Europe Pet Therapeutic Diet Market

Europe Pet Therapeutic Diet Market Size

The Europe pet therapeutic diet market was valued at USD 1 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 1.1 billion in 2025 to USD 2.1 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 7.7%, according to Global Market Insights Inc. The growth of the market is fueled by the increasing incidence of chronic diseases among companion animals.

Similar to trends in human health, pets are now affected by several lifestyle-related disorders such as obesity, diabetes, renal disease, and cardiovascular disease because of changing lifestyles, urbanization, and altered feeding habits. For example, diabetes affects a significant number of dogs and cats in Europe, with an estimated 1.2% of dogs and 0.4% of cats developing the condition in their lifetime. This translates to roughly 1 million dogs and 0.5 million cats with diabetes in Europe. This has created a stronger need for therapeutic diets specifically designed to control these conditions and promote long-term pet health. Therapeutic diets are also increasingly being prescribed by veterinarians as part of comprehensive treatment plans, which is significantly boosting adoption.

A pet therapeutic diet is a specially prepared form of pet food intended to aid in the control of specific health disorders such as kidney disease, obesity, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes, skin allergies, and joint disease. They differ from ordinary pet food in that they are formulated with specific nutrient profiles and are mostly prescribed or suggested by vets for enhancing pets' quality of life and supporting medical therapy. Key players such as Purina PetCare (Nestle SA), Mars, Hill's Pet Nutrition (Colgate Palmolive), Farmina Pet Foods, and Virbac lead the market with their wide product portfolio and robust R&D. Collectively, these players drive innovation, grow veterinary partnerships, and increase awareness, positioning therapeutic diets as a rapidly expanding category in the pet nutrition market.

The Europe pet therapeutic diet market witnessed steady growth, growing from USD 804.7 million in 2021 to USD 957.3 million in 2023. From 2021 to 2023, the market grew steadily fueled by the rise in pet ownership during and post-pandemic, as well as an inclination toward more specialized nutrition. For instance, as per PetRadar, pet adoptions in Europe increased significantly from about 4.2 million in 2010 to over 7 million in 2025, with a remarkable spike during the pandemic in 2020-2021. Throughout these years, pet humanization increased, with owners increasingly considering pets as family members and looking for sophisticated dietary solutions to manage chronic diseases like obesity, kidney disease, and allergies.

Pet therapeutic diets, also known as veterinary diets, are pet foods designed to be fed to pets with specific diseases or medical conditions. They act as complementary to medications or drugs, and they are therefore used to treat or prevent disease in pets. These diets require veterinary oversight or a prescription and target issues like obesity, renal disease, gastrointestinal disorders, joint health, skin disorders, and other health conditions such as dental health, liver care, and diabetes control.

Europe Pet Therapeutic Diet Market Trends

• European pet owners increasingly treat pets as family members, which has raised the demand for therapeutic diets targeting health issues such as obesity, renal disorders, and food allergies. Therapeutic diets are thus no longer considered by pet owners as simply veterinary prescriptions, but as a vital part of integrated pet health management, opening immense opportunities for the market to grow.
  
• With indulgent lifestyles and overfeeding, pet obesity has emerged as an increasingly significant issue throughout Europe, especially in countries such as the UK, Germany, and France. For example, according to a report published by UK Pet Food, obesity rates have alarmingly increased in UK pets, with 50% of dogs, 43% of cats, 31% of small mammals, and 9% of birds being overweight. This burgeoning chronic disease burden is influencing veterinarians as well as owners to resort to long-term dietary interventions.
  
• Obesity usually follows secondary health complications like diabetes, joint disease, and cardiovascular diseases, further increasing the dependence on therapeutic foods formulated for weight regulation and disease management.
  
• Additionally, veterinarians are key drivers for recommending therapeutic diets, and their growing focus on preventive care has driven adoption in Europe. Awareness campaigns, pet health check-ups, and joint promotions among pet food companies and veterinary clinics have further established the advantages of condition-specific diets.
  
