PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1716408
PUBLISHER: Stratistics Market Research Consulting | PRODUCT CODE: 1716408
According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Wet Pet Food Market is accounted for $28.80 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $44.76 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period. Wet pet food is a type of pet food that contains high moisture content, typically ranging from 70% to 85%. It is available in various forms such as cans, pouches, or trays and is designed to provide pets with a balanced diet, offering proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Wet pet food is especially beneficial for hydration, making it ideal for pets with specific health needs, and is often considered a premium option due to its higher quality ingredients and convenience.
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.
Growing awareness of pet health
Pet owners increasingly prioritize their pets' well-being, seeking nutritious and high-quality food options. Wet pet food is a popular option because of its higher moisture content, which promotes hydration and digestive health. The need for high-end, customized nutrition has increased as a result of the pet humanization movement, which treats pets as members of the family. Furthermore, customer desires for healthier options are reflected in the shift towards natural and organic products. Superfoods and functional nutrients are becoming more and more well-liked due to their alleged health advantages. The increased emphasis on pet health is still influencing the market's expansion and innovation.
High cost of premium products
Premium wet pet food often incorporates high-quality ingredients like real meat, organic produce, and functional additives, which significantly increase production costs. Additionally, specialized packaging and rigorous quality control measures further drive up expenses. These elevated costs are reflected in the retail price, making premium options less accessible to price-sensitive consumers. As a result, many pet owners opt for more affordable alternatives, such as dry kibble or standard wet food. Reduced profit margins for manufacturers may result from high manufacturing costs, particularly in a market with intense competition where pricing is significant.
Rising disposable income
Pet owners are willing to pay more on premium wet formulas and other high-quality pet food when income levels rise. A change in consumer behavior, where pets are increasingly seen as family members, is a major factor driving this development. Pet owners that have more financial flexibility give priority to gourmet, natural, and health-focused wet food options in order to protect their pets' wellbeing. Demand is also increased by the convenience of wet food packaging and the growing understanding of the value of nutrition for pets. This trend is expected to continue as disposable incomes rise globally.
Changing consumer preferences
Growing awareness of sustainability and health-conscious choices has led to a rise in plant-based and environmentally friendly pet food options, which may reduce demand for traditional meat-based wet foods. Additionally, consumers are increasingly seeking options that align with ethical sourcing, organic ingredients, and minimal processing, potentially limiting the growth of conventional wet food brands. Furthermore, some pet owners may prefer dry food due to its longer shelf life, lower cost, and convenience, creating competition for wet food products. Adapting to these shifting preferences is crucial for companies to maintain market share.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the Wet Pet Food Market. While initial disruptions in supply chains and manufacturing caused challenges, the increased time spent at home led to a surge in pet adoptions and heightened focus on pet care. This boosted demand for premium and nutritious wet pet food, as owners sought to ensure their pets' well-being. However, economic uncertainties and reduced disposable incomes in some regions limited spending on high-cost products, creating a complex dynamic in the market's growth trajectory.
The meat-based segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period
The meat-based segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, driven by pets' natural dietary needs, as animals like dogs and cats are obligate carnivores. Meat provides essential proteins, amino acids, and nutrients crucial for their health and energy. Additionally, pet owners perceive meat-based diets as premium, offering superior nutrition compared to plant-based alternatives. This preference is fuelled by the growing focus on high-quality, protein-rich meals for optimal pet health.
The pet specialty stores segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period
Over the forecast period, the pet specialty stores segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to a wide variety of high-quality, premium products that cater to specific pet health needs. These stores often carry exclusive or niche brands not available in supermarkets, attracting health-conscious pet owners. The personalized customer service and expertise in pet nutrition further encourage pet owners to choose specialized wet food, enhancing the growth of this distribution channel in the market.
During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, driven by rising pet ownership, urbanization, and increasing disposable income. As consumers become more health-conscious, demand for premium, high-quality pet food is rising, leading to greater market opportunities. Additionally, evolving pet humanization trends and improved retail infrastructure, including e-commerce, are further boosting the wet pet food market in the region, particularly in countries like China and India.
Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to the increasing trend of pet humanization has led to a growing demand for premium and nutritious pet food options. Rising awareness of pet health and wellness encourages owners to choose wet food for its hydration benefits and high-quality ingredients. Additionally, the expansion of e-commerce platforms has made premium wet pet food more accessible. Innovations in packaging and product customization further fuel market growth, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
Key players in the market
Some of the key players in Wet Pet Food Market include Nestle Purina Petcare, Nutro, Mars Petcare, Addiction Foods, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Merrick Pet Care, The J.M. Smucker Company, Nature's Logic, Diamond Pet Foods, Freshpet Inc., General Mills, Mars Petcare, WellPet LLC, Nestle S.A., and Big Heart Pet Brands.
In June 2024, Hill's Pet Nutrition and parent company Colgate-Palmolive announced a new partnership with The Street Dog Coalition, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free veterinary care and related services to pet parents experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
In April 2024, Mars and FAO extend partnership to help ensure Safe Food for All. Through the agreement they will exchange knowledge and information to support science-based decision-making on food safety.