How many dogs are there in the US? According to a pet owners survey, there were approximately 89.7 million dogs owned in the United States in 2017. This is an increase of over 20 million since the beginning of the survey period in 2000, when around 68 million dogs were owned in the United States.

Why has this figure increased?

The resident population of the United States has also increased significantly within this time period. It is, therefore, no surprise that the number of dogs owned in U.S. households has also increased, especially when considering that the household penetration rate for dog-ownership reached almost 50 percent in recent years.

The dog food market in the United States

The large number of dogs owned by Americans creates a lucrative market for pet food brands and retailers. Pedigree, the leading dry dog food name brand in the U.S., had sales amounting to around 550 million U.S. dollars in 2017. Pedigree also led the pack in the wet dog food category , with sales of around 240 million U.S. dollars in the same year.

Idaho had the highest dog ownership rate in the United States (U.S.), with ** percent of households owning a dog in 2025. In Tennessee, around ** percent of households were dog owners in that year. Dog food industry in the U.S. The sales value of dog food in the U.S. amounts to a total of approximately **** billion U.S. dollars annually, excluding treats. Among the various dog food categories, dry dog food makes up the largest share of sales, with just under ***** billion U.S. dollars. The leading dog biscuit, treat, and beverage vendor in the U.S. in terms of sales is Big Heart Pet Brands, which generates sales of over * billion U.S. dollars annually. The sales of Big Heart Pet Brands are more than twice as much as those of its biggest competitor, Nestlé Purina PetCare. The leading frozen and refrigerated dog food vendors in the U.S. is Freshpet. The company dominates the market by a considerable margin. Dog ownership in the U.S. Nationwide, approximately ** million U.S. households own at least one dog. Dogs are the most widely owned type of pet among American households. Within the last 12 years, the number of dog-owning households grew by more than ** percent. In general, there has been an increase in the household penetration rate of pet ownership in the U.S. during the last 35 years. In 2023, about ********** of households owned at least one pet. Since the state of Idaho has the highest percentage share of dog owners among U.S. states, it is unsurprising that its state capital, the city of Boise, has the largest number of dog parks per 100,000 residents in the country. There are *** off-leash dog parks per 100,000 residents in Boise, Idaho.

An estimated ** million households in the United States owned at least one dog according to a 2024/25 pet owners survey, making them the most widely owned type of pet across the U.S. at this time. Cats and freshwater fish ranked in second and third places, with around ** million and ** million households owning such pets, respectively. Freshwater vs. salt water fish Freshwater fish spend most or all their lives in fresh water. Fresh water’s main difference to salt water is the level of salinity. Freshwater fish have a range of physiological adaptations to enable them to live in such conditions. As the statistic makes clear, Americans keep a large number of freshwater aquatic species at home as pets. American pet owners In 2023, around ** percent of all households in the United States owned a pet. This is a decrease from 2020, but still around a ** percent increase from 1988. It is no surprise that as more and more households own pets, pet industry expenditure has also witnessed steady growth. Expenditure reached over *** billion U.S. dollars in 2022, almost a sixfold increase from 1998. The majority of pet product sales are still made in brick-and-mortar stores, despite the rise and evolution of e-commerce in the United States.

Wyoming had the highest pet ownership rate in the United States, with ** percent of households owning a pet in 2025. West Virginia came in second place with a ** percent pet ownership rate. In comparison, Colorado's pet ownership rate that year was ** percent.

Data on annual population change for prairie dogs in Montana and Utah, USA, 2000-2005. Prairie dog species included black-tailed prairie dogs (PDs) (BTPD, Cynomys ludovicianus) in north-central Montana, white-tailed PDs (WTPD, Cynomys leucurus) in eastern Utah, and Utah PDs (UPD, Cynomys parvidens) in southwestern Utah. Field research was completed by the U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, and colleagues. Data were collected on paired plots. Each pair included a plot treated annually with deltamethrin dust for flea control and plague mitigation and a plot left untreated as baselines. Paired plots had similar ecological features on the same (split) or nearby (separate) colonies. One plot within each pair was randomly selected for deltamethrin dust treatment. We used summertime visual counts as an index to PD population size.We conducted visual counts annually during June-August, after young PDs were aboveground. We used binoculars and spotting scopes to systematically and repeatedly scan the plots (each plot was 3-9 hectares in area), beginning just after sunrise and continuing until warming temperatures caused a decline in counts. We repeated the procedure for three days, using for analysis the highest count obtained. We counted from the same locations each year, simultaneously counting treated and non-treated plots of each pair. Visual counts were transformed into values of finite population change by dividing the PD count at the end of an annual interval by the count at the beginning of the interval. For example, if year is 2001, then population change was for the interval 2000 to 2001. Primary funding was provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and Bureau of Land Management, supplemented by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Utah Department of Natural Resources Endangered Species Mitigation Fund. In-kind support was provided by the Bryce Canyon National Park, Dixie National Forest and BLM offices in Utah (Vernal, Cedar City, Richfield, and Torrey), Colorado (Meeker), and Montana (Malta). R. Reading and B. Miller of the Denver Zoological Foundation provided logistical support for parts of the study.