• Furthermore, digitalization and increased usage of e-commerce portals are revolutionizing Europe's distribution of therapeutic diets. Factors such as convenience, subscription plans, and availability of a wide range of therapeutic diets make online channels appealing, particularly for pet owners in urban settings.
  
• Several brands are using digital platforms to raise awareness about condition-specific diets and provide doorstep delivery, which has increased accessibility and driven market growth following the pandemic.
  

Europe Pet Therapeutic Diet Market Analysis

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The market was valued at USD 804.7 million and USD 899.7 million in 2021 and 2022, respectively. In 2024, the market size reached USD 1 billion, growing from USD 957.3 million in 2023.

Based on the product type, the Europe pet therapeutic diet market is classified into dry food, wet/canned food, and other product types. The dry food segment dominated the market in 2024 and was valued at USD 589.4 million. On the other hand, the wet/canned food segment was valued at USD 291.8 million in 2024 and is poised to witness high growth over the next coming years. Wet/canned therapeutic diets are favored for their high moisture content, palatability, and ease of consumption. They are particularly suited for pets with dental issues, reduced appetite, or chronic conditions such as kidney disease and urinary tract disorders.

• The dry food segment dominates the Europe pet therapeutic diet market owing to its ease of use, longer shelf life, and ease of storage. This convenience has fueled widespread acceptance among European homes, where hectic lifestyles call for effective feeding solutions without sacrificing pets' dietary requirements.
  
• Additionally, companies have created a wide range of dry formulas for weight control, gastrointestinal function, kidney health, and dermatological conditions, which has diversified the product's use in veterinary-recommended nutrition.
  
• Moreover, the low cost and wide coverage of dry therapeutic diets in pet stores, veterinary clinics, and online retailers contribute to their high adoption rates.

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Based on the animal type, the Europe pet therapeutic diet market is segmented into cats, dogs, and other animal types. In 2024, the dogs segment accounted for the largest share of 67.6% in the market.

• Dogs account for the largest share of the Europe pet therapeutic diet market, primarily because of their high ownership rates compared to other companion animals.
  
• Further, the increased incidence of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and kidney problems in dogs further increases the demand for condition-specific diets.
  
• Additionally, the wide product variety available for dogs, ranging from breed-specific formulations to age-related therapeutic diets, enhances the segment's appeal.
  
• On the other hand, the cats segment accounted for USD 303.4 million in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period, supported by steadily increasing cat ownership and awareness of specialized nutritional needs.
  
• With cats increasingly regarded as family members, owners are more attentive to their specific nutritional requirements, especially for managing conditions such as urinary tract disorders, obesity, and food sensitivities. This growing awareness is translating into higher adoption of therapeutic diets tailored to feline health needs.
  

Based on the health condition, the Europe pet therapeutic diet market is categorized into renal health, gastrointestinal health, skin and coat health, cardiovascular health, weight management, joint care, and other health conditions. The weight management segment dominated the market in 2024 with a revenue of USD 241.9 million.

• The weight management segment is gaining significant traction due to the rising prevalence of obesity among companion animals. For instance, a European study found that 32% of dogs were overweight or obese based on BMI, and 56% based on Body Fat Index (BFI). This growing health concern is pushing demand for obesity management products, as pet owners seek to improve their pets' quality of life and longevity.
  
• Therapeutic weight management diets are formulated to provide balanced nutrition with reduced calories, often featuring high protein, low fat, added fiber for satiety, and functional ingredients like L-carnitine for fat metabolism, which help pet owners effectively manage obesity issues in their pets.
  
• On the other hand, the gastrointestinal health segment was valued at USD 205 million in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at 7.8% CAGR over the analysis period.
  
• The rising prevalence of gastrointestinal health issues, such as animal gastroesophageal reflux disease in animals, is the major factor stimulating the market for gastrointestinal therapeutics diets.
  
• In addition, digestive disorders such as chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and food sensitivities are common in pets, especially as they age, which further drives segmental growth.
  

