According to a report by Grand View Research, the global pet food market was valued at $103.3 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow to $139.29 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4%. Inflation poses the biggest challenge to the growth of the global pet food market. In March 2023, pet food prices in America rose 15.1% year-over-year. The drastic change in pet food prices prompted many owners to give away their pets.
Pet owners want options that are balanced and nutritious when choosing the right food for their pets. Growing concerns and awareness regarding the health of pets have prompted the demand for organic options as well. Organic pet food uses all-natural ingredients alongside essential probiotics and antioxidants. However, the organic pet food industry is in its budding phase—using organic ingredients results in a higher price. The higher price has limited the penetration and growth of this segment in the industry.
The pet food market was dominated by North America in 2023. North America had a revenue share of 42.87% in 2023. The humanization of pets has created more awareness of using the best products. Pet owners make conscious decisions regarding the type of food they feed their pets and what ingredients go into it. In 2023, Europe had the second largest revenue share after North America, at 30%. These regions have also been forecasted to grow persistently during the forecast period.
The global pet food market was dominated by dog food during 2023, which held a 42.1% revenue share. The growing adoption of dogs is the driving factor for this large market share. Dog owners generally prefer dry dog food. It is cost-effective, helps dogs maintain good oral health, and has a relatively longer shelf life.
Leading Companies in the Pet Food Industry
Central Garden & Pet Co (NASDAQ:CENT) is one of the most prominent companies in the pet food industry. Central Garden & Pet Co (NASDAQ:CENT) has a wide range of products ranging from edible bones, premium healthy edible and non-edible chews, super premium dog food, and treats. On November 3, the company announced that it acquired TDBBS, LLC from Bregal Partners. The acquisition will help add premium natural dog chews and treats to the company's portfolio. TDBBS is renowned for its bully sticks. Furthermore, TDBBS was launched as a digitally native brand. The acquisition is also expected to facilitate Central Garden & Pet Co (NASDAQ:CENT) in expanding its eCommerce and digital capabilities.
Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN) is another renowned pet food brand. The company is focused on making products and solutions to enhance animal health, including those related to dog food. On September 7, Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN) announced the launch of the first shipments of Varenzin-CA1 to veterinary clinics across the US. The Varenzin-CA1 has been conditionally approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The treatment by Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN) will be used to control non-regenerative anemia in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
PURINA Petcare is one of the most notable brands in the pet food industry. PURINA Petcare is a subsidiary of Nestle SA (SWX:NESN). The American subsidiary of Nestle SA (SWX:NESN) is based in St. Louis, Missouri. The PURINA Petcare portfolio of Nestle SA (SWX:NESN) has many brands including PURINA ONE and Pro Plan. On December 6, PURINA Petcare announced the launch of their EverRoot Dog Supplements Soft Chews. The soft chew supplements have been made in collaboration with Laila Ali, brand CEO of LailaAliLifestyle.com. The supplements include quality ingredients sourced from a variety of locations. The supplements are available both in-store and online.
Pet food companies are manufacturing a wide range of products that can help cater to the needs of every pet owner. We have made a list of the highest quality dog food to keep your pup happy and healthy so that you can make the best decision for your pet.
15 Highest Quality Dog Food To Keep Your Pup Happy and Healthy
15 Highest Quality Dog Food To Keep Your Pup Happy and Healthy
Our Methodology
To make our list of the highest quality dog food to keep your pup happy and healthy, we used a consensus methodology and consulted four sources including Forbes, listsforall, dogfoodadvisor, and CNBC. We only included items that appeared in at least 2/4 of the sources. We narrowed down our picks based on the average of their individual rankings in our sources. To calculate the average ranking, we added the individual ranks of each item in our sources and divided that by the number of sources the item appeared in. The list has been arranged in descending order of the calculated average ranks.
15 Highest Quality Dog Food To Keep Your Pup Happy and Healthy
15. Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dog
Number Of Mentions: 2
Average Ranking Across Sources: 14.5
Diamond Naturals dry food for adult dogs uses quality ingredients to keep your pup happy and healthy. It is available at varying price ranges for formulas including beef and rice, lamb, and beef, pea, and brown rice formulas.
14. IAMS Minichunks Adult Dry Dog Food
Number Of Mentions: 2
Average Ranking Across Sources: 12
IAMS minichunks adult dry dog food uses farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient. The IAMS dog food is a popular choice as it provides a balanced and healthy meal. The price varies depending on the size of the bag, with a 15-pound bag costing around $20 and a 30-pound bag costing around $30.
13. Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food
Number Of Mentions: 2
Average Ranking Across Sources: 11
Blue Buffalo dry dog food is one of the highest quality dog foods to keep your pup happy and healthy. The blue buffalo dry dog food uses meat-first recipes that contain real chicken as the primary protein source.
12. Nature's Logic Dry Dog Food
Number Of Mentions: 2
Average Ranking Across Sources: 11
Nature's Logic dry dog food provides complete nutrition for pups with all-natural ingredients. It has grain-inclusive and grain-free options as well. The food is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
11. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food
Number Of Mentions: 2
Average Ranking Across Sources: 8
Purina Pro Plan puppy food has been specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of puppies. The nutrition-dense formula helps puppies in vision and muscle development.
10. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Dog Food
Number Of Mentions: 2
Average Ranking Across Sources: 7
Purina Pro Plan sensitive skin and stomach dog food is high-quality to keep your pup happy and healthy. The formula is available in different life stages and breed sizes.
9. Purina ONE Dry Dog Food
Number Of Mentions: 2
Average Ranking Across Sources: 5.5
Purina ONE dry dog food is a high-quality dog food that provides complete nutrition for adult dogs. The price of Purina ONE dry dog food varies depending on the size of the bag and the specific formula.
8. Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food
Number Of Mentions: 2
Average Ranking Across Sources: 5.5
Wellness Complete Health dry dog food uses premium ingredients to give your pup a healthy and balanced diet. Adult deboned chicken and oatmeal recipes are some of the popular recipes in the product line.
7. Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
Number Of Mentions: 2
Average Ranking Across Sources: 5
Hill's Science Diet puppy small bites dry dog food is one of the highest quality dog foods to keep your pup happy and healthy. The food is available on websites including Amazon and Petco.
6. Red Barn Whole Grain Land Recipe Dog Food
Number Of Mentions: 2
Average Ranking Across Sources: 4
Red Barn is one of the best dog foods available in the market and has a high meat content. It contains beef, lamb, pork meal, and oatmeal. The price of a 4-pound bag is $21.99.
