United States Pet Food Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

United States Pet Food Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

The United States Pet Food Market size is estimated at USD 42.39 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 54.61 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.20% during the forecast period (2023-2028).

Key Highlights

• There is an increase in the humanization of pets globally, as pet owners treat pets like family members. The American Pet Products Association estimates that more than 67% of US households (84.9 million households) owned pets during 2020-2021, which is expected to grow further. Hence, pet food manufacturers are offering premium products targeted toward pet owners due to the increased parenting of pets. The demand for pet foods is witnessing a massive demand as pet owners find these an easy and convenient food choice without compromising on the nutritional value. The ease of storing and feeding pets is driving higher demand for pet food among young and working urban pet owners worldwide.
• Being the largest pet food market in North America, the growth of the US pet food market is attributed to increased pet ownership. The recent rise of pet humanization, wherein pets are treated with improved care and hygiene, is a significant driver for the market, leading to major changes in product packing and resourcing ethically viable products.
• High consumer awareness and interest in ingredient content characterize the US market. The increasing penetration of the e-commerce sector is a significant opportunity for low-cost marketing for innovative and novel product lines developed by emerging companies. Along with increased expenditure on pet foods in the country, many players are introducing innovative products driving the market.

US Pet Food Market Trends

Increased Consumer Spending on Pet Food Products

There are wide varieties of pet food in the US Market, all of which contain the typical ingredients of rice, barley, soy, maize, and wheat. Meat byproducts such as chicken, liver, beef, and lamb are also included as a part of traditional food to meet nutritional requirements. Pet Owners in the US tend to check and be selective for ingredients for feeding their pets. Hence, the corporations serving in the US market are developing various solutions to meet the differing demands of pets based on their preferences for multiple ingredients, thus expanding the expenditure of pet foods.

Some US premium brands also feature higher digestibility and higher levels of more expensive nutrients, such as animal fat, protein, and fish oil, compared to less expensive brands. Furthermore, they have various levels or ratios of other critical nutrients far above the needed minimums. It attracts customers with sensitive pets or ones prone to allergies, fueling the market for pet food through diversified offerings.

Quality ingredients are of the utmost importance for American pet owners. The pet food market growth brought a proliferation of specialized formulations and packaging options, mirroring human food trends. Thus, significant brands differentiate their product lines by exploring various packaging options. A survey conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that, in recent years, expenditure toward veterinary care and pet healthcare saw a 40% increase. With increased concern for pet health, the demand for pet food products is expected to have high growth potential.

Dry Food Segment Dominates the Market

The households with an increase in owning a dog as a pet expanded the market for dry food across the country. According to American Pet Food Association Survey statistics, the number of households owning dogs increased to 9%, with 69 million homes in 2021, with each family owning at least one dog. Dry food for dogs is easy-to-store and feed dry and hence is highly favored by these dog owners. Apart from being cost-effective, some of these products are specially formulated to take care of their hygiene, such as cleaning teeth while food is consumed. These factors give dry pet foods a significant advantage over their long-standing competition with wet pet foods.

Additionally, dry pet food can be left out for long hours without spoilage. Hence, it is very convenient for owners with busy lifestyles. Dry pet food is the largest segment in the pet food market, as it includes varying levels of oxidative stability and shelf life.

The demand for a high protein and low carbohydrate diet drives the market, which, in turn, is boosting the dry pet food segment overall in the country. Grain-free pet food is one of the fastest-growing areas of the dry pet food industry. A grain-free diet is also known as a carb-free diet. In grain-free dry food, carbohydrates like grains are replaced with other binders like potatoes, lentils, or peas.

The players in the United States pet food industry are also increasing investments to cater to the rapidly growing demand for dry pet food due to the rising trends of pet humanization. Barrett Petfood Innovations and Anchor Ingredients Co. LLC entered a partnership in 2021 to establish North Freeze Dry, a premium manufacturer of freeze-dried protein ingredients for pet food formulations. The company launched a state-of-the-art freeze-drying facility in Little Falls, Minnesota, scheduled for completion in the first half of 2022.

US Pet Food Industry Overview

The US pet food market is moderately consolidated, with major players operating in the market, such as Mars Inc., Nestle SA (Purina PetCare), JM Smucker, Diamond Pet Food, and Colgate Palmolive (Hill’s Pet Nutrition). Major players in the market have extended their product portfolio and broadened their business to maintain their position.

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