India Pet Treats Market Size and Share
Market Overview
| Study Period | 2021 - 2031 |
|---|---|
| Forecast Data Period | 2026 - 2031 |
| Base Year Market Size (2025) | USD 0.87 Billion |
| Market Size (2026) | USD 0.98 Billion |
| Market Size (2031) | USD 1.68 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2026 - 2031) | 11.32% CAGR |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. | |
India Pet Treats Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The India pet treats market size is projected to increase from USD 0.87 billion in 2025 to USD 0.98 billion in 2026 and reach USD 1.68 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.3% over 2026-2031. The India pet treats market is moving from a limited urban category into a broader consumer segment as pets are treated more like family members across larger cities and a growing number of secondary cities. Demand is widening because buyers are no longer looking only for low-cost reward products, and are now showing stronger interest in formats linked to training, dental care, and ingredient quality. The India pet treats market is also benefiting from wider digital reach, as online retail and quick-delivery models are making premium and functional products easier to access in areas where specialty pet stores are still limited. Competition in the India pet treats market remains top heavy, with established multinational brands holding a strong position while domestic players push harder through local pricing, India-specific formats, and wider channel coverage. The main limits to faster expansion remain household price sensitivity, low awareness outside the largest cities, and the higher cost base of premium products that still rely on imported inputs.
Key Report Takeaways
- By sub-product, crunchy treats held 38% of the India pet treats market in 2025, while freeze-dried and jerky treats are projected to expand at an 18% CAGR during 2026-2031.
- By pets, dogs held 45% of the India pet treats market share in 2025, while cats are forecast to grow at a 15.5% CAGR during 2026-2031.
- By distribution channel, specialty stores captured 40.1% of the India pet treats market size in 2025, while the online channel is set to advance at a 16.8% CAGR during 2026-2031.
Note: Market size and forecast figures in this report are generated using Mordor Intelligence’s proprietary estimation framework, updated with the latest available data and insights as of January 2026.
India Pet Treats Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis*
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rising pet humanization in indian cities | +3.2% | National, with strongest pull from metro and tier 1 cities and rising spillover into tier 2 cities | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Premiumization of treat purchases among indian pet parents | +2.5% | National, strongest in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| E-commerce and quick commerce expanding treat accessibility in india | +2.1% | National, with faster adoption from a low base in tier 2 and tier 3 cities | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Rising demand for functional, dental, and training treats in india | +1.8% | National, with highest early adoption in metro markets through veterinarians and specialty stores | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Veterinary and groomer recommendations influencing treat selection in india | +1.4% | National, with the highest incremental expansion in tier 2 and tier 3 cities | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Wider availability across organized retail and pet specialty channels in india | +1% | National, with stronger influence in cities that have dense clinic networks | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Rising Pet Humanization in Indian Cities
The India pet treats market is benefiting from a steady shift in how urban households view companion animals, especially among households with smaller family structures and younger buyers. Pet ownership is increasingly tied to routine spending choices that go beyond food alone, which is helping commercial treats move into daily care and reward habits. This shift matters because it increases the willingness to buy products that feel safer, more specialized, and better aligned with the role of pets in the household. The India pet treats market is seeing this effect first in metro areas, but the same pattern is now appearing in secondary cities as digital exposure brings new buyers into organized pet care. Humanization also supports more frequent purchase cycles, as treats are used for bonding, training, and preventive care rather than as occasional indulgences alone. As this behavior deepens, the India pet treats market gains a stronger base for premium and functional products that would have been harder to scale in a purely price-led category.
Premiumization of Treat Purchases Among Indian Pet Parents
The India pet treats market is growing in value as premiumization is no longer limited to imported products at the highest end of the price ladder. Buyers are increasingly willing to trade up when products signal better ingredients, cleaner labels, or a clearer role in training and wellness. This matters because treat purchases often serve as the first step in a wider upgrade path, with households that start with premium treats later spending more on broader pet nutrition. The India pet treats market is therefore gaining not only from volume expansion, but also from higher spending per pet owner as format preferences change. Mid-premium products occupy the widest open space because they bridge the gap between mass-crunched treats and the high cost of freeze-dried imports. That makes premiumization one of the most important growth engines for the India pet treats market, especially for brands that can combine trust, product quality, and price access.
