Pet Food Processing Market

Pet Food Processing Market Overview for 2024 to 2034

The pet food processing market is expected to be valued at USD 6,684.4 million in 2024. In 2023, the value of the market was USD 6,348.0 million. The market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2024 to 2034. The pet food processing market is slated to jump to USD 9,112.7 million by 2034.

Consumption Analysis of the Pet Food Processing Market

• Demand for pet food processing is increasing due to the rise in the sale of pet food, as consumers are inclined toward acquiring a regular source of nutrients for their pets.
• Sales of pet food, and in turn, the market for pet food processing, is benefitting from rising rates of pet adoption worldwide.
• While the primary function of pet food is recognized as satisfying the protein needs of pets, pet food is also branching out into using a variety of ingredients, such as leafy vegetables and oats, to increase the nutrient quotient of pet food.
• The development of advanced pet food processing equipment is making the process more efficient and cost-saving, allowing for more production of pet food.
• Pets are increasingly being treated as members of the family, as evidenced by pet parenting trends. As such, there is less hesitation from people to spend money on pet food, which is increasing the demand and aiding the growth of the pet food processing industry.

Attributes	Details
Pet Food Processing Market Value, 2024	USD 6,684.4 million
Projected Market Value, 2034	USD 9,112.7 million
Value-based CAGR, 2024 to 2034	4.0%

Historical Analysis of the Pet Food Processing Market

The pet food processing market was valued at USD 5,468.2 million in 2019. The market progressed at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2019 to 2023.

As the process got more refined, the pet food processing industry experienced significant growth during the historical period. With the pandemic forcing people to stay at home on a more regular basis, companionship was sought. Pets were resorted to for companionship, which propelled the demand for pet food.

Even as many factory units faced shutdowns due to restrictions, pet food processing plants strove to satisfy the demand for pet food. The market reached USD 6,348.0 million in 2023.

Market Valuation (2019)	USD 5,468.2 million
Historical CAGR (2019 to 2023)	3.8%
Historical Market Valuation (2023)	USD 6,348.0 million

Long-term Analysis of the Pet Food Processing Market

In 2024, the value of the pet food processing industry is estimated to be USD 6,684.4 million. The market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2024 to 2034.

Pet food processing is expected to evolve with the development of newer, more efficient processes, such as extruding and high-pressure processing (HPP). As the processing becomes faster, the production of pet food is also rising, giving a positive outlook to the animal food processing industry.

With rising pet adoption worldwide, markets related to pet food, including pet food processing, are set to be bolstered. With pet food acquiring new dimensions due to the inclusion of added flavors and non-meat ingredients, pet food processing is set to play a key role in ensuring there is enough diversity in pet food available. The market value for pet food processing is expected to reach USD 9,112.7 million by 2034.

Global Pet Food Processing Market Trends

• Pet food processing contributes to sustainable practices by using meat and groceries that would otherwise go to waste, a practice also known as rendering. Rendering also cuts the raw material acquisition costs of enterprises.
• Insect feed is being used in pet food processing, as insects provide a rich source of nutrition and their procurement is cost-effective compared to the traditional sources of pet food ingredients.
• Pet food processing makes use of microalgae and yeast in pet food formulation as additional sources of nutrients as well as because the ingredients, especially yeast, are tasty to dogs and cats.
• Many pet owners are all-around animal lovers and do not desire meat in pet food. Thus, there has been a rise in plant-based pet food processing.
• Pet treats are one of the most popular forms of pet food, the bite-sized nature of the treats making them attractive to pets while still acting as health enhancers. Thus, the production of pet treats is increasingly becoming a prominent part of pet food processing.
• Some pet owners still prefer letting their pets consume human food instead of specific pet food, owing to concern over the raw material used in the making of the latter. Thus, a limitation is placed on the progress of the pet food processing industry.
• Pet owners are wary of the artificial preservatives used in pet food, such as ethoxyquin and propylene glycol. Artificial preservatives are toxic to certain animals or breeds and their use in pet food processing acts as a restraint to the market.

Category-wise Outlook

Appeal of Kibbles and Biscuits Ensures Dry Pet Food’s Continued Popularity

Dry food is more prominent in the market compared to wet food. In 2024, the dry food segment is expected to account for 65% of the market share by form.

Pet owners are fond of giving snacks in the form of pet treats to their pets. As pets become more of a part of homes, pet owners put more effort into providing food other than essentials to pets. Thus, dry food in the form of biscuits and other treats is being consumed in high quantities.

Attributes	Details
Top Form	Dry Food
Market Share in 2024	65%

Greater Number of Pet Dogs Drives Demand for Dog Food

Pet food processing commonly involves dog food processing. In 2024, dog food is expected to account for 45% of the market share by application.

The number of pets that are dogs considerably outnumber the cats or any other pets in the world. Thus, dog food is more in demand and dog food processing is more frequent than cat food processing or any other kind.

