Pet Therapeutic Diet Market size to cross USD 8.8 Billion by 2034

Selbyville, DE. - The global pet therapeutic diet market was estimated at USD 4.3 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow from USD 4.5 billion in 2025 to USD 8.8 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 7.6%, according to the latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.  

Veterinarians are reporting a steady rise in conditions such as obesity, diabetes, renal issues, and gastrointestinal disorders in pets, which drives demand for therapeutic diets formulated to manage or alleviate these health concerns.

Key Insights:

Market Size & Growth:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 4.3 billion  
• 2025 Market Size: USD 4.5 billion  
• 2034 Forecast Market Size: USD 8.8 billion  
• CAGR (2025–2034): 7.6%

Regional Insights:

• Largest Market: North America  
• Fastest Growing Market: Asia Pacific  
• Emerging Countries: China, India, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa  

Key Growth Drivers:

1. Rising pet ownership and humanization of pets: As more people view pets as part of the family, there's a growing willingness to invest in premium healthcare solutions, including specialized diets tailored to chronic conditions, allergies, and overall wellness.  
2. Veterinary recommendations and clinical endorsements: Pet owners are increasingly relying on veterinarians for dietary advice, and therapeutic diets are often prescribed as part of ongoing treatment plans.  
3. Advancements in nutritional science and formulations: Improved understanding of pet nutrition is leading to more targeted, effective therapeutic diets.  
4. Rise in pet insurance and healthcare spending: As pet insurance becomes more common, owners are more likely to afford higher-end dietary treatments.  
5. Growing availability through retail and E-commerce channels: Therapeutic pet diets, once limited to veterinary clinics, are available through specialty pet stores and online platforms, making them more accessible to a broader consumer base.  

Key Players:

• Purina PetCare (Nestle SA) is leading the market with over 22.5% share in 2024.  
• Some of the top players in this market include Hills Pet Nutrition (Colgate Palmolive), Blue Buffalo (General Mills), Virbac, Mars, Incorporated, Purina PetCare (Nestle SA), which together held a 61% share in 2024.

Key Challenges:

1. High cost of therapeutic diets: Specialized pet foods often come at a premium price, making them less accessible to pet owners with limited budgets.  
2. Limited consumer awareness: Many pet owners remain unaware of therapeutic diets or underestimate the role of nutrition in managing chronic pet conditions.  
3. Veterinary dependency for product access: In some regions, therapeutic diets are available through veterinarians, creating a dependency that can hinder sales in broader retail or e-commerce channels and reduce convenience for consumers.  
4. Palatability and acceptance issues: Pets, particularly cats and senior animals, can be picky eaters.  
5. Regulatory complexity and labeling requirements: Strict regulations around claims, formulations, and therapeutic positioning vary by country, complicating product development and marketing efforts for global brands trying to standardize offerings.  

Browse key industry insights spread across 137 pages with 168 market data tables and figures from the report, “Pet Therapeutic Diet Market - By Product Type, By Animal Type, By Health Condition, By Distribution Channel - Global Forecast 2025 - 2034” in detail, along with the table of contents:  

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/pet-therapeutic-diet-market  

Rising Adoption of Dry Food

The dry food segment generated robust revenues in 2024, driven by its long shelf life, ease of storage, and cost-effectiveness. Pet owners often prefer dry formulations for their convenience in portion control and feeding, when managing chronic conditions that require consistent nutritional intake. Manufacturers continue to innovate within this segment by enhancing palatability, improving nutrient density, and offering breed-specific or condition-specific variants.  

Increasing Dog Segment

The dogs segment in the pet therapeutic diet market held sizeable revenues in 2024, supported by their higher prevalence in households and greater incidence of conditions like obesity, arthritis, and digestive disorders. As awareness around pet health continues to grow, dog owners are increasingly turning to therapeutic diets as a proactive approach to managing chronic health issues or age-related decline. This segment benefits from robust veterinary support and strong consumer loyalty to trusted brands.  

Weight Management to Gain Traction

The weight management segment held a substantial share in 2024, as pet obesity becomes a rising concern. Overweight pets face increased risks of diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease, prompting veterinarians to prescribe calorie-controlled, nutrient-balanced diets. Pet parents are also more engaged in preventive care, creating steady demand for weight-focused formulations. Companies are responding with specialized products that combine satiety, lean protein, and metabolism-supporting ingredients.  

Regional Insights

North America to Emerge as a Lucrative Region

North America pet therapeutic diet market generated a sizable share in 2024, backed by high pet ownership rates, a mature veterinary care system, and increasing consumer spending on premium pet products. The U.S. is a strong driver, with a growing number of pets diagnosed with chronic conditions that require dietary intervention. Brands are prioritizing transparency, functional ingredients, and disease-specific solutions to capture this highly engaged and health-conscious consumer base.  

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

Companies in the pet therapeutic diet market are strengthening their foothold through a mix of clinical validation, strategic veterinary partnerships, and direct-to-consumer engagement. Leading brands invest heavily in R&D to develop condition-specific formulations supported by scientific research and veterinary trials. Collaborations with veterinary clinics and hospitals ensure product visibility at the point of diagnosis, while loyalty programs and educational content build trust with pet parents.