Grain-Free Pet Foods Market

Report Code UC-F-6571
Published in Dec, 2024, By MarketsandMarkets™
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Grain-Free Pet Foods Market By Pet Types (Dogs, Cats, And Other Companion Pets), Product Type (Dry Pet Food, Wet Pet Food, Treat & Supplements), Distribution Channel (Modern Trade, Departmental Stores, Pet Specialty Stores, Online Retailers, And Other Channels), Ingredient Type (Meat-Based, Plant-Based And Alternative Protein Sources), And Region - Global Forecast to 2029

Overview

The global grain-free pet foods market growth is on a trajectory of significant expansion, with an estimated value projected to reach USD XX billion by 2029 from the 2024 valuation of USD XX billion, displaying a promising Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of XX%. Consumer alternative diets propel growth of the grain-free pet food products market at a fast rate. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reported in May 2021 that around 23 million American households obtained a new pet during the pandemic, and 90% of dog owners and 85% of cat owners maintained them. With an increasing pet population, awareness over health and nutrition for pets also increases; many owners are now looking for special diets. Many owners are also worried about allergies and sensitivities, so grain-free diets are very trendy. Besides, as Shelter Animals Count reported more than 1.5 million dogs adopted in 2023, the demand for customized diets is highly in place, which can be used by newly adopted pets.

Incremental in the market arises from new ingredients and new formulations in grain-free products. Brands are coming out with all protein sources-venison/kangaroo alongside insect proteins-to offer healthier options to health-conscious pet owners. The superfoods or functional ingredients for addressing specific animal health concerns add to the nutritional profile, thus drawing pet owners to a quality offering.

Grain-Free Pet Foods Market

Attractive Opportunities in the Grain-Free Pet Foods Market

NORTH AMERICA

The grain-free pet food market in North America is growing due to rising pet ownership, increasing concerns over allergies, and demand for premium, specialized diets focused on pet health and wellness.

Easy availability of grain-free pet foods in supermarkets and online has facilitated access for consumers to the product.

Product launches and acquisitions are expected to present profitable prospects for industry participants in the coming five years. Growth in demand has been consistently contributed by pet owners leaning toward a healthier approach to diet and grain-free pet foods.

Increased prevalence due to growing awareness and diagnoses of the skin disease are contributing to this trend in demand for grain-free pet foods in the North American market.

This growth has been fueled particularly by the availability of more varied and more attractive grain-free pet foods, including dry, wet, treats etc.

Global Grain-Free Pet Foods Market Dynamics

Drivers:Increased pet allergies to boost market demand for grain-free diets

An article published in January 2024 by the American Kennel Club publication quotes that nearly 8% of dogs presented to referral dermatology practices have food allergies, accounting for around one-third of all dogs suffering from allergic skin diseases. Because of this veterinarians recommend grain-free diets for pets that show signs of food allergies, sensitivities, or digestive issues. Because food allergies affect close to 8% of pets, with grains being the common culprit, vets have accepted grain-free products that are rich in protein and wholesome ingredients. That becomes professional endorsement for third degree reasons that must further boost the consumer's trust and loyalty in grain-free products. With veterinary practices becoming more involved with individualized nutrition and wholesome practices, grain-free diets increase as part of a treatment plan, thus increasing sales and awareness among pet owners.

Restraints: Concerns about grain-free diets linked to diluted cardiomyopathy (DCM) raise skepticism among pet owners

Grain-free commercial diets for pets have come under nutritional question due to the fact they have been linked with diluted cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart condition in dogs. FDA study connected DCM cases with specific grain-free diets heavily comprised of peas, lentils, and potatoes. Veterinarians point to the fact that pets do well on balanced nutrition. They note that diets without substantial profiles of amino acids, defining many grain-free diets, will predispose the pet to health problems unless the pet has allergies. This may have led to increased scepticism from the end customer, meaning pet owners, and might undermine the increasing market strength of grain-free food products as they seek safer, well-researched alternatives to meet their pets' needs.

