Wet Pet Food Market Size, Share and Trends 2024 to 2034

Wet Pet Food Market Size and Forecast 2024 to 2034

The global wet pet food market size is worth around USD 26.64 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach around USD 41.45 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.52% over the forecast period 2024 to 2034. The North America wet pet food market size reached USD 9.69 billion in 2023. Increasing demand to incorporate multiple nutrients into one container that keeps pets hydrated, tempted, healthy, and provides low calories contributes to the growth of the wet pet food market.

Wet Pet Food Market Key Takeaways

• North America led the market with the largest market share of 38% in 2023.
• By pet, the dog segment contributed the highest market share of 60% in 2023.
• By pet, the cat segment is anticipated to grow at a significant rate in the market over the projected period.
• By source, the animal-based segment generated the largest market share in 2023 and is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.
• By source, the plant derivative segment is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period.
• By distribution channel, the pet specialty store segment recorded the largest wet pet food market share in 2023.
• By distribution channel, the online segment is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period of 2024-2034.

U.S. Wet Pet Food Market Size and Growth 2024 to 2034

The U.S. wet pet food market size was exhibited at USD 7.75 billion in 2023 and is projected to be worth around USD 12.85 billion by 2034, poised to grow at a CAGR of 4.70% from 2024 to 2034.

North America dominated the global wet pet food market in 2023. Increasing awareness of adequate pet nutrition is raising demand for market. Several pet food companies are introducing innovative pet food products, forging alliances, and expanding their manufacturing units in the North American region. The U.S. is well known for its research and development sectors in the pet food industry.

Asia Pacific is projected to host the fastest-growing wet pet food market in the coming years due to increasing demographics and demand trends that favor continued growth in the wet pet food category. Asia Pacific is proven to be the largest pet owner globally, as the majority of pet owners are young, so there's an awareness regarding pets' health and well-being. Humanization of pets is widely noticed in Thailand and China due to the decline in the number of nuclear families and the increasing trend of single, unmarried parent or childless parent-adopts pets.

The Asia Pacific region has the highest population of vegetarians (19%) and vegans (9%). The household environment depends on the nourishment of the pet. A vegetarian pet owner generally feeds plant-based wet pet food to their pet animal. India has the highest percentage of vegetarians. Moreover, the expansion of pet adoption, pet ownership, and awareness of healthy nutrition for pets has increased the wet pet food market.

Market Overview

Wet pet food is a ground form of the protein source or meat ingredient. It is high in moisture content, about 75-78% water, providing hydration to the pet animal. Hydration is important for the pet's health. It helps to maintain the body's regular temperature, improves digestion and absorption of nutrients in pet food, moves nutrients in and out of cells, cushions joints, and internal organs, and helps with elimination. Wet pet foods are available in different packaging formats, such as canned foil trays and pouches. The components in it are in various forms, including chunks in gravy, chunks in jelly, casserole, and meatloaf. Ingredients present in wet pet foods are oils and fats, vitamins, minerals, cereals, pasta, grains, vegetables, or meat.

Wet Pet Food Market Growing Factors

• Increase moisture: Wet pet food is rich in moisture content, which prevents urinary diseases, requires nutritional management of diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels, and avoids kidney disease.
• More meat content: Wet pet foods are high in meat content that provides adequate protein (amino acids), fat, and other macronutrients.
• Fewer additives and antioxidants: In wet pet food, other preservative techniques are used, such as commercial sterilization, which uses heat and chemical treatment to reduce microorganisms and prevent toxins.
• Texture: Wet pet food has a soft, moist, meaty texture that is easier for aged animals to chew.
• Palatability and digestibility: High meat, high moisture, textured and aromatic food offerings acceptability and palatability among animals. It is also easily absorbed from the intestine to the body.
• Weight management: as it is high in protein and has fewer carbohydrates, there is no excessive weight gain. Due to the water content, animals experience satiety after meals.

How is AI Helpful in the Wet Pet Food Market?

