Pet Therapeutic Diet Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2025 - 2034

The Global Pet Therapeutic Diet Market was valued at USD 4.2 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% to reach USD 8.7 billion by 2034. Increasing chronic health issues in companion animals-such as obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, and gastrointestinal disorders-are driving the demand for targeted nutritional solutions. As pet owners increasingly adopt a family-centric approach to pet care, they're more willing to invest in specialized diets that offer both preventive and therapeutic benefits. Rising awareness about responsible pet ownership and a shift toward proactive health management are reinforcing this trend.

The broader adoption of therapeutic nutrition is further fueled by growing veterinary guidance and a demand for more holistic care options. Many pet parents now view nutrition as an essential tool for managing conditions and ensuring the long-term wellness of their animals. The trend toward pet humanization has elevated expectations for quality and clinical efficacy in pet food. As a result, more consumers are turning to condition-specific diets to support recovery and ongoing health, positioning therapeutic diets as a core component of companion animal healthcare strategies in both emerging and developed markets.

Pet therapeutic diets represent a specialized segment within the animal nutrition sector, tailored to help treat, manage, or prevent specific medical conditions in pets. These formulations play a key role in veterinary care, delivering nutritional benefits designed to support recovery, reduce symptoms, and promote overall well-being.

The dry food category segment led the market in 2024, reaching a valuation of USD 2.4 billion. Pet owners and veterinarians prefer dry food due to its cost-effectiveness, long shelf life, and ease of storage. These products offer reliable portion control and are ideal for pets requiring consistent therapeutic nutrition, especially those managing chronic conditions. Designed to address health issues like obesity, kidney disease, or gastrointestinal imbalances, dry formulations make daily feeding routines easier while ensuring pets receive the necessary nutrients for ongoing care.

The dogs segment held a 59.5% share in 2024. A growing number of health concerns in dogs-particularly obesity, which is exacerbated by inactive lifestyles and diets high in artificial ingredients-are fueling demand for therapeutic food products. The natural tendency of dogs to consume food frequently increases the importance of feeding them balanced, health-oriented diets. Their dietary habits and nutritional needs are increasingly influencing pet food choices, encouraging owners to turn to specialized therapeutic options to maintain long-term health.

United States Pet Therapeutic Diet Market reached USD 1.7 billion in 2024. Rising pet adoption and the growing population of aging animals are major contributors to market expansion. Many pets now require specialized diets to manage cardiovascular conditions, joint problems, and other chronic illnesses. An increased focus on preventive health measures for pets is also boosting demand for therapeutic diets. The highly developed veterinary network in the U.S. incorporates these diets into long-term treatment plans, making them a standard part of disease management and routine animal care. Greater awareness and access to pet insurance are also enabling more owners to explore premium dietary solutions.

Companies leading the global market include Veterinary Nutrition Group, JustFoodForDogs, Open Farm, Diamond Pet Foods, Mars Petcare, Hill's Pet Nutrition, EmerAid, Stella and Chewy's, United PetFood, Eden Holistic Pet Foods, Blue Buffalo (General Mills), Virbac, Ziwi, Nestle, and iVet.com. To strengthen their market presence, companies in the pet therapeutic diet space are investing heavily in research and development to formulate science-backed, condition-specific diets. Many firms are expanding product lines to cover a wider range of health issues, including renal support, digestive care, metabolic health, and joint wellness. Collaborations with veterinarians and veterinary clinics are enhancing product credibility and reach. Strategic marketing efforts emphasize clinical efficacy and quality ingredients to build trust among consumers. Players are also adopting transparent labeling and clean formulations to align with the expectations of health-conscious pet owners.