Based on the distribution channel, the Europe pet therapeutic diet market is categorized into veterinary hospitals and clinics, e-commerce, retail pharmacies, and other distribution channels. The veterinary hospitals and clinics segment dominated the market in 2024 and was valued at USD 489.4 million.

• Veterinary clinics and hospitals are the primary distribution channel for pet therapeutic diets since they are the first line of diagnosis and treatment of companion animals.
  
• Therapeutic diets need to be prescribed or recommended by a veterinarian for most conditions, especially chronic ones like kidney disease, obesity, and gastrointestinal diseases. This direct association with diagnosis and prescription of diet consequently makes clinics and hospitals the most prominent outlets for these products.
  
• Moreover, the increasing number of veterinary clinics and hospitals in the region, coupled with the growing adoption of advanced therapeutic nutrition in pets, is positively driving market growth.

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Germany pet therapeutic diet market was valued at USD 164.2 million and USD 184.4 million in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The market size reached USD 208.8 million in 2024, growing from USD 197.1 million in 2023.

• Growth is supported by high pet ownership, a well-established veterinary network, and harmonized regulations promoting innovation and safety.
  
• For instance, in 2024, Germany's pet population was estimated to be around 33.9 million, with 44% of households owning at least one pet, according to GlobalPETS.
  
• Further, the country has a well-developed veterinary infrastructure, which supports the recommendation and adoption of therapeutic diets for conditions such as renal disorders, obesity, and gastrointestinal issues.
  
• In addition, Germany's robust retail network, including veterinary clinics, specialty pet stores, and e-commerce platforms, ensures wide availability and accessibility of these products.
  

UK pet therapeutic diet market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR over the analysis period driven by rising pet ownership, urbanization, and greater awareness of pet health.

• Pet owners in the UK are increasingly taking proactive steps towards preventive care, including spending on therapeutic diets to control weight, allergies, and long-term illness. This cultural shift towards pets being viewed as part of the family will support the demand for pet therapeutic diets.
  
• In addition, the UK benefits from a well-established retail and e-commerce ecosystem, making therapeutic diets widely accessible.
  
• Lastly, an increasing number of veterinary clinics, pet hospitals, and pet wellness centers drives the market growth.
  

France pet therapeutic diet market is expanding rapidly, supported by the country’s strong culture of pet ownership and rising emphasis on pet wellness.

• French pet owners are increasingly aware of the benefits of targeted nutrition in managing long-term conditions such as obesity, skin allergies, and digestive disorders. This increasing awareness, combined with the rising culture of treating pets as part of the family, is driving the demand for high-quality therapeutic food products.
  
• Additionally, France's established retail and online distribution channels guarantee wide product availability, further driving the penetration of pet therapeutic diets in the country.
  

Italy pet therapeutic diet market is showing robust growth as Italian pet owners increasingly pay attention to preventive health and personalized nutrition of their pets.

• Veterinarians in Italy are playing a central role in promoting these diets, as nutritional therapy is often recommended alongside medical treatments for managing long-term conditions.
  
• Rising awareness of the benefits of condition-specific food, combined with a growing number of veterinary practices offering such diets, is enhancing adoption among pet owners. This trust in veterinary guidance is a key factor supporting market expansion.
  
• In addition, growth in e-commerce and subscription-based delivery services has made the products more convenient and accessible for Italian pet owners.
  

Europe Pet Therapeutic Diet Market Share

The market is characterized by intense competition, with participation from multinational companies, specialized pet nutrition companies, and emerging niche brands. The top 5 players such as Purina PetCare (Nestlé SA), Mars, Incorporated, Hill's Pet Nutrition (Colgate Palmolive), Farmina Pet Foods, and Virbac account for ~60 - 65% of the market share. These players focus on various strategies such as business expansion, mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, and novel product launches to consolidate their market presence. For instance, in January 2024, Hill's Pet Nutrition launched a series of new products in its prescription diet range, for common pet health issues such as weight management and gastrointestinal health.

