Dog or cat food for retail sale market in United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. market for dog and cat food experienced fluctuating volumes but consistent value growth from 2018 to 2022. Production in kind declined from 11 632 thousand tons in 2018 to 10 433 thousand tons in 2022, while the market's value increased from $23 538 million to $27 119 million. A key driver was the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which led to a surge in pet adoptions and boosted demand, temporarily reversing the volume downturn. The ongoing humanization of pets, with owners seeking premium and specialized nutrition, provided a steady foundation for value growth throughout the period.

After 2020, market volume resumed its decline, yet value continued to rise. This divergence was primarily caused by rising costs for key ingredients like poultry and seafood, alongside broader economic inflation, which pushed consumer prices upward. The trend toward natural, grain-free, and functional diets further accelerated the shift to higher-priced segments. Major companies responded by expanding production capacity, with new facilities opening in 2022 to meet demand for these premium products.

Structural shifts also influenced the market landscape. Cat ownership grew at a faster rate than dog ownership, increasing demand for cat-specific formulations. The snacks and treats segment expanded significantly, driven by innovation from leading brands. Regulatory emphasis on traceability and labeling remained stable. In 2023, significant industry consolidation occurred, exemplified by Mars Petcare's acquisition of Champion Petfoods, highlighting continued investment and innovation within the sector.

Production dog or cat food for retail sale in United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2019, the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, produced 11 392 thousand metric tons of dog or cat food for retail sale, marking the lowest output in recent years with a 2.1% decline. Production rebounded in 2020, reaching 12 196 thousand metric tons, a 7.1% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 6.8%, averaging an annualized growth rate of 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, the value of dog or cat food production for retail sale in the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, experienced a slight decline of 0.8%. However, by 2020, output surged to 25 150 million US dollars, reflecting a 5.6% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 8.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports dog or cat food for retail sale from United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of dog or cat food for retail sale from the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, have grown for three consecutive years. In 2019, export volume stood at a lower level, but by 2020, it reached 836.3 thousand metric tons, a 7.2% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports expanded by 23%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the leading destination for US exports of dog or cat food for retail sale, accounting for 44.5% of export volume. Japan followed with 7.7%, and Mexico with 6.3%. Together, these three countries represented 58.5% of total export flows from the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of dog or cat food exports for retail sale from the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, has increased for three straight years. In 2020, exports totaled 1 725 million US dollars, up 5.8% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 24.8%, with an annualized rate of 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada remained the top buyer of US dog or cat food for retail sale in value terms, holding a 46.9% share of exports. Japan accounted for 7.6%, and Mexico for 6.2%. Collectively, these three markets made up 60.6% of total export value from the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in value, 2017-2020

Imports dog or cat food for retail sale to United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2019, imports of dog or cat food for retail sale into the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, saw a 2.9% decline. However, imports rebounded strongly in 2020, reaching 292.4 thousand metric tons, an 18.1% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import volume rose by 32.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the largest source of dog or cat food imports for the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, contributing 42.0% of import volume. Thailand followed with 30.3%, and China with 8.8%. Together, these three countries supplied 81.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of dog or cat food for retail sale into the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, have grown for three consecutive years. In 2020, import value reached 1 232 million US dollars, a substantial 20.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value surged by 46.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand was the primary supplier of dog or cat food for retail sale to the United States, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, accounting for 33.7% of import value. Canada contributed 24.7%, and China 16.4%. These three countries jointly represented 74.9% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to United States of America, including Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands in value, 2017-2020