Pet Food Processing Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Equipment Type (Mixing & Blending Equipment, Forming Equipment, Baking & Drying Equipment, Others), By Animal Type (Dog, Cat, Others), By Form (Dry, Wet), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Pet Food Processing Market was valued at USD 6.03 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 10.04 billion in the forecast period with a CAGR of 8.82% through 2030. Pet food is a specialized nutritional product for domesticated animals, formulated to meet their specific dietary requirements. It typically consists of meat, meat by-products, cereals, vitamins, grains, and minerals. The pet food processing system offers a wide range of options for pet owners, including dry, canned, semi-moist, such as biscuits, treats, and kibbles. The pet food processing system encompasses the manufacturing and development of specialized food for pets, tailored to their nutritional needs. Similar to human food processing, pet food processing involves the separation of water, fat, and protein components of the meat products.

The rising trend of pet humanization is one of the key drivers of the global pet food processing market. Pet owners today are increasingly treating their pets as family members and are therefore more willing to invest in premium, nutritious, and functional food options. This has led to a surge in demand for specialized pet food products like grain-free, organic, high-protein, and breed-specific formulations. As a result, manufacturers are adopting advanced processing technologies such as extrusion, drying, and coating to enhance product quality, palatability, shelf-life, and nutritional value, thereby fostering innovation in the pet food processing landscape.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Trend of Pet Adoption

Pet ownership continues to rise globally, driven by shifting attitudes that increasingly view pets as family members rather than just companions. In 2024, approximately 38% of households in major urban regions of China reported owning at least one dog or cat, up from 30% in 2022. In parallel, U.S. surveys indicated that nearly 70% of millennials adopted plant-forward lifestyles and also owned pets, reflecting an emotional connection that’s reshaping purchasing behavior. This deeper bond is boosting demand for high-quality, human-grade pet foods mirroring human nutrition trends.

Urbanization and busier lifestyles are further amplifying the demand for convenient, ready-to-feed pet food options. In 2023, almost 45% of global pet owners cited time constraints as their primary reason for choosing kibble or pre‑prepared meals. Busy professionals are increasingly seeking nutritious, premium pet foods that simplify feeding routines. As a result, manufacturers are innovating in formats like single-serve pouches, nutritionally complete meal packs, and nutraceutical-enriched treats that fit seamlessly into fast-paced urban lifestyles.

Rising prestige and emotional value associated with pet ownership in emerging markets like China and India is also a key driver. In 2024, nearly 22% of Chinese households reported pet ownership as a status symbol, prompting greater investment in specialty food products. Pet owners are now demanding advanced nutrition—customized for life stage, breed, or dietary sensitivity—and are gravitating toward premium, functional pet food options that offer clean-label transparency and enhanced palatability.

This humanization trend is spurring demand for premium, diversified pet food offerings across formats and nutrition. Consumers expect products aligned with human food trends: grain-free, organic, high-protein, hypoallergenic options, and functional ingredients like probiotics or omega‑3s. With higher disposable incomes, pet parents are investing in tailored formulations that address weight control, joint health, or digestive wellness. This nuanced demand is prompting food processors to enhance texture, flavor, ingredient quality, and packaging innovation, fueling growth across the pet food processing landscape.

Demand For Premium and Organic Pet Meals

Rising pet health awareness is driving increased demand for premium and organic pet meals crafted from high-quality ingredients. Modern pet parents prioritize meals free from artificial colors, flavors, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, harmful pesticides, and preservatives. In 2024, approximately 42% of pet owners reported switching to organic or natural pet food brands in the past two years, citing better ingredient transparency and perceived long-term health benefits. This shift in consumer behavior is pushing manufacturers to develop clean‑label, nutrient-rich formulations that mirror human-grade food standards.

These premium pet products often include specialized functional ingredients such as probiotics for digestive health, joint support compounds like glucosamine, and omega‑3 fatty acids for coat and cognitive wellness. Brands are increasingly offering grain‑free, hypoallergenic, and breed-specific formulas to address allergies, sensitivities, and life‑stage needs. The focus on ingredient quality ensures pet owners feel reassured—knowing their pets are eating food aligned with holistic wellness principles rather than mere convenience or price point.