Additionally, companies such as Virbac, Ziwi Pets, Husse, and Eden Holistic Pet Foods focus on natural, functional formulations and premium ingredients, catering to the rising demand for holistic and condition-specific pet nutrition. Meanwhile, emerging and specialty brands such as Open Farm, Stella & Chewy's, Drools Pet Food, JustFoodForDogs, and Diamond Pet Foods are differentiating through transparency in sourcing, customized nutrition plans, and sustainability-driven approaches. This dynamic competitive landscape is shaped by innovation, veterinary partnerships, and growing consumer preference for health-focused diets that enhance pets' health.

Europe Pet Therapeutic Diet Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the Europe pet therapeutic diet industry include:

• Blue Buffalo (General Mills)
• Diamond Pet Foods (Schell & Kampeter, Inc.)
• Drools Pet Food
• Eden Holistic Pet Foods
• EmerAid
• Farmina Pet Foods
• Hill's Pet Nutrition (Colgate Palmolive)
• Husse
• JustFoodForDogs
• Mars, Incorporated
• Open Farm
• Purina PetCare (Nestle SA)
• Stella and Chewy’s
• Virbac
• VNG
• Ziwi Pets
  
  
• Purina PetCare (Nestle SA)

Purina PetCare, a division of Nestlé, is a major force in the pet therapeutic diet market, offering a comprehensive range of science-backed nutritional products under its Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets brand. These formulations address critical health concerns such as urinary tract health, hepatic support, diabetes management, and joint mobility. Purina leverages its strong R&D infrastructure, veterinary partnerships, and consumer trust to deliver diets that combine high therapeutic efficacy with optimal taste and digestibility.

• Mars, Incorporated

Mars, Incorporated holds a prominent position in the pet therapeutic diet market, driven by its leadership in nutritional research, veterinary services, and targeted dietary innovation. Through its renowned brands, including Royal Canin, the company offers clinically formulated nutritional solutions designed to address a wide range of health conditions such as renal disorders, gastrointestinal sensitivities, dermatological issues, and weight management.

• Hill's Pet Nutrition (Colgate Palmolive)

Hill's Pet Nutrition is known for its Prescription Diet range that targets conditions such as renal health, weight management, digestive care, and joint support. The company works closely with veterinarians, integrating its solutions into professional practice. The company's commitment to nutritional precision is supported by collaboration with academic research institutions and pet health networks, enabling the continuous refinement of therapeutic formulations.

• Farmina Pet Foods

Farmina Pet Foods has established a strong presence with its scientifically formulated veterinary diets for dogs and cats. The company focuses on condition-specific solutions, combining clinical nutrition with natural ingredients, which appeals to health-conscious European pet owners seeking premium therapeutic options.

Europe Pet Therapeutic Diet Industry News:

• In May 2025, Nestlé acquired a minority stake in Drools Pet Food Private Limited, citing the move as a financial investment. According to Nestlé's statement, Drools will continue to operate independently, both strategically and operationally. The investment provided Drools with access to additional capital and global expertise, supporting its expansion and innovation in India's growing pet food market.
  
• In April 2025, Hill's Pet Nutrition introduced an enhancement to its Science Diet adult and senior dry food range by introducing ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit—a blend of prebiotic fibers and antioxidants that supports digestive, immune, and organ health. This innovation strengthened its competitive edge in the premium pet nutrition market by aligning with growing consumer demand for gut health-focused products.
  
• In July 2021, as part of its 2030 strategic vision, Virbac successfully acquired iVet LLC, a specialty pet food company. This acquisition not only expanded Virbac's product portfolio but also brought valuable expertise in distribution, logistics, and e-commerce, key components for achieving its pet food growth ambitions in the U.S. market.
  

The Europe pet therapeutic diet market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Dry food
• Wet/ canned food
• Other product types

Market, By Animal Type

• Cats
• Dogs
• Other animals

Market, By Health Condition

• Renal health
• Gastrointestinal health
• Skin and coat health
• Cardiovascular health
• Weight management
• Joint care
• Other health conditions

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Veterinary hospitals and clinics
• E-commerce
• Retail pharmacies
• Other distribution channels

The above information is provided for the following countries:

• Germany
• UK
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Rest of Europe