The wet pet food industry is constantly changing and evolving. Integration of AI in the composition and production of pet food recipes leads to enhancing operational efficiency, cost reduction, and resource optimization. Utilization of AI in pet food manufacturing companies improves the quality and consistency of their products, fulfilling consumer’s demand for premium, reliable, and nutritious pet food. With the rapid evolution of the industry, companies are bound to benefit from formulation and production. For instance, PawCo Foods uses AI to improve the nutrition and palatability of their products.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Consumer demand drives the market

The rising population of pet owners is driving the wet pet food market. A large number of pet owners prefer wet pet food for their pets due to its premium ingredients, local sourcing, customized recipes, weight loss, and variety. The consumer interest lies in good quality and naturally nutritious wet pet food. Owners realize better food options influence their pet’s health; therefore, they tend to purchase premium quality wet pet food. For instance, a tangible improvement in the cat’s fur or obesity reduction is convincing the consumer to make reliable purchases.

• 66% of households in the U.S. own a pet, that is 86.9 million homes. Dogs are the most popular pets in the U.S. About 65.1 million U.S. households own a dog, followed by cats in 46.5 million households and freshwater fish in 11.1 million households.
• The number of current pet owners is dominated by millennials (33%), followed by Gen X (25%), and baby boomers (24%).

 Restraints

Additives and Preservatives

Despite the longer shelf life, the process behind preserving the food is not preferable. According to All About Dog Food, artificial preservatives and antioxidants are present in dog food. The preservatives used in food are antimicrobials, which prohibit the growth of bacteria, molds, or yeasts, and antioxidants that slow down the oxidation of fats and lipids that cause rancidity. Some of the most commonly used artificial preservatives and antioxidants are BHA, BHT, propyl gallate, and potassium sorbate. Preservatives in animal food lead to poor digestion and cause some harmful skin conditions. Pet owners should feed their animals natural preservative-containing pet food such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), or rosemary. Although natural preservatives do not offer a longer shelf life, they are safer choices for animals. Adapting to canned food is a great option to eliminate the need for chemical preservatives.

Opportunity

Technology Advancements

The future of wet pet food looks promising in the coming years. Innovations are expected to be witnessed in the creation of a healthier and more enjoyable meal for all pet animals. Technological advancements in the production processes of pet food. Integration of AI and automation are anticipated in pet food production. This will enhance efficiency, safety, and quality in the pet food manufacturing industry. Al-powered platforms will help in feeding solutions according to many factors such as age, breed, weight, activity level, and specific health concerns. This advancement will be helpful in customizing meal plans for each pet. Complex algorithms are designed to identify the optimal nutrient ratio and ingredients required for individual animals.

Another innovation in AI is genetic testing; by analyzing DNA samples and AI algorithms, genetic markers are identified, which help in specific health conditions, sensitivities, and potential nutrient deficiencies or excesses. The future is expected to shift to sustainable and eco-friendly product packaging. Moreover, all these factors expand the growth of the wet food market in the forecast period.

Pet Insights

The dog segment held a dominant share of the wet food market in 2023. The wet pet food market for dogs has grown exponentially over the years. The wet food ensures that the dog gets proper nutritious food for its better health. The primary function of wet pet food is to provide moisture. When a dog doesn't get enough water, it becomes dehydrated, resulting in some health conditions affecting kidney functions and developing a risk of kidney stones. Wet pet food has a big impact on digestive health. It prevents constipation and other digestive problems. Due to its soft and easy-to-chew properties, wet food gets digested quickly and is well absorbed in the intestines. It also reduces the risk of obesity and weight gain due to its lower calorie intake than dry food. Wet food is less processed than dry food, and dogs are able to consume wet food daily without disturbing their gastrointestinal system.

• In March 2024, the Cesar brand has recently launched a new product called  CESAR® Filets in Gravy Wet Dog Food Mini-Pouch. It is a convenient feeding format with easy-to-peel and serve packaging. Cesar is a brand of Mars that focuses on culinary recipes across dry and wet food varieties.

The cat segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the wet pet food market during the forecast period of 2024-2034. Felines need more hydration than any other animal. The demand for wet pet food among cats is greatly increasing. A diet that is low in moisture content can make a cat dehydrated, causing kidney problems and urinary tract problems. On average, a cat requires one cup of water every day, that is 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of lean body weight every day. The weight of the cat is directly proportional to the cat's required water intake. Canned food is highly preferred by cat owners, as it contains 80% water, and dry food has 6-10% water. Due to the strong aroma and flavor of wet food, it is often more palatable to cats than dry food.