As trust in pet food brands becomes a critical purchasing factor, companies are investing in sourcing certifications, transparent labeling, and ingredient traceability. Consumers expect to know where ingredients originate—organic farms, non-GMO crops, sustainably sourced proteins—and that these meet health safety standards. Packaging designs also reflect this focus, often featuring front-of-pack nutritional claims, clear ingredient lists, and eco‑friendly materials. This heightened expectation for accountability and authenticity is shaping R&D strategies and supply chains across the pet nutrition industry.

Convenience and premium positioning together are fueling market innovation. Pet food products now include nutritionally complete fresh meals, refrigerated frozen entrées, single-serve pouches, and customized subscription blends. Brands are tailoring personalized diets based on pet age, breed, activity level, or specific wellness goals such as weight management or gut health. With higher disposable incomes, pet owners are increasingly investing in foods that promise tangible benefits, further elevating demand for premium, organic, and functionally enriched pet meals.

Rise in technological production and expansion of product lines

The humanization trend has led to an increase in health consciousness, driving the demand for pet food that is free from sugar, grains, dyes, and other chemicals. The availability of products through e-commerce offers customers competitive pricing, convenience, and a wide range of options. E-commerce, targeting the millennial generation, provides numerous advantages to pet owners, including personalized merchandise and convenient home delivery. Additionally, e-commerce can be utilized to market products with special health benefits or cater to pets with specific dietary needs. The market's growth is fueled by the rise in technologically advanced pet food products, increasing automation, and the growing consumption of processed and packaged pet food. Furthermore, the expansion of product lines by pet food manufacturing companies is also impacting this industry.

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Key Market Challenges

Changing Prices of Raw Material

Fluctuations in raw material prices can lead to several challenges and uncertainties that affect both pet food manufacturers and consumers. Increases in the prices of key raw materials, such as meat, grains, and vegetables, can lead to higher production costs for pet food manufacturers. This cost pressure may limit their ability to maintain competitive pricing for their products, potentially leading to reduced profit margins or the need to raise product prices. Rapid and unexpected changes in raw material prices can disrupt the supply chain. Manufacturers may face challenges in securing a consistent and cost-effective supply of ingredients, leading to potential production delays and shortages. To manage costs, manufacturers may need to alter the formulation of their pet food products, potentially affecting the quality, nutritional content, or palatability of the final product. This can impact consumer preferences and loyalty. In a competitive market, manufacturers may hesitate to pass on the full extent of raw material price increases to consumers, leading to tighter profit margins and increased competition for market share.

International Trade and Regulations

Expanding into international markets requires navigating varying regulatory frameworks and cultural preferences, which can be complex and resource intensive.  Each country has its own set of regulations and standards governing pet food production, labeling, safety, and ingredient sourcing. These regulations can vary widely, making it necessary for companies to invest time and resources in understanding and adhering to different requirements. Ingredients that are accepted in one country may not be approved for use in another. Companies must navigate the process of gaining regulatory approval for ingredients, which can involve extensive documentation, safety assessments, and testing. Accurate and compliant labeling is essential for international market entry. Labels must meet local language requirements, nutritional information formats, and ingredient declarations as per the respective country's regulations. Establishing distribution channels and partnerships in foreign markets can be complex. Local logistics, transportation, and supply chain considerations may differ from what a company is accustomed to.

Key Market Trends

Improved Equipment and Technologies

Enhanced equipment and advanced technologies are creating lucrative opportunities for the global pet food processing market to flourish. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on improving and upgrading manufacturing technologies to cater to the dietary needs of domestic animals. Implementation of pet food extruder maintenance not only saves manufacturers time and money but also ensures the quality of pet food for cats and dogs while optimizing the lifespan and efficiency of the machinery. By embracing advanced technologies and equipment, manufacturers can enhance the quality and performance of their products, thereby meeting the overall customer requirements.

Innovations in Processing Technologies

Advances in processing technologies have the potential to bring significant improvements to the quality, safety, and nutritional value of pet food products. These innovations can enhance various aspects of the pet food processing industry, benefiting both manufacturers and consumers. New processing technologies can help preserve the natural nutritional content of ingredients, ensuring that essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are retained during the cooking process. This results in pet food products that provide higher levels of bioavailable nutrients. Innovative technologies can allow for more precise control over the cooking process, enabling manufacturers to create customized formulations tailored to specific pet health needs and dietary requirements. Some advanced technologies may reduce cooking and processing times, leading to more efficient production and energy savings. Modern processing methods often come with improved automation and monitoring systems, ensuring consistent product quality and reducing batch-to-batch variability. New technologies can facilitate the creation of pet food products with fewer additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, leading to cleaner and more transparent labeling. Pets' well-being and health are closely tied to the quality of their food. Advanced processing methods can lead to higher-quality products, satisfying pet owners and building brand loyalty.