 

Opportunities: Innovative flavours and ingredients allow brands to differentiate in the grain-free market

A distinguishing factor for grain-free pet foods is offered by diverse flavours and novel ingredients as routes to product innovation. Companies can break out to health-conscious pet owners demanding different diets; therefore, these companies innovate by including such unique protein sources as venison, kangaroo, or insect protein. Innovations also exist in formulations, where superfoods, probiotics, and functional ingredients aiming at a particular health issue (such as joint health and skin conditions) improve the nutritional profile. This flexibility helps the brands to be flexible in handling various requirements of their clients' dietary needs and sensitivities, positioning them to evolve with pet owner changing demands and seize emerging trends in the market.

Challenges: High costs of grain-free foods deter budget-conscious pet owners

Most grain-free pet foods come along with a premium price tag because they use high-quality ingredients, such as novel proteins and alternative carbohydrates like peas and lentils. The premium prices might often prove as insurmountable barriers for price-sensitive consumers, who do not have much money to spend on pet care; therefore, they will go for traditional forms of pet foods, which give closely matched nutritional benefits at cheaper prices. Therefore, the higher price of grain-free alternatives will limit entrance to the market and may further limit overall growth for the better since value is balanced with expense by the consumer.

Global Grain-Free Pet Foods Market Ecosystem Analysis

Top Companies in Grain-Free Pet Foods Market
 

DOG SEGMENT ACCOUNTED FOR A HIGHER MARKET SHARE AMONG PET TYPE SEGMENT IN 2023.

The dog segment is expected to lead the grain-free pet foods market, because pet owners are increasingly seeking premium nutrition. According to a September 2022 report from the Global Animal Health Association, more than half a billion dogs and cats exist among families in the U.S., Brazil, EU, and China; it is estimated that more than half the world's population has an animal at home. In the United States alone, there are approximately 85 million dogs compared to 65 million cats. Dogs are the most popular pet in the world and are maintained by about one third of households around the globe. With this trend of pet ownership increasing, demand for grain-free options is on the rise because most dog owners want their pets to eat high-quality, digestible ingredients. The shift toward grain-free diets aligns well with the growing health-conscious attitude of the consumer, thus settling the dog segment as the leader in the grain-free pet food market.

THE DRY SEGMENT IS PROJECTED TO BE THE DOMINANT DURING THE FORECAST PERIOD IN BY PRODUCT TYPE SEGMENT.

Dry Grain-free pet foods will register the highest growth in the grain-free pet foods market, attributed to several key points. Increased awareness among pet owners pertaining to benefits of grain-free diets, especially for animals with sensitivity and allergy conditions, typically enhances demand. Dry product types are more convenient for use, have longer shelf life. This has also been consistent with the offerings in the dry grain-free segment-a trend towards more premium, high-protein diets. As brands innovate, with new flavors and ingredients, this will be an important place for the capture of market share in the years to come.

NORTH AMERICA REGION IS EXPECTED TO DOMINATE FOR GRAIN-FREE PET FOODS MARKET AMONG THE REGIONS.

Rising pet ownership and humanization of pets are the reasons for the dominance of the North American region in the grain-free pet foods market. Top players in the grain-free segment of this market include Blue Buffalo (US), Wellness Pet Food (US), Merrick (US), and Taste of the Wild (US). The companies mainly specialize in health and nutritional content. Increasing awareness about allergies and digestive issues predominantly found in dogs has led to increased demand for grain-free food. The North American market has been further fortified by having been driven by premium and natural ingredient changes, supported with strong marketing campaigns. This has played a critical role in the growth for grain-free pet food.

HIGHEST CAGR (2024–2029)
GERMANY FASTEST-GROWING MARKET IN THE REGION
Grain-Free Pet Foods Market