Introduction

Pet Insurance Statistics: Pet insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed to help pet owners manage the costs associated with veterinary care for their pets.

It provides financial protection in case of unexpected accidents, illnesses, or injuries to pets. Just like health insurance for humans, pet insurance policies come with various coverage options, deductibles, and premium rates.

********* percent of households in the United States owned one or more pets in 2023/2024. Household penetration rates for pet-ownership have increased by ** percent since the beginning of the survey period in 1988. What kinds of pets do Americans prefer? There were estimated to be around ** million dog-owning households in the United States according to a recent survey, making dogs the most popular kind of pets in American homes. Cats and freshwater fish ranked in second and third places, respectively. Horses and saltwater fish were the least popular types of animals to keep, with around *** million households owning each type of pet. How much do Americans spend on their pets? Total pet industry expenditure reached around ***** billion U.S. dollars in 2022, an increase from the previous year. As well as regular expenses such as food and vet costs, households were estimated to spend around *** billion U.S. dollars on Valentine's Day gifts for their pets in 2023.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the Global Freeze Dried Pet Food Market Size will be USD XX Billion in 2025 and is set to achieve a market size of USD XX Billion by the end of 203, growing at a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2033.

North America held a share of XX% in the year 2024
Europe held a share of XX% in the year 2024
Asia-Pacific held a share of XX% in the year 2024
South America held a share of XX% in the year 2024
Middle East and Africa held a share of XX% in the year 2024

MARKET DYNAMICS: KEY DRIVERS

The growing pet population and the humanization of pets are driving the boost in the demand for freeze-died pet food.

The growing pet population is a significant driver of the freeze-dried pet food market. As more people bring pets into their homes, the demand for high-quality pet food products is on the rise. Approximately 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year, which is 2 million dogs and 2.1 million cats. It's estimated that 78 million dogs and 85.8 million cats are owned in the United States. Approximately 44% of all households in the United States have a dog, and 35% have a cat. At the same time, the trend of pet humanization is also driving the demand for premium pet food products. Pet owners are increasingly treating their pets like family members and are seeking pet food products that offer superior quality and nutrition. As a result, freeze-dried pet food is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who want the best for their pets. Freeze-dried pet food is perceived as a premium product, and its natural ingredients, gentle processing, and lack of artificial additives make it an attractive option for pet owners who want to provide their pets with a healthy and nutritious diet. With the growing pet population and the trend of pet humanization, the demand for freeze-dried pet food is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Increasing demand for healthy pet food alternatives is driving the market for freeze-dried pet food.

The demand for natural and healthy pet food is on the rise, driven by pet owners' growing awareness of the importance of nutrition for their pets' overall health and well-being. Freeze-dried pet food is seen as a healthier alternative to traditional kibble, as it preserves the natural nutrients and flavor of the ingredients. Unlike traditional kibble, which is often processed at high temperatures, freeze-dried pet food is made using a gentle process that helps retain the natural goodness of the ingredients. Pet owners are increasingly willing to pay more for pet food with health and wellness benefits; 74% in the Packaged Facts report said so, up from 66% in a similar survey in 2023. As a result, freeze-dried pet food is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners who are seeking a more natural and healthy diet for their pets. Many pet owners are also seeking pet food products that are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, and freeze-dried pet food fits the bill. With its natural ingredients, gentle processing, and lack of artificial additives, freeze-dried pet food is an attractive option for pet owners who want the best for their pets.

A restraint for the freeze-dried pet food market is the high production cost.

