Pet Food Processing Market By Equipment Type (Mixing & Blending Equipment, Extrusion Equipment, Forming & Shaping Equipment, Baking & Drying Equipment, Cooling Equipment, Coating Equipment, Packaging Equipment, Others), By Food Type (Dry Pet Food, Wet Pet Food, Semi-Moist Pet Food, Fresh & Frozen Pet Food, Raw Pet Food, Treats & Snacks), By Processing Method (Extrusion Processing, Baking Processing, Freeze-Drying, Air Drying, Canning, Hydrolysis Processing), By Ingredient Type (Animal-Based Ingredients {Meat, Seafood, Dairy Products, Eggs}, Plant-Based Ingredients {Vegetables, Fruits, Grains, Others}, Functional Ingredients {Probiotics & Prebiotics, Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Vitamins & Minerals, Others}), By Pet Type (Dogs, Cats, Birds, Fish, Small Mammals, Reptiles), and By End-User (Pet Food Manufacturers, Contract Manufacturing Organizations, Pet Food Brands), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

Industry Outlook

The Pet Food Processing market accounted for USD 5.9 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 11.32 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 6.1% between 2025 and 2035. Food manufacturing, particularly for pets like dogs, cats, and other animals, is referred to as pet food processing. This business handles every step of the process, from locating raw ingredients like livestock, cereals, and vegetables to the product's ultimate packaging. To guarantee that the food is safe, nutrient-balanced, and palatable to the majority of pets, advanced technologies are typically used. This market covers packaged dry kibble, wet food, treats, and products related to specific diets. The demand for it is increasing very rapidly since pets are increasing in number and require high-quality, health-conscious pet food options.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

Growing focus on premium, healthy pet food options.

One of the main factors propelling the pet food processing industry is the rise in the production of high-quality, healthful pet foods. Pet owners are willing to pay extra for high-quality, nutrient-dense food that is made with natural ingredients and meets certain dietary requirements, like grain-free, organic, or protein-rich diets, as they have grown increasingly concerned about the health and well-being of their animals. Awareness about pet health, a tendency toward the humanization of pets, and a growing consciousness regarding the need for transparency in food sourcing are some of the factors propelling this trend.

The surge in the adoption of pets, especially among millennials and Gen Z, is another factor boosting the growth of premium pet food. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), pet food sales in the United States exceeded $30 billion in 2020, with a significant portion of that amount going to natural and high-end pet food items. This demonstrates the urban tendency for upscale pet care, which fuels industry expansion.

Online retailing boosts pet food market accessibility.

Levels of customer demand in the pet food processing market expand due to multiple important factors. The climbing numbers of global pet owners among millennials have produced an increased need for specialized foods for pets. Market expansion is boosted through premiumization trends since pet owners pursue premium-quality organic foods that are personalized for their pets.

New processing advances and technological developments enable manufacturers to create different pet food varieties, which include dry kibble products, wet food, and treats. E-commerce with online retailing gives consumers better access to purchasing pet food through convenient home-based shopping. Consumer preference developments, like their preference for natural grains and hypoallergenic products, push pet food companies to develop innovative product formulations. The market continues to grow because people are paying more attention to pet health and their senior pet needs.

The evolution of pet food processing markets is supported by government standards enforcing safety and quality criteria during food production. The pet food manufacturing industry is now concentrating on attaining sustainable ingredient sourcing while developing eco-friendly packaging solutions to embrace the international sustainability movement. The continuous development of the pet food processing market receives support from these market drivers.

Fluctuations in ingredients prices affect production costs.

The pet food processing market has highly sensitive production costs, and one of the main limiting factors is the volatility of ingredient prices. Because of supply chain disruptions, weather, and market demand, key commodities such as meat, cereals, and vitamins have uncontrollable price fluctuation, making it difficult for manufacturers to maintain consistent pricing for consumers. Higher ingredient costs might stifle profit margins by forcing companies to either absorb additional expenses or pass them on to customers, which will affect demand. Regulatory standards and the demand for niche formulations are further layers complicating cost management.

