India’s pet food market has officially arrived on the global stage—with a bark and a bite. The recent ascent of Drools Pet Food, a Bengaluru-based homegrown brand, to unicorn status is a powerful marker of this transformation. Valued at over $1 billion after a strategic investment by Nestlé SA, Drools joins the elite club of Indian unicorns in 2025, standing proudly alongside tech-driven players like Netradyne, Juspay, and Porter.
What makes this milestone remarkable is not just the valuation—but what it represents. Once seen largely as a functional relationship centered on guarding homes, pet ownership in India has evolved into an emotional, family-like bond, especially among urban millennials and the rising middle class. And with this shift has come a booming demand for high-quality pet food, wellness services, fashion accessories, grooming, and pet-friendly experiences. Drools’ success is more than a corporate milestone—it’s a symbol of a growing pet-first culture in India.
India’s pet population has seen remarkable growth, rising from 22.1 million in 2018 to 38.5 million in 2023, registering a CAGR of 11.7%. This upward trend is expected to continue, with the pet population projected to reach 58.7 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 8.8%.
The growth in pet population, notably accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many families chose to adopt or rescue animals. The trend gave a strong boost to the Indian pet food industry, as first-time pet parents began spending more on their pets’ health, grooming, and overall care.
The Indian pet food market is segmented by pet type into dogs, cats, fish, and others, with dogs currently holding the largest share. However, the market is gradually diversifying as interest in cats, birds, fish, and small pets increases. Urban lifestyles and compact living spaces are driving demand for species-specific nutrition, encouraging brands to broaden their product ranges. This evolving trend is leading to a more segmented market, poised to shape the industry’s future growth.
It is important to note that cat owners typically spend more than dog owners due to the higher cost of fish-based cat food and imported treats, compared to more affordable, chicken-based dog food.
Although historically low, cat ownership in India is rising steadily. According to a report by Grand View Research, in 2023, cats accounted for 9.5% (3.7 million) of the pet population, while dogs made up 87.4% (33.6 million). This shift is largely driven by changing attitudes, social media influence, and brand-led awareness campaigns promoting the advantages of cat ownership, such as low maintenance and apartment suitability. As a result, cats are becoming increasingly popular in urban Indian households.
| Category | 2018 | 2023 | CAGR % (2018–23) | 2024 | 2028 (projected) | CAGR % (2023–28) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Population (Total) | 22,112.50 | 38,463.10 | 11.7 | 42,165.10 | 58,706.80 | 8.8 |
| Cats | 1,743.60 | 3,666.60 | 16 | 4,072.20 | 5,752.00 | 9.4 |
| Dogs | 19,431.50 | 33,606.20 | 11.6 | 36,853.90 | 51,527.40 | 8.9 |
| Birds | 153.00 | 188.10 | 4.2 | 196.20 | 222.00 | 3.4 |
| Fish | 708.80 | 923.60 | 5.4 | 963.70 | 1,123.00 | 4.0 |
| Small Mammal/Reptile | 75.60 | 78.60 | 0.8 | 79.10 | 82.40 | 0.9 |
The pet food market is categorized by food type into;
According to IMARC Group’s report, dry pet food dominated the Indian pet food market in 2024, accounting for 89.6% of total sales. This dominance is largely attributed to its convenience, affordability, and wide availability across various retail channels. Its long shelf life and easy storage make it especially suitable for urban households, where space and time are often limited.
Unlike wet food, dry food does not require refrigeration, reducing waste and simplifying maintenance. It also allows for easier portion control and helps in managing pet weight effectively.
Available in a wide range of formulations tailored to different breeds, life stages, and specific dietary needs, dry food caters to diverse consumer preferences. Additionally, it is more economical on a per-meal basis, making it a practical choice for cost-conscious pet owners. Manufacturers are further enhancing the appeal of dry food by fortifying it with essential vitamins, minerals, and functional ingredients to meet the rising demand for health-focused pet nutrition.
