The Global Wet Pet Food Market size is expected to reach $35.4 billion by 2030, rising at a market growth of 4.9% CAGR during the forecast period. In the year 2022, the market attained a volume of 3467.8 Kilo Tonnes experiencing a growth of 2.0% (2019-2022).
E-commerce platforms have additionally facilitated targeted marketing techniques, enabling wet pet food brands to adapt their messaging to a range of pet owner preferences and demographics. Consequently, the online segment would generate approximately 23.6% share of the market by 2030. Based on prior purchases or browsing behavior, tailored suggestions and advertisements further improve the customer experience, boosting sales and revenue. Some of the factors affecting the market are the rising need for premium and specialized formulations, increase in pet ownership and humanization, and high cost of wet food production.
Premium formulations often prioritize the use of high-quality ingredients, such as real meat, poultry, or fish as primary protein sources. This focus on quality enhances the nutritional content of wet pet food, providing pets with a well-balanced diet that supports their health and well-being. Pet owners are increasingly inclined to choose premium wet pet food, recognizing its superior nutritional value. Moreover, the rise in pet ownership has been a fundamental driver of market expansion. As more households’ welcome pets into their lives, the overall demand for pet food, particularly wet pet food, has surged. Pet ownership, once considered a lifestyle choice, has transformed into a cultural norm, spurring consistent growth in the market. With a larger pet-owning population, the market has diversified to meet the varied needs of pets and their owners. In parallel, the humanization of pets has significantly influenced consumer behavior. The surge in pet ownership, the humanization of pets, and the influence of veterinary recommendations have propelled the demand for high-quality and specialized pet food products, particularly wet pet food.
However, the elevated costs associated with sourcing high-quality ingredients, processing, and specialized packaging contribute to higher price points for these products. This can deter price-sensitive consumers who may opt for more budget-friendly pet food alternatives, such as dry kibble. High production costs can also limit the profitability of manufacturers. The financial burden of producing wet pet food, coupled with the competitive nature of the pet food industry, may lead to reduced profit margins. Manufacturers may face challenges in offering competitive pricing or investing in marketing and product development. Therefore, these factors can hamper the growth of the market.
Pet Outlook
By pet, the market is divided into dog and cat. In 2022, the dog segment witnessed the highest revenue share in the market. Over the course of the projection period, sales of wet pet food are anticipated to be boosted by dogs, particularly puppies without teeth. This can be credited to the rise in dog adoption as pets and the rising popularity of dog health awareness. To capture a significant portion of the market, top producers are creating wet pet food that is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of these dogs. Additionally, in response to the growing consumer demand for upscale dog food products and the willingness of such dog parents to pay higher prices, businesses have boosted their production of wet pet food targeted specifically at dogs.
Source Outlook
On the basis of source, the market is categorized into animal-based, plant-derivatives, and synthetic. In 2022, the plant-derivatives segment garnered a significant revenue share in the market. A major factor responsible for the growth of the segment is that people are trying to humanize their pets because they are increasingly concerned about consuming only sustainable and animal-free food. Pets can also be fed plant-based meats that are in the wet form. Western economies have seen a rise in veganism, and as more owners switch to vegan diets for themselves, pet food manufacturers are now starting to take owner preferences into account.
Distribution Channel Outlook
By distribution channel, the market is classified into pet specialty stores, supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online. In 2022, the pet specialty stores recorded the maximum revenue share in the market. It is anticipated that the appealing shelf arrangements in specialty pet food retail stores, along with the increased availability of exotic, custom-made, and premium food products for pet animals within these stores, will accelerate the growth of the segment. The pet specialty retail industry has grown significantly over the past few years, with a growing emphasis on providing a wide array of goods and services designed specifically for animals, especially dogs and cats. Customer loyalty is greatly increased by the specialized environment’s promotion of a sense of belonging and trust. The pet specialty store model also makes it easier to investigate specialized and premium wet pet foods that might not be as prominently displayed in other retail settings.
Regional Outlook
Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. In 2022, the Asia Pacific segment covered a considerable revenue share in the market. As urbanization and economic development continue in many Asia Pacific countries, lifestyles are evolving. More people are adopting pets and seeking convenience in pet care, which has led to an increased demand for wet pet food. The region’s market offers specialized wet pet food formulations designed to address specific dietary needs and health conditions. These include formulations for breeds, life stages, and even traditional herbal ingredients in some Asian markets.
The market research report has exhaustive quantitative insights providing a clear picture of the market potential in various segments across the globe with country-wise analysis in each discussed region. The key impacting factors of the market have been discussed in the report with the elaborated company profiles of Nestle S.A, Mars, Inc., Unicharm Corporation (DSG International (Thailand) PLC), Thai Union Group PLC, Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited, General Mills, Inc., The J.M Smucker Company, Schell & Kampeter, Inc., Farmina Pet Foods Holding B.V., The Colgate-Palmolive Company
Strategies deployed in Wet Pet Food Market
Aug-2022: Hill’s Pet Nutrition acquired three dry pet-food plants from Red Collar Pet Foods for $700 million, subject to regulatory approval. The facilities, located in South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Ohio, included all 350 employees. This move followed Hill’s previous acquisition of a pet-food plant in Italy and the ongoing construction of another facility in Kansas.
Jul-2022: Nestle India announced the acquisition of the pet food business Purina Petcare India for an estimated ?125.3 crore. This transaction involved the company taking ownership and operation of the brand, which is globally owned by Nestle, as part of Nestle India. Additionally, Nestle India had launched the toddler food brand Gerber in India.
May-2022: Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a Colgate-Palmolive subsidiary, completed the acquisition of Nutriamo S.r.l.’s manufacturing facility in Italy, marking Hill’s first canned plant in Europe. This strategic move supports global supply chain goals, responding to the rising demand for science-based pet nutrition.
Mar-2022: Mars Petcare Mexico expanded its manufacturing facility in Quer?taro, doubling its wet food production capacity. The company invested 2,100 million pesos (US$100 million) to enhance its second-largest production site in El Marqu?s municipality, Queretaro. This investment increased the plant’s wet pet food capacity to 70,000 annual tons, equivalent to 55 million packages per year, doubling its previous capacity of 35,000 tons annually.
Nov-2021: Hill’s Pet Nutrition came into a partnership with Bond Pet Foods, a Colorado-based pet food company. Following the partnership, the two companies would together create a substitute for one of Hill’s most prominent meat proteins, made particularly to fulfill the dietary requirements of cats and dogs.
Jun-2021: Mars Petcare India introduced wet cat food as part of its Whiskas brand expansion, making the new product range accessible in pet shops, grocery stores, and e-commerce platforms. The launch is supported by a comprehensive 360-degree marketing campaign, featuring promotion through various media channels and collaborations with celebrity cat parents.
Dec-2020: Farmina Pet Food USA expanded its geographical reach by shifting its Headquarters to Reidsville, North America. In addition, the facility would involve space for manufacturing, research and development and warehousing. Moreover, the Reidsville would be the suitable location to the company’s values of quality and continuous innovation, from the workforce to the production technologies.
Scope of the Study
Market Segments covered in the Report:
By Pet (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Million/Billion, 2019-2030)


    • Dog
    • Cat


By Source (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Million/Billion, 2019-2030)


  • • Animal-based
    • Plant-derivatives
    • Synthetic


By Distribution Channel (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Million/Billion, 2019-2030)


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


By Geography (Volume, Kilo Tonnes, USD Million/Billion, 2019-2030)


  • • North America


o US
o Canada
o Mexico
o Rest of North America


  • • Europe


o Germany
o UK
o France
o Russia
o Spain
o Italy
o Rest of Europe


  • • Asia Pacific


o China
o Japan
o India
o South Korea
o Singapore
o Malaysia
o Rest of Asia Pacific


  • • LAMEA


o Brazil
o Argentina
o UAE
o Saudi Arabia
o South Africa
o Nigeria
o Rest of LAMEA
Companies Profiled


  • • Nestle S.A
    • Mars, Inc.
    • Unicharm Corporation (DSG International (Thailand) PLC)
    • Thai Union Group PLC
    • Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited
    • General Mills, Inc.
    • The J.M Smucker Company
    • Schell & Kampeter, Inc.
    • Farmina Pet Foods Holding B.V.
    • The Colgate-Palmolive Company


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