Human Grade Dog Food Market Share & Trends [2033]

Human Grade Dog Food Market Overview

The Human Grade Dog Food Market size was valued at USD 5.17 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 10.32 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.02% from 2025 to 2033.

The human grade dog food market specializes in pet nutrition formulated from ingredients originally intended for human consumption, processed under the same safety standards. In 2023, sales volume reached approximately 125 million kilograms, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year. North America is the largest regional consumer, accounting for around 60 million kilograms, followed by Europe at 35 million kilograms. Product formats include fresh-prepare kits (around 40% of volume), freeze-dried raw pouches (30%), wet cans (20%), and human-grade dry kibble (10%). The average daily feeding rate for an adult 10‑kg dog is approximately 300–400 grams, underscoring the premium portion size compared to standard pet food. The market caters to a growing pet population—over 470 million dogs globally—of which approximately 25% receive at least one human grade meal per week. Notably, households earning above US$75,000 annually in the U.S. spend nearly 30% more on premium pet feeding, supporting niche distribution via online subscription services, veterinary clinics, and specialty pet stores.

Key Findings

Driver: Increased consumer awareness around pet health and food safety, with 72% of pet owners citing ingredient transparency as a purchasing factor.

Country/Region: North America, representing roughly 48% of global human grade dog food volume.

Segment: Fresh-prepared meals, making up about 40% of total units sold in this category.

Human Grade Dog Food Market Trends

Transparency and clean labeling: A major trend is the demand for full ingredient disclosure. Over 88% of consumers insist on seeing human-recognizable protein sources—like chicken or beef—and 75% prefer no synthetic additives. Pack labels frequently display sourcing statements such as “grass-fed beef” or “organic vegetables,” driving frequent repeat purchase—67% of buyers reported repurchasing within 3 weeks. Subscription-based business models: Human grade brands increasingly offer subscription meal plans, accounting for nearly 55% of fresh meal sales. Average subscription spend is US$110–140 per month, delivering 8–12 meals weekly. Active customers typically stay subscribed for 18 months, yielding an annual retention rate of 70%. This direct-to-consumer trend allows brands to predict production volumes and optimize ingredient sourcing. Freeze‑dried and minimally processed formats: Growing concerns over raw diets and frozen logistics have driven interest in freeze-dried pouches. These products make up 30% of market sales and store safely at room temperature for 12–24 months. Glyphosate-free chicken and turkey recipes have seen 28% volume growth from 2022–2023, appealing to safety-conscious pet owners. Premiumization via premium proteins: Human-grade formulas incorporating specialty proteins—such as lamb, salmon, duck, or bison—represent about 25% of the overall market. These options support sensitive diet needs and allergen avoidance; gluten-free or grain-free labels contribute to a niche but growing 12% segment share.

Veterinary endorsement and co-branding: Many products now feature veterinary endorsements, enhancing credibility. Sales in vet clinics grew by 22% in 2023 compared to 2022. Co-branded lines with veterinary nutritionists accounted for 18% of fresh meal sales. E-commerce growth: Online purchases dominate, accounting for 68% of overall volume. In 2023, this channel recorded a 35% year-on-year increase in units sold. Consumers using auto-ship programs account for 80% of subscriptions. International expansion: U.S.-based brands expanded into Canada and Western Europe, adding 35% to export volumes. Asia-Pacific markets (notably Japan and South Korea) registered 22% YOY growth in human grade dog food purchases, mainly for freeze-dried and upmarket fresh meals. Sustainability focus: Environmental concerns are influencing brand messaging. Over 60% of packaging is recyclable or compostable, and carbon-neutral shipping is claimed by 30% of fresh meal providers. Ingredient sourcing from sustainable fisheries or regenerative farms is commonly advertised, with such claims appearing on roughly 40% of SKUs. These trends reflect a shift toward health- and eco-conscious consumer behaviors, driving the adoption of human-grade dog food across premium segments, e-commerce platforms, and sustainable product innovation.

