Vegan Cat Food Market Size, Share Global Analysis Report, 2024 – 2032

Industry Insights

[206+ Pages Report] According to Facts & Factors, the global vegan cat food market size was valued at USD 10.31 billion in 2023 and is predicted to surpass USD 20.27 billion by the end of 2032. The vegan cat food industry is expected to grow by a CAGR of 7.80% between 2024 and 2032.

Market Overview

Vegan cat food is a product well formulated with plant-based products and ingredients to cater to the nutritional demands of cats. These products do not include any animal-derived ingredients like traditional products. These products are made of plant-based protein sources like lentils, peas, chickpeas, soya, and wheat gluten to offer a complete amino profile to cats. Also, vegan cat food contains supplements like vitamin B12, vitamin D3, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vitamins to cater to the nutritional requirements of the pets.

Additionally, these products offer digestibility and palatability of food among cat pets. As cats are carnivorous animals and therefore customizing products according to their specific needs is a little complex task, but manufacturers are incorporating ingredients to improve digestibility.

Key Insights

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global vegan cat food market size is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 7.80% over the forecast period (2024-2032).
• In terms of revenue, the global vegan cat food market size was valued at around USD 10.31 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 20.27 billion by 2032.
• Humanization of pets is driving the growth of the global vegan cat food market.
• Based on the packaging type, the bag segment is growing at a high rate and is projected to dominate the global market.
• Based on the distribution channels, the store-based retailing segment is projected to swipe the largest market share.
• Based on the age group, the adult segment is expected to dominate the global market.
• Based on the product type, the kibble segment is expected to dominate the global market.
• Based on region, North America is expected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Growth Drivers

• Humanization of pets is driving the growth of the global market.

The shift in the mentality of people towards their cat pets is revolutionizing the market. Today, there is nothing people are not willing to do for their pets. Therefore, the growing humanization of pets is a major factor contributing to the growth of the global vegan cat food market.

Furthermore, pet owners are highly concerned about the well-being of their cats and, therefore, adopt vegan cat food, which is viewed as a healthier alternative. Growing awareness among people regarding the health benefits of veganism is also positively impacting the growth trajectory of the industry.

There is a significant increase in the demand for plant-based alternatives fuelled by animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations. Also, the fast expansion of vegan lifestyles all across the globe is a primary reason for extending vegan lifestyles to pets. A growing number of pet owners are finding similar vegan options for their cats.

For instance, Aistra came up with its new plant-based pet store in 2020. It is an India-based store and is known for offering healthy snacks for pets.

Restraints

• High cost and nutrition concerns are likely to hamper the growth of the global market.

Cats are carnivore animals, and therefore, their dietary requirements are different from herbivores. People view vegan cat food as less nutritious in amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. Many veterinarians and pet owners are raising concerns regarding the nutritional adequacy of these products, which is expected to slow down the growth of the vegan cat food industry. Also, vegan cat food is priced a little higher than traditional food products, which is another major reason for deterring price-sensitive consumers.

Opportunities

• Innovations in formulation are expected to foster growth opportunities in the global market.

Manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development activities to come up with innovations in formulations. Advancements in pet nutrition science are leading to the production of high-quality vegan cat food, which caters to the nutritional requirements of the cat food. These formulations do not include any animal-based ingredients.

These advanced formulations improve the digestibility, palatability, and nutritional adequacy of vegan cat food, thereby making it more attractive and nutritious. For instance, Cult Food Science came up with a unique profile of cat treats in the name of the Noochies sub-brand in October 2023. The products are made of nutritional yeast and are mostly freeze-dried.

Challenges

• Digestibility and palatability are a big challenge in the global market.

Vegan ingredients used in plant cat food formulations are less digestible and therefore, it is a big challenge in the global vegan cat food market. The digestibility issues like bloating, gas, or diarrhea irritate pets and pet owners. Additionally, cats are less receptive to vegan food, taste, and texture, which again poses a huge challenge in the industry.

Segmentation Analysis

The global vegan cat food market can be segmented into packaging type, distribution channel, age group, product type, and region.

By Packaging Type Insights

On the basis of packaging type, the market can be segmented into bottles & jars, cans, tubs & cups, folding cartons, bags, pouches, and others. The bag segment accounts for the largest share of the vegan cat food industry. Bags are convenient packaging formats, especially for storing and handling pet food. These are stackable items and light in weight.

Additionally, these bags come with resealable closures, which help users maintain freshness. Also, bags come in different sizes. They were ideal for packing different quantities of pet food, which suits both multi-cat and single-cat households. Bag packaging is more cost-effective as compared to jars or cans. Moreover, this packaging format is eco-friendly and aligns with the goal of a sustainable environment.

