Pet Therapeutic Diet Market - By Product Type, By Animal Type, By Health Condition, By Distribution Channel - Global Forecast, 2025 – 2034

Pet Therapeutic Diet Market Size

The global pet therapeutic diet market was estimated at USD 4.2 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 4.5 billion in 2025 to USD 8.7 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 7.6%. The increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions in pets such as kidney disorders, diabetes, obesity, gastrointestinal issues is stimulating the market demand for pet therapeutic dietary solutions. According to Association of Pet Obesity Prevention, 59% of dogs and cats are overweight globally, increasing the demand for therapeutic diet solutions. Moreover, the rising elderly population of pets especially dogs and cats further stimulate the market growth.
 

The increasing number of companion animals specially dogs and cats are stimulating the market growth. For example, Statista mentioned 33 million dog population in India which would rise till 51 million in 2028. Additionally, the growing pet ownership and increased focus on pet care is expanding the market growth. According to the health for animals, more than half of the global population are estimated to have at least one pet. Additionally, the increasing ownership has resulted in increasing companion animal spending. According to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF) article, cats continue to be the most popular pet in the European household with a population of 77.4 million in the European Union and 106.4 million in Europe and Russia. This further increases the demand for pet insurance due to increased awareness regarding pet insurance, as increased pet adoption across the globe increases the demand for the market growth.
 

The increasing shift towards pet parenting and rising awareness for being a responsible pet owner further supports the growing market. Pet owners are increasingly considering dogs and cat not only as a pet or protector but as a family member, for which they invest heavily in therapeutic diet foods to ensures health and wellness of the pets. This has spurred the demand for therapeutic and preventive care, that further contribute to market growth.
 

Pet therapeutic diet is known as a specialized category of animal nutrition specially formulated for managing, treating, and prevention of specific health conditions in companion animals. Therapeutic diets are used to provide clinical benefits through nutrition, improving the overall health of animals by managing symptoms and supporting recovery, along with prevention of diseases through targeted dietary intervention.
 

Pet Therapeutic Diet Market Trends

• The pet therapeutic diet industry is experiencing a positive shift stimulated by rising prevalence of chronic diseases in pets, growing pet humanization and evolving new nutritional science, which determines specialized pet nutrition.
   
• Another important trend stimulating the market is the increasing demand for condition-specific diets for chronic diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and allergies in companion animals.
   
• This results in the development of targeted nutritional formulas by manufacturers that provide functional benefits with veterinary treatment plans. As more pets are diagnosed with complex health conditions, especially in developed and rural areas, therapeutic diets are being preferred instead of standard pet foods.
   
• Increasing pet adoption where pets are considered as family members, the pet owners are focusing on more healthy resources for the animals. This results in increasing spending on specialized diets and supplements that focus on increasing overall health.
   
• The rise in pet ownership and the growing trend of pet humanization are key factors of increasing demand for products that support the well-being of animals. Moreover, the increasing demand for high-quality and efficient animal diet, especially for companion animals, is stimulating the market for innovative diets.
   
• A rising trend of sustainability and eco-conscious nutrition, driven by environmental concerns, is becoming increasingly central to consumer behavior. Pet owners are progressively preferring therapeutic diets that align with sustainable values and have a minimal environmental footprint.
   
• This has led to increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced ingredients, such as plant-based formulations and responsibly farmed fish. Manufacturers are also focusing on reducing reliance on resource-intensive ingredients like beef and lamb, while ensuring consistent therapeutic efficacy. In October 2021, Demavic partnered with Coveris to launch a new range of therapeutic pet food in recyclable MonoFlex bags. The packaging was designed to meet consumer demands for sustainability, with mono-material, recyclable bags that minimize waste. This collaboration helped Demavic address environmental concerns while enhancing its product appeal in French supermarkets.
   
• An increasing shift towards focus on personalized nutrition and life stage-specific formulations. With the rise of pet wellness technologies and health monitoring tools, such as pet wearables and smart feeders, pet owners can track pet’s health in real-time, allowing a customized dietary approach with adjustment of nutritional plans based on breed, size, age and medical conditions. Startups and major pet food brands are investing in AI-driven platforms and digital health ecosystems that offer personalized diet suggestions and subscription-based delivery models.
   