Recent Developments of Grain-Free Pet Foods Market

  • In March 2024, the Wellness Pet, LLC (US) launched a series of new products at the Global Pet Expo 2024, including the cats and dogs version of Wellness CORE+, Lickable Treats for cats, and Bowl Boosters Toppers for dogs. This innovation alone combined with scientifically proven nutrition and many flavors furthered the position of Wellness Pet within the grain-free pet food market. The company expanded its reach in natural, grain-free pet nutrition by launching specific health needs like digestive, immune, and skin support, offering its customers a choice that also makes them healthier.
  • In March, 2023, the Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd’s (US) USD 200 million investment into its expansion in Indiana, which added 169,000 square feet to the facility, and, thereby, production capacity rose by more than 40%. The expansion built new lines from an extruder and packaging lines along with a state-of-the-art transfer system. This move allowed Blue Buffalo the chance to respond to the increasing demand for grain-free pet food, and subsequently becoming the leader in the business, also with products under brands such as Wilderness and Freedom while also creating 60 new jobs and greater efficiency at work.
  • In October, 2020, Canidae (US) came out with two new lines of dog food: PURE with Wholesome Grains and its Flagship Line, which brought more diversity to its line and now had a product for sensitive stomached dogs. The wholesome grains represented were brown rice and barley. These formulas constituted a fully, nutritionally balanced meal with no artificial ingredients or fillers. The launch assisted Canidae in gaining market presence, reaching a bigger market that includes grain-sensitive pets, and products that are high quality but priced to be accessible, which further helped to reinforce the word from the company about superior pet nutrition.

Key Market Players

List of Grain-Free Pet Foods Market Companies

 

Key Questions Addressed by the Report

What is the current size of the grain-free pet foods market?
The grain-free pet foods market forecast is estimated at USD XX billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD XX billion by 2029, at a CAGR of XX% from 2024 to 2029.
Which are the key players in the market, and how intense is the competition?
Grain-free pet foods market players include Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. (US), Wellness Pet, LLC (US), SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC. (US), Nulo (US), GoDaddy Operating Company, LLC. (US), Canidae (US), Nestlé S.A. (Switzerlands), Farmina Pet Foods (Italy), Mars, Incorporated (US), and Dr. Tim's Pet Food Company (US). These companies boast reliable grain-free pet foods facilities alongside robust distribution networks spanning crucial regions. They possess a well-established portfolio of esteemed services, commanding a sturdy market presence supported by sound business strategies. Additionally, they hold substantial market share, offer services with versatile applications, cater to a diverse geographical clientele, and maintain an extensive service range.
Which region is projected to account for the largest share of the grain-free pet foods market?
North America will lead the grain-free pet foods market due to high pet ownership rates, growing consumer preference for premium pet nutrition, increasing awareness about pet food ingredients, and strong distribution networks across the U.S. and Canada.
What kind of information is provided in the company profile section?
The company profiles mentioned above offer valuable information such as a comprehensive business overview, including details on the company's various business segments, financial performance, geographical reach, revenue composition, and the breakdown of their business revenue. Additionally, these profiles offer insights into the company's product offerings, significant milestones, and expert analyst perspectives to further explain the company's potential.
What are the growth prospects for the grain-free pet foods market in the next five years?
The grain-free pet food market will grow steadily in the next five years, benefiting from a rising pet population, demand for premium and natural ingredients, and increased awareness about pet health, especially for pets that have sensitivities or allergies to pet food.

 

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Table of Contents

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TITLE
PAGE NO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
1 INTRODUCTION 
    1.1 STUDY OBJECTIVES 
    1.2 MARKET DEFINITION 
    1.3 STUDY SCOPE 
           1.3.1 MARKET SEGMENTATION
           1.3.2 INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
           1.3.3 REGIONS COVERED
           1.3.4 YEARS CONSIDERED
    1.4 UNIT CONSIDERED 
           1.4.1 CURRENCY/ VALUE UNIT
           1.4.2 VOLUME UNIT CONSIDERED
    1.5 STAKEHOLDERS 
    1.6 SUMMARY OF CHANGES 
 
2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 
    2.1 RESEARCH DATA 
           2.1.1 SECONDARY DATA
                    2.1.1.1 Key data from secondary sources
           2.1.2 PRIMARY DATA
                    2.1.2.1 Key data from primary sources
                    2.1.2.2 Key Primary Insights
                    2.1.2.3 Breakdown of Primary Interviews
    2.2 MARKET SIZE ESTIMATION 
           2.2.1 BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
           2.2.2 TOP-DOWN APPROACH
    2.3 DATA TRIANGULATION 
    2.4 RESEARCH ASSUMPTIONS 
           2.4.1 ASSUMPTIONS OF THE STUDY
    2.5 LIMITATIONS AND RISK ASSESSMENT 
 
