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, 2025 - 2030

U.S. Pet Food Market Size & Trends

The U.S. pet food market size was estimated at USD 43.45 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2025 to 2030. The U.S. pet food market is expanding rapidly due to several interrelated factors and consumer trends. A key driver is the growing humanization of pets, where owners treat pets as family members and are increasingly willing to invest in their health and well-being. This has fueled demand for premium, organic, and customized pet food options that emphasize high-quality ingredients, nutritional value, and transparency in sourcing. A growing focus on pet health and wellness is another major driver. Consumers are now more aware of the link between diet and a pet’s long-term health, leading to heightened interest in organic, grain-free, raw, and functional pet foods. Products that support specific health issues, such as allergies, digestive problems, joint support, or skin and coat care, are particularly in demand. The pet food market is adapting by introducing more scientifically formulated and nutritionally rich options.

The rise in pet ownership, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly expanded the consumer base. Many people adopted pets during lockdowns, and this trend has continued, contributing to an increase in overall pet food consumption. Additionally, consumers are not just buying more food-they are choosing products that are premium, clean-label, and tailored to the specific needs of their pets’ breed, age, or lifestyle.

Premiumization is also shaping the market. U.S. consumers are placing greater value on quality and safety, favoring pet food brands that offer gourmet, limited-ingredient, or human-grade formulations. This premium shift is supported by transparency trends, where pet owners prefer brands that disclose sourcing, use sustainable ingredients, and offer eco-friendly packaging solutions. For instance, Mars Petcare announced a significant sustainability initiative to incorporate recycled plastic into its pet food packaging, marking a pioneering step in the industry. In collaboration with chemical company SABIC and packaging specialist Huhtamaki, Mars aims to reduce its use of virgin plastics and promote a circular economy.

Furthermore, factors such as the presence of domestic manufacturers occupying a major share in the global market and the development of specialized formulations with various packaging options are expected to surge the market growth and pose a challenge to both small and large formulators attempting to gain 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 among the prominent manufacturers and distributors of pet food products in North America.

Consumer Insights

The demand for pet food in the U.S. is primarily driven by rising consumer awareness regarding the benefits of the product on pet health, along with the increasing trend of humanization of pets. At present, the country is considered among the top five markets across the globe in terms of the population of cats, dogs, and fish. As per the 2024 National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association, approximately 82 million households in the U.S. own a pet. 58 million households own dogs, 40 million households own cats, and 9 million households own freshwater fish.

Moreover, the growing popularity of pet food toppers and mixers, coupled with a rise in subscriptions to several pet food delivery programs, is contributing to sales in the region. Consumers in the region are more aware of the ingredients used in pet food formulations and are willing to pay high prices for such quality products.

In addition, anxiety is also increasing among pets, including dogs and cats. As per the survey conducted by Green Element in 2022, fear of strangers is a leading cause of anxiety in dogs in the U.S., and it has increased by 295% since 2020. This made brands come up with a range of products that include cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp oil, which helps calm and soothe the pets. These products are launched in different beef and butter-banana flavored chews to attract pets. Thus, efforts made by different companies to cater to the changing needs of pet owners are also expected to boost the growth of the pet food market.

Additionally, grain-free, gluten-free, organic, and raw diets are gaining traction, especially among urban and health-conscious pet parents. Brands are responding with clean-label offerings, limited-ingredient formulas, and breed- or age-specific nutrition plans. Concerns over allergies, obesity, and chronic health issues in pets have also led to a rise in vet-recommended therapeutic diets and personalized nutrition options. This evolution reflects a broader trend of treating pets with the same care and dietary consideration given to human family members.

The expansion of e-commerce and subscription-based pet food services has further fueled growth. These platforms provide convenience, variety, and ease of access to premium products, making it simpler for consumers to purchase high-quality food regularly. The influence of veterinarians and pet-related social media influencers also plays a significant role in shaping consumer preferences, often recommending specific products or diets that contribute to better pet health.

At the 2025 Global Pet Expo, JustFoodForDogs unveiled its new JustFresh™ line, an innovative range of shelf-stable, fresh dog food packaged in resealable 12-ounce pouches. This line features four recipes: Home-Cooked Beef, Chicken, Pork, and Turkey, each crafted with human-grade ingredients like high-quality animal proteins, antioxidant-rich vegetables such as carrots and kale, and easily digestible grains like rice and oats. Designed to serve as either a complete meal or a topper for dry food, JustFresh™ offers pet owners a convenient way to provide their dogs with nutritious, preservative-free meals. This launch reinforces JustFoodForDogs' commitment to enhancing canine health through better nutrition and positions the company as a leader in the growing fresh pet food market.

Product Insights

Dry pet food accounted for a revenue share of 59.5% 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 4.7% 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 58.8% in 2024. Dog pet food sales in the U.S. 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 4.0% 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 86.3% in 2024. Traditional pet food in the U.S. 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 4.5% from 2025 to 2030. ​In the U.S., 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 31.1% in 2024 in the U.S. 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 5.9% from 2025 to 2030. ​The growth of e-commerce in the U.S. 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 U.S. Pet Food Company Insights

Pet food manufacturers in the U.S. 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 April 2025, JustFoodForDogs expanded its fresh-frozen dog food offerings to over 900 PetSmart stores across the U.S., enhancing accessibility to minimally processed, whole-food nutrition for dogs. The expanded product line includes best-selling recipes formulated by JustFoodForDogs' in-house veterinary and nutrition team, featuring whole ingredients like fresh meats and vegetables without preservatives or artificial fillers. This partnership reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior as pet owners increasingly seek cleaner, science-driven nutrition options that mirror the standards they hold for their food.

• In November 2024, the creators of The Protein Ball Co. launched a new pet treat brand called It's The Dog, aiming to provide dogs with the same high-quality, natural ingredients found in their human protein snacks. The brand's debut product is a peanut butter ball formulated specifically for canine health, featuring ingredients like chia seeds, toasted pumpkin seed protein, chicory fiber, and coconut cream. These treats are designed to be high in protein, grain-free, low in carbohydrates, and rich in fiber, promoting benefits such as improved digestion, muscle maintenance, and a healthy coat.

• In April 2024, Purina PetCare plans launched over 100 new products in the U.S., leveraging expanded production capacity to meet growing consumer demand. This initiative includes re-entering market segments previously limited by supply constraints and enhancing offerings in microbiome-focused nutrition, particularly within the Purina ONE True Instinct dog food line. These efforts reflect Purina's commitment to science-based, premium pet nutrition and align with the increasing pet population and consumer interest in specialized diets.

U.S. Pet Food Market Report Scope

U.S. Pet Food Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the country level 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 U.S. 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