India 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 (Traditional Pet Food, Specialist Veterinary Nutrition), By Distribution Channel, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

India Pet Food Market Size & Trends

The India pet food market size was estimated at USD 228.53 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2025 to 2030. The Indian market is expanding rapidly, driven by rising pet ownership, increasing disposable income, and a shift in attitudes toward pet care and nutrition. Urbanization and changing lifestyles have led more families and young professionals to adopt pets, especially in metropolitan areas such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. As pets are increasingly seen as family members, there is a growing demand for high-quality, convenient, and nutritionally balanced pet food that supports their health and well-being.

Indian pet owners are becoming more informed and discerning, with a noticeable preference for branded, scientifically formulated pet food over home-cooked meals. They are increasingly prioritizing factors such as digestive health, coat care, breed-specific nutrition, life-stage formulations, and immunity-boosting ingredients. Functional foods-such as grain-free, hypoallergenic, and protein-rich diets-are gaining popularity, especially among owners of pedigreed dogs and cats with special dietary needs. Unlike Western markets where meat-heavy diets dominate, many Indian pet owners, especially those from vegetarian households-prefer or seek out plant-based or egg-based pet food options, even for carnivorous pets like dogs.

Moreover, price sensitivity remains a key differentiator in the Indian market. While there is a clear rise in premium product demand among urban, affluent pet parents, a large segment still looks for affordable, value-for-money options. This has encouraged a multi-tiered product strategy, where brands offer economy, mid-range, and premium lines to suit different income levels, especially as the pet food market begins to penetrate Tier II and Tier III cities.

To meet the rising demand in India’s pet food market, domestic brands are increasingly investing in product R&D by incorporating traditional Indian ingredients such as turmeric, giloy, ashwagandha, and moringa into pet nutrition. These ayurvedic components cater to the growing preference for holistic and natural health solutions among Indian pet owners. At the same time, there is a strong movement toward transparency and clean-label practices, with brands clearly communicating ingredient origins, nutritional content, and health benefits.

Consumer Insights

Indian pet owners demonstrate a strong commitment to their pets' health and well-being. Nearly 90% utilize veterinary hospitals and clinics, reflecting a high level of concern for pet health. Monthly expenditures are primarily directed toward pet food, followed by pet goods. Interestingly, cat owners tend to spend more than dog owners, partly due to the higher cost of cat food, which often contains fish and is more expensive than the predominantly chicken-based dog food. Additionally, many cat treats are imported, contributing to higher expenses for cat owners.

Cat ownership in India, while historically limited, is witnessing significant growth due to shifting consumer perceptions and targeted awareness campaigns. In 2023, cats made up 9.5% of the pet population (3.7 million), compared to dogs at 87.4% (33.6 million). This growing acceptance of cats as pets has been driven largely by social media campaigns and promotional efforts by major pet brands that highlight the benefits of cat ownership, such as their low maintenance and suitability for apartment living.

Digital transformation is also playing a major role in shaping the market. A growing number of consumers are purchasing pet food through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon India, Flipkart, Supertails, and Heads Up for Tails.

The expansion of e-commerce and subscription-based pet food services has further fueled growth. E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart have made premium and imported pet foods widely accessible, while local brands are enhancing their presence with targeted digital marketing, pet influencer partnerships, and AI-driven recommendations for pet nutrition. In September 2024, Growel Group, a leading Indian seafood processor and aquaculture feed producer, entered the pet food market with the launch of Carniwel, a premium pet food brand. Carniwel distinguishes itself as the first Indian brand to offer a wide range of vegetarian options alongside superfood-enriched products, catering to the unique dietary preferences of Indian pet owners, including the significant vegetarian population. The brand emphasizes human-grade, natural ingredients-such as fresh chicken, lamb, krill, and superfoods like spirulina-to deliver optimal nutrition, digestibility, and palatability for dogs and cats.

Product Insights

Dry pet food accounted for a revenue share of 58.4% in 2024. The demand for dry pet food is growing due to its convenience, longer shelf life, and cost-effectiveness compared to wet or fresh alternatives. Many pet owners prefer dry food for its ease of storage, portion control, and dental health benefits, as the kibble helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Additionally, the growing availability of nutritionally balanced and specialized dry formulas, such as grain-free, high-protein, and breed-specific options, is attracting health-conscious consumers seeking tailored nutrition for their pets.

The pet snacks/treats market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2025 to 2030. The growth of the snacks and treats pet food market is driven by the increasing humanization of pets, with owners treating their animals more like family members and rewarding them similarly. Pet treats are being used not only for training and behavior reinforcement but also to express affection and enhance bonding. Additionally, there is a rising demand for functional treats that offer health benefits, such as joint support, dental care, or calming effects, further fueling market expansion. The wide variety of flavors, formats, and health-focused options is also attracting consumers looking to pamper their pets while supporting their well-being.