• There is a growing focus on preventive health and early intervention through nutrition. Instead of waiting for clinical symptoms to appear, pet owners are increasingly adopting therapeutic diets to delay disease onset, particularly in animals predisposed to certain conditions.
   
• Lastly, the integration of holistic practices that includes combining dietary therapy with physiotherapy, mental stimulation, and alternative remedies has gained focus among veterinary care providers and pet wellness centers.
   

Pet Therapeutic Diet Market Analysis

In 2021, the global market was valued at USD 3.5 billion. The following year, it saw a slight increase to USD 3.7 billion, and by 2023, the market further climbed to USD 3.9 billion.
 

Based on product type, the global pet therapeutic diet market is divided into dry food, wet food and other product types. The dry food segment dominated the market in 2024 and was valued at USD 2.4 billion.
 

• Increasing prevalence of chronic health conditions in pets such as kidney disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and obesity stimulate the demand for dry food. The preferred convenience, extended shelf life, ease of storage and cost-effectiveness of dry food makes them an ideal choice of pet owners and veterinary professionals.
   
• Such formulations are condition-specific nutritional support and are prescribed for long-term health management. A consistent portion control and easy integration into daily routines can be achieved by dry food especially for pet with chronic illnesses that require dietary supplements. According to NIH study, 37.7% of pet owners prefer dry food for their pets rather than wet food which is preferred by 14% people.
   
• The dominance of dry therapeutic diets is also stimulated by rising multi-pet households and urban lifestyles, where convenience and consistency in feeding are on high value. Dry food offer flexibility in feeding times and reduce spoilage, they are also easier to measure and administer, for pet parents managing several pets.
   
• The wider availability and growing demand for therapeutic diet in the market due to chronic management for long term nutritional strategies, stimulates the market growth.
   
• Lastly, the rising trend of clean label and sustainability where dry therapeutic products are mostly focused further expands the market potential.
   

Based on animal type, the global pet therapeutic diet market is divided into cats, dogs, and other animals. In 2024, the dogs segment accounted for the largest share of 59.5% in global market.
 

• Increasing obesity and unhealthy dietary in dogs due to commercial foods that may be rich in fats and artificial additives can contribute to the need of pet therapeutic diet. Moreover, growing obesity is a concern among dogs, especially with the increasing dormant lifestyles, is stimulating the market growth.
• The rising number of dogs globally increases the demand for therapeutic diet for dogs. According to Dogster, in March 2025, dog population was found to be 900 million.
   
• Moreover, dogs have a strong appetite that increases the demand for healthy and therapeutic diet. According to thePack.in, dogs prefer more than 3 meals per day, if gap between them increases they might through up bile.
   
• The increasing trend of plant-based diet amongst pet owners further simulates the market growth. According to Statista, more than 10.4% dog owners feed an intermittent plant-based diet.
   
• In addition, veterinary spending on dogs is higher as compared to other pets, with therapeutic nutrition being an important role in preventive and chronic disease care. Pet owners are investing in long-term dietary solutions as part of their pet's overall treatment plan.
   
• Lastly, dogs mostly have structured feeding routines and higher caloric intake needs than smaller animals, for maintenance of therapeutic diets and more impactfulness. According to Packaged Facts, dog-specific therapeutic diets accounted for more than 70% of total prescription diet sales in North America in 2023, which is constantly rising demand for therapeutic diet.
   

Based on health condition, the global pet therapeutic diet market is categorized in renal health, gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, weight management, joint care and other health conditions. The gastrointestinal health segment dominated the market in 2024 and was valued at USD 1.2 billion.
 

• The rising prevalence of gastrointestinal health issues such as animal gastroesophageal reflux disease is the major factor to stimulate the market of gastrointestinal therapeutics diet. In January 2023, Journal of Small Animal Practice mentioned in a study 50% of dogs had evidence of gastroesophageal reflux.
   
