India Pet Food Market: D2C Growth & $4.6B Forecast

India’s pet food market is experiencing a breakout phase, projected to exceed $4.6 billion by 2034, driven by increased pet ownership and a shift towards premium, specialized nutrition.

With over 30 million urban households owning pets, the sector reached $2.5 billion in 2025. This growth is fueled by pet parents treating their animals as family members, willing to spend on tailored nutrition, according to Akshay Mahendru, CEO of petcare brand Nootie.

D2C brands are finding opportunities by addressing demands for transparency and quality, with pet parents increasingly scrutinizing ingredient labels. Sneh Sharma, cofounder and CMO of Dogsee Chew, notes that Indian D2C brands are capitalizing on this trend.

Key factors aiding D2C sector growth include functional agility, enabling quick product innovation, and better customer retention through predictable reorder cycles and emotional brand connections. Brands are also exploring bundling and subscription models to enhance customer lifetime value.

However, white labeling is prevalent, lowering entry barriers. Authentic D2C brands differentiate through proprietary formulations and transparent ingredient sourcing, as consumers become more discerning, according to Nootie’s Mahendru.

Quick commerce is emerging as a battleground, requiring brands to optimize pack sizes and unit economics. Brands relying solely on platforms like Amazon or Blinkit face risks from algorithm changes or private label launches. Building direct customer relationships and omnichannel strategies is crucial for long-term success, Mahendru added.

Regulatory clarity remains a challenge, with evolving FSSAI frameworks and a lack of AAFCO-equivalent nutritional standards. Brands are investing in international certifications to provide assurance domestically, according to Dogsee Chew’s Sharma.

As the market matures, brand trust, product quality, and distribution will define winners, shifting from hype to structure.