North America Pet Food Market Size, Companies & Research Insight (2025 - 2034)

North America Pet Food Market Size, Share & Growth Report, 2034

The North America pet food market size was valued at USD 2.47 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach around USD 6.26 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 9.75% from 2025 to 2034. The demand for premium pet food has increased, driven by rising pet ownership and heightened pet health awareness, which is fueling the growth of the North American pet food market.

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. pet food market size was evaluated at USD 43.55 billion in 2024 and is expected to attain around USD 66.67 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.35% from 2025 to 2034.
• By product, the dry pet food segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 54.17% in 2024.
• By product, the pet snacks/treats market segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 5.25% from 2025 to 2034
• By pet type, the dogs segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 69.11% in 2024.
• By pet type, the cats segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.25% from 2025 to 2034.
• By category, the ztraditional pet food segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 84.45% in 2024.
• By category, the specialist veterinary nutrition segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.55% from 2025 to 2034.
• By distribution channel, the  pet specialty stores segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 30.29% in 2024.
• By distribution channel, the online/e-commerce channels segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.35% from 2025 to 2034.

Growing Pet Ownership and Awareness: Key Trend of the North America Pet Food Market 

The North American pet food market is a continuously growing market, driven by various factors including increased pet ownership, especially across young & Gen Z, rising awareness about pet health and wellness, and growing humanization of pets. Pet owners are treating their pets like children, taking better care and giving them love. North America has well-established research institutions, drives initiatives for innovation and development of novel, premium, and organic food ingredients. The rising young pet ownership in North America is a potential opportunity for novel innovations and developments of pet food. Stringent regulations associated with food and health further contribute to the market growth. North American organizations are continually adhering to international standards established by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). PFI advocates for the continued trade of pet food that meets the WOAH safe commodity standards, which requires the U.S. to choose to use vaccination to control HPAI.

• In March 2025, the winners of the 15th annual New Products Showcase "Best in Show" Awards at Global Pet Expo were announced by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA). The award was offered for 12 different product categories, showcasing innovative and popular products in the pet industry for 2025. (Source: petfoodindustry )

The trend towards premiumization is the major driver for the North America pet food market. Increased pet ownership, humanization, and awareness about pet health and wellness are increasing the demand for high-value food. The demand for highly nutritious food has witnessed growth. Pet owners are seeking nutrition profiles and ingredients in their pets’ food. Additionally, the shift toward vegetarian-formulated and natural food contributes to the market growth by providing significant opportunities for innovations, developments, and retailers. 

Market Trends

• Pet Ownership: The increased pet ownership across North American countries like the U.S. and Canada has increased the consumer base for pet foods.
  Increased Awareness of Pet Health: The awareness regarding pet health and wellness has increased among North American pet owners, driving demand for products to support pet health issues, contributing to rising innovation and developments of pet foods.
• Expanded E-commerce Platform: Well-spread e-commerce platform across the region has contributed to the ordering and purchasing of pet foods. Availability of customized, premium, and varieties of pet food through the e-commerce sector, fueling market growth.
• Demand for Natural and Organic Food: The North American pet food industry has witnessed rapid growth, driven by a surge in natural and organic foods for pets. Additionally, growing demand for veterinarian-formulated pet foods holds potential opportunities for market growth.

Report Scope

What is the Significant Opportunity for the North America Pet Food Market 

Demand for Functional Ingredients 

The rising demand for functional ingredients holds a significant opportunity for the North America pet food market. Rising awareness of pet health & wellness, demand for natural & organic, and specialized diet, fostering demand for functional ingredient-based food for the pet. Pet food with includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and specialty proteins is trending in the market. The demand for gut health ingredients is leading in the region, driven by consumer demand for better gut health for their pets. The demand is expected to boost innovative developments of functional ingredients and sustainable & eco-friendly ingredients-based pet food.

What is the Major Restraint of the North America Pet Food Market

Lack of Standardized Regulations

The lack of standardized regulations in various countries is a major restraint on the North America pet food market. Countries of North America have different regulatory frameworks, which lead to complexity and confusion for manufacturers and distributors. Additionally, the labeling and ingredient requirements hinder production volume. Lack of standardized regulations leads to varying product quality and safety. This limitation can minimize investments and innovation in pet food products. 

Regional Outlook

High Pet Ownership: to Make the U.S. the Dominant Country 

The U.S. pet food market is expected to increase from USD 45.44 billion in 2025 to USD 66.67 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.35% throughout the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The U.S. dominated the North America pet food market in 2024, driven by increased pet ownership across the country. The U.S. has witnessed increased pet ownership in households. Millennials and Gen Z are the major population for owning pets in the country. The increased pet ownership and rising humanization have led to the demand for premiumization. The U.S. has a robust food & beverage sector, catering to potential opportunities for innovation and development of a premium, customized, and wide range of pet food products.

• U.S. Pet Owner Statistics for 2024(Source: forbes )
• Over the past three decades, the U.S. has witnessed significant growth in pet ownership. For 2024, 66% of U.S. households owned pets, including 65.1 million
• U.S. households that own a dog, 46.5 million households that own cats, and 11.1 million households that own freshwater fish.
• U.S. youngest pet owners, including Millennials, Gen X, and baby boomers, make up the biggest percentage of pet owning at 33%, 25%, and 24%, respectively. 