Attributes	Details
Top Application	Dog Food
Market Share in 2024	45%

Country-wise Analysis

Pet ownership has the reputation of being the province of well-affluent people, as feeding and taking care of pets require considerable investment. Thus, North America and Europe constitute a significant consumer base for pet food, ensuring the continued demand for pet food processing. Thus, Asia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa offer significant opportunities for players in the pet food processing market.

Countries	CAGR (2024 to 2034)
United States	3.4%
Australia	4.5%
Germany	5.6%
Japan	6.0%
China	5.0%

Higher Demand for Pet Food in the United States Fueling Market Growth

The United States accounts for a significant share of the industry and the demand is expected to continue unabated. The CAGR of the market in the United States is projected to be 3.4% from 2024 to 2034.

The United States leads the world in terms of pet population, and pet adoption is anticipated to rise in the country. Thus, pet food demand is high and use of pet food processing is necessitated.

Experimentation with Technology is the Norm in Pet Food Processing in Germany

Germany is the leading country in the European market. The CAGR for the market in Germany is pegged at a CAGR of 5.6% over the forecast period.

On most fronts, technology plays a key role in Germany. Pet food processing is no different, as producers are looking to innovate in the field. For example, Automated Handling Solutions (AHS) and Advanced Material Processing (AMP) opened a facility in Germany in 2023, where processers can test out the equipment before buying it. Thus, technology is set to play a key role in Germany moving forward for the pet food processing industry.

Australian Consumers Willing to Spend More on Premium Pet Food

With rising disposable income and pet adoption, the Australian population is leaning toward spending significantly on pet welfare. Thus, premium pet food, including natural and vegan pet food, is experiencing high demand in the country. Pet food processing is receiving a boost, too, as the manufacture of premium and natural pet food requires heavy processing. The CAGR of the market in Australia is pegged at 4.5% over the forecast period.

Companies In Japan Studying Data to Come Up with High-quality Pet Food Products

Japan is marked to be one of the most promising countries for the market. For the forecast period, the CAGR for Japan is estimated to be a promising 6.0%.

Despite declining rates of pet food buying, pet food processing is reaching new heights in Japan. For example, Anicom Pafe studied data and genetics relating to pets to come up with their pet food products. Thus, pet food processing in Japan is acquiring a new dimension.

Increased Demand for Functional Pet Food in China

China is another Asian country with potential for growth in the market. The CAGR for China is predicted to be a sturdy 5.0% from 2024 to 2034.

China’s ever-increasing pet population is being fed functional food. While premium pet food and pet treats are also getting popular, Chinese pet owners are desirous of maintaining the health of their pets. Thus, pet food processing for functional food is keeping the industry chugging along in China.

Competitive Landscape in the Pet Food Processing Market

Market players holding a significant share of the market are looking for further expansion by upgrading or establishing new facilities. Improvements in the process and new methods are sought constantly.

Acquisitions and investment drives are common in the market. While big multinational companies proliferate in the landscape, there is scope for smaller-scale enterprises, too, as evidenced by the number of start-ups.

Recent Developments in the Pet Food Processing Market

• In December 2023, Nugape Pet Food got a notable quality and safety certification from the International Featured Standards (IFS). By means of the certificate, the Spanish company highlighted its commitment to sustainability and safety.
• In November 2023, Softgel Co. was acquired by Bioriginal Food & Science Corp. As a means of the acquisition, Bioriginal also got hold of Softgel Co.’s advanced manufacturing facility.
• In August 2023, Chinese market player Gambol Pet Group was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. It raised an estimated USD 219.7 million in funding in the process.
• In October 2024, the first Pet Food Processing Exchange will take place. The event will allow manufacturers in pet food processing to communicate with industry experts, scientists, and others related to the industry.

Key Companies in the Pet Food Processing Market

• Buhler Holding AG
• GEA Group
• The Middleby Corporation
• Andritz Group
• Selo
• Baker Perkins Ltd.
• Purina

Key Segments

By Product Type:

• Mixing & Blending Equipment
• Forming Equipment
• Baking & Drying Equipment
• Cooling Equipment
• Others

By Form:

• Wet Food
• Dry Food

By Application:

• Dog Food
• Cat Food
• Fish Food

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• South Asia
• East Asia
• Oceania
• Middle East and Africa (MEA)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Size of the Pet Food Processing Market?

The size of the pet food processing market is estimated to be USD 6,684.4 million in 2024.

Which are the Key Companies in the Pet Food Processing Market?

Buhler Holding AG, GEA Group, The Middleby Corporation, and Andritz Group are some of the key companies in the pet food processing market.

How Big will the Pet Food Processing Market Be by 2034?

The pet food processing market is expected to reach a valuation of USD 9,112.7 million by 2034.

What is the Expected CAGR of the Market Through 2034?

The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.00% over the forecast period.

What are the Key Trends in the Pet Food Processing Market?

Plant-based pet food processing and the use of sustainable practices are two of the trends in the pet food processing market.