Human Grade Dog Food Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for premium pet nutrition

The primary driver in the human grade dog food market is the increasing focus on pet wellness, driven by shifting perceptions of dogs as family members. In 2023, over 78% of pet owners in North America reported feeding their pets food products they consider to be of “human quality.” Consumers aged 25–45 represent 64% of premium pet food buyers, with households owning multiple pets increasing spending by up to 40% annually on food alone. Additionally, more than 82% of millennial pet parents say ingredient transparency influences their purchasing decisions. The growing number of dogs with food sensitivities—estimated at 1 in every 5 dogs—is also steering buyers toward high-quality protein sources, such as USDA-grade chicken or grass-fed beef. These consumer behaviors are leading to greater market penetration of human-grade formats, particularly in urban areas where awareness and income levels are higher.

RESTRAINT

Limited cold-chain infrastructure and high shipping costs

Despite surging demand, the human grade dog food market faces critical infrastructure limitations. Cold storage and shipping logistics present substantial challenges, especially for fresh-prepared meals, which require refrigeration throughout transit. On average, chilled logistics add 15–25% to fulfillment costs per shipment. In rural and international regions, delivery delays cause spoilage losses of up to 12% in certain zip codes. Furthermore, most human grade dog food brands operate on thin margins due to high input costs. Human-consumption-grade proteins and vegetables typically cost 30–50% more than conventional pet food ingredients. The additional need for USDA-certified kitchens and safety-compliant packaging raises production complexity. These factors deter small-scale producers from entering the market and inhibit large-scale geographic expansion without external investment or strategic partnerships.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion into health-based and therapeutic diets

A key opportunity lies in the development of functional and therapeutic recipes tailored to health-conscious dog owners. More than 27% of pet owners report feeding their pets special diets targeting issues such as joint health, digestion, or coat condition. The demand for low-fat, high-fiber, and grain-free options increased by 22% between 2022 and 2023. Additionally, more than 19 million dogs globally are overweight or obese, driving sales of weight management formulas. Emerging innovations include turmeric-infused recipes for anti-inflammatory benefits and probiotic-rich meals for gut health. Moreover, veterinary-prescribed human grade diets are showing strong potential in specialized pet clinics and direct-to-consumer (DTC) models. This opens the door for co-branded therapeutic lines, especially as pet insurance coverage increases. Insurance-backed feeding plans and veterinarian-approved home delivery services now account for 8–10% of premium meal subscriptions.

CHALLENGE

Price sensitivity among average-income households

The biggest challenge facing the human grade dog food market is the product’s premium pricing relative to traditional options. The average cost of feeding a medium-sized dog human-grade meals is US$7–9 per day, compared to US$1.5–2.5 for mass-market kibble. As a result, only about 18% of U.S. dog owners currently adopt human-grade diets consistently. Among middle-income households (earning less than US$60,000 annually), adoption remains low due to affordability concerns. Furthermore, inflationary pressure on meat, poultry, and logistics has raised retail prices by 8–12% over the past year. This limits long-term consumer loyalty and risks subscription cancellations. While premium markets continue to grow, achieving price accessibility without compromising ingredient quality remains a challenge. Brands are exploring value-tier meal kits and hybrid product models—such as mixing freeze-dried with kibble—to lower daily feeding costs while maintaining health appeal.

Human Grade Dog Food Market Segmentation

The human grade dog food market is segmented based on type and application, with clear patterns emerging across consumer preference, product functionality, and pricing tiers. The segment-wise performance illustrates growing differentiation and specialization within the market. More than 63% of pet owners make purchasing decisions based on their dog’s health needs, which directly impacts segment demand.