Freeze-drying is a complex and expensive process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. This results in higher production costs, which can make freeze-dried pet food less competitive with other types of pet food. Additionally, the high cost of raw materials, such as meat and fish, can also contribute to higher production costs. Furthermore, the freeze-drying process requires a significant amount of energy, which can increase costs and make it challenging for manufacturers to maintain profitability. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that food prices increased 2.4% annually. Overall, food has risen 2.4%, with meats, poultry, fish, and eggs up 3.8% from Nov. 2023 to Nov. 2024. The high production costs can also limit the availability of freeze-dried pet food in certain regions or markets, making it less accessible to pet owners who may be interested in purchasing these products. As a result, manufacturers may need to explore ways to reduce costs, such as investing in more efficient equipment or sourcing raw materials from more affordable suppliers. Freeze-dried dog food is a growingly popular raw meat-based diet that offers a less ...

Active Dog Licenses. All dog owners residing in NYC are required by law to license their dogs. The data is sourced from the DOHMH Dog Licensing System (https://a816-healthpsi.nyc.gov/DogLicense), where owners can apply for and renew dog licenses. Each record represents a unique dog license that was active during the year, but not necessarily a unique record per dog, since a license that is renewed during the year results in a separate record of an active license period. Each record stands as a unique license period for the dog over the course of the yearlong time frame.

The US Pet Industry Market Report is Segmented by Pet Type (Dog, Cat, Bird, Fresh Water Fish, and More), by Product Type (Food, Supplies/OTC Medicine, and Services), by Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Pet Specialty Stores, Online Retail Stores, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many industries in significant ways, including the pet industry. During a survey carried out in February 2022, ** percent of respondents in the United States reported acquiring a new pet. This is an increase of **** percent compared to December 2020, when ** percent of respondents reported getting a new pet. Pet ownership during the pandemic With nationwide lockdowns forcing people to spend most of their time confined at home, approximately ** percent of Americans from all generations surveyed in 2020 reported spending more time with their pets as a result of social distancing regulations. Additionally, the pandemic had its impact on the economic situation of millions of people who may have struggled with precarious work or part-time employment that was discontinued due to lockdowns, which made many pet owners concerned about the affordability of pet food and products. In fact, younger generations like Gen Z and Millennials in the United States were more likely than Baby Boomers to be worried about pet expenses during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Pet industry in the United States Pet industry expenditure in the United States has witnessed remarkable growth over the years and was forecast to reach nearly *** billion U.S. dollars in 2021, up from less than half that figure only ten years prior when it was approximately ** billion U.S. dollars in 2011. Among the most prominent players in the U.S. pet industry are pet food companies Mars Petcare Inc. and Nestlé Purina Petcare, generating ** billion and ** billion U.S. dollars in revenues, respectively.

A number of wildlife species depend either directly or indirectly on the existence of prairie dogs. Rattlesnakes, desert cottontails, and burrowing owls use the burrows on prairie dog towns for cover and nesting, while many other birds utilize prairie dog towns as feeding and resting locations. Badgers, coyotes, weasels, rattlesnakes, bald eagles, golden eagles, ferruginous and a variety of other hawks all prey upon prairie dogs at Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA). Black-tailed prairie dogs obviously hold an important position as a key species and as developer of their unique ecosystem on approximately 30 percent of RMA acreage. Visual counts of black-tailed prairie dogs were undertaken in summer 1987 by Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc. (ESE) to estimate their population density and overall population at RMA. A subsequent study was completed by ESE in January 1988 to estimate the number of prairie dogs available as prey for raptors foraging on RMA, including the bald eagle. The objective of this study was to collect regional data on the population densities of black-tailed prairie dogs on RMA. Results will be used by the u.s. Fish and Wildlife Service to evaluate the prey base for bald eagles and other raptors, and by the U.S. Army to help assess and quantify the effects of Arsenal contamination on biota.

