The United States Pet Food Market report segments the industry into Pet Food Product (Food, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, Pet Treats, Pet Veterinary Diets), Pets (Cats, Dogs, Other Pets), and Distribution Channel (Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Other Channels). Get five years of historical data alongside five-year market forecasts.

The US Cat Food Market is segmented by Pet Food Product (Food, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, Pet Treats, Pet Veterinary Diets) and by Distribution Channel (Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets). The market volume and value are presented in metric ton and USD respectively. The key data points include the market size of pet food by products, distribution channels, and pets.

United States Pet Food Market was valued at USD 78.71 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to grow USD 120.34 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 7.39%.

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Market Size	2024: USD 78.71 Billion
Forecast Market Size	2030: USD 120.34 Billion
CAGR	2025-2030: 7.39%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	South
Key Players	1. Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (Nestle S.A.) 2. Mars Inc. 3. Schell & Kampeter, Inc. (Diamond Pet Foods) 4. The J.M. Smucker Company 5. Colgate-Palmolive Company 6. Blue Buffalo Company Ltd. 7. The Hartz Mountain Corporation 8. Wellness Pet Company, Inc. 9. Simmons Foods, Inc. 10. Stella & Chewy’s, LLC

The United States cat food market size was valued at USD 12.92 Billion in 2024. The market is further projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.00% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of USD 19.12 Billion by 2034.

The demand for pet food in the United States has a strong potential growth, with a forecast of USD 44.2 billion in 2025. The growth of the overall sector is expected to achieve a CAGR of 4.0% during the estimated period, which is between the years 2025 and 2035. The estimated value of the industry is predicted to be USD 65.4 billion in the long run by 2035.

CAGR Analysis

CAGR	(2025 to 2035)
USA	8.2%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
Mars Petcare (Pedigree, Royal Canin, Nutro)	35-40%
Nestlé Purina PetCare (Purina, Fancy Feast)	30-35%
J.M. Smucker Co. (Meow Mix, Milk-Bone)	8-12%
Hill’s Pet Nutrition (Colgate-Palmolive)	5-9%
Blue Buffalo (General Mills)	4-8%
Other Players (Combined)	8-15%

It is estimated that the revenue of the natural pet food market in the United States will reach approximately ***** billion U.S. dollars by 2027, up from *** million in 2011.

The online revenue share in online sales concerning the 'Pet Food' segment of the pet food market in the United States was modeled to stand at ***** percent in 2024. Between 2018 and 2024, the online revenue share rose by **** percentage points, though the increase followed an uneven trajectory rather than a consistent upward trend. The online revenue share is forecast to decline by **** percentage points from 2024 to 2029, fluctuating as it trends downward.Further information about the methodology, more market segments, and metrics can be found on the dedicated Market Insights page on Pet Food.

The North America Pet Food Market report segments the industry into Pet Food Product (Food, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, Pet Treats, Pet Veterinary Diets), Pets (Cats, Dogs, Other Pets), Distribution Channel (Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Other Channels), and Country (Canada, Mexico, United States, Rest of North America).

Discover how the pet food market in the United States is poised for growth over the next decade, driven by increasing demand for dog and cat food. By 2035, market volume is projected to reach 9.5M tons, with a value of $30.6B.

