet food market is poised for steady growth, supported by:

Rising pet ownership and humanization

Increased demand for premium, organic, and functional foods

Expansion of e-commerce and subscription-based sales

Greater focus on pet health, wellness, and specialty diets

Despite challenges like raw material costs and stringent regulatory standards, manufacturers focusing on high-quality, innovative, and health-oriented pet food products are well-positioned to capture the expanding market.

Conclusion

With pet owners treating their pets as family, combined with premiumization trends, health-conscious diets, and digital sales channels, the U.S. pet food market is set to grow substantially over the next decade, offering opportunities for innovation, personalized nutrition, and sustainable product development.

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