Indian startups have always felt the empathy of the potholes in pet food and accessories industry. This will give a new direction to the existing companies to develop their products. Probably, pet are the loveliest creatures ever made by god. A prover seems to be true- ?€?Owning a pet equals the world?€?. And yes, this feeling can only be understood if you are fortunate enough to be a pet parent. So, for what we are waiting? From the loneliest difficult times to the most memorable moments, our companion always cherishes us with its wiggly furry gestures. That?€™s why many people outside India tend to adopt pets instead of raising a kid!! But the scenario in India is different. In India, pets were owned as a status symbol by the kings and luxury men but the modern India changed its perspective on Pet raising. Pets are largely owned by the people who feel lonely in their homes or who lack behind the entertainment, affection and love. Probably, senior citizens of India have also started adopting pets as their children started living abroad or they tend to leave their parents and leave in a nuclear family.
According to the research report "India Pet Grooming Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the India Pet Grooming market is anticipated to grow at more than 28% CAGR from 2023 to 2028. The major pets adopted in India are the dogs as they are friendly and faithful enough. But the girls choose to adopt cats because pussy cats always amuse them. Still, al larger proportion of Indians adopt other pets such as birds, fishes, tortoise and turtles. Whether the pet may be dog, cat, or any other, the Indian market will show growth in pet care products such as pet foods and pet accessories. Whilst pet foods have became a necessity as they are available in different forms, flavours and cuisines, pet accessories have also gained a consistent growth in Indian market. According to a survey, pet accessories are the most demanded products,So much of love for the pubs. According to Vedant Pandya, Research Analyst at Bonafide Research, ?€?India is a country with unity in diversity and pets are also an important part of the demographics. The global trends have always led the Indian to buy new products and accept the global changes. In the same way, people are attracting towards the pet adoption and pet food & accessories being the necessity, market will see a fruitful growth in future. Moreover, many startups are launched which makes pet foods and accessories which have became a center of attraction in India.?€? Startups have always changed the stream of the markets by introducing new products which are beneficial for the pets. Startup such as Doggie?€™s Dabba is a Delhi-based company which makes delicious pet food as per the requirement. The company EDEM.3DEM, founded by Sai Sandesh Makam is a pet service company which makes 3D model and printing services for the pets. The company makes Key chains, Magnets, belts and their most favorite product- pet tags!! The company offers customized dog tags with the doggie or the hooman?€™s name on it and yes, they are ?€?Pawfect?€™ choice for your pets. The Heads up for Tails designs the pet accessories based on the liking or disliking of the pet. Their product list consists of the complete range of products such as fashionable dog collars, tags, beds, Leashes and muzzles, chains, dog belts, etc.
The Indian pet food market is segmented by product type into dry food, wet food, treats & snacks, and others, with dry food dominating the market. Dry pet food is preferred due to its convenience, longer shelf life, and affordability. It provides essential nutrition while being easy to store and serve. Wet food, though gaining popularity, is mainly used as a supplementary diet due to its higher cost. Treats and snacks are emerging as a fast-growing segment, driven by the rising trend of pet humanization, where owners treat pets as family members and indulge them with premium products. The demand for functional treats, such as those aiding digestion, dental health, and joint support, is also increasing. Consumers are becoming more aware of the importance of balanced nutrition for pets, leading to a shift toward premium and organic pet food options. Brands are focusing on product innovation, incorporating natural ingredients and customized diets based on pet age and breed. The growing influence of global pet food trends and increasing disposable income among pet owners are further fueling diversification within the product type segment.
Dogs dominate the Indian pet food market, accounting for the largest share due to their popularity as household pets. The growing adoption of dogs, particularly in urban areas, has fueled the demand for specialized dog food catering to different breeds, sizes, and health conditions. Cats are the second-largest segment, with increasing ownership in metropolitan regions due to their low-maintenance nature. The demand for nutritionally balanced cat food is growing as pet owners become more informed about feline dietary needs. Other pet categories, including fish, birds, and small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs, have a smaller but steadily expanding market. The rising interest in exotic pets is also contributing to the demand for species-specific food formulations. Companies are introducing tailored products such as high-protein diets for active dogs, grain-free options for sensitive pets, and wet food variants for cats. The pet food industry is witnessing a shift from generic formulations to scientifically designed diets, ensuring better health and longevity for pets. As pet ownership continues to rise across different demographics, the market is expected to see further diversification in product offerings.
The Indian pet food market is distributed through various sales channels, including specialty pet stores, supermarkets/hypermarkets, veterinary clinics, and online platforms. Specialty pet stores and supermarkets contribute significantly to sales, as they offer a wide range of products with expert guidance from store staff. However, online sales have witnessed rapid growth due to convenience, competitive pricing, and a wider product assortment. E-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, and pet-specific online stores have expanded accessibility to premium and international pet food brands. Subscription-based models and doorstep delivery services further boost online pet food sales. Veterinary clinics also play a crucial role in the market, particularly for prescription-based pet food catering to pets with specific dietary needs or medical conditions. The rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands is another emerging trend, allowing companies to sell premium pet food through their websites, offering personalized nutrition plans. With urbanization, busy lifestyles, and increasing digital penetration, the shift toward online sales is expected to continue, making it one of the fastest-growing distribution channels in India?€™s pet food market.