US Government Innovative Approaches for Pet Food- 2025

• In February 2025, the PURR Act was launched as H.R. 7380, for clarifying FDA authority and creating a consistent federal framework, especially pre-empting state pre-market label reviews or approvals.(Source: petfoodinstitute )
• In January 2025, to strengthen U.S. agricultural exports, including pet food, the introduction of the Agricultural Export Promotion Act was introduced to secure investment in the Market Access Program (MAP).(Source: petfoodinstitute )
• In January 2025, the USDA's Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) secured funding for the Pet Food Institute (PFI) by awarding $1.65 million in a second tranche of RAPP funding. The funding is helping to promote the Pet Food Institute’s activities in countries like China, Mexico, and South Korea, among others.(Source: petfoodindustry)

Growing preference for premium/specialized pet foods: Fueling Canada’s pet food market

Canada is the second-largest country, leading the regional pet food market, driven by high pet ownership, rising demand for premium and specialized pet foods in the country. Canada is witnessing rapid growth in humanization and premiumization. The growing focus on pet health & wellness is fostering the market growth. The influence of the broader North American market on Canada’s consumers has driven the trend for premium, natural, and specialized pet foods.

Segment Outlook

Product Insights 

Which Product Segment Dominated the North America Pet Food Market in 2024?

• In 2024, the dry pet food segment dominated the market due to consumer demand for convenience, cost-effective, and longer shelf-life products. Dry pet foods are easy to store, feed, affordable than other food types, and have a longer shelf life than wet or fresh food products. The demand for dry pet foods with specialized dietary requirements, like breed-specific or grain-free food, has increased, fostering segment growth.
• In May 2025, Rayne Nutrition, a pet food company, relaunched its Skin Relief dry dog food, with veterinarian-formulated food nutrition, designed to support dogs against atopic dermatitis, osteoarthritis, and other dermatologic conditions. (Source: dvm360 )

The pet snacks/treats segment is the second-largest segment, leading the market, driven by increased demand for premium and healthy pet food options. The increased pet humanization and rising health-conscious consumers are driving the preference for nutrition-based, natural, organic, and health benefits of pet snacks/treats. The demand for chewable treats, natural ingredients, and personalized snacks and treats has increased in the market.

Pet Type Insights

Why Did Dog Segment hold the Largest Revenue of the North America Pet Food Market in 2024?

The dog segment held the largest market revenue in 2024, due to increased dog ownership and high purchases of dog food. North America has a high rate of dog owners, treat their dogs like family. The awareness of dog health and issues has increased, driving demand for pre-emptive measures. The manufacturers of North America are developing therapeutic diets and specialized formulations according to specific health conditions of dog pets. The trend for sustainability and ingredient transparency has increased product developments and purchases in the region.   
The cats segment is anticipated to witness significant growth over the forecast period. The segment growth is driven by the increased popularity of cats as pets due to their adaptability and self-sufficient nature. The awareness of feline health needs has increased, especially in urban areas. Cat owners are higher spenders on specialized, premium, specialty diet, and super-premium foods. The demand for specialized ingredients-based wet food for cats has increased, fostering segment growth.

Category Insights

How Traditional Pet Food Segment Dominated the North America Pet Food Market?

The traditional pet food segment dominated the market in 2024, driven by consumer demand for convenience, cost-effective pet food. Traditional pet foods are easily available, easy to store, and more affordable compared to the premium options, making them ideal for a wide range of consumers. Additionally, easy and wide distribution of traditional pet foods, in retail stores and online platforms, contributes to a high adoption rate. The dry kibble and canned meals are highly adopted transitional pet food products in North America. 

The specialist veterinary nutrition segment is expected to grow fastest over the forecast period, due to rising awareness about pet health & wellness among pet owners. The prevalence of diabetes, digestive sensitivity, urinary tract diseases, and obesity has increased among pets, driving demand for specialist veterinary nutrition-based foods. Additionally, ongoing collaborations between manufacturers and veterinary professionals are enabling the development of effective therapeutic diets, leading to the expansion of the segment further.

Distribution Channel Insights

Which Distribution Channel held the largest revenue of the North American Pet Food Market in 2024?

the pet specialty stores segment marked its dominance by generating the largest revenue in 2024, driven by the easy availability of personalized solutions and high-quality options in pet specialty stores. This store provides a comprehensive product range and expert guidance. Pet owners seek well-trained staff to recommend personalized and specialized food products according to their pet's breed, health condition, and taste. Various specialty stores offer value-added services, attracting a wide range of consumers. 

The online/e-commerce channels segment is expected to lead the market in the forecast period. online/e-commerce channels are gaining popularity due to their convenience and wide availability of specialized, premium, and customized pet food options. Well-established e-commerce platforms in countries like the U.S. and Canada are fostering the purchase rate of pet foods. Consumers prefer competitive pricing for products, and online retailers offer discounts, offers, and promotions, which drives popularity among a wide consumer base. 

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, Mars, Incorporated, opened a 450,000 square-foot facility in Lewisburg, Ohio, to expand its U.S. Royal Canin® manufacturing capacity. This is a $450 million site, expected to offer up to 270 new full-time jobs over the next five years, united around a cat and dog-first culture, and produce pet food for feeding 4 million pets per year. (Source: mars.com )
• In March 2025, according to General Mills Inc., effective June 1st, Dana McNabb was promoted to Group President, North America Retail (NAR) and North America Pet. The promotion has changed the growth areas of North America Pet to McNabb’s current responsibilities over NAR.(Source: businesswire )

Key Market Players

• Nestlé Purina
• Mars Petcare Inc
• The J.M. Smucker Company
• LUPUS Alimento
• General Mills Inc.
• The Hartz Mountain Corporation
• Total Alimentos
• Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
• WellPet LLC
• Diamond Pet Foods

Segment Covered in the Report

By Product 

• Wet Pet Food
• Dry Pet Food
• Snacks/Treats

By Pet Type 

• Cats
• Dogs
• Others

By Category 

• Traditional Pet Food
• Specialist Veterinary Nutrition
• Cats
• Dogs
• Others

By Distribution Channel 

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online/E-commerce 
• Pet Specialty Stores
• Others

By Region 

• North America
• U.S.
• Canada