Recent years have provided boons and challenges for pet food producers. The pandemic sparked a surge in pet ownership, particularly cats and dogs, prompting a short-lived revenue hike. However, as supply chain disruptions ensued and input costs soared, producers prioritized steadying profit over sales. Following the initial downturn in 2021, producers have boosted prices and passed costs along to consumers, generating steady profit gains at the detriment of overall revenue. Still, since 2019, sales have only been dropping at a CAGR of 0.8%. Recent dips in poultry prices, aided by eases in red meat and agricultural prices, provide producers with greater negotiating power. As a result, revenue will climb 1.8% in 2024, reaching $27.6 billion.Pet parenthood has become more prevalent among consumers. As birth rates have decelerated and heightened inflationary pressures continue influencing consumers' purchasing power, pet ownership has served as an alternative to outright parenthood. Pet parents are typically more willing to splurge on organic and premium pet food products, which helped stimulate revenue growth. The trend has coincided with a boost in the industry's globalization, which has created unique opportunities and challenges. While exports have remained high, rising industry globalization has meant manufacturers grapple with growth in imported pet food.Pet ownership rates will continue ballooning in the coming years as consumers find themselves with more disposable income and feel more confident in the financial responsibility of owning a pet. Despite unsteady growth during the previous period, new entrants will continue flooding the scene, intensifying competition and potentially diluting market share concentration. Manufacturers will focus on innovation, developing and marketing pet food formulas that offer advanced benefits, such as age-specific nutrition and sustainable, all-natural ingredients, to more effectively compete; however, imported pet food brands will mitigate growth. Revenue is forecast to climb at a modest CAGR of 0.7% over the next five years, reaching $28.6 billion in 2029.

The United States pet food market reached a value of around USD 11.81 Billion in 2024. During the forecast period between 2025 and 2034, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.40% to reach around USD 16.50 Billion by 2034.

In the 52 weeks ending on August 7, 2022, almost *** billion units of wet cat food were sold in the United States. This was over twice the sales volume of wet dog food within the same period.

U.S. pet market sales

In 2021, total U.S. pet market sales amounted to over ** billion U.S. dollars. Specifically, pet food & treats, as well as vet care & products, generated the highest overall sales numbers: in the United States, food & treat sales amounted to ** billion U.S. dollars, while vet care & products generated roughly ** billion.

Leading pet stores

As of March 2022, there were several pet specialty chains to be found on North American soil, such as PETCO, Pet Valu, Petland, etcetera. PetSmart, a superstore chain founded in Arizona, United States, had the highest number of outlets on the entire continent, namely over *****. PetSmart Inc. was additionally the leading pet store company in terms of market share (based on revenue): in 2022, the company accounted for just under one-third of the U.S. pet store market.

The article discusses the rising demand for dog and cat food in the United States, projecting an upward consumption trend over the next decade. The market is expected to see slight growth in volume and value terms, with a CAGR of +0.1% and +2.3% respectively, leading to a market volume of 9.5M tons and a market value of $30.6B by 2035.

The USA plant-based pet food market is projected to reach a value of USD 8,345.0 Million in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.8% over the next decade to an estimated value of USD 17,719.8 Million by 2035.

Attributes	Values
Estimated USA Industry Size (2025)	USD 8,345.0 Million
Projected USA Industry Value (2035)	USD 17,719.8 Million
Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035)	7.8%

The North American cat food market, a significant segment within the broader pet food industry, is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing pet ownership, humanization of pets, and a rising awareness of pet health and nutrition. The market, valued at approximately $10 billion in 2025 (estimated based on provided overall market size and assuming a significant portion belongs to cat food), is projected to maintain a healthy CAGR of 4.3% through 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. Premiumization is a major trend, with owners increasingly opting for higher-quality, specialized cat foods containing natural ingredients, functional benefits (like joint support or digestive health), and novel protein sources. The rise of e-commerce and subscription services has also boosted market accessibility and convenience. Furthermore, the growing popularity of cat nutraceuticals and supplements, catering to specific dietary needs and health concerns, contributes significantly to market expansion. This segment specifically is anticipated to experience faster growth than the overall market due to increasing consumer spending on pet wellness. However, the market isn't without challenges. Economic downturns can impact consumer spending on discretionary items like premium pet food, posing a potential restraint on growth. Fluctuations in raw material prices, particularly protein sources, could also affect profitability and pricing strategies. Competitive intensity from both established players like Mars and Nestle Purina and emerging brands focusing on niche markets presents an ongoing challenge. To maintain market share, companies need to focus on innovation, building strong brand loyalty, and successfully navigating evolving consumer preferences towards sustainability and ethical sourcing of ingredients. The segmentation by distribution channel reveals the importance of online retailers, supermarkets/hypermarkets and specialty stores, indicating a diversified market structure. Understanding the dynamics within each segment is crucial for effective market penetration and growth. Recent developments include: July 2023: Hill's Pet Nutrition introduced its new MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified pollock and insect protein products for pets with sensitive stomachs and skin lines. They contain vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.June 2023: Mars Incorporated launched its premium cat brand SHEBA in Canada, offering cat parents wet formulas through its SHEBA BISTRO line.May 2023: Nestle Purina launched new cat treats under the Friskies "Friskies Playfuls - treats" brand. These treats are round in shape and are available in chicken and liver and salmon and shrimp flavors for adult cats.. Key drivers for this market are: Increased Demand for Meat, Initiatives By the Key Players; Focus on Animal nutrition and Health. Potential restraints include: Shift Toward Vegan- Based Diet, Changing Raw Material Prices and Strict Government Rules to Restrict Market Growth. Notable trends are: The United States dominated the cat food market in the region and accounted for more than 88% in 2022.