Rising production costs may also become a daunting factor for small and medium-sized companies to compete against their larger counterparts. Manufacturers must balance quality, safety, and affordability during times of price volatility, which becomes a huge challenge. Such constraints impose limits on product innovation and scaling flexibility, suppressing the growth opportunities of several players within the market.

Increased convenience drives recurring business models.

The rising need of pet owners for convenience is augmenting demand in the pet food processing market. As consumers more readily convert to using convenient pet foods ready for feeding, companies explore recurring revenue models integrated with subscriptions or custom meal plans. These provide opportunities for consistent revenue streams and foster client loyalty. The growing awareness of pet health and wellness is increasing the demand for high-end, specialty pet food items, propelling market expansion.

Technologies like automated production and packaging procedures enable the production of goods quickly and efficiently while lowering costs and enhancing scalability. The rise in pet ownership is creating innovation opportunities worldwide, and one area where there will be intensive innovation is in sustainable and eco-friendly pet foods. Overall, convenience, customization, and health are providing a conducive environment for recurrent business models in the pet food processing market.

Demand for cleaner, healthier ingredients creates opportunities.

The pet food processing market benefits significantly from customer needs for pure and nutritious ingredients in pet food. Pet food manufacturers now dedicate their production efforts to premium-quality food that meets the growing customer demand for ingredients using natural, organic, sustainable methods. Consumer demand has set a transparency goal in the market to find products free of artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers. This trend presents notable expansion potentials to manufacturing companies ruling the market through their clean-label formulation creation, functional ingredient development, and novel protein sourcing.

Specialized processing methods for pets requiring customized nutritional diets will gain increasing demand in the future. Organizations following strategies to develop environmentally friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing methods will likely receive advantages from this market trend. Commercial pet food has transformed due to evolving customer taste preferences, which will generate multiple avenues for business expansion and product development.

Industry Experts Opinion

"Pet food processing has evolved significantly with advancements in food safety and nutritional research. Today's pet foods are formulated with high standards, ensuring pets receive balanced nutrition, while processing techniques are refined to maintain food quality and prevent contamination."

• Dr. Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, and veterinary nutritionist.

"It’s important that pet food processing includes transparency in sourcing ingredients and manufacturing methods, as consumers are becoming more conscious of the sustainability and ethical implications of the pet food industry."

• Dr. Barry Kellogg, Senior Veterinary Advisor at the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association.

Segment Analysis

Based on the equipment type, the Pet Food Processing market has been classified into Mixing & Blending Equipment, Extrusion Equipment, Forming & Shaping Equipment, Baking & Drying Equipment, Cooling Equipment, Coating Equipment, Packaging Equipment, and Others. Mixing and blending equipment is by far the largest segment of the pet food processing market. This is because the production of pet food requires precise and constant mixing of various ingredients that include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins to ensure a nutritional balance and palatability. These machines become critical in achieving uniformity in the product, which is vital in quality and consistency from batch to batch. As more parameters are being included in pet food formulations, the need and demand for more efficient mixing and blending solutions keep rising, labeling this segment dominant in the market.

Based on the Processing Method, the Pet Food Processing market has been classified into Extrusion Processing, Baking Processing, Freeze-Drying, Air Drying, Canning, and Hydrolysis Processing. In the pet food processing market, extrusion processing is the most significant processing method to mention. The widespread use of this method has been imparted due to its ability to develop a variety of pet food products with textural, taste, and nutritional properties. Extrusion boasts excellent efficiency, longer shelf life, and patterned ingredient composition for varying dietary needs of pets. It allows the addition of vitamins, minerals, and other supplements during the manufacturing process. This makes extrusion a more economical method for manufacturers while being most favored in their pursuit to keep up with the demand for high-quality pet food.

Regional Analysis

The North American pet food processing market is leading due to increased pet adoptions. Demand for premium, nutritious, and natural pet food is growing, and those that manufacture pet food in the region strive to innovate their manufacturing process considering the diverse dietary preferences of the pets, inorganic, grain-free, or even functional foods. These foods are being manufactured for health purposes, including for people with obesity and allergies. The area thus created is dominated by the United States because of its massive population of pet owners and huge consumption of pet food.