According to an article published in the Journal of the American Veterinarian Association, Wellness Gravies Salmon Entree is the best wet cat food for adult felines. It contains a healthy balance of protein from salmon, turkey, and egg whites.

Source Insights

The animal-based segment led the global wet pet food market in 2023 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2034. Animals-based foods are rich sources of protein for pet’s meals. Different parts of animals are used in pet food, such as liver, kidney, tripe, lungs, pig’s trotters, spleen, udders, and chicken feet. According to the Pet Nutrition Alliance, the by-product of animals used in pet food is an excellent source of protein and other nutrients, and it is also safe to consume. Protein supplies amino acids to the hair, skin, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Protein is also helpful in the production of hormones and enzymes. It is important to ensure that the animal-based product is approved by AAFCO and USDA guidelines. Any waste products, road kill, and diseased meat are not permitted for pet food.

The plant derivative segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the wet pet food market during the forecast period of 2024 to 2034. The rising number is due to livestock animal consumption, which is impacting the environment; many pet parents are switching to plant-derivative food for their pets. A study shows that pet food is responsible for 20-30% of the livestock sector's environmental impact in the U.S. Researchers suggest that dogs and cats are able to maintain a good healthy life on a plant-based diet. As dogs and cats are carnivorous animals, it is assumed that they only consume meat.

• For instance, a border collie whose vegan diet consists of rice, lentils, and organic vegetables is living a record-breaking lifespan of 25 years. A European survey of 2,536 dogs and 1,418 cat owners reported that plant-based diets are healthier than meat-based diets.

Distributing Channel Insights

The pet specialty stores segment held a dominant presence in the wet pet food market in 2023 due to the availability of a variety of brands. Purchasing pet food from a pet specialty store for new pet parents is helpful, as they don't have much experience with pet animals. The shopkeeper or the vet can suggest to the owner about the right food for their pet. Considering the age, breed, and any special condition, an expert on the matter is the right person to provide guidance. A personal physical inspection of the product, ingredients, and nutrient content is possible when purchasing pet food from the store. A local store might offer services such as grooming, treatment, training, and adoption.

The online segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the wet pet food market during the forecast period. Online shopping for pet food saves traveling and time and allows you to get products for a better price. According to APPA (American Pet Production Association), 90% of pet owners have made some type of online pet product purchase over the last 12 months. In 2022, food and treats were the two most popular pet product categories for online purchasing, with 80% of pet owners purchasing pet food online and 76% purchasing treats online. Online shopping offers some occasional offers, discounts, and coupons that benefit purchasers.

Wet Pet Food Market Companies

• Mars Petcare Inc.
• Nestlé Purina PetCare
• Hill's Pet Nutrition
• Unicharm Corp.
• i-Tail Corporation
• Jeil Feed
• Bob Martin $ Co.
• Juava Pet Food
• CATMOR
• United Petfood
• Natures Menu
• VAFO Group
• Furchild Pet Nutrition
• General Mills
• Freshpet 
• Wild Earth

Recent Developments

• In October 2023, Hill's Pet Nutrition, a division of Cologate-Palmolive, invested in the opening of a new manufacturing plant in Tonganoxie, Kan. The aim is to continue the growth of our science-led nutrition, increasing the capacity and the ability to serve better-evolving needs of pets and pet owners in the United States and around the world.
• In August 2024, Wild Earth, a start-up company featured on Shark Tank, launched its first vegan wet cat food.  Wild Earth states that the cats who are on a nutritionally vegan diet are healthier overall, there are fewer visits to the vet for any illness, and they are on less medication. Plant-based diets are great for dogs, too, as they live on average 1.5 years longer compared to meat-eating dogs.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Pet

• Dogs
• Cats

By Source

• Animal-based
• Plant Derivatives
• Synthetic

By Distribution Channel

• Pet Specialty Stores
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Others 

By Geography

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa