San Francisco, 09 October 2025: The Report India Pet Food Market (2025 - 2030) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Wet Pet Food, Dry Pet Food, Snacks/Treats), By Pet Type (Cats, Dogs), By Category (Traditional Pet Food, Specialist Veterinary Nutrition), By Distribution Channel, And Segment Forecasts
The India pet food market size was estimated at USD 228.53 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2025 to 2030. The Indian market is expanding rapidly, driven by rising pet ownership, increasing disposable income, and a shift in attitudes toward pet care and nutrition. Urbanization and changing lifestyles have led more families and young professionals to adopt pets, especially in metropolitan areas such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. As pets are increasingly seen as family members, there is a growing demand for high-quality, convenient, and nutritionally balanced pet food that supports their health and well-being.
Indian pet owners are becoming more informed and discerning, with a noticeable preference for branded, scientifically formulated pet food over home-cooked meals. They are increasingly prioritizing factors such as digestive health, coat care, breed-specific nutrition, life-stage formulations, and immunity-boosting ingredients. Functional foods-such as grain-free, hypoallergenic, and protein-rich diets-are gaining popularity, especially among owners of pedigreed dogs and cats with special dietary needs. Unlike Western markets where meat-heavy diets dominate, many Indian pet owners, especially those from vegetarian households-prefer or seek out plant-based or egg-based pet food options, even for carnivorous pets like dogs.
Moreover, price sensitivity remains a key differentiator in the Indian market. While there is a clear rise in premium product demand among urban, affluent pet parents, a large segment still looks for affordable, value-for-money options. This has encouraged a multi-tiered product strategy, where brands offer economy, mid-range, and premium lines to suit different income levels, especially as the pet food market begins to penetrate Tier II and Tier III cities.
To meet the rising demand in India’s pet food market, domestic brands are increasingly investing in product R&D by incorporating traditional Indian ingredients such as turmeric, giloy, ashwagandha, and moringa into pet nutrition. These ayurvedic components cater to the growing preference for holistic and natural health solutions among Indian pet owners. At the same time, there is a strong movement toward transparency and clean-label practices, with brands clearly communicating ingredient origins, nutritional content, and health benefits.
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Consumer Insights
Indian pet owners demonstrate a strong commitment to their pets' health and well-being. Nearly 90% utilize veterinary hospitals and clinics, reflecting a high level of concern for pet health. Monthly expenditures are primarily directed toward pet food, followed by pet goods. Interestingly, cat owners tend to spend more than dog owners, partly due to the higher cost of cat food, which often contains fish and is more expensive than the predominantly chicken-based dog food. Additionally, many cat treats are imported, contributing to higher expenses for cat owners.
Cat ownership in India, while historically limited, is witnessing significant growth due to shifting consumer perceptions and targeted awareness campaigns. In 2023, cats made up 9.5% of the pet population (3.7 million), compared to dogs at 87.4% (33.6 million). This growing acceptance of cats as pets has been driven largely by social media campaigns and promotional efforts by major pet brands that highlight the benefits of cat ownership, such as their low maintenance and suitability for apartment living.
Digital transformation is also playing a major role in shaping the market. A growing number of consumers are purchasing pet food through e-commerce platforms such as Amazon India, Flipkart, Supertails, and Heads Up for Tails.
The expansion of e-commerce and subscription-based pet food services has further fueled growth. E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart have made premium and imported pet foods widely accessible, while local brands are enhancing their presence with targeted digital marketing, pet influencer partnerships, and AI-driven recommendations for pet nutrition. In September 2024, Growel Group, a leading Indian seafood processor and aquaculture feed producer, entered the pet food market with the launch of Carniwel, a premium pet food brand. Carniwel distinguishes itself as the first Indian brand to offer a wide range of vegetarian options alongside superfood-enriched products, catering to the unique dietary preferences of Indian pet owners, including the significant vegetarian population. The brand emphasizes human-grade, natural ingredients-such as fresh chicken, lamb, krill, and superfoods like spirulina-to deliver optimal nutrition, digestibility, and palatability for dogs and cats.
Pet food manufacturers in the India region are increasingly adopting advanced food processing technologies to improve product quality, flavor, and nutritional content. Techniques such as vacuum frying, air frying, and freeze-drying are used to preserve the natural qualities and nutrients of ingredients while minimizing oil content. In addition, manufacturers are incorporating innovative packaging solutions, such as resealable and biodegradable options, to enhance convenience and sustainability. Customization is also gaining momentum, with brands offering diverse seasoning blends, organic choices, and personalized snack/treat packs to meet the varied preferences of pet owners.