E-Commerce and Quick Commerce Expanding Treat Accessibility in India
The India pet treats market is gaining a wider consumer base as digital channels lower the friction around discovery, trial, and repeat purchase. The United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service reported that India’s online grocery market was valued at USD 8.8 billion in 2024 and is forecast to grow by 45% between 2025 and 2030, creating a stronger digital backbone for specialty pet products in more cities[1]Source: Wellness Pet Company, “Which Dental Chews Are Right for Your Dog,” Wellness Pet Food, wellnesspetfood.com. This channel matters because households outside the largest cities can now access organized brands without waiting for a local specialty store network to develop first. Small pack sizes, repeat ordering tools, and fast delivery are also helping buyers test premium formats with less initial commitment. The India pet treats market is likely to continue benefiting from this model, as online channels make it easier for brands to combine education, assortment, and convenience into a single purchase path. Over time, this expands the India pet treats market beyond its traditional metro core and reduces reliance on physical retail density alone.
Rising Demand for Functional, Dental, and Training Treats in India
The India pet treats market is shifting from simple snack consumption toward products that claim a specific benefit, especially in dental care, training support, and targeted nutrition. This is important because functional use cases increase the logic of purchase and make higher price points easier to justify for many households. Dental positioning has become more credible, with products able to point to recognized evaluation standards, and the Veterinary Oral Health Council requires evidence of plaque and tartar reduction before granting its seal of acceptance[2]Source: United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service, “India’s E-Commerce and Quick Commerce Market,” United States Department of Agriculture, apps.fas.usda.gov. Training treats are also gaining relevance as structured pet care, grooming, and behavior routines become more common in urban India. The India pet treats market benefits from this shift because purposeful products tend to support higher frequency use than casual reward items. As more buyers connect treats with prevention and routine care, the India pet treats market should see stronger mix improvement within premium and specialized formats.
Restraints Impact Analysis*
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| High price sensitivity versus local biscuit and snack alternatives in india | -1.50% | National, with the strongest effect in non-metro, tier 3, and rural markets | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Low awareness of ingredient quality and functional benefits among indian buyers | -0.80% | National, with the widest gap outside the top 20 cities | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Dependence on imported premium treats and raw materials in india | -0.70% | National, with the highest exposure in freeze-dried and jerky formats | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Concerns around product safety, label trust, and quality consistency in india | -0.50% | National, with the greatest effect in the unorganized trade channel | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
High Price Sensitivity Versus Local Biscuit and Snack Alternatives in India
The India pet treats market still faces competition from home-based and local snack options that many households see as familiar, visible, and low risk. This is a deeper issue than income alone because many buyers outside major cities do not yet see a clear reason to pay for a commercial treat when a household substitute is already available. The result is that organized brands must justify the extra spend with a visible health, training, or quality message rather than relying solely on lifestyle positioning. The India pet treats market feels this restraint most sharply where specialty retail coverage is still thin, and buyer education is limited. Without advisory support from veterinarians or trained store staff, price becomes the simplest filter in the purchase decision. That keeps conversion slower in the broader India pet treats market, even when availability improves through online channels.
Dependence on Imported Premium Treats and Raw Materials in India
The India pet treats market faces added cost pressure in premium formats because some of the fastest-growing products depend on protein inputs, processing methods, or quality systems that are not yet fully localized. Freeze-dried and jerky formats are expanding quickly, but their economics remain more exposed to imported materials and supply chain complexity than mass crunchy products. That raises retail price floors and makes premium trial harder for households that are still early in the category. The India pet treats market also carries compliance risks, as import procedures, testing expectations, and documentation requirements can lengthen timelines and reduce flexibility for premium launches. Domestic manufacturing investment can ease this pressure over time, but the gap has not closed fully yet. Until local capability scales further, the India pet treats market is likely to see a clear tension between premium demand growth and premium affordability.
*Our forecasts treat driver/restraint impacts as directional, not additive. The impact forecasts reflect baseline growth, mix effects, and variable interactions.
Segment Analysis
By Sub Product: Crunchy Treats Anchor Volume While Freeze-Dried Formats Reshape Growth
Crunchy treats held 38% of segment revenue in 2025, making them the largest sub-product group in the India pet treats market. Their lead rests on broad familiarity, easier shelf placement, and price points that fit a market still building routine treat habits. Crunchy products also work well across supermarkets, specialty stores, and online platforms, helping them maintain volume leadership even as premium formats grow faster. This part of the India pet treats market is still strongly linked to access and affordability, and crunchy treats fit both conditions better than more specialized options. That is why the segment remains the entry point for many first-time commercial treat buyers.
The fastest sub product segment is freeze-dried and jerky treats, which are forecast to grow at an 18% CAGR during 2026-2031 in the India pet treats market. These formats benefit from a strong link to protein quality, lower perceived processing, and training use in urban households. Their growth also signals a wider shift in the India pet treats market from simple reward products toward more premium and purpose-led formats. Dental treats play a different role because they are often supported by store guidance or veterinary recommendations, which makes their value story clearer than that of general snacks. Soft and chewy treats, along with other formats such as Himalayan yak chews and natural novelty chews, add breadth to the India pet treats market by serving buyers who want texture variety, local relevance, or a more specialized reward option.