The dog and pet breeding industry has shown an increasing focus on ethical practices and transparency, driven by public demand for humane treatment of animals. The traditional market dynamics are changing with more people choosing shelters over breeders. High-value purebred breeds still appeal because of their predictable traits, yet the growing popularity of adoption campaigns emphasizes the need for breeders to differentiate their offerings and enhance their reputation. Many businesses adapt through genetic testing, providing health guarantees that build consumer confidence and align with responsible pet ownership trends. This evolution reflects both challenges and opportunities for breeders. Through the end of 2025, industry revenue is expected to drop at an annualized rate of 0.5% to $4.0 billion, including an estimated 1.2% drop in 2025. Over the past five years, profitability in the breeding field has experienced pressure from changing consumer preferences and rising operational costs. Adoption trends have steered potential pet owners away from purebred purchases, impacting revenue streams. Despite this, focusing on high-value breeds with specific desirable traits has allowed breeders to maintain a high profit. Breeders control expenses by minimizing wage outlay in small operations by relying on family labor, while larger breeders invest more in their workforce. Depreciation and purchase costs remain central concerns, particularly with rare breeds demanding higher initial investments and specialized care. Marketing strategies have shifted online, leveraging social media to reach broader audiences without inflating budgets and maintaining an efficient cost-to-revenue ratio. Looking ahead over the next five years, the pet breeding industry is projected to evolve under growing regulatory scrutiny and public awareness. Regulatory bodies are expected to impose stricter standards, pushing breeders to enhance welfare practices and ensure compliance. This shift may encourage breeders to communicate their ethical practices more transparently. Concurrently, demographic changes and urbanization trends influence consumer behavior. Younger generations often favor experiences over long-term commitments, suggesting a potential market for temporary pet ownership models. As urban living constrains traditional pet adoption, there is potential for breeders to adapt with apartment-friendly pets or virtual care services. While profitability might face challenges because of escalating costs in veterinary services and pet essentials, focusing on strategic pricing, community engagement and digital marketing could help sustain growth and align with evolving consumer values. Through the end of 2030, industry revenue is projected to fall at an annualized rate of 1.9% to $3.6 billion.

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Dog Food Market Size 2024-2028

The dog food market size is forecast to increase by USD 16.1 billion, at a CAGR of 4.39% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is driven by the rising trend of pet health awareness, leading to an increasing demand for premium and nutritious dog food options. Pet adoption rates continue to soar, fueled by the humanization of pets and their integration into families as companions. Additionally, changing lifestyle patterns and the busy work lives of urban populations have resulted in a growing preference for convenient, ready-to-serve dog food solutions. However, the market faces challenges in the form of stringent regulations governing pet food labeling and safety standards.
Ensuring compliance with these regulations can be a significant obstacle for market entrants. Furthermore, the growing trend of natural and organic pet food may put pressure on companies to source high-quality, sustainable ingredients, increasing production costs. To capitalize on opportunities and navigate these challenges, companies must focus on innovation, sustainability, and transparency in their product offerings and business practices.

What will be the Size of the Dog Food Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2018-2022 and forecasts 2024-2028 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, with ongoing innovations in ingredient sourcing, formulation, and processing techniques shaping the industry's landscape. For instance, sodium content levels and calorie density calculation are increasingly important considerations for pet owners seeking to maintain their pets' health. Antioxidant inclusion, mineral fortification, and gut microbiome impact are other key areas of focus. Dry kibble formulation undergoes pet food extrusion, ensuring optimal nutrient retention and palatability. Quality control measures, ingredient interaction, and shelf life extension are crucial aspects of manufacturing, while digestive health support, amino acid analysis, and allergen management are essential for meeting diverse consumer needs.

Food safety protocols, calcium phosphorus ratio, taurine content, crude fiber content, and palatability testing are integral parts of the production process. Canned food processing, meat by-product utilization, moisture content regulation, and pet food digestibility are additional areas of research and development. Prebiotic fiber types, fatty acid profile, protein source identification, probiotic strain selection, vitamin supplementation, and novel protein sources are some of the emerging trends in the market. The AAFCO statement plays a vital role in ensuring standardized nutritional labeling and kibble texture analysis. Industry growth is expected to reach 5% annually, driven by increasing pet ownership, rising consumer awareness, and advancements in pet nutrition technology.

For example, a leading pet food manufacturer reported a 12% increase in sales due to the introduction of a grain-free formulation with improved digestibility and gut health benefits.

How is this Dog Food Industry segmented?

The dog food industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Product

  Dry dog food
  Dog treats and snacks
  Wet dog food


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Formulation

  Natural/Organic
  Grain-Free
  High-Protein
  Weight Management


Price Range

  Premium
  Mid-Range
  Economy


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    Egypt
    KSA
    Oman
    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Argentina
    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The dry dog food segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic pet food industry, dry kibble remains the dominant product category in 2023, catering to the nutritional needs of dogs with proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Packaging innovations and attractive designs are key trends, boosting sales growth. Manufacturers are expanding their consumer base through strategies like mergers and acquisitions. For instance, Hill's Pet Nutrition's acquisition of Nutriamo's Italian canned pet food manufacturing facility in May 2022. Mineral fortification and antioxidant inclusion are essential aspects of pet food production, ensuring optimal health support for pets. Sodium content levels are carefully managed to maintain a balance between taste and health.

