U.S. Pet Therapeutic Diet Market size to cross USD 3.6 Billion by 2034

Selbyville, DE. - U.S. pet therapeutic diet market was estimated at USD 1.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 1.9 billion in 2025 to USD 3.6 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 7.2%, according to the latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

The growing prevalence of obesity and chronic conditions among pets in the U.S. is significantly influencing the demand for therapeutic diets. Just like humans, sedentary lifestyles, overfeeding, and poor-quality nutrition have led to an alarming rise in pet health issues such as diabetes, kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and food allergies.

Key Insights:

Market Size & Growth:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 1.8 billion
  
• 2025 Market Size: USD 1.9 billion
  
• 2034 Forecast Market Size: USD 3.6 billion
  
• CAGR (2025–2034): 7.2%
  

Regional Insights:

• Largest Market: South Atlantic
  
• Fastest Growing Market: West South Central
  
• Emerging States: North East, Pacific Central, East South Central, East North Central
  
  

Key Growth Drivers:

1. Humanization of pets: Pet owners are treating pets like family members and are more willing to invest in premium, prescription-based nutrition to ensure long-term health and quality of life.
   
2. Growing veterinary recommendations: Veterinarians are increasingly prescribing therapeutic diets as part of comprehensive treatment plans, driving consumer trust and adoption of clinically formulated pet foods.
   
3. Expansion of pet insurance coverage: With more pet insurance plans now covering prescription diets, affordability is improving, encouraging pet parents to opt for therapeutic nutrition without financial hesitation.
   
4. Awareness through digital channels and e-commerce: Pet wellness education via online platforms, blogs, and veterinary websites is raising awareness about dietary needs, while e-commerce simplifies access to specialized diets.
   
5. Innovation in specialized formulations: Companies are introducing targeted formulations like renal support, digestive care, and weight management diets tailored to specific breeds, ages, and health conditions.
   

• Key Players:
  • Purina PetCare (Nestle SA) led the market with over 23.5% share in 2024.
    
  • Some of the top players in this market include Virbac, Purina PetCare (Nestle SA), Blue Buffalo Company (General Mills), Mars, Incorporated, Hills Pet Nutrition (Colgate Palmolive), which together held a 60% share in 2024.
    
    

Key Challenges:

1. High cost of prescription diets: Therapeutic diets often come with a premium price tag, making them less accessible to budget-conscious pet owners and limiting widespread adoption.
   
2. Limited consumer awareness: Many pet owners lack awareness about the benefits of therapeutic diets and may not recognize the need for specialized nutrition unless advised by a veterinarian.
   
3. Strict regulatory and labeling requirements: Manufacturers face stringent FDA regulations and labeling standards, which can slow product development and increase compliance costs.
   
4. Preference for natural or homemade diets: A growing trend toward natural, organic, or homemade pet foods may reduce demand for commercially formulated therapeutic diets, as some owners perceive them as healthier alternatives.
   
5. Challenges in diagnosing pet health issues: Accurate diagnosis of chronic conditions in pets is sometimes difficult, leading to under-prescription of therapeutic diets and delayed treatment.
   

Browse key industry insights spread across 132 pages with 105 market data tables and figures from the report, “U.S. Pet Therapeutic Diet Market Size - By Product Type, By Animal Type, By Health Condition, By Distribution Channel, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034” in detail, along with the table of contents:

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

Rising Adoption of Dry Food

The dry food segment held a notable share in 2024, driven by its convenience, longer shelf life, and cost-effectiveness. Consumers find dry therapeutic food easier to store and measure, making it a preferred choice for daily feeding routines. Veterinary-recommended formulations for conditions like renal support, gastrointestinal health, and weight management are widely available in dry formats, allowing brands to reach a broader customer base.

Growing Prevalence of Dogs

The dogs segment in the U.S. pet therapeutic diet market generated a significant share in 2024, driven by their increasing popularity as companion animals. Dog owners are more likely to seek specialized nutrition plans for their pets, particularly chronic issues such as joint disorders, obesity, and skin allergies.

Weight Management to Gain Traction

The weight management segment held sizeable growth in 2024 as obesity among pets becomes a widespread concern. Rising calorie intake and reduced physical activity, especially among indoor pets, have triggered health risks that necessitate dietary intervention. Therapeutic diets focused on weight control offer low-fat, high-fiber formulations to support metabolic health without compromising on taste or nutrition.

South Atlantic to Emerge as a Propelling Region

South Atlantic pet therapeutic diet market will witness robust growth through 2034, driven by increasing pet ownership and rising awareness of chronic health conditions like obesity, diabetes, and allergies among pets in this region. The market benefits from a strong presence of veterinary clinics and specialty pet stores in urban hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Miami. Pet owners here are more inclined to invest in premium, clinically formulated diets to manage their pets' health, reflecting broader national trends of humanization and preventive care.

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

To strengthen their position in the competitive U.S. pet therapeutic diet market, companies are leveraging a combination of innovation, education, and distribution enhancements. They are developing specialized formulas targeting specific health issues such as renal care, weight management, and digestive support, ensuring products meet diverse pet needs. Partnerships with veterinary professionals are critical, as companies provide training and educational materials to increase vets' recommendations of therapeutic diets.