US Pet Food Market Report 2024

US Pet Food Market – Current Landscape

After two years of sharp price increases and a backdrop of economic uncertainty, the historically resilient pet food market eased back into slow growth in 2024. While some cost-conscious pet owners continue to shift to private label and more budget-friendly product forms, most remain committed to the best care and feeding for their pets, creating opportunities for brands at all price points that can reassure pet owners of superior quality, healthfulness and palatability.

Rising incidence of topper usage, even amid cutbacks in other product forms, point to continued interest in an active and engaged feeding and treating experience that strengthens pet-owner bonds and that brands and retailers can leverage to drive sales across product forms. Younger pet owners and those with less experience are especially likely to use toppers, making them a key target for these initiatives.

Pet owners’ priorities in the pet food aisle tend to mirror their priorities for their own food choices. Health and wellness is increasingly important, creating opportunities for brands that can make meaningful functional health claims, yet palatability, as ever is nonnegotiable, especially among cat owners.

US Pet Food – Market Statistics

• US pet food market share: Private label made the biggest gains in the market this year when compared to leading companies, highlighting the current importance of pricing. However, certain brands such as Freshpet go from strength to strength, indicating the benefits of targeting the premium segment.
• Pet food retailers shopped: Younger pet food shoppers are most likely to purchase online and shop across a wider range of outlets. Owning a cat and dog also indicates varied needs as these multi-pet shoppers are also more likely to shop across outlets.
• Dog food and treats purchased: Dry dog food continues to be the staple in the category, as eight in 10 owners buy dry. This is despite the growing presence of fresh dog food. Dog owners are starting to explore toppers more, however, as the customizability of dry food becomes important.

US Pet Food Market Report – What’s Inside?

Key Topics Analyzed in the Report

• Pet food shoppers’ preferred retailers
• Purchase incidence of different types of food, treats and toppers, and key factors that guide selection
• Pet owner interest in functional health benefits in food and treats
• Pet owner interest in a range of premium food and treat concepts
• Pet owner attitudes toward value, health and environmental impact
• Pet food sales and market share trends and the key factors influencing them
• Trends in pet food and treat innovation

Report Scope

Mintel defines the pet food market as food and treats for household pets, including cats, dogs, small animals (eg hamsters, rabbits), fish, reptiles, and birds. Food for dogs and cats may be dry, wet/canned, semi-moist, or in the form of treats. The following segments will be included in this Report:

• Cat food
• Dog food
• Other pet food (eg, hamsters, birds, guinea pigs, reptiles)
• Pet treats

Excluded from this Report are:

• Food for horses and animals usually considered livestock (pigs, goats, chickens, etc.)
• Dog chews and rawhides
• Pet vitamins and supplements

Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis

This report was written by John Owen. John provides in-depth analysis and insight across a variety of categories, including household and home care, health and wellness, food and beverages, and consumer lifestyles. He brings extensive experience in advertising and shopper marketing, most of it with Saatchi & Saatchi.

Pet food sales have slowed amid moderating inflation and cautious consumer spending, yet pet owners remain committed to feeding their pets the best.

John Owen
Associate Director, Food and Retail