By Pets: Dog Treats Lead but the Feline Category Accelerates from a Low Base
Dogs accounted for 45% of revenue in 2025, making them the largest pet category in the India pet treats market. This leadership reflects the deeper maturity of dog ownership in organized pet care and the broader range of dog-specific treat formats already available. Dog treats cover mainstream crunchy products, dental formats, jerky strips, and small training bites, giving brands more ways to drive repeat purchases. That product breadth supports a stronger shelf presence and better channel economics across the India pet treats market. It also means dogs remain the core demand base for both value and premium brands.
Cats are the fastest-growing pet segment, with a projected 15.5% CAGR during 2026-2031 in the India pet treats market. Growth is coming from a lower base, giving the feline segment more room to expand as commercial feeding and treat use become more common. This is one of the clearer expansion spaces in the India pet treats market because cat households remain underpenetrated relative to dog households in organized treat consumption. Brands that build palatable, smaller-format, and premium-positioned products for cats are likely to benefit as the category develops. Other pets remain present, but they do not yet have the scale to alter the structure of the India pet treats market within the forecast period.
By Distribution Channel: Specialty Stores Command Trust While Online Redefines Access
Specialty stores captured 40.1% of revenue in 2025, making them the largest channel in the India pet treats market. Their strength comes from buyer trust, a wider assortment, and the ability to explain why one product is different from another. This role matters in a category where ingredient quality, health claims, and product purpose are not yet easy for every buyer to judge on their own. Specialty stores therefore, do more than sell products, because they help shape purchase confidence across the India pet treats market. That confidence is especially important for dental treats, premium jerky, and new functional formats.
The online channel is the fastest-growing route to market, with a projected 16.8% CAGR during 2026-2031 in the India pet treats market. Digital channels expand access in cities where store networks are still thin, and they also support repeat purchases through convenience and deep assortment. The online channel is set to capture a larger share of India pet treats market as discovery shifts toward search, app-based replenishment, and faster delivery. This channel also gives brands a more direct way to educate buyers, test new stock-keeping units, and segment offers by budget or pet type. Supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and other channels still matter, but their roles are more selective and format specific within the India pet treats market.
Geography Analysis
The India pet treats market is a single-country market, but demand is not distributed evenly across locations. Metro cities remain the largest concentration point because they combine higher disposable income, stronger specialty retail coverage, and deeper access to veterinary services. These conditions support premium, dental, and training-oriented products more strongly than price-led rural markets do. The India pet treats market, therefore, still relies heavily on urban centers for category shaping, new product trial, and premium mix development. This urban concentration does not limit national growth, but it does determine where most organized value is created first.
Tier 2 cities are becoming the main expansion layer for the India pet treats market as organized access spreads beyond the traditional metro base. The United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service noted that tier 2 and tier 3 cities account for 60% of India’s online market, indicating that digital commerce can extend category reach well beyond the oldest retail clusters[3]Source: United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service, “India’s E-Commerce and Quick Commerce Market,” United States Department of Agriculture, apps.fas.usda.gov. That matters because these cities do not need to wait for a full specialty store network before buyers can enter organized pet treat consumption. As a result, the India pet treats market is adding new demand through a mix of online discovery, fast delivery, and gradual physical retail expansion. This pattern is likely to create a broader and less metro-dependent growth base over time.
Rural and semi-urban areas remain early stage in the India pet treats market, with home-made or unpackaged alternatives still dominating pet reward habits. Price sensitivity is stronger in these areas, and awareness of ingredient quality or functional benefits remains lower than in major urban centers. Even so, digital touchpoints are beginning to open the category to a wider buyer pool than before. Domestic brands with lower price thresholds, familiar proteins, and regionally relevant communication are better placed to unlock this part of the India pet treats market as it develops.
Competitive Landscape
The India pet treats market remains concentrated in the organized channel, with a small group of large brands and specialist pet care companies setting the pace on distribution, assortment, and premium positioning. Mars, Incorporated continues to hold a strong position in the category through Mars International India Private Limited, supported by deep retail presence and continued manufacturing investment in Telangana, which helps it defend scale in dog treats and dental formats. Nestlé S.A. has taken a dual route in India by supporting its Purina presence while also taking a minority stake in Drools Pet Food Private Limited, which gives it exposure to both premium brand play and a fast-scaling domestic challenger. Drools Pet Food Private Limited has built a strong scale through six manufacturing units, a 1.6 million-square-foot warehousing footprint, and distribution across more than 40,000 retail outlets in India, which keeps it firmly among the most influential organized players in this space. This structure gives the top tier a clear edge in pricing discipline, retailer relationships, and new product visibility.