By Type

Dry Food: Dry human grade dog food holds a significant share due to its convenience, shelf stability, and affordability. Over 42% of pet owners choose dry options, primarily for ease of storage and feeding. Products in this segment include oven-baked kibbles using USDA-certified proteins and vegetables. These products typically contain 10–12% moisture, ensuring a longer shelf life without preservatives. In 2023, over 1.6 million units of dry human-grade dog food were sold across the U.S. alone. Dry food formats are particularly popular in multi-dog households and for travel use, contributing to their broad acceptance.
Wet Food: Wet human grade dog food is consumed by approximately 26% of dog owners due to its palatability and texture, particularly for senior or small breed dogs. Wet foods offer up to 78% moisture, which aids in hydration and is often preferred by dogs with dental or digestive issues. Premium wet recipes often use bone broth or gently cooked meats like turkey and lamb. Brands offering wet products in recyclable BPA-free cans and pouches saw a 21% increase in consumer trust and repeat purchases in 2023.
Freeze-Dried: Freeze-dried products represent a fast-growing segment, with usage increasing by 18% year-over-year. This format preserves raw nutrients and texture while offering longer shelf stability. Freeze-dried food appeals to pet owners seeking raw nutrition without the handling concerns. It is especially popular in North America, where 74% of freeze-dried dog food buyers also purchase human supplements. Pet owners appreciate that freeze-dried meals maintain over 90% of the original nutrient value, making them a preferred option for premium feeding without refrigeration.
Fresh-Prepared: Fresh-prepared meals are gaining significant traction, with over 850,000 monthly subscriptions in the U.S. alone. These meals are typically delivered refrigerated or frozen and prepared in USDA kitchens. With real meats like chicken, beef, and fish, plus vegetables like spinach and quinoa, these meals appeal to health-conscious pet parents. Subscription-based DTC services dominate this segment, which accounts for nearly 35% of all human-grade pet food revenue globally, excluding specifics.

By Application

Dog Nutrition: Over 65% of the human grade dog food market is driven by nutritional demand, especially for dogs with specific dietary needs. Products formulated with low-fat proteins and antioxidant-rich vegetables help address issues like arthritis, obesity, and allergies. In 2023, 3 in 10 dog owners reported feeding their pets diets formulated for joint or digestive support, making targeted nutrition the largest application driver.
Premium Pet Care: This segment is fueled by pet humanization trends, where pet parents demand quality equivalent to their own diets. Over 51% of pet owners say they consider their pets as part of the family, influencing them to spend on premium ingredients. Pet spas, organic stores, and subscription services have boosted this category, especially in urban regions. Premium offerings include hormone-free proteins and certified organic vegetables, with 97% of these foods labeled as non-GMO.
Sensitive Diets: Dogs with food allergies, gastrointestinal sensitivities, or age-related conditions are prompting high demand for limited ingredient diets (LIDs). Nearly 22% of dog owners in the U.S. seek foods labeled “grain-free” or “single protein source.” In this segment, hydrolyzed protein formulas and gluten-free recipes are most in demand. The sensitive diets segment continues to gain traction among both older dogs and breeds with known sensitivities like Bulldogs, Retrievers, and Poodles.

Human Grade Dog Food Market Regional Outlook

The human grade dog food market exhibits diverse performance across major global regions, driven by pet ownership rates, awareness of premium pet nutrition, and disposable income levels. While North America leads in adoption, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are displaying rapid growth in pet humanization trends.

North America

North America accounts for the highest consumption volume of human grade dog food, with the U.S. alone contributing to over 65% of total global market demand. As of 2023, 69 million U.S. households owned at least one dog, and more than 34% of dog owners indicated they purchase human-grade or fresh-prepared meals regularly. Canada also shows strong engagement, with 38% of pet owners indicating preference for minimally processed foods. North American consumers are more inclined toward subscription-based services, with over 900,000 active subscribers across key players. The proliferation of vet-backed diet plans and DTC delivery options continues to bolster market dominance in the region.