According to Grand View Research report, India’s pet snacks and treats market generated US$ 390.5 million in revenue in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 917.7 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 13% from 2024 to 2030. Among the product segments, eatables accounted for the highest revenue in 2023. However, chewables are emerging as the most promising segment, expected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period.
The Indian pet food market is experiencing significant growth driven by several key factors:
These factors collectively contribute to the robust growth of the pet food market in India.
In 2024, the pet food market in India was valued at US$ 2.4 billion. According to estimates by the IMARC Group, the market is projected to grow steadily, reaching US$ 4.6 billion by 2033. This growth reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2033.
India’s imports of dog and cat food have more than doubled over five years — from US$ 25.5 million in the first half of 2019 to US$ 69.8 million in the same period of 2024, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. In fact, imports have surged over sixfold from US$ 11.2 million in H1 2015.
Import volumes have also grown substantially, rising from 6 million kg in 2015 to 29 million kg by 2024. The overall value of pet food imports, including feed for dogs, cats, and other animals, reached US$126.41 million in H1 2024. This was a sharp jump from US$46.4 million in 2018–2019, although slightly below the US$129.4 million recorded in 2022–2023.
Thailand led as the top supplier in the first half of 2024, exporting pet food worth US$71.24 million to India. South Africa and Italy followed with US$ 12.2 million and US$ 10.45 million respectively. These countries also accounted for the largest volumes of shipments. Other key suppliers included France, Indonesia, China, Spain, the UK, and Canada.
Meanwhile, India’s pet food exports have also gained momentum. In H1 2024, exports rose to US$ 36.4 million, nearly double the pre-pandemic figure of US$ 18.8 million. Germany, the US, and the UK were the top buyers, accounting for 27%, 20%, and 15% of exports, respectively.
India exported a total of US$ 59.25 million worth of dog and cat food in 2023–2024, slightly down from US$61.76 million in the previous year but well above the US$36.1 million seen in 2018–2019.
| Trend | Description |
|---|---|
| Urbanization and lifestyle changes | More families and young professionals in cities are adopting pets. Pets are increasingly seen as family members. |
| Demand for high-quality nutrition | Growing preference for convenient, nutritionally balanced pet food that supports overall health and well-being. |
| Informed and discerning pet owners | Shift from home-cooked meals to branded, scientifically formulated pet food. |
| Rising popularity of functional foods | Increased demand for grain-free, hypoallergenic, high-protein, and therapeutic diets—especially among pedigreed pets. |
| Preference for plant-based alternatives | Unlike Western markets, many Indian pet owners prefer vegetarian or egg-based diets—even for dogs. |
| Price sensitivity across market segments | Urban affluent consumers opt for premium products, while others seek value-driven choices. |
| Local innovation in product formulation | Domestic brands incorporate traditional Indian ingredients like turmeric, giloy, ashwagandha, and moringa. |
| Emphasis on transparency and clean formulations | Consumers want clarity on ingredient sourcing, nutritional value, and health claims. Clean-label trends influence purchase decisions in pet food. |
| Supportive ecosystem | Growth in allied segments like pet grooming, accessories, and veterinary services is fueling overall market expansion. |
| Influencer and digital marketing | Brands use social media, pet influencers, and AI-based tools to engage pet parents and drive targeted sales. |
| Veterinary engagement and spending patterns | Aggressive promotion of in-house vet services. Most monthly spending is allocated to pet food. |
However, there are certain challenges that hinder the full potential of the pet food market. These include:
Regulatory gaps and quality control: India will require comprehensive regulations governing pet food production, labeling, and distribution. This absence can lead to inconsistencies in product quality and the presence of substandard or harmful ingredients.
Limited consumer awareness: Many pet owners in India continue to feed their pets home-cooked meals or table scraps, stemming from cultural practices and misconceptions about commercial pet food. This lack of awareness regarding pets’ specific nutritional needs can result in health issues like obesity and malnutrition. Educating consumers about the benefits of specialized diets is crucial for market growth.
Price sensitivity: The Indian market is highly price-sensitive, with many consumers prioritizing cost over quality. This trend poses challenges for premium brands offering high-quality pet food, as they may struggle to gain widespread acceptance. Balancing affordability with quality remains a critical concern for manufacturers.