Pet Type Insights

Pet food for dogs accounted for a revenue share of 59.8% in 2024. Dog pet food sales in India are growing rapidly due to the rising dog ownership across the country and the increasing tendency to treat dogs as family members. Owners are placing greater emphasis on their dogs’ health and nutrition, driving demand for high-quality, tailored food products that meet specific dietary needs and life stages. The popularity of premium, natural, and functional dog food, such as grain-free, hypoallergenic, and breed-specific formulas, is also contributing to market growth. Furthermore, the wide availability of dog food through both retail and online channels has made it more accessible than ever.

Pet food for cats is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2025 to 2030. Rising urbanization and the popularity of cats as low-maintenance, space-efficient pets have led to a steady increase in cat ownership, especially in cities like London, where apartment living is common. Cat owners are increasingly viewing their pets as family members, fueling demand for premium, health-focused, and specialized nutrition, including products that address specific health needs such as obesity, digestive issues, and allergies.

Category Insights

Traditional pet food for commuters accounted for a revenue share of 86.4% in 2024. Traditional pet food in India is growing due to its affordability, widespread availability, and familiarity among long-time pet owners. Many consumers continue to trust established brands that offer consistent quality and nutritional reliability at competitive prices. In a time of rising living costs, traditional dry and canned pet foods remain a practical choice for budget-conscious households. Additionally, supermarkets and grocery stores heavily stock these products, making them convenient and accessible for everyday shoppers.

Specialist veterinary nutrition pet food is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2025 to 2030. In India, many pet owners choose to buy pet food from specialist veterinary nutrition providers because they prioritize their pets' specific health needs and trust expert guidance. These specialists offer tailored diets that address medical conditions like allergies, obesity, kidney issues, or digestive problems, which generic pet foods may not adequately support. With growing awareness about pet wellness, consumers value the assurance of scientifically formulated, vet-recommended nutrition that helps improve their pets’ quality of life and longevity.

Distribution Channel Insights

Sales of pet food through pet specialty stores accounted for a revenue share of 30.8% in 2024 in the India pet food market. These stores offer a curated selection of high-quality, niche, and premium pet food products that cater to specific dietary needs and health concerns, aligning with the growing trend of pet humanization and premiumization. Consumers are increasingly seeking transparency in ingredients and nutritional information, which specialty retailers are more likely to provide. Additionally, these stores often employ knowledgeable staff who can offer personalized advice and recommendations, enhancing the shopping experience for pet owners.

Sales of pet food through online/e-commerce channels are expected to grow with a CAGR of 10.2% from 2025 to 2030. ​The growth of e-commerce in the India pet food market is driven by several key factors. Primarily, the convenience of online shopping allows pet owners to access a wide range of products without leaving their homes, a trend that the digital transformation in retail has amplified. This shift has led to increased investments by retailers in their digital capabilities to meet consumer demand. ​

Key India Pet Food Company Insights

Pet food manufacturers in the India region are increasingly adopting advanced food processing technologies to improve product quality, flavor, and nutritional content. Techniques such as vacuum frying, air frying, and freeze-drying are used to preserve the natural qualities and nutrients of ingredients while minimizing oil content. In addition, manufacturers are incorporating innovative packaging solutions, such as resealable and biodegradable options, to enhance convenience and sustainability. Customization is also gaining momentum, with brands offering diverse seasoning blends, organic choices, and personalized snack/treat packs to meet the varied preferences of pet owners.

Recent Developments

• In March 2025, Avanti Group, through its subsidiary Avanti Pet Care, entered the pet food industry with the launch of its cat food brand, Avant Furst. The launch event in Hyderabad was attended by over 100 veterinarians specializing in companion animals. Avanti has partnered with Thailand’s Bluefalo Group to develop its product range, starting with cat food and planning to expand into dry, wet, and treat formats for both cats and dogs.

• In April 2025, Godrej Consumer Products, through its subsidiary Godrej Pet Care, launched its first pet food brand, Godrej Ninja, in Tamil Nadu, marking the company’s entry into the pet food market. Godrej Ninja is a scientifically formulated dry dog food developed and tested in India, specifically designed to improve gut health and immunity in local dog breeds using a blend of probiotics, prebiotics, polyphenols, and 37 essential nutrients. The brand aims to offer healthy, balanced nutrition at accessible prices, with products available for both puppies and adult dogs in various pack sizes.

• In April 2023, Nestlé Purina launched a new high-end wet canned pet food production line in Tianjin, India, responding to the growing demand for packaged and premium pet foods. This move reflects the broader industry trend toward diversifying packaging types (cans, pouches, etc.) and premiumizing pet food offerings.

India Pet Food Market Report Scope

India Pet Food Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the India pet food market report based on the product, pet type, category, distribution channel, and region.

• Product Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Wet Pet Food

  • Dry Pet Food

  • Snacks/Treats

• Pet Type Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Cats

  • Dogs

  • Others

• Category Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Traditional Pet Food

  • Specialist Veterinary Nutrition

    • Cats

    • Dogs

    • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

  • Convenience Stores

  • E-commerce

  • Pet Specialty Stores

  • Others