• Additionally, similar to human, bacterial infections and other gastrointestinal diseases can cause gastrointestinal disease in animals. For instance, some pets suffering from bacterial gastrointestinal infections may experience acid reflux because of gastrointestinal dysfunction.
   
• Moreover, the use of anaesthetic procedures can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that leads to increasing reflux especially if improper positioning or fasting protocols are used. According to NIH, gastro disease occurs in 13.3 to 60% of dogs under general anaesthesia drugs which is very common, additionally, 56.5% dogs have digestive problems, further stimulating the market demand for therapeutic solutions.
   
• In addition, the rising prevalence of intestinal diseases in animals is the primary factor that stimulates the demand for this market. Intestinal health issues such as inflammatory bowel diseases, gastrointestinal infections and other kind of disorders are increasing in animals. This leads to highlight the importance of animal intestinal health issues that would be resolved through various medicaments and prevention nutrition. For instance, according to NIH, 22.4% rise in number of publications for gut health issues has been addressed every year in pets.
   

Based on distribution channel, the global pet therapeutic diet market is divided 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 1.7 billion in 2024 growing from USD 1.6 billion in 2023.
 

• Veterinary hospitals and clinics play a critical role in manging pet therapeutic diet for quick and accurate treatments for wide range of disorders. Such distribution channel contributes to spread awareness for preventive care and use of health products that stimulates the need for healthy animal and preventive diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
   
• A leading reason of mortality is gastrointestinal diseases in companion animals, veterinary hospitals and clinics are beneficial for improving clinical outcomes and supporting long-term health.
   
• Veterinary hospitals and clinics have enabled quick and precise diagnoses, using timely preventive solutions for various diseases. Moreover, the increasing number of pet owners continues to rise, due to which these facilities are becoming the primary point of care for animals.
   

The North America market dominated the global pet therapeutic diet market with a market share of 44.2% in 2024. The market is driven by rising pet ownership and increased spending on animal healthcare.
 

The U.S. pet therapeutic diet industry was valued at USD 1.4 billion and USD 1.5 billion in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The market size reached USD 1.7 billion in 2024, growing from USD 1.6 billion in 2023.
 

• The increasing number of pet ownership in U.S. is increasing rapidly thus further stimulating the market of pet therapeutic diet market. According to American Veterinary Medical Association, an average overall amount of spending on pets by pet-owning households, excluding adoption or purchase costs, is around USD 1,515 per year. This further increases the demand by pet owners. According to the study, nearly nine in 10 of dog owners and 77.1% cat owners have been identified as having a regular veterinarian or veterinary practice.
   
• The rising obesity in pets due to the dull lifestyle is increasing the demand for the market. According to Association of Pet Obesity Prevention, in 2022, a high prevalence of overweight and obesity was found in U.S. amongst dogs and cats with 59% and 61% respectively, increasing the demand for the growing market.
   
• Moreover, the high elderly aged pets in U.S. further rises the demand for therapeutics solutions for health conditions such as cardiovascular, bone health and other health issues. According to Global Pets, number of dogs aged above 7 years has risen from 42% to 52%.
   
• A rising shift in the U.S. towards preventive healthcare, not just for humans, but also for animals. Pet owners are being more aware for the importance of health by preventing diseases and improving overall animal well-being. Moreover, the mature and highly professional veterinary ecosystem, which integrates therapeutic diets as a standard component of chronic disease management. According to Arcadia University, there are 28,000 to 32,000 vet clinics in U.S.
   
• Additionally, government initiatives are focusing on preventive health and improving animal welfare by investing in research and development and AI driven methods for good health.  
   

Europe pet therapeutic diet market accounted for USD 1.1 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• European consumer often prioritize quality, safety, and health benefits, increasing the adoption of condition specific diets for preventive and therapeutic care.
   
• Moreover, the aging pet population in Western Europe also drives the demand for specialized diets managing mobility issues, and renal health.
   
• Additionally, vets increasingly recommend therapeutic diets as part of chronic management such as urinary health, gastrointestinal health, allergies and diabetes in companion animals.
   