The global grain-free pet food sector is estimated to be worth USD 49.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 80.5 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 6.4% over the assessment period of 2024 to 2034

Attributes	Description
Estimated Global Grain-free Pet Food Size (2024E)	USD 49.1 billion
Projected Global Grain-free Pet Food Value (2034F)	USD 80.5 billion
Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034)	6.4%

Semi-Annual Update

Particular	Value CAGR
H1	5.2% (2023 to 2033)
H2	5.7% (2023 to 2033)
H1	6.2% (2024 to 2034)
H2	6.4% (2024 to 2034)

Country-wise Insights

Countries	CAGR 2024 to 2034
United States	4.6%
Germany	3.4%
Japan	5.1%
China	6.2%
India	7.3%

Category-Wise Insights

Segment	Conventional (Nature)
Value Share (2024)	66.4%

Segment	Dry (Form)
Value Share (2024)	58.8%

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The pet food market share in the US is expected to increase by USD 13.13 billion from 2021 to 2026, and the market’s growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of 5.35%.

This pet food market in US research report provides valuable insights on the post COVID-19 impact on the market, which will help companies evaluate their business approaches. Furthermore, this report extensively covers US pet food market segmentation by product (dry pet food, wet pet food, and pet snacks and treats), distribution channel (offline and online), and type (dog food, cat food, and other small pet food). The pet food market in US report also offers information on several market vendors, including Colgate Palmolive Co., General Mills Inc., JustFoodForDogs LLC, Manna Pro Products LLC, Mars Inc., Nestle SA, Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc., J.M. Smucker Co., Tyson Foods Inc., and Volkman Pet Products among others.

What will the Pet Food Market Size in US be During the Forecast Period?

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Pet Food Market in US: Key Drivers, Trends, and Challenges

The rising awareness of pet nutrition is notably driving the US pet food market growth, although factors such as stringent regulations may impede market growth. Our research analysts have studied the historical data and deduced the key market drivers and the COVID-19 pandemic impact on the US pet food industry. The holistic analysis of the drivers will help in deducing end goals and refining marketing strategies to gain a competitive edge.

Key Pet Food Market Driver in US

One of the key factors driving the pet food market growth in US is the rising awareness of pet nutrition.
In cats and dogs, macadamia nuts are highly poisonous, causing depression, vomiting, muscle spasms, heat, and tachycardia. Even if homemade diets manufactured by pet owners using organic and vegetarian products are consumed, nutritional deficits in pets may still occur.
Human delicacies like raisins, grapes, and chocolates are known to be damaging to pets' health. For example, methylxanthines found in chocolates, such as caffeine and theobromine, can cause diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions, polyuria, and death in dogs.
The pet diets must meet the needs of different ages and weights. For example, a puppy's dietary needs in terms of metabolism, immunology, and body composition differ dramatically from those of an adult dog. As a result, pet owners are increasingly turning to specialized, functional pet food items rather than handmade recipes. Such factors will drive the market growth during the forecast period.

