India Wet Pet Food Market Overview, 2030

The wet pet food market in India is undergoing a significant transformation, fueled by rising pet ownership, increasing disposable income, and evolving consumer awareness about pet nutrition. The shift from traditional homemade food to commercial pet food has been accelerating, driven by urbanization, busy lifestyles, and a growing understanding of the dietary needs of pets. Pet parents in India are increasingly looking for high-quality, nutritious, and convenient food options for their pets, leading to a surge in demand for wet pet food, which is known for its high moisture content, superior palatability, and enriched nutritional profile. The market is witnessing an influx of both domestic and international brands, offering a wide variety of wet food products catering to different breeds, ages, and dietary requirements. As the pet care industry expands, there is a notable preference for premium and specialized wet pet food, including grain-free, organic, and breed-specific formulations. The rise of nuclear families and the humanization of pets have led to a growing willingness among consumers to spend more on their pets’ well-being, thereby driving market expansion. Additionally, the influence of Western pet care trends, coupled with the increasing penetration of e-commerce platforms, has made wet pet food more accessible to pet owners in metropolitan as well as smaller cities. The demand is also being shaped by the growing veterinary recommendations favoring wet food due to its hydration benefits and easier digestibility, particularly for senior pets and those with dental concerns.

According to the research report ""India Wet Pet Food Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the India Wet Pet Food market is anticipated to grow at more than 9.10% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The Indian wet pet food market is evolving with changing consumer behaviors, increasing brand competition, and a growing awareness of pet health and wellness. Pet food manufacturers are focusing on research and development to introduce innovative formulations that cater to specific health needs such as weight management, skin and coat care, and digestive health. With an increasing number of pet owners becoming conscious of ingredient quality, there is a shift toward wet food options that use natural ingredients, avoid artificial preservatives, and incorporate high-protein, real meat content. The expansion of organized retail channels, along with the rise of online pet food shopping, has further fueled the growth of this sector, allowing pet owners to explore a wide range of products with detailed nutritional information at their fingertips. Additionally, regional variations in pet preferences and feeding habits play a crucial role in shaping the demand for different wet food formulations, with some consumers opting for vegetarian or home-cooked meal-inspired variants to align with cultural dietary beliefs. The influence of celebrity pet owners, social media trends, and pet influencers is also contributing to heightened awareness and brand engagement, encouraging pet owners to experiment with premium and gourmet wet pet food options. As pet adoption rates continue to rise across urban and semi-urban areas, along with an increasing focus on pet wellness and longevity, the demand for high-quality wet pet food is expected to grow further.

The wet pet food market in India caters to a diverse range of pets, with a significant emphasis on dogs and cats, as they make up the majority of pet ownership in the country. Wet dog food is formulated to provide balanced nutrition with high moisture content, ensuring better hydration and digestion, which is especially beneficial in India's warm climate. These products vary based on breed size, life stage, and dietary needs, with options ranging from puppy-specific formulas rich in DHA for brain development to senior dog formulations focused on joint health and easy digestion. Cat wet food, on the other hand, is designed with high meat content and the necessary amino acids such as taurine to meet the dietary needs of obligate carnivores. Since cats are prone to urinary tract issues, wet food plays a crucial role in maintaining hydration and preventing kidney problems. With the increasing adoption of exotic pets such as ferrets, rabbits, and reptiles, the market has also expanded to include specialized wet pet food for these animals. Ferrets require high-protein, meat-based wet meals that align with their carnivorous diet, while rabbits need vegetable and hay-based formulations designed for easy digestion. Reptile wet food includes insect-based protein options or specific nutrient-enriched meat blends, ensuring optimal nourishment for pet lizards and turtles.

The pricing landscape for wet pet food in India is segmented into economy, premium, and super-premium categories, each catering to different consumer preferences and budget considerations. Economy wet pet food appeals to pet owners looking for affordable options that provide essential nutrition without high-end ingredients. These products are made using cost-effective raw materials, often incorporating fillers, by-products, and fortified vitamins to meet the basic dietary needs of pets. While economy options are widely available and accessible, pet parents are increasingly seeking better quality food for their animals, leading to rising demand for premium wet pet food. This segment offers superior formulations with real meat, fewer artificial additives, and enhanced digestibility, making it a preferred choice for pet owners who prioritize health benefits such as improved coat shine, stronger immunity, and joint support. Many brands in this category focus on breed-specific or condition-specific nutrition, addressing concerns such as weight management, skin allergies, and digestive health. At the top end of the spectrum, super-premium and organic wet pet food cater to a niche yet expanding market of pet owners who treat their animals as family members and demand the highest quality nutrition. These products feature human-grade, grain-free, or organic ingredients, ensuring maximum digestibility, superior taste, and optimal health benefits. Free from artificial preservatives, synthetic flavors, or low-quality meat by-products, super-premium wet pet food is particularly popular among pet owners who prefer ethically sourced ingredients, holistic nutrition, and minimally processed diets.

The distribution landscape for wet pet food in India is evolving rapidly, with multiple channels making pet food more accessible to consumers across urban and semi-urban regions. Pet specialty stores play a crucial role in catering to pet owners who seek expert recommendations and a wide variety of options, including specialized diets, breed-specific formulas, and prescription-based wet pet food. These stores provide a personalized shopping experience, often offering guidance from trained professionals on selecting the right food for pets based on age, health conditions, and dietary preferences. Supermarkets and hypermarkets serve as another major distribution channel, making wet pet food easily available to the mass market. Large retail chains stock both mainstream and premium pet food brands, ensuring that pet owners can conveniently pick up wet food while shopping for household essentials. Convenience stores, though offering a limited selection, cater to last-minute or emergency purchases, particularly for pet owners looking for small-sized, single-serve packs of wet food. The rapid expansion of online retail has significantly transformed the wet pet food market, with e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Chewy offering an extensive range of brands, subscription services, and bulk purchase options. Online shopping provides pet owners with the convenience of home delivery, access to exclusive pet food varieties, and the ability to compare nutritional benefits and customer reviews before making a purchase. Additionally, veterinary clinics and direct-to-consumer subscription services are emerging as important distribution channels, especially for vet-recommended or prescription-based wet pet food tailored for pets with specific health conditions. Direct-to-consumer models offer personalized meal plans based on pet assessments, delivering fresh or specialized wet food directly to the customer's doorstep.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Wet Pet Food Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Pet Type
• Dogs
• Cats
• Others (Ferrets, Rabbits, Reptiles, etc.)

By Price Range
• Economy
• Premium
• Super Premium & Organic

By Distribution Channel
• Pet Specialty Stores
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others (e.g., Veterinary Clinics, Direct-to-Consumer Subscription Services)

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.