• Lastly, organization such as the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ECVIM) and local vet associations contributes to growing awareness and validation of therapeutic diets.  
   

Germany dominates the European pet therapeutic diet market, showcasing strong growth potential.
 

• The increasing demand for pet care in both companion and livestock animals, along with government initiatives for disease prevention and good animal health is stimulating the market growth. The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) is actively promoting animal healthcare through various initiatives that include animal diseases prevention and enhancing health.
   
• The increasing demand of diet with therapeutic effects in Germany is stimulating the market demand. According to NIH, 8% of dogs and less than 1% cats owners prefer homemade diets, rest stimulating the demand for therapeutic diet in the market.
   
• The rising number of elderly population of pets in Europe stimulates the market for supplements that help maintain cardiovascular or bone health in elder animals. According to AniCura Group, there are 31% of dogs classified as senior dogs, and only 9% of puppies and 33% elder cats and only 10% kittens, rising the demand of the market.
   

The Asia Pacific pet therapeutic diet market is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 8.1% during the analysis timeframe.
 

• Urbanization and nuclear families in countries such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia have led to rise in pet ownership.
   
• Growing awareness campaigns by veterinarians, NGOs, pet influencers, and pet food brands are educating consumers about, disease prevention through nutrition and conditions that require dietary interventions such as obesity, allergies and renal issues.
   
• Lastly, increasing growth in the number of veterinary clinics, pet hospitals, and pet wellness centers, especially in urban cities across China, India and Southeast Asia, drives the growth of the market.  
   

China pet therapeutic diet market is estimated to grow with a significant CAGR, making it to be the fastest growing country in the Asia Pacific market.
 

• China has the highest market share in the region, due to increasing prevalence of diseases in animals, increasing pet ownership and increasing demand for natural preventive care is increasing the market growth.
   
• Additionally, the government is investing in infrastructure and logistics to increase the efficiency and capacity of the supply chain within the country. For instance, in March 2024, Chian launched Pet Sourcing China, a new global supply chain platform exclusively for pet industry supply chain management.
   
• In addition, with the rising China’s urbanization, increase in pet ownership has been noticed, particularly in urban areas. Pet owners are becoming more health-conscious and are ensuring the well-being of their pets that includes utilisation of healthy therapeutic diet. The increasing trend of pet humanization has contributed to the growing demand for products that help maintain health.
   
• The increasing government initiatives and companies investing in new product launches is stimulating the market growth. For instance, in November 2022, ADM launched a new premium pet food brand, Equilibrio, in the Chinese market during Pet Fair Asia in Shenzhen. The brand includes specialized formulas for dogs and cats, targeting digestive health and skin conditions. This broadens the companies identity in the China market.
   

Brazil leads the Latin American pet therapeutic diet market, with remarkable growth during the analysis period.
 

• The increasing pet population and evolving consumer attitudes toward pet health are the emerging role as a manufacturing and distribution hub for veterinary nutrition in the region. According to Statista, in 2023 there were 160 pets in Brazil with more than 62 million being dogs.
   
• Brazil has the third-largest pet population globally, according to the Pet Business World. This massive pet base, combined with rising awareness of pet wellness, has positioned Brazil as the dominant force in therapeutic diet market, where demand is being stimulated by both domestic consumption and regional supply capabilities.
   
• The growing urbanization and middle-class expansion, which has led to increased expenditure on premium pet care products, including condition-specific diets.
   
• As more Brazilians migrate to cities and adopt indoor lifestyles, pets are increasingly viewed as family members, resulting in higher spending on nutrition to prevent and manage health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular conditions and digestive disorders.
   
• This parenting culture has increased demand for therapeutic diets, particularly among millennials and Gen Z owners who seek nutritional solutions as part of routine veterinary care.
   

Saudi Arabia to experience the highest growth rate in the Middle East and Africa pet therapeutic diet market in 2024.
 