Key Pet Food Market Trend in US

Sustainability and biotechnology are becoming increasingly important in the formulation of pet foods, which is one of the key pet food market trends in US that is expected to stimulate the development of new products in the market during the forecast period.
Vendors are increasingly experimenting with biotechnology to offer cruelty-free, healthy, and sustainable alternatives to conventional pet foods as more people become aware of the need for sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint.
Good Protein dog snacks containing Aspergillus oryzae (koji mold) are available in the US through both offline and online distribution channels, according to Wild Earth, a pet food firm based in Berkeley, California.
Koji is a potential alternative to traditional animal-based ingredients that are used in dog food formulations, such as meats because it provides all the essential amino acids required by dogs. 

Key Pet Food Market Challenge in US

One of the key challenges to the pet food market growth in US is the stringent regulations.
Any ingredient to be used in pet foods has to be accepted by the FDA and adopted by the AAFCO, which is an organization comprised of state regulatory officials that engage in developing bills and regulations for the pet food market in the US.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), originally passed in 2011, regulates the pet food market in the US at a federal level. Moreover, through the FSMA’s Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP), manufacturers and foreign suppliers can attain food safety certifications from FDA-recognized accreditation agencies.
The highly regulated nature of the pet food market in the US involves considerable compliance costs to manufacturers in terms of certification, equipment maintenance, and personnel training expenses. Thus, the presence of stringent regulations is expected to hamper the growth of the pet food market in the US during the forecast period.

This pet food market in US analysis report also provides detailed information on other upcoming trends and challenges that will have a far-reaching effect on the market growth. The actionable insights on the trends and challenges will help companies evaluate and develop

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US Fresh Pet Food Market Size 2025-2029

US fresh pet food market size is forecast to increase by USD 3.2 billion at a CAGR of 21.2% between 2024 and 2029. The US fresh pet food market is witnessing notable growth fueled by rising awareness among pet owners about the benefits of natural and organic ingredients.

Major Market Trends & Insights

Based on the Distribution channel, the offline segment led the market and was valued at USD 1.28 billion of the global revenue in 2022.
Based on the Product, the dog food segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2022.

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 292.32 Million
Future Opportunities: USD 3.2 Billion
CAGR (2024-2029): 21.2%

Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier alternatives for their pets, driving demand for fresh, minimally processed food options. In response, vendors are actively launching new products that highlight clean labels, human-grade ingredients, and nutritional transparency. These innovations are helping brands differentiate themselves in a competitive market and align with evolving consumer preferences for wellness-focused pet care. However, despite strong demand, the market faces significant challenges related to the shorter shelf life of fresh pet food compared to traditional processed options. This limitation impacts storage, distribution, and overall convenience, especially for retailers and consumers managing weekly supplies. Still, the push toward higher quality and more natural pet diets continues to shape the market's direction. As product innovation intensifies, the US fresh pet food market is positioned for continued expansion.

What will be the size of the US Fresh Pet Food Market during the forecast period?

