Dog Food Market Assessment, By Food Type [Dry, Wet, Treats and Chews, Others], By Life Stage [Puppy, Adult, Senior], By Flavor [Chicken, Fish, Lamb, Others], By Food Preference [Vegetarian, Non-Vegetarian], By Packaging Type [Pouches, Cans, Cartons, Bottl

Dog Food Market Assessment, By Food Type [Dry, Wet, Treats and Chews, Others], By Life Stage [Puppy, Adult, Senior], By Flavor [Chicken, Fish, Lamb, Others], By Food Preference [Vegetarian, Non-Vegetarian], By Packaging Type [Pouches, Cans, Cartons, Bottles and Jars, Others], By Price Range [Economy, Premium], By End-user [Household, Commercial], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offline], By Region, Opportunities, and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global dog food market was valued at USD 53.95 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 76.14 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% during the forecast period 2024-2031. The market is driven by several factors, including the increasing trend of pet humanization, the growing pet population, and evolving consumer preferences. With a global population of 900 million, 86.9 million households in the US keep a pet, and 65.1 million of them own a dog. Globally, dogs are the most popular pets, and this growing demand for pet dogs is expected to fuel the demand for dog food.

Growing preference for natural and organic ingredient-based dog food is one of the primary trends in the global dog food market, with pet owners being conscious of their pet’s health and well-being. The demand for premium dog food products has surged due to this consciousness. Manufacturers are developing products with real meat, grains, fruits, and vegetables, catering to the growing demand for natural alternatives. Products with artificial additives are less likely to gain market share in the future.

Furthermore, the distribution landscape for dog food products is significantly impacted by the growth of e-commerce channels, which offer pet owners the convenience of ordering and doorstep delivery. These retail channels allow users to select from a wide variety of dog food products, compare the prices, and make the final purchase, driving market growth.

Growing demand for specialized diets catering to the specific health needs of dogs has been observed. Products that are grain-free or hypoallergenic are gaining significance in the market. This trend reflects the increasing awareness of pet health issues among their owners and the desire to provide them with the required diet and nutrition.

In April 2024, Walker & Drake, a UK-based dog nutrition company, launched a new dog food, which is cold pressed and specially customized to fulfill the nutritional requirements of working dog breeds, giving them the stamina to carry out their daily tasks.

Sustainability Trend Fuels Market Growth

The global dog food market is significantly influenced by the sustainability trend all over the world. Environmentally conscious pet owners seek products that align with their requirements. They are interested in products that use ethically sourced ingredients like organic vegetables and ethically farmed meat and are transparently labeled. Moreover, sustainable packaging formats are also gaining traction in the market with recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials available in the market. Eco-friendly packaging lowers the carbon footprint of the product and appeals to eco-friendly consumers. For instance, in January 2024, Denmark-based pet food company Globe Buddy launched Globe Buddy Brown, a premium dog food produced using insect-based protein, which is sourced from Enorm, an insect protein producer in Denmark. The company aimed at sustainability with this launch by introducing new packing for the product in a fully recyclable box, tailored especially for D2C distribution.

The majority of pet food companies are focusing on reducing carbon emissions by optimizing transportation routes, using less energy during manufacturing processes, and making investments in renewable energy sources.

Innovation Drives the Market

The improvements in pet food production over the last few decades are among the factors that have sparked this innovation surge. A multitude of food preservation and sublimation techniques, ranging from low-cost freeze-drying technologies to automated vacuum sealing, have increased the shelf life of several fresh food products, including dog food. By using these techniques, more products can be sold through e-commerce platforms or kept at room temperature on closet and store shelves, enabling niche products to become household names. Moreover, robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation have become standard features in food and beverage production facilities. The market for pet food is no different. In January 2024, PawCo Foods launched Luxbites and Instabites, two new dog food products manufactured using AI technology to optimize nutrition and taste enhancement. Both products are fresh, shelf-stable dog food designed to offer convenience and fulfill the nutrient requirements of dogs.

North America Holds the Dominant Share

North America dog food market holds a significant share of the global market. The growing trends of pet humanization and premiumization are the primary drivers of the region's dog food business. For instance, in August 2023, US-based Hello Fresh launched The Pets Table, a premium pet food brand tailored to meet the exact calorie requirements of dogs. The product is developed in collaboration with veterinarians and is basically a subscription-based service offering human-grade air-dried and fresh food products, at a competitive price.

Furthermore, as pet owners become more conscious of their dogs' nutritional needs, demand for higher-quality dog food products has increased. Additionally, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, several incidences of diabetes, cancer, and kennel cough have been documented in dogs throughout the region. As a result, veterinarians have begun promoting low-calorie and value-added dog food products to owners, pushing manufacturers to broaden their product collections. The demand for dog food in the area has also been boosted by the expansion of dog shelters in the area, which aim to improve the health of stray dogs. In the US alone, around 3,500 animal shelters exist physically. All these factors contribute to the region’s dominance in the global dog food market.

Future Market Scenario (2024-2031F)

Premium and specialized dog food products will spur the market as more pet owners become concerned about their pets' nutritional requirements. Organic, grain-free, and functional dog food options are likely to experience great demand.

Technological advancements will lead to personalized pet solutions catering to the specific dietary needs of individual dogs. Customized formulations and subscription-based services will become more prevalent.

Growing demand for dog food products promoting overall well-being as well as addressing specific health concerns will be observed in future. Manufacturers are likely to develop products with functional ingredients to aid joint health, digestion and immune support in dogs.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Global dog food market is highly competitive, with the prevalence of prominent players in the market, such as Mars, Incorporated, and Nestlé S.A. These players dominate the market landscape, maintaining their respective market share by bringing in innovation, making strategic acquisitions and mergers and creating brand recognition. For instance, in September 2023, UK-based vegan pet food company Omni launched a new vegan wet dog food with a meaty texture, created using a proprietary technology.

As there is a growing focus on premiumization and sustainability, companies are making huge investments in research and development to introduce new formulations and expand product portfolios. The outlook for the market for dog food seems positive with manufacturers focusing on catering to the evolving demands of consumers, adopting sustainable methods of production and utilizing technological advancements to drive the market growth and gain the major market share.