Distribution challenges: While urban centers have witnessed a surge in pet food availability through e-commerce and specialty stores, rural and semi-urban areas often lack robust distribution networks. This disparity limits market penetration and access to quality products in these regions.
Cultural and dietary preferences: India’s diverse cultural landscape influences pet diets, with many owners preferring vegetarian or plant-based options due to personal or religious beliefs. Developing nutritionally balanced, plant-based pet foods that cater to these preferences without compromising on health is a significant challenge for producers.
Environmental and sustainability concerns: As the global focus shifts toward sustainability, there’s growing scrutiny on the environmental impact of pet food production. Addressing concerns related to sourcing, manufacturing processes, and packaging in an environmentally friendly manner is becoming increasingly important.
The pet food market in India exhibits distinct regional characteristics influenced by factors such as urbanization, disposable incomes, and cultural attitudes toward pet ownership.
North India: North India holds a significant market share, with a 35% share recorded in 2024. Cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jaipur have experienced rising disposable incomes and higher pet adoption rates. A robust network of organized retail and specialized pet shops enhances access to branded pet food, while increased awareness of pet nutrition and veterinary services further fuels market expansion.
West India: West India is expected to account for approximately 33.6% of the total revenue in 2025. This dominance is driven by metropolitan areas like Mumbai and Pune, where the prevalence of nuclear families and pet-friendly housing has contributed to increased pet adoption rates. The region’s well-established retail infrastructure further supports market growth.
South India: South India is emerging as a notable market for pet food, particularly in urban centers like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The region’s growing middle class and changing lifestyles have led to increased pet ownership. The presence of numerous pet clinics and specialty stores contributes to the availability and variety of pet food products, supporting market growth.
East India: While currently representing a smaller portion of the market, East India shows potential for growth. Cities such as Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Guwahati are witnessing gradual increases in pet ownership. However, the region faces challenges such as limited distribution channels and lower consumer awareness about commercial pet food, which may impact market expansion.
Regional variations in economic development, urbanization, and cultural attitudes toward pets significantly influence the distribution and growth of the pet food market across India.
India’s pet food industry is not just growing—it is evolving. From a niche segment to a mainstream, innovation-driven market, the journey has been shaped by shifting social norms, rising incomes, and a deepening emotional bond between humans and their animal companions.
The increasing pet population, expanding e-commerce penetration, preference for science-backed nutrition, and emergence of regional markets are all signals of an industry ready to scale. At the same time, challenges like regulatory standardization, price sensitivity, and rural accessibility require strategic intervention and policy support.
As India embraces a more pet-inclusive lifestyle, the future of the Indian pet food industry will be defined by innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Companies that can cater to evolving consumer expectations—while building trust, ensuring quality, and staying mindful of cultural nuances—will not just thrive, they will lead.
Read More :
How is Indusfood helping India’s booming pet food industry?
Indusfood provides a vital platform for Indian pet food manufacturers to showcase innovative products, connect with global buyers, and explore export opportunities. By fostering B2B partnerships, enabling access to international markets, and spotlighting trends like functional foods and clean-label ingredients, Indusfood strengthens the entire pet food value chain in India.
The market is expanding due to rising urbanization, growing pet adoption among young families, and increasing awareness of pet health and nutrition.
Trends include demand for high-quality and functional foods, plant-based diets, clean-label products, and the influence of pet-focused digital marketing.
Local brands are incorporating traditional Indian ingredients like turmeric, giloy, and moringa, along with scientifically formulated diets to appeal to conscious pet owners.
As of 2023, India’s total pet population reached 38.46 million, up from 22.11 million in 2018, showing rapid pet adoption nationwide.
India’s pet population is expected to hit 58.7 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 8.8% between 2023 and 2028.
The cat population grew at a CAGR of 16% from 2018 to 2023 and is projected to grow at 9.4% CAGR from 2023 to 2028.
Branded and functional pet foods, such as grain-free and high-protein diets, are driving demand—particularly in urban and metro regions.
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