Allana Pet Solutions Private Limited competes from a different base, with manufacturing depth in high-protein and natural formats that are closely linked to the premium end of the treats category. Its Zaheerabad facility in Telangana has annual capacity of 15,000 metric tons and a direct investment of INR 200 crore, which is USD 24 million, and that capacity gives it room to compete in jerky and natural chew formats with stronger cost control than many smaller brands. Heads Up For Tails Private Limited holds a different kind of influence because it operates as a large organized pet specialty retailer while also supporting own-label treat formats, with more than 100 stores across more than 20 cities and an active franchise push into newer markets. That model gives the company direct visibility into buyer behavior, repeat demand, and premium conversion at the store level. The strongest area of competition now sits in the mid-premium band, where companies are trying to bridge the gap between low-cost crunchy treats and expensive imported freeze-dried formats. This is also where treat claims linked to dental care, natural ingredients, and training use are becoming more important than basic snack positioning.
Recent strategic moves show that the market is moving toward sharper brand identity and wider channel control. Nestlé S.A.’s 2025 minority investment in Drools Pet Food Private Limited strengthened the domestic company’s capital base and signaled rising confidence in India’s organized pet nutrition space, including treats. In September 2025, Allana Pet Solutions Private Limited named Shubman Gill as brand ambassador for its Bowlers brand, which gave the company a stronger consumer-facing platform among younger urban pet parents. In 2026, Dogsee Chew Private Limited moved to expand production capacity, which shows that India-based treat specialists are also scaling fast enough to defend their niche against larger food-led competitors. As a result, the India pet treats market is no longer shaped only by legacy brand strength, because local manufacturing scale, specialty retail control, and focused product claims are now equally important.
India Pet Treats Industry Leaders
Mars, Incorporated
Nestlé S.A.
Drools Pet Food Private Limited
Allana Pet Solutions Private Limited
Heads Up For Tails Private Limited
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Recent Industry Developments
- May 2026: Dogsee Chew, an India-based Himalayan yak chew specialist, secured INR 300 crore, which is USD 35 million, to fund a new factory that will expand monthly production capacity from 100,000 kilograms to 200,000 kilograms, supporting both domestic and export growth in chew treats.
- February 2026: Allana Pet Solutions Private Limited launched Bowlers Champion, an affordable-premium dog nutrition range featuring vet-validated formulations for active and healthy dogs. The launch was positioned to expand the company’s addressable space in the India pet treats sector
- May 2025: Drools Pet Food Private Limited became India’s first pet food unicorn after Nestlé S.A. acquired a minority stake, strengthening the company’s ability to scale its organized pet nutrition portfolio across India, including treat-led categories sold through retail and specialty channels
India Pet Treats Market Report Scope
Pet treats are commercial food products formulated specifically for pets. They are not designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition but are intended for occasional feeding as rewards, during training, or for enjoyment. The India pet treats market report is segmented by sub product (crunchy treats, dental treats, freeze-dried and jerky treats, soft and chewy treats, and other treats, by pets (dogs, cats, and other pets), and by distribution channel (online channel, specialty stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, and other channels). Forecasts are provided in value (USD) and volume (metric tons).
| Crunchy Treats |
| Dental Treats |
| Freeze-Dried and Jerky Treats |
| Soft and Chewy Treats |
| Other Treats |
| Dogs |
| Cats |
| Other Pets |
| Online Channel |
| Specialty Stores |
| Supermarkets/Hypermarkets |
| Convenience Stores |
| Other Channels |
| By Sub Product | Crunchy Treats |
| Dental Treats | |
| Freeze-Dried and Jerky Treats | |
| Soft and Chewy Treats | |
| Other Treats | |
| By Pets | Dogs |
| Cats | |
| Other Pets | |
| By Distribution Channel | Online Channel |
| Specialty Stores | |
| Supermarkets/Hypermarkets | |
| Convenience Stores | |
| Other Channels |
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current outlook for pet treats in India?
The category stands at USD 0.98 million in 2026 and is forecast to reach USD 1.68 million by 2031 at an 11.3% CAGR during 2026-2031.
Which product type leads sales in this category?
Crunchy treats were the largest sub product segment in 2025 with 38% revenue share, which reflects their wider affordability and stronger channel presence.
Which format is expanding the fastest through 2031?
Freeze-dried and jerky treats are projected to grow at an 18% CAGR during 2026-2031, driven by premiumization and stronger use in training occasions.
Which sales channel matters most right now?
Specialty stores led with 40.1% share in 2025 because they offer trust, assortment, and guidance, while online is the fastest-growing channel at 16.8% CAGR during 2026-2031.
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