Europe

Europe shows strong momentum, particularly in the UK, Germany, and France. In 2023, over 41% of UK dog owners reported feeding their pets either fresh or organic human-grade meals. Germany follows closely, with a 23% annual increase in pet food purchases labeled as human grade. Urbanization and higher awareness of animal welfare are contributing to demand, especially in Western Europe. EU regulations also influence product quality, with stricter standards requiring ingredients to meet human consumption thresholds. Retail chains and boutique pet shops across France and Italy have begun stocking more human-grade selections, expanding accessibility.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is emerging as a fast-growing market due to rising disposable income and the increasing adoption of Western pet care standards. In Japan and South Korea, over 28% of pet owners prefer foods labeled “human-safe” or “natural,” while China’s e-commerce-driven pet industry recorded over 2 million units of human-grade dog food sold in 2023. Australia also plays a major role, with 33% of pet food brands now offering fresh-prepared meal options. Regional pet expos in Singapore and Thailand report a 31% year-over-year increase in the number of companies showcasing human-grade pet food.

Middle East & Africa

In the Middle East, markets such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia are seeing a noticeable rise in premium pet product sales. The UAE recorded a 19% growth in organic and human-grade dog food sales between 2022 and 2023. Pet ownership in urban centers like Dubai is increasing, especially among expat communities, which contributes to rising demand. In Africa, South Africa leads the region, with a 17% increase in pet food imports reported in 2023. However, market access and price sensitivity remain limiting factors in broader adoption across low-income regions.

List Of Human Grade Dog Food Companies

The Farmer?s Dog (USA)
Ollie Pets Inc. (USA)
JustFoodForDogs (USA)
PetPlate (USA)
Canidae (USA)
The J.M. Smucker Company (USA)
Colgate-Palmolive Company (USA)
WellPet, LLC (USA)
Diamond Pet Foods (USA)
Royal Canin (France).

Ollie Pets Inc. (USA): Founded in 2016, Ollie Pets operates USDA-certified kitchens in North America and employs around 230 staff. The company delivers personalized fresh and baked human-grade meals across the U.S., serving 950,000+ active users via their mobile app.

JustFoodForDogs (USA): Established in 2010, JustFoodForDogs operates open-kitchens in Irvine, CA and New Castle, DE, producing frozen, pantry-fresh, vet-prescribed, and JustFresh formats. The brand offers over 6 core recipes, including Chicken & Rice, Beef & Russet Potato, Lamb & Brown Rice, Fish & Sweet Potato, Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni, and Venison & Squash

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the human grade dog food market surged in recent years, with private equity deals and new facility expansions supporting increased production. In 2023, investors funded over US$250 million in key startups, enabling capacity growth of 35%, and the construction of five new USDA-compliant kitchens in North America. These added facilities can collectively process over 2 million kilograms of fresh-prepared food monthly, reducing lead times from 10 to 6 days. Opportunities in subscription-based models are strong: approximately 60% of new customer acquisition in 2023 came via subscriptions, which generate 8–12 meals per week per dog. Average customer lifetime value for these programs exceeds US$3,200, surpassing traditional retail models. Veterinary-nutrition partnerships contributed to 15% of new subscriptions, creating pathways for health-focused offerings. Freeze-dried and shelf-stable formats also attract investor interest. Sales of freeze-dried meals, which comprise 30% of total unit volume, grew by 28% Y-o-Y, prompting new production lines capable of outputting 1 million pouches per month. These formats eliminate cold-chain costs and open export opportunities to Europe and Asia. The rising trend of sustainable packaging presents another avenue. In 2023, 40% of brands switched to compostable materials, while 30% adopted carbon neutral shipping. This shift aligns with broader ESG investment requirements and opens doors for green financing—over US$100 million in green bonds were issued to pet food producers in 2023. Emerging markets offer high-return potential. Asia-Pacific markets recorded a 22% annual volume growth, leading to joint ventures with local manufacturers to reduce shipping overhead by 15–20%. In the Middle East, 100,000 new households purchased human grade dog food in 2023, highlighting opportunity in high-income urban centers. Finally, functional or therapeutic formula expansion is promising. Weight-management and joint-health meals now represent 23% of total fresh-meal SKUs. Insulin-responsive and hypoallergenic recipes registered double-digit compound annual uptake, presenting strong investment potential in niche veterinary-diet markets.

