The global pet treats market is projected to grow from US$38.4 billion in 2026 to US$58.71 billion by 2031, a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%, according to a report from MarketsandMarkets. The firm attributed the growth to increasing pet ownership, the humanization of pets, higher consumer spending on pet care and demand for premium products marketed as supporting pets' health and well-being.
MarketsandMarkets said pet owners are becoming more selective about the products they buy, driving demand for treats with functional benefits, natural ingredients, clean-label formulations and greater ingredient transparency. The report also cited growing awareness of preventive pet health care as a factor encouraging owners to incorporate treats into pets' daily routines to address specific health and wellness needs.
According to the report, the pet treats market has expanded beyond traditional reward-based products, with consumers seeking treats formulated to support digestion, skin and coat health, dental hygiene, immune function, stress management and overall wellness. Manufacturers are responding with product development across jerky treats, freeze-dried treats, dental chews, soft and chewy treats, natural chews and functional wellness treats, the report said.
MarketsandMarkets noted that processing technologies including freeze-drying, air-drying and cold processing are allowing manufacturers to preserve nutritional value while meeting demand for less processed products.
Key figures
- Market size, 2026: US$38.4 billion
- Market forecast, 2031: US$58.71 billion
- Growth rate: CAGR of 8.9% (2026-2031)
- Largest product type: jerky and meat-based treats
- Fastest-growing manufacturing process: freeze-dried
- Fastest-growing distribution channel: e-commerce
- Largest pet type segment: dogs
- Fastest-growing function: immune support
- Largest ingredient source: animal-based
- Fastest-growing region: Asia-Pacific
Segment findings
By product type, jerky and meat-based treats are expected to hold the largest share of the market, which MarketsandMarkets attributed to consumer preference for high-protein, natural and minimally processed treats.
By pet type, dogs are expected to account for the largest share of the market, tied to treat use for training, behavior reinforcement, enrichment, dental care and functional nutrition.
By function, immune support is expected to be the fastest-growing segment, driven by demand for treats formulated with prebiotics, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and botanical ingredients.
By ingredient source, animal-based treats are expected to hold the largest share of the market. The report cited ingredients including chicken, beef, turkey, duck, lamb, fish and organ meats as commonly used in treat formulations.
Regional findings
Asia-Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period, according to the report. MarketsandMarkets cited rising disposable incomes, economic development, urbanization, increasing pet ownership and growing awareness of pet health and nutrition as factors in the region's growth. The report named China, Japan, Australia, South Korea and India as countries seeing increased adoption of companion animals.
The report also cited the expansion of organized retail, specialty pet stores, veterinary channels and online retail platforms as improving product accessibility in the region.
Companies named
MarketsandMarkets identified the following companies as active in the pet treats market: Nestlé Purina PetCare (Switzerland), Mars, Incorporated and its Affiliates (US), General Mills Inc. (US), The J.M. Smucker Company (US), Colgate-Palmolive (US), Wellness Pet Company LLC (US), Spectrum Brands (US), Simmons Pet Food (US), Freshpet (Netherlands), Stella & Chewy's (US), Virbac (France), Fromm Family Foods, LLC (US), Vital Essentials (US), PureBites (US) and Central Garden & Pet (US).