The region is further characterized by a strong regulatory environment where the pet food regulations of the FDA guarantee the safety and quality of products. It is shaping the market through technological advancement, such as automation along the production lines and advanced packaging solutions. Another growing trend is sustainability, where more and more companies are taking sustainable packaging and sourcing initiatives. Further, as pet owners become more conscious about animal welfare, there is a greater demand for ethically sourced, human-grade pet food products. The rising trend of humanization is further driving the development of high-end pet food processing in North America.

The Asia Pacific pet food processing market presents steady growth because developing nations, including China, India, and Southeast Asia, are adopting pets at higher rates. The market demand for premium and specialized pet food continues to grow because consumers have higher earnings, urban identities, and a better understanding of nutritional requirements for their animals. Pet food manufacturers now base their focus on product development by making organic, natural, and functional foods for particular animal species needs.

The pet food processing industry advances through scientific discoveries of extrusion and freeze-drying that create high-quality products that last longer. Multiple local and foreign investors are shown to participate in the region to reach the rising demand base. The pet food processing field changes because of regulation introduction and clear ingredient visibility requirements. The expansion of e-commerce and various industry elements produces dynamic conditions that enhance the pet food processing industry in the Asia-Pacific.

Competitive Landscape

The sector is intensely competitive because major pet food companies Mars, Nestlé Purina, Hill's Pet Nutrition, and General Mills control the market leadership. Mars Petcare operates as the industry's largest corporation and extends its business reach by acquiring veterinary services provider VCA Inc. to offer additional products to its client base. Nestlé Purina maintains strong market leadership by advancing pet nutrition technology and now brings personalized nutrition-based pet food products to the market.

General Mills secured its place in premium pet food through acquiring Blue Buffalo. Cargill and WellPet concentrate on eco-friendly and transparent pet food, whereas Spectrum Brands and Diamond Pet Foods succeed through creative, simple, yet nutritious pet food products. The market shows an expanding trend of business combinations and a natural and premium product shift, which responds to consumer needs growing stronger.

Pet Food Processing Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In February 2025, Pet Food Experts acquired certain assets of Animal Supply Company to improve its distribution capabilities and broaden its market presence. At the same time, Michael Baker returned as the company's CEO and President, bringing new leadership to the organization.
• In February 2025, Marsapet launched MicroBell, the first dog food featuring FeedKind protein, a sustainable alternative to traditional animal protein. This product was designed for pet owners looking for nutritious options for their dogs without using conventional meat sources.

Report Coverage:

By Equipment Type

• Mixing & Blending Equipment
• Extrusion Equipment
• Forming & Shaping Equipment
• Baking & Drying Equipment
• Cooling Equipment
• Coating Equipment
• Packaging Equipment
• Others

By Food Type

• Dry Pet Food
• Wet Pet Food
• Semi-Moist Pet Food
• Fresh & Frozen Pet Food
• Raw Pet Food
• Treats & Snacks

By Processing Method

• Extrusion Processing
• Baking Processing
• Freeze-Drying
• Air Drying
• Canning
• Hydrolysis Processing

By Ingredient Type

• Animal-Based Ingredients
  • Meat
  • Seafood
  • Dairy Products
  • Eggs
• Plant-Based Ingredients
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Grains
  • Others
• Functional Ingredients
  • Probiotics & Prebiotics
  • Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids
  • Vitamins & Minerals
  • Others

By Pet Type

• Dogs
• Cats
• Birds
• Fish
• Small Mammals
• Reptiles

By End-User

• Pet Food Manufacturers
• Contract Manufacturing Organizations
• Pet Food Brands

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• Mars, Inc.
• Nestlé S.A.
• Colgate-Palmolive
• Spectrum Brands
• Schell & Kampeter, Inc.
• General Mills, Inc.
• Cargill
• The J.M. Smucker Company
• General Mills
• WellPet
• Addiction Pet Foods
• Real Pet Food Company
• KLN Family Brands
• Nutro (Mars Petcare)
• Petcurean Pet Nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)