Freeze-Dried Pet Food Market Report, By Pet Type (Cat, Dog and Others), By Nature (Organic, Conventional), By Source (Animal Derived, Plant Derived and Insect Derived), By Process Type (100% freeze-dried, Partly freeze-dried) By Sales Channel (Offline Sales Channel, Online Sales Channel) and Regions 2024-2032

Market Overview:

"The global freeze-dried pet food market was valued at US$ 1.2 Billion in 2023 and is expected to register a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period and reach US$ 2.2 Bn in 2032."

Report Attributes	Details
Base Year	2023
Forecast Years	2024-2032
Historical Years	2021-2023
Market Growth Rate (2024-2032)	7.1%

Freeze-dried pet food undergoes a preservation method that removes moisture while maintaining the food's nutritional value, taste, and texture. This process involves freezing the food at extremely low temperatures and then using a vacuum to sublimate the ice, converting it directly from solid to gas without becoming liquid. Consequently, freeze-dried pet food retains its raw nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, making it a convenient, long-lasting, and lightweight alternative to conventional pet foods. Pet owners often prefer it for its minimal processing and natural preservation, offering a diet similar to what pets would consume in their natural environment.

The freeze-dried pet food market is experiencing notable growth, fueled by rising pet ownership and a growing demand for high-quality, nutritious pet food options. Pet owners are increasingly choosing freeze-dried products for their convenience, long shelf life, and ability to preserve the nutritional value, flavor, and texture of raw food. This market trend is also supported by heightened awareness of pet health and wellness, leading to a preference for minimally processed, natural diets. Advances in freeze-drying technology and a diverse range of products tailored to various dietary needs and preferences are further driving market expansion. Leading companies are focusing on product diversification and strategic marketing to attract a broader consumer base.

Freeze-Dried Pet Food Market Trends and Drivers:

The freeze-dried pet food market is experiencing notable trends, including a rising demand for high-quality, minimally processed, and nutritious options. Pet owners are increasingly choosing freeze-dried products for their convenience, long shelf life, and preservation of raw food's nutritional integrity. Advances in freeze-drying technology are improving product quality and variety, meeting diverse dietary needs and preferences. There is also a growing emphasis on natural and organic pet food, driven by increased awareness of pet health and wellness. Companies are strategically diversifying their products and enhancing marketing efforts to capture a larger share of this growing market.

Freeze-Dried Pet Food Restraining Factors:

Despite the rising popularity of freeze-dried pet food, several factors restrain its market growth. The high cost of freeze-drying technology leads to premium prices, making these products less accessible compared to traditional pet foods. Concerns about the safety and handling of raw ingredients, with potential contamination and health risks for pets, also pose challenges. Limited availability in certain regions and a lack of consumer awareness about the benefits of freeze-dried pet food further impede market expansion. Additionally, the complexity of the freeze-drying process can restrict production capacity, affecting the supply chain and overall market penetration.

Freeze-Dried Pet Food Market Opportunities:

The freeze-dried pet food market offers numerous growth opportunities. Increasing consumer awareness about pet health and nutrition is boosting demand for high-quality, minimally processed pet foods, fostering a market for premium freeze-dried options. Advancements in freeze-drying technology are allowing for a broader range of products to meet diverse dietary needs and preferences. The growing interest in natural and organic pet foods further expands market potential. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales channels provides opportunities to reach a wider audience. Companies can leverage these trends by developing innovative products, enhancing marketing efforts, and expanding distribution networks to capture a larger share of the market.

Freeze-Dried Pet Food Market Segmentation:

By Pet Type

• Cat
• Dog
• Others

The pet type segment is categorised into cat, dog and others. Among these, the dog food emerges as the predominant pet type sub-segment, surpassing both cats and other pets. This dominance is fueled by several factors, including the larger market size for dog food, the perception of freeze-dried food as a premium option appealing to pet owners seeking high-quality nutrition for their dogs, and the wider variety of freeze-dried dog food products available compared to those for cats or other pets. As a result, the dog food sub-segment holds a substantial share of the freeze-dried pet food market, with strong growth prospects anticipated to continue.

By Nature

• Organic
• Conventional

The nature segment is categorised into organic and conventional. Among these, the organic sub-segment is emerging as the dominant force, surpassing the conventional sub-segment. This trend is propelled by a growing consumer preference for natural and organic products, driven by concerns for pet health and well-being. Organic freeze-dried pet food is viewed as a healthier and safer choice, free from artificial additives and pesticides. Moreover, organic pet food aligns with the broader trend of embracing organic and sustainable lifestyles, further enhancing its appeal. Consequently, the organic sub-segment is poised to sustain its growth momentum, outpacing the conventional sub-segment in the freeze-dried pet food market.

