Global pet treats market set to reach US$58.7B by 2031

GLOBAL – The global pet treats market is projected to grow from US$38.4 billion in 2026 to US$58.71 billion by 2031, driven by pet humanisation, rising spending on animal care and growing demand for functional treats targeting specific health and wellness needs.

According to a new report from MarketsandMarkets, the market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.9% between 2026 and 2031.

Pet owners are increasingly seeking treats made with natural ingredients, clean-label formulations and transparent sourcing. 

The report said demand is also shifting beyond traditional reward products towards treats designed to support digestion, immune health, dental care, skin and coat health and stress management.

Manufacturers are responding with products including jerky, freeze-dried treats, dental chews, soft treats, natural chews and functional wellness products.

Functional treats drive product development

Jerky and meat-based treats are expected to remain the largest product segment, supported by demand for high-protein and minimally processed products.

Freeze-dried treats are forecast to be the fastest-growing manufacturing process, as processing technologies increasingly focus on preserving nutritional value while meeting demand for less processed pet products.

Dogs are expected to remain the largest pet segment, with treats increasingly used for training, behaviour reinforcement, enrichment, dental care and functional nutrition.

Immune support is forecast to be the fastest-growing functional segment. 

Products incorporating prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and botanical ingredients are gaining attention as owners place greater emphasis on preventive pet health.

Animal-based ingredients are expected to maintain the largest share of the ingredient market, with chicken, beef, turkey, duck, lamb, fish and organ meats commonly used in formulations.

E-commerce is also projected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel as online platforms increase access to specialised pet products.

Asia-Pacific is expected to record the fastest market growth through 2031. 

MarketsandMarkets attributed this to rising disposable incomes, urbanisation, increasing pet ownership and greater awareness of pet health and nutrition in markets including China, Japan, Australia, South Korea and India.

Companies expand pet treat portfolios

The market outlook is already reflected in product development by pet food and animal nutrition companies.

In recent months, Cosmopet has expanded its pet treat distribution into Jordan and extended its insect-based Cosmocat liquid treats range in the UAE. 

Godrej Pet Care has also expanded its pet nutrition portfolio to include wet food, treats and cat food.

Sustainable proteins are another area of innovation. 

Enifer and Rovio launched a dog treat using PEKILO protein, while NRGene Canada introduced MaxBites, premium pet treats made from black soldier fly larvae.

The trend also extends beyond companion animals. 

The expansion of functional treats could create further opportunities for feed and pet food manufacturers to develop products that combine palatability with targeted nutritional benefits.

As pet owners increasingly treat companion animals as family members, the report suggests that treats are moving from occasional rewards towards products that form part of everyday nutrition and preventive health routines.

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