New Product Development

Human grade dog food innovation in 2023–2024 focused on expanding formats, functional nutrition, sustainable packaging, and digital personalization. Multi-format meal kits combining fresh-prepared, freeze-dried, and kibble options accounted for 12% of product introductions. These hybrid kits reduce feeding costs by 15–20% while maintaining human-grade standards. Bundle offerings include single servings and family packs of 28 meals/week for convenience. Functional ingredient inclusion accelerated. Products with joint-health components like turmeric, glucosamine, and omega-3 increased by 40%. Over 30 new SKUs included probiotics to support digestive health, catering to 20% of dogs with GI issues. Meanwhile, 12% of formula lines included postbiotics and antioxidants for aging-support diets. Personalization platforms with quiz-based nutrition matching saw adoption by 18% of new customers in 2023. Personalized meal blends leverage data on dog weight, age, breed, and allergies—adjusted monthly based on feedback. This platform has improved retention by 25% compared to standard offerings. Sustainable packaging grew more prevalent—55% of new SKUs launched in the past year use recyclable or compostable packaging, a 20-point increase year-over-year. Lightweight, high-barrier trays reduced plastic use by 30%, while shelf-stable powder packs lowered shipping emissions by 8%. Direct-to-vet meal lines were introduced by 12 major brands, composing 18% of fresh-meal unit sales. These lines target veterinary clinics and include formulations for arthritis, skin health, and weight issues; healthcare provider channels now contribute to 22% of annual fresh meal volume. Additionally, regional flavor expansions appeared, with flavors like duck and sweet potato, bison and kale, and salmon and squash debuting in Europe and Asia. These products met consumer preferences and accounted for 15% of new SKUs.

Five Recent Developments

Launch of a hybrid meal kit (fresh + freeze-dried) that cut monthly feeding costs by 18%, and gained 5,000 subscribers in its first 6 months.
Introduction of personalized meal plans—18% of new customers opted in—with subscriptions tailored based on weight and age.
Expansion of freeze-dried lines across 3 markets, increasing shelf-stable unit distribution by 38%.
More than 60% of new product launches featured recyclable or compostable packaging, from a baseline of 35% in 2022.
Rollout of 12 vet-partnered therapeutic product lines, accounting for 18% of fresh-meal sales within one year.

Report Coverage of Human Grade Dog Food Market

In analyzing the market, the report captures distribution patterns across major geographies such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. North America maintains a dominant share in household adoption of human grade dog food, with over 10 million dogs consuming fresh or freeze-dried human grade meals in 2023 alone. Europe follows with rapid retail penetration in Germany and France, where over 7 million units were sold through online pet platforms. Asia-Pacific shows aggressive urban demand, particularly in cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Sydney, where household pet ownership exceeds 60% in affluent zones. Company analysis centers on major producers including The Farmer’s Dog, Ollie Pets, and JustFoodForDogs, detailing production volumes, facility capacities, subscription metrics, and innovation pipelines. For instance, The Farmer’s Dog delivered over 30 million fresh-prepared meals in 2023 and operates five USDA-approved kitchens. Ollie reported a 22% increase in freeze-dried product shipments, emphasizing their expansion into shelf-stable formats suitable for export. These companies have been instrumental in introducing compostable packaging and veterinarian-formulated meals that now account for 18% of total portfolio offerings. Investment trends are dissected with emphasis on venture capital flows, green bond financing, and manufacturing expansions. Between 2023 and early 2024, over 250 million USD was funneled into infrastructure, enabling a 35% rise in production capacity. Joint ventures in Asia and Latin America have helped reduce logistics costs by 15%, while digital personalization platforms attracted over 100,000 new subscribers seeking tailored nutrition plans. The report highlights strategic opportunities in both direct-to-consumer subscription models and veterinary retail partnerships.