By Source

• Animal Derived
• Plant Derived
• Insect Derived

The source segment is categorised into animal derived, plant derived and insect derived. Among these, the animal-derived sources currently hold the upper hand, outpacing both plant-derived and insect-derived options. This dominance stems from the traditional preference of pet owners for animal-based proteins, which are perceived as more familiar and beneficial for pets' health. Additionally, animal-derived ingredients are often favored for their higher protein content, a key consideration for many pet owners looking to provide a balanced diet for their pets. Despite the growing interest in plant-derived and insect-derived alternatives, particularly among environmentally conscious consumers, the sub-segment featuring animal-derived sources continues to maintain a significant share of the freeze-dried pet food market.

By Process Type

• 100% freeze-dried
• Partly freeze-dried

The process type segment is categorised into 100% freeze-dried, and partly freeze-dried. Among these, the 100% freeze-dried products are currently the dominant sub segment, surpassing partly freeze-dried options. This dominance is propelled by several factors, including the belief among pet owners that 100% freeze-dried products retain more nutrients and flavors compared to their partly freeze-dried counterparts. Moreover, there is a growing market for premium pet food items, with pet owners showing a willingness to invest more in higher-quality, fully freeze-dried products. While partly freeze-dried options offer some advantages such as lower cost, the superior quality and perceived health benefits of 100% freeze-dried products have made them the preferred choice among consumers, leading to their dominance in the market.

By Sales Channel

• Offline Sales Channel
• Online Sales Channel

The sales channel segment is categorised into offline sales channel, and online sales channel. Among these, the online sales channel sub-segment has emerged as the dominant sub segment, outpacing traditional offline sales channels. This shift is driven by the convenience and accessibility of online shopping, which offers consumers a wide array of freeze-dried pet food products that can be easily browsed and purchased from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, online retailers often provide discounts, promotions, and subscription services, making online shopping for freeze-dried pet food more appealing. While offline sales channels such as pet stores and supermarkets still play a significant role, the convenience and benefits offered by online channels have propelled their dominance in the freeze-dried pet food market.

By Region

North America

• United States
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Russia
• Poland
• Benelux
• Nordic
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• ASEAN
• Australia & New Zealand
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina

Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates
• Israel
• Rest of MEA

North America leads the freeze-dried pet food market due to the rising trend of treating pets as family members and the increasing preference for natural, high-quality pet food. Key players in the region offer a diverse range of freeze-dried pet food products, supported by a robust distribution network. Moreover, the region's affluent pet owners are willing to spend more on premium pet food, driving market growth.

Leading Companies in Freeze-Dried Pet Food Market & Competitive Landscape:

The freeze-dried pet food market is fiercely competitive, with numerous key players striving for market dominance and actively pursuing strategic initiatives. These companies prioritize product innovation, technological advancements, and the expansion of their product portfolios to maintain a competitive advantage. They consistently invest in research and development to improve their product offerings and meet the changing needs of customers, focusing on factors such as efficiency, performance, and sustainability.

These companies include:

• GEA Group
• LazyPet Foods
• The Scoular Company
• ZIWI Pets Ltd.
• Thrive Foods
• FanconFoods
• Mira Pet Food Co., Ltd.
• Carnivore Meat Company
• Canature Processing Ltd.
• Nature’s Variety
• Kelly&Co's
• Ranova
• Steve's Real Food
• Primal Pet Foods
• TruPet
• Wisconsin Freeze Dried
• Stewart pet food
• Bravo
• Others

Recent Key Developments:

• February 2024: Petsource by Scoular completed a $75 million expansion in Nebraska. This expansion provides additional capacity to serve existing customers and cater to new ones seeking production at its facility, aiming to triple its capacity for freeze-dried pet food.

• February 2024: Nestlé Hungária revealed plans for a $152 million investment in its pet food facility in Bük. This investment aims to increase production capacity and create 130 new jobs. The plant is expected to have the capability to produce 500,000 tonnes of pet food per year, starting in 2025.

Freeze-Dried Pet Food Market Research Scope

Report Metric	Report Details
Market size available for the years	2021-2023
Base Year	2023
Forecast Period	2024-2032
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)	7.1%
Segment covered	Pet type, nature, source, process type, sales channel and regions.
Regions Covered	North America:  The U.S. & Canada Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, & Rest of Latin America Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, ASEAN, & Rest of Asia Pacific Europe: Germany, The U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, BENELUX, NORDIC, & Rest of Europe The Middle East & Africa:  Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of MEA
Fastest Growing Country in Europe	U.K.
Largest Market	North America
Key Players	GEA Group, LazyPet Foods, The Scoular Company, ZIWI Pets Ltd., Thrive Foods, FanconFoods, Mira Pet Food Co., Ltd., Carnivore Meat Company, Nature’s Variety, Kelly&Co's, Ranova, Steve's Real Food, Primal Pet Foods, TruPet, Wisconsin Freeze Dried, Stewart pet food, Canature Processing Ltd., Bravo and Others.