3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
 
4 PREMIUM INSIGHTS 
 
5 MARKET OVERVIEW 
    5.1 INTRODUCTION 
    5.2 MACROECONOMIC OUTLOOK 
    5.3 MARKET DYNAMICS 
           5.3.1 DRIVERS
           5.3.2 RESTRAINTS
           5.3.3 OPPORTUNITIES
           5.3.4 CHALLENGES
    5.4 IMPACT OF AI/GEN AI 
 
6 INDUSTRY TRENDS 
    6.1 INTRODUCTION 
    6.2 VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS 
    6.3 TRADE ANALYSIS 
    6.4 TECHNOLOGY ANALYSIS 
           6.4.1 KEY TECHNOLOGIES
                    6.4.1.1 KEY TECHNOLOGY 1 
                    6.4.1.2 KEY TECHNOLOGY 2
           6.4.2  COMPLIMENTARY TECHNOLOGY
           6.4.3  ADJACENT TECHNOLOGY
    6.5 PRICING ANALYSIS 
           6.5.1  AVERAGE SELLING PRICE TREND, BY INGREDIENT TYPE
           6.5.2  AVERAGE SELLING PRICE TREND, BY REGION
    6.6 ECOSYSTEM ANALYSIS/MARKET MAP 
           6.6.1 DEMAND SIDE
           6.6.2 SUPPLY SIDE
    6.7 TRENDS/DISRUPTIONS IMPACTING THE CUSTOMERS’ BUSINESS 
    6.8 PATENT ANALYSIS 
           6.8.1 LIST OF MAJOR PATENTS PERTAINING TO THE MARKET
    6.9 KEY CONFERENCES & EVENTS 2024-2025 
    6.1 TARIFF & REGULATORY LANDSCAPE 
                    6.10.1  TARIFF DATA FOR COMPONENTS 
           6.10.2 REGULATORY BODIES, GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, & OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
    6.11 PORTER’S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS 
           6.11.1 INTENSITY OF COMPETITIVE RIVALRY
           6.11.2 THREAT OF NEW ENTRANTS
           6.11.3 THREAT OF SUBSTITUTES
           6.11.4 BARGAINING POWER OF SUPPLIERS
           6.11.5 BARGAINING POWER OF BUYERS
    6.12 KEY STAKEHOLDERS & BUYING CRITERIA 
           6.12.1 KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN THE BUYING PROCESS
           6.12.2 BUYING CRITERIA
    6.13 CASE STUDY ANALYSIS 
    6.14 INVESTMENT AND FUNDING SCENARIO 
 
7 GRAIN-FREE PET FOODS MARKET, BY PET TYPE   
    7.1 INTRODUCTION 
    7.2 DOGS  
    7.3 CATS  
    7.4 OTHER COMPANION PETS (BIRDS, RABBITS, GUINEA PIGS) 
 
8 GRAIN-FREE PET FOODS MARKET, BY PRODUCT TYPE 
    8.1 INTRODUCTION 
    8.2 DRY  PET FOOD 
    8.3 WET  PET FOOD 
    8.3 TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS 
 
9 GRAIN-FREE PET FOODS MARKET, BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL  
    9.1 INTRODUCTION 
    9.2 MODERN TRADE 
    9.3 DEPARTMENTAL STORES 
    9.4 PET SPECIALTY STORES  
    9.5 ONLINE RETAILERS 
           9.5.1 DIRECT TO CONSUMERS 
           9.5.2 THIRD PIRTY TO CONSUMERS
    9.6 OTHER CHANNELS       
 
10 GRAIN-FREE PET FOODS MARKET, BY INGREDIENT TYPE 
     10.1 INTRODUCTION 
     10.2 MEAT-BASED  
               10.2.1  CHICKEN
               10.2.2  BEEF
               10.2.3  LAMB
             10.2.4 FISH 
     10.3 ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN SOURCES  
             10.3.1 VENISON  
             10.3.2 DUCK 
             10.3.3 RABBIT 
     10.4 PLANT-BASED PROTEINS 
                       10.4.1   PEAS
             10.4.2 LENTILS 
               10.4.3  POTATOTES
               10.4.4  SWEET POTATOES
 