By Distribution Channel Insights

On the basis of distribution channels, the market can be segmented into online retailers and store-based retail. The store-based retailing segment can further be bifurcated into drug stores, independent grocery, retailers, discounters, pet stores, mom-and-pop stores, convenience stores, and hypermarkets. The store-based segment is likely to dominate the global vegan cat food market during the forecast period. People prefer to buy pet food from physical stores because of the opportunity to check the products physically before making a purchase decision. Physical stores offer freshness assurance to customers.

Moreover, physical stores offer immediate availability of products, thereby allowing consumers to get the product immediately, particularly in times of urgent need without any waiting time. Physical store staff acts as personalized assistants, thereby guiding people in choosing the right product on the basis of the dietary needs of their cats.

By Age Group Insights

On the basis of age group, the market can be segmented into adults and kittens. Adult cat food is the fastest-growing segment in the vegan cat food industry. One of the major factors for the high growth rate of the segment is the larger consumer base. The adult cat food segment holds a larger customer base when compared to the kitchen segment.

The market size holds immense growth potential. Additionally, the changing demographics, like the constantly growing number of adult cat pets, are also expected to propel the growth of the segment in the coming years. Also, stable demand from the segment because of the more focused dietary needs of adult cats is anticipated to positively impact the growth of the segment.

By Product Type Insights

On the basis of product type, the market can be segmented into freeze-dried food, frozen, powder, wet food, freeze-dried raw, treats & chews, dehydrated food, kibble, and others. The kibble segment is projected to witness significant developments in the global vegan cat food market. Manufacturers are coming up with unique formulations that not only offer basic nutritional requirements but also added health benefits.

Products like omega-3 fatty acid skin probiotics for digestive health and joint-supporting supplements as some of the products well infused with functional ingredients. Also, the growing interest of people in personalized formulations is expected to positively impact the growth trajectory of the segment.

Report Scope

Regional Analysis

• North America to dominate the global market.

North America accounts for the largest share of the global vegan cat food market during the forecast period. The growing interest of people in environmental and ethical concerns because of animal-based pet food production is one of the major factors driving the growth of the regional market. Pet owners in the region are looking forward to healthy plant-based alternatives for their cats to extend their lifestyle choices to pets.

Another major factor positively impacting the growth trajectory of the regional market is the ongoing product innovations. Manufacturers in the region are coming up with different food options that cater to the nutritional requirements of cats without the inclusion of animal-based ingredients.

Vegan cat pet food options contain protein sources from lentils, peas, chickpeas, and others with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, taurine, and vitamin D. Vegan cat food products are expanding fast through different distribution channels in the region like natural food stores, mainstream supermarkets, specialty pet owners’ stores, and many others. Such an increased accessibility of vegan pet products is contributing significantly to the high growth rate of the regional market.

Asia Pacific is another major region expected to witness significant growth in the coming years. Growing awareness among people regarding the health benefits of a vegetarian diet is propelling the demand for vegan cat foods in the market. Increasing adoption of the Western lifestyle in the region is also propelling the demand. Urbanization, increasing disposable income of people, and growing exposure to global trends are some of the major factors positively impacting the growth trajectory of the regional market.

Additionally, the increasing number of international brands entering the regional market, particularly ones with organic and natural products, is likely to contribute to the regional market's high growth rate. These companies are expanding their operations in the region because of its high growth potential in the coming years. For instance, Nestle Purina PetCare exposed its plan of acquiring a pet factory in Miami in February 2023. The stores are expanded across North America and produce dog and cat treats.

Competitive Analysis

The key players in the global vegan cat food market include:

• Dr. Good Pet
• Nature's Diet
• Eco Dog and Cats
• Cannapple
• Evolution Diet
• My Aistra
• Nature's Recipe
• Evanger's Dog & Cat Food
• Wysong
• Benevo

For instance, Temptations expanded its product portfolio by introducing Temptation Dried Cat Food in March 2032. This completely new line of meals is a blend of creamy and crunchy pockets.

The global vegan cat food market is segmented as follows:

By Packaging Type Segment Analysis

• Bottles & Jars
• Cans
• Tubs & Cups
• Folding Cartons
• Bags
• Pouches
• Others

By Distribution Channel Segment Analysis

• Online Retailers
• Store-Based Retail

By Age Group Segment Analysis

• Adults
• Kittens

By Product Type Segment Analysis

• Freeze-Dried Food
• Frozen
• Powder
• Wet Food
• Freeze-Dried Raw
• Treats & Chews
• Dehydrated Food
• Kibble
• Others

By Regional Segment Analysis

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• The Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Egypt
  • Kuwait
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America