Dog Food Market Overview
Global Dog Food Market reached US$ 83.19 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 137.68 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period 2024-2031.
Dogs are one of the most common pets. People find dogs as incredibly comforting and fulfilling with their loyalty and companionship. Dogs come in various breeds and sizes, allowing people to find a dog that suits their lifestyle and preferences. Currently, the American Kennel Club recognize 190 dog breeds though the FCI and World Canine Organization list 340 dogs.
According to World Population Review 2024, dogs hold a significant place worldwide, both as pets and as cultural symbols. Approximately 30% of households globally have a dog, measuring 700 million to 1 billion dogs. World Animal Foundation 2023 estimated that there are 900 million dogs in the world. The rise in the dog population directly influences the high demand for dog food.
North America dominated the global dog food market with the higher pet food demand. Regional countries such as U.S. and Canada contribute to large pet population areas. According to the 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association, 70 percent of U.S. households, or about 90.5 million families, own a pet and dogs take the most considerable portion.
Market Scope
| Metrics | Details |
| CAGR | 6.5% |
| Size Available for Years | 2022-2031 |
| Forecast Period | 2024-2031 |
| Data Availability | Value (US$) |
| Segments Covered | Product, Nature, Ingredient, Packaging, Pet Type, Distribution Channel and Region |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa |
| Fastest Growing Region | Asia-Pacific |
| Largest Region | North America |
| Report Insights Covered | Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and Acquisitions, New Product Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, Porter’s Analysis, Pricing Analysis, Regulatory Analysis, Supply-Chain Analysis and Other key Insights. |
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Market Dynamics
Increasing Pet Adoption
Pets have become one of the most common and interesting companions for people. More than half of the global population is estimated to have a pet at home. Pandemic influence, work-from-home culture, emphasis on mental health and well-being and social media and online platforms influence led to increased pet adoption globally. According to HealthforAnimals Organisation, pet ownership provides a range of therapeutic, physiological, psychological, and psychosocial benefits to owners.
Pet ownership has also been strongly linked with reduced healthcare costs in U.S., contributing to fewer visits to doctors and improved general health. For instance, according to an economic report commissioned by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute 2023, pet ownership in United States results in annual cost savings of $22.7 billion for the healthcare system.
The report analyzed the healthcare cost savings associated with owning pets in United States. More than 500+ families in U.S., EU and China alone have over half a billion dogs and cats. Globally, dogs are the most popular pets, present in around one in three homes. With the increased pet ownership, the basic requirements of the pet, such as dog food are highly considered and given importance to improving sales.
Rising Pet Humanization
With the humanization trend, pet owners are treating their pets more like members of the family and are willing to spend on premium dog food perceived as healthier and higher quality. This translates to a rise in demand for features like specialized diets. The humanization of pets has led to a shift in consumer preferences towards higher-quality, more nutritious, and customized dog food products.
Pet food formulations are carefully designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of different species and life stages. Manufacturers in the dog food industry are adapting to meet these evolving demands by offering a wider range of premium and specialized products to cater to the needs and preferences of pet owners. Pet owners highly appreciate the convenient and healthy dog food products introduced into the market improving the market penetration at the global level.
For instance, in March 2023, Mars Incorporated launched a new product, Pedigree Multivitamins. These are soft chews that are designed to help pets maintain their health by supporting their immunity, digestion, and joint health. The product was developed in partnership with the Waltham Petcare Science Institute team, as well as veterinary professionals and pet nutritionists.
Concerns About Nutritional Content And Safety
Pet owners are demanding transparency about the ingredients used in pet food, as ambiguous labelling can raise concerns about nutritional content and safety. Misinformation and conflicting dietary recommendations in the pet food industry make pet owners confused and sceptical about the nutritional adequacy of commercial dog food.
Pet owners are also concerned about excessive additives, artificial preservatives, and fillers in pet food. Rising awareness of pet health issues, such as obesity, food sensitivities, and allergies, has prompted pet owners to examine the ingredients and formulations of dog food products. With all these concerns pet owners are likely to choose alternative diets based on perceived health benefits, ingredient transparency, and personal preferences, limiting dog food.
Segment Analysis
The global dog food market is segmented based on product, nature, ingredient, packaging, pet type, distribution channel and region.