Segmental Insights

Equipment Type Insights

In 2024, Mixing & Blending Equipment was dominating the pet food processing market due to its essential role in ensuring uniformity, texture, and consistency across various formulations. As pet food becomes more sophisticated—incorporating a mix of proteins, grains, supplements, and functional additives—precise blending is crucial to maintain nutritional balance and product quality. Advanced mixers and blenders are now integrated with automation and real-time monitoring systems, enabling higher production efficiency and reduced ingredient waste. The growing demand for premium, customized, and grain-free pet food further drives the need for versatile mixing solutions that can handle diverse ingredient types, moisture levels, and batch sizes while maintaining hygiene and safety standards.

Animal Type Insights

The Global Pet Food Processing Market is categorized by application, including dog, cat, fish, and others. The dog segment dominated the market in 2024, and it is projected to remain the largest and fastest-growing market during the forecast period. The increasing awareness of pet well-being has led to a greater focus on improving dog weight and overall health. Customers have a wide range of food options and place significant importance on product brands. Manufacturers are actively entering the premium food products market to enhance their overall profit margin. The trend of owning multiple cats continues to grow, resulting in increased demand for cat products. Compared to dogs, cats require less training and can spend more time alone. Additionally, the cost of owning a cat is relatively lower than that of owning a dog.

Regional Insights

North America has emerged as a highly significant regional market for pet food, driven by high pet ownership rates, increased spending on pet health, and the growing trend of pet humanization. Consumers in the region are increasingly opting for premium, organic, and functional pet food products that mirror human food trends. The presence of major pet food manufacturers, robust distribution networks, and rising demand for clean-label and customized nutrition further support market growth. Additionally, innovation in processing technologies and product formulations continues to enhance North America's leadership in the global pet food processing industry.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, Nutrition Nxt is investing approximately ₹84 crore (USD 10 million) to build a state‑of‑the‑art pet food manufacturing facility in Wargal, Telangana, scheduled to begin operations by FY2026. The plant will produce up to 40,000 tonnes of its “Parent” life‑stage nutrition pet food annually in Phase 1. Once operational, it will replace imports from Thailand and support India’s growing pet nutrition demand.
• In September 2024, Growel Group, a leader in aquaculture and seafood processing, has launched Carniwel, its new pet food brand offering premium products at accessible prices. The range includes fresh‑protein recipes (chicken, lamb, fish), superfoods like Antarctic krill, algal oil, and spirulina, and vegetarian options tailored for Indian households. Designed for all life stages and species, Carniwel delivers clean-label nutrition and wide availability across 4,000 + outlets in more than 200 cities. 
• In March 2025, Avanti Feeds’ subsidiary, Avanti Pet Care, debuted its first cat food line, Avant Furst, in March 2025—marking the Group’s inaugural entry into the pet food segment. Developed in partnership with Thailand’s Bluefalo Group, the launch was backed by over 100 veterinarians. The company plans to expand into dog food and treats formats by late 2025 and is building a pet food manufacturing plant in Hyderabad to support its India-wide ambitions.
• In February 2025, Marsapet and Calysta have introduced MicroBell, the first complete dog food featuring FeedKind® Pet protein—a fermented, non-GMO protein produced without arable land or animal ingredients. Marketed under the Marsavet line, this vegan, grain-free, gluten-free kibble combines sweet potato, peas, potatoes, and FeedKind to deliver a nutrient-dense, digestible option ideal for dogs with food sensitivities. It boasts a balanced amino acid profile, excellent palatability, and represents a landmark in sustainable pet nutrition.

Key Market Players

• Andritz Group
• Buhler Holding AG
• Clextral SAS
• Coperion GMBH
• F.N. Smith Corporation
• Mepaco Group
• Precision Food Innovations
• Reading Bakery Systems
• GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft
• The Middleby Corporation

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Pet Food Processing Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Pet Food Processing Market, By Equipment Type:

o   Mixing & Blending Equipment

o   Forming Equipment

o   Baking & Drying Equipment

o   Others

• Pet Food Processing Market, By Animal Type:

o   Dog

o   Cat

o   Others

• Pet Food Processing Market, By Form:

o   Dry

o   Wet

• Pet Food Processing Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Pet Food Processing Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Pet Food Processing market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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