• The increasing import and retail of global therapeutic pet food due to relaxed regulatory frameworks and growing partnerships between local distributors and international companies. Global leaders in pet nutrition have entered the Saudi market through strategic alliances, making high-quality therapeutic diets more accessible to consumers across the kingdom. These brands are investing in vet partnerships and digital education campaigns, helping raise awareness and demand for prescription diets.
   
• The growing numbers of specialized critical care units and rising government expenditures on healthcare infrastructure have spurred market development in Saudi Arabia. The country is emphasizing AI-driven ICU monitoring systems and focusing on preventive care that limits the rate of mortality.
   
• Saudi Arabia’s high prevalence of diseases increases the risk of complications, further stimulating demand for effective care of animals.
   

Pet Therapeutic Diet Market Share

Top 6 players such as Mars Petcare, Nestle, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Virbac, Blue Buffalo (General Mills) and Diamond Pet Foods accounts for approximately 50-60% of the market share. These players focus on various strategies such as business expansion, mergers and acquisition, collaboration and novel product launches to consolidate their market presence. In January 2024, Hill's Pet Nutrition launched a series of new product in prescription diet range, for common pet health issues such as weight management and gastrointestinal health. This expansion further helps Hill's leadership in the veterinary nutrition market, benefiting the company's growth and market presence. Key players are engaging in strategic initiatives such as collaboration, product launch and partnerships to strengthen their product portfolio.
 

In June 2024, Virbac partnered with the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention to raise awareness about the risks of obesity in pets, particularly after spaying or neutering. The collaboration aimed to develop educational resources and tailored nutrition solutions to address the metabolic changes leading to weight gain. This partnership helped Virbac strengthen its role in the pet health industry and expand its reach in obesity management. The companies are actively adopting a multi-pronged approaches to address the rising demand for pet therapeutic diet solutions. The market is highly fragmented with many players operating in the market. Hence, leading players are constantly adopting key strategies for the growth of the market.
 

Pet Therapeutic Diet Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the industry are as mentioned below:

• Blue Buffalo (General Mills)
• Diamond Pet Foods
• Eden Holistic Pet Foods
• EmerAid
• Hill's Pet Nutrition
• iVet.com
• JustFoodForDogs
• Mars Petcare
• Nestle
• Open Farm
• Stella and Chewy's
• United PetFood
• Veterinary Nutrition Group
• Virbac
• Ziwi
   

To stay competitive, key players are investing in research and development, partnerships and collaborations for the launching new pet therapeutic diet solutions.
 

In March 2025, Avanti Group launched Avant Furst cat food brand and entered the pet food industry with the. This allowed Avanti to diversify its portfolio for pet care products.
 

Moreover, in January 2023, Hill’s Pet Nutrition launched prescription diet ONC care, a therapeutic diet for pets with cancer. The product aimed to provide essential nutrition for cats and dogs undergoing cancer treatment. This innovation expanded Hill’s portfolio, offering a specialized solution for veterinary professionals in the oncology pet care market.
 

Pet Therapeutic Diet Industry News

• In February 2025, Marsapet and Calysta launched dog food featuring FeedKind Pet protein, a cultured, vegan and grain-free option. The MicroBell kibble was designed for dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, using sweet potatoes, peas, and FeedKind protein. FeedKind Pet, a non-GMO protein, had been certified vegan and became available in European pet food stores. This move marked a step forward in sustainable pet food options.
   
• In April 2024, Royal Canin expanded its veterinary gastrointestinal portfolio with five new diets for supporting digestive health in cats and dogs. These products were designed to address common gastrointestinal issues. The launch further strengthened Royal Canin’s position in specialized pet nutrition, enhancing its product offerings.
   
• In October 2023, PremieRpet launched Natoo, a new brand specializing in high-quality nutrition for dogs and cats, tailored for the U.S. market. This helped PremieRpet to expand its reach in the U.S. market.
   
• In November 2023, General Mills acquired Fera Pets, a pet supplement company. This acquisition helped General Mills into the pet supplement category. This acquisition aligns with the growing trend of pet food humanization, as pet owners prefer healthful products for the pets.
   

The 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
• 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 regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudia Arabia
  • UAE