Rising Demand for Plant-Based Options
The global dog food market is segmented based on ingredients into animal-derived, plant-derived and insect-derived. The plant-derived dog food is dominating the market with a high focus on health and wellness trends. Plant-based dog food is considered more environmentally sustainable and ethical than meat-based diets. Plant-derived dog food provides an alternative to traditional meat-based diets, catering to pet owners with specific dietary preferences and values.
Pet food manufacturers are innovating plant-based formulations that meet the nutritional needs and taste preferences of dogs. For instance, PawCo Foods has recently launched two new plant-based dog food products, namely InstaBites and LuxBites, in January 2023. The team is dedicated to providing pets with complete and balanced plant-based meals to enhance their health and well-being. The unique features and health benefits of these products are expected to redefine canine nutrition, making it healthier and more affordable.
Geographical Penetration
High Pet Population in North America
North America dominates the global dog food market with a high demand for pet food in the region, including dog food. The higher has more pet population and the dog pet population dominates the crowd. World Population Review 2018-2023 stated that United States holds the top position in the dog population with 90 million dogs.
World Animal Foundation September 2023 stated that nearly the number of dogs living as pets in Canada is 7.9 million. This contributes to 20% of dogs in the Canadian (38.25 million) population and 14% in the American (331.9 million) population. With the high dog population, the region has increased demand for dog food products, positively impacting the need for market sales in the region.
In addition, increasing pet premiumization and demand for best quality pet products also contribute to the higher growth of the regional market with greater product introduction and laucnhes. For instance, in June 2021, Mars Inc. launched a new range of dog food known as the KARMA plant-first formulas. These recipes are made with plant-based superfoods such as flaxseed, chickpeas, chia seed, and more, and are supplemented with real chicken or white fish to provide additional nutrition for dogs.
Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the market include Colgate-Palmolive Company (Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.), General Mills Inc., Mars Incorporated, Nestlé S.A., The J.M. Smucker Co. and Subsidiaries, ADM, Wellness Pet Company, Inc., Heristo Aktiengesellschaft, PLB International and Schell & Kampeter Inc.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on pet ownership, as shown in recent research by Animal Medicines Australia. Demographic changes, rising income levels and the Covid-19 pandemic have driven more people to adopt pets. According to HealthforAnimals Organisation, there has been a steady rise in pet ownership in the country, with the number of
Australian households owning pets has increased from 61 percent in 2019, to 69 percent in 2021. The total number of pets in Australia has increased from 28.5 million in 2019 to 30.4 million in 2021. Millions of Australians decided to adopt a pet during the pandemic, adding more than a million dogs to the total pet population, rising from 5.1 million owned dogs in 2019 to 6.34 million in 2021.
The pandemic has been a key motivator for pet ownership, with 19 percent of dogs and 24 percent of all cats owned by Australians acquired since the beginning of the pandemic. The rise in pet adoption and dog population in various regions around the globe has increased the demand for the product. Although the disruptions in the global supply chain and distribution channels along with offline pet food shop shutdowns harmed the initial pandemic phase, the online platforms recovered the sales back later.
Key Developments
- In November 2023, PLB International announced the introduction of two 1st Choice Nutrition innovations, designed to meet the specific needs of pets. The new products include a specialized Hypoallergenic duck formula for cats, and an innovation, a Hypoallergenic fresh cod formula for dogs.
- In September 2023, Omni, a U.K.-based pet food company introduced its first plant-based dog food product that resembles meat. This launch aligns with the company's goal of providing a nutritious and pleasurable experience to pets who consume vegan pet food.
- In June 2021, Mars Inc. introduced the KARMA plant-first formulas as the latest additions to its dog food portfolio. These recipes are uniquely crafted with plant-based superfoods like flaxseed, chickpeas, chia seed, and more, supplemented with real chicken or white fish for added nutrition.
Why Purchase the Report?
- To visualize the global dog food market segmentation-based product, nature, ingredient, packaging, pet type, distribution channel and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
- Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
- Excel data sheet with numerous data points of dog food market-level with all segments.
- PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
- Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.
The global dog food market report would provide approximately 86 tables, 79 figures and 228 pages.
Target Audience 2024
- Manufacturers/ Buyers
- Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
- Research Professionals
- Emerging Companies