Calorie density calculation is crucial for addressing the varying energy requirements of different dog breeds and sizes. Pet food extrusion and ca

Data on body condition and reproduction of Utah prairie dogs at 5 colonies on the Awapa Plateau, Utah, USA, June-August 2013-2016. Utah prairie dogs were live-trapped and sampled on 5 colonies. We recorded the age (juvenile/adult) and mass (nearest 5 grams) of each prairie dog and marked its ears and body with metal tags and passive integrated transponders, respectively, for permanent identification. We measured each prairie dog's right hind foot length (nearest millimeter). We indexed each adult prairie dog's body condition as the ratio between its mass and hind-foot length. Prairie dogs were allowed to recover from anesthesia and released at their trapping locations. We indexed prairie dog reproduction, by colony and year, as the ratio of the number of juveniles per adult (juvenile:adult ratios). Funding and logistical support were provided by the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and Colorado State University. Fieldwork was compl ...

Market Size statistics on the Dog & Pet Breeders industry in the US

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Service Dog of America

Summary data for dogs denied entry to the United States by year, January 1, 2018—December 31,2020.

Veterinary practices have benefited in recent years as more pet owners and agricultural producers seek out vets regularly to care for their animals. At the same time, medical advances have been emerging in veterinary care, extending care beyond preventive measures into specialized areas like immunotherapy and musculoskeletal conditions. Pet owners' evolving attitudes have also been driving pet spending in recent years, as more owners are willing to spend a premium on food, medicine or treatments that improve or extend their pets. Growing adoption of pet insurance, specifically for dogs, has also underpinned growth, as more owners can afford high-margin medical treatments. This willingness, combined with a record-high pet ownership rate, has strengthened the industry's in supporting pet owners. These trends have led industry-wide revenue to climb at a CAGR of 1.9% over the past five years – totaling an estimated $69.4 billion in 2025 – when revenue will rise an expected 2.4%. Pet ownership trends are among the most influential drivers for veterinary care in the US. According to the American Medical Veterinary Association, nearly 70% of US households had at least one dog or cat in 2024. Between 2016 and 2024, the dog population grew by over 12 million, while the cat population added nearly 16 million new cats. Higher pet ownership translates into a larger client base for vets, supporting revenue growth. Higher prices for vet visits have also contributed to the industry – data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the price for vet care rose faster than inflation between 2020 and 2024 and has jumped nearly 60% in cost between 2014 and 2024. Several factors contribute to price hikes, but higher costs are beginning to slow growth as pet owners defer the time between appointments, avoid elective visits or forgo ownership. Trends in pet ownership won't continue moving forward, creating a steady demand for comprehensive veterinary care. Still, the industry will face challenges addressing current headwinds, like labor shortages and rising operating costs. These challenges will likely maintain consolidation activity in the industry, creating a larger divide between corporate-owned or private equity-backed clinics and small, independent ones. Larger veterinary groups will also be able to offer more competitive wages to new graduates and access innovative tech advances, shifting competitive dynamics in the industry. In all, Veterinary Services' revenue is expected to expand at a CAGR of 1.7% to $75.6 billion over the next five years.

In the United States, more than half of the population reported owning a pet in 2011. This number has been quite steady since then. Today there are more than 90 million cats in the United States, while the number of dogs is just below the 90 million-mark. Freshwater fish are the most common pet with almost 140 million nationwide in 2018, followed by the aforementioned cats and dogs.   Pet expenses    When it comes to expenses, fish are generally considered low maintenance compared to other pets. Dogs especially require high expense, particularly for kennel boarding while their owners are away. However, the highest costs for dog owners are due to surgical vet visits, reported at almost double the expense for cats in 2019. Lower life expectancy could be a factor - around 11 years for a medium-sized dog, compared with 12 to 15 years for cats.  
  Pet food  

Food is currently the largest expense for cat owners, and the second highest for dogs, not even including treats. Despite the convenience of buying pet food online, or while already grocery shopping in a supermarket, food store, or wholesale club, the highest share of pet food sales comes from pet specialty chains. With many owners are willing to make the extra trip for their pets, chain shops Pet Smart and PetCo make up almost half the market for pet companies in the United States.