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The global food processing and preservation market is advancing steadily, driven by increasing demand for nutrient retention, safety assurance, and shelf-life extension across meat, vegetable, and marine-based products. Market participants are integrating advanced meat processing techniques, vegetable preservation methods, and fish oil extraction practices to improve output efficiency and meet evolving quality standards. Technologies like enzyme hydrolysis, extrusion technology, and the freeze drying process are being adopted to retain flavor, texture, and nutritional properties while improving product stability. The dog food segment is the second largest segment of the type and was valued at USD 969.90 million in 2022.
At the same time, sterilization solutions such as irradiation sterilization, microwave sterilization, high-pressure processing, UV sterilization, and thermal processing are gaining relevance as manufacturers balance microbial control with nutrient preservation. From a performance standpoint, the adoption of vacuum sealing and modified atmosphere packaging increased by 23.5%, reflecting a strong shift toward enhanced packaging material selection that supports product longevity and minimizes spoilage. Looking ahead, industry projections show that interest in shelf life studies, microbial growth kinetics, and sensory evaluation is expected to expand by 34.2%, underscoring the sector's increasing reliance on scientific quality assessment.
This trend also ties into the wider deployment of bacterial identification, toxin analysis, and food allergen detection to reinforce consumer safety. Nutritional validation efforts now incorporate amino acid profiling, fatty acid analysis, vitamin content, mineral content, and antioxidant capacity, while digestive enzyme activity and gut microbiota analysis are informing product development. As more companies leverage consumer surveys to shape R&D strategies, demand for solutions that balance preservation with sensory and nutritional integrity is expected to evolve further.

How is this US Fresh Pet Food Market segmented?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Product

  Dog food
  Cat food
  Others


Type

  Fish
  Meat
  Vegetable
  Others


Category

  Conventional
  Organic
  Natural


Geography

  North America

    US

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The segment was valued at USD 1.28 billion in 2022. It continued to the largest segment at a CAGR of 11.03%.

The global natural pet food market continues to evolve as consumer preferences increasingly lean toward premium pet food products with ethical sourcing practices and scientifically backed pet food nutrition. With heightened awareness of pet health benefits, there is a growing demand for pet food formulation that supports specif

The North America Cat Food Market report segments the industry into Pet Food Product (Food, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, Pet Treats, Pet Veterinary Diets), Distribution Channel (Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Other Channels), and Country (Canada, Mexico, United States, Rest of North America). Get five years of historical data alongside five-year market forecasts.

Dry pet food producers are closing out the period at a crossroads, with performance defined by the push and pull between fierce price competition and the rapid emergence of premium and specialty product demand. Over the past five years, steady pet ownership and the expansion of new entrants kept overall demand buoyant, but surging imports—particularly from Thailand—intensified pricing pressure and eroded growth. Major brands leaned heavily on automation and scale to defend profit, yet found revenue gains capped by discounting, promotions and the migration of buyers to lower-cost or more innovative options. Meanwhile, producers raced to differentiate through e-commerce, direct-to-consumer platforms and wellness-oriented SKUs, setting new expectations for transparency, quality and nutritional customization. Revenue has been weakening at a CAGR of 0.5% over the past five years, largely due to a sharp decline in 2021. Since then, growth has mirrored 2025, with revenue climbing 1.0% to a total of $23.9 billion. One of the most pivotal trends of the period has been the explosive growth in specialty and functional dry pet foods, propelled by urban millennials and health-conscious owners willing to pay up for science-backed formulations and tailored diets. E-commerce’s ascent has not only turbocharged premium and niche brand visibility but also increased barriers, as the costs of targeted marketing, inventory agility and high-touch customer service rise. Export markets have played an increasingly vital role in the industry’s evolution. Robust demand and price premiums in Canada, China, and Mexico have provided strategic outlets for excess production and higher-margin product lines. Still, these global opportunities have come with sharper exposure to policy shifts and logistical risks, as evidenced by the volatility injected by new tariffs and contract renegotiations in 2025. The next five years are poised for even greater transformation. Direct-to-consumer and subscription-based models will likely erode the influence of traditional retailers and favor nimble, data-driven brands capable of delivering hyper-personalized nutrition and convenience. Market saturation, both in dry and substitute pet food categories, will raise barriers for would-be entrants, intensifying consolidation as the biggest producers absorb promising niche innovators. At the top end of the market, hyper-premium and functional foods are primed to drive outsized growth, fueling investment in R&D and veterinary partnerships and further blurring the line between pet health and nutrition. Revenue is projected to climb at a CAGR of 1.5% over the next five years, reaching $25.7 billion in 2030.