11  GRAIN-FREE PET FOODS MARKET, BY REGION 
     11.1 INTRODUCTION 
     11.2 NORTH AMERICA 
             11.2.1 US
             11.2.2 CANADA
             11.2.3 MEXICO
     11.3 EUROPE 
             11.3.1 ITALY
             11.3.2 GERMANY
             11.3.3 UK
             11.3.4 FRANCE
             11.3.5 SPAIN
             11.3.6 REST OF EUROPE
     11.4 ASIA PACIFIC 
             11.4.1 AUSTRALIA 
             11.4.2 NEW ZEALAND
             11.4.3 INDIA
             11.4.4 CHINA
             11.4.5 JAPAN 
             11.4.6 REST OF ASIA PACIFIC
     11.5 SOUTH AMERICA 
             11.5.1 BRAZIL
             11.5.2 ARGENTINA
             11.5.3 REST OF SOUTH AMERICA
     11.6 REST OF THE WORLD 
             11.6.1 MIDDLE EAST
             11.6.2 AFRICA                                          
 
12 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 
     12.1 OVERVIEW 
     12.2 KEY PLAYERS STRATEGIES/ RIGHT TO WIN  
     12.3 REVENUE ANALYSIS (2021 – 2023)   
     12.4 MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS, 2023 
     12.5 COMPANY VALUATION AND FINANCIAL METRICS  
     12.6 BRAND/PRODUCT COMPARISON 
     12.7 COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX: KEY PLAYERS, 2023 
             12.7.1 STARS
             12.7.2 EMERGING LEADERS
             12.7.3 PERVASIVE PLAYERS
             12.7.4 PARTICIPANTS
             12.7.5 COMPANY FOOTPRINT: KEY PLAYERS, 2023
                       12.7.5.1 Company Footprint
                       12.7.5.2 Region Footprint
                       12.7.5.3 Pet Type Footprint
                       12.7.5.4 Product Type Footprint
     12.8 COMPANY EVALUATION MATRIX: STARTUPS/SMES, 2023  
             12.8.1 PROGRESSIVE COMPANIES
             12.8.2 RESPONSIVE COMPANIES
             12.8.3 DYNAMIC COMPANIES
             12.8.4 STARTING BLOCKS
               12.8.5  COMPETITIVE BENCHMARKING: STARTUPS/SMES, 2023
                       12.8.5.1 Detailed list of key start-up/SMEs
                       11.8.5.2 Competitive benchmarking of key start-up/SMEs
     12.9 COMPETITIVE SCENARIO AND TRENDS 
             12.9.1 NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES
             12.9.2 DEALS
             12.9.3 EXPANSIONS
             12.9.4 OTHERS
 
13 COMPANY PROFILES 
     13.1 KEY PLAYERS 
             13.1.1 BLUE BUFFALO COMPANY, LTD. 
             13.1.2 WELLNESS PET, LLC
             13.1.3 SCHELL & KAMPETER, INC. 
             13.1.4 NULO 
             13.1.5 GODADDY OPERATING COMPANY, LLC. 
             13.1.6 CANIDAE 
             13.1.7 NESTLÉ S.A. 
             13.1.8 FARMINA PET FOODS  
             13.1.9 MARS  
               13.1.10 DR. TIM'S PET FOOD COMPANY  
               13.1.11 WYSONG 
               13.1.12 TENDER & TRUE PET 
               13.1.13 PURINA 
               13.1.14 NUTRO 
               13.1.15 SOLID GOLD 
 
14 ADJACENT & RELATED MARKETS 
 
15 APPENDIX 
     15.1 DISCUSSION GUIDE 
     15.2 KNOWLEDGE STORE: MARKETSANDMARKETS’ SUBSCRIPTION PORTAL 
     15.3 AVAILABLE CUSTOMIZATIONS 
     15.4 RELATED REPORTS 
     15.5 AUTHOR DETAILS 

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Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in Grain-Free Pet Foods Market

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