Dog Treats, Chews & Toppers Market

Market Definition

Dog treats, chews, & toppers refer to supplemental pet food products designed to enhance canine nutrition, reward behavior, and support dental health. Dog treats are bite-sized snacks used for training, reinforcement, or indulgence. Chews are longer-lasting edible or non-edible products that help satisfy a dog’s natural chewing instinct while promoting dental hygiene.

Toppers, including freeze-dried meats, gravies, nutrient-rich powders, are added to meals to improve flavor, texture, and nutritional value. These products cater to various dietary needs, preferences, and health benefits, contributing to overall canine well-being.

Dog Treats, Chews & Toppers Market Overview

The global dog treats, chews & toppers market size was valued at USD 11.52 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 12.08 billion in 2024 to USD 17.62 billion by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.54% during the forecast period. The growth of the market is driven by rising pet humanization and increasing demand for functional nutrition.

Pet owners are prioritizing high-quality, health-focused treats that support digestion, joint health, and overall well-being. Additionally, premiumization trends are fueling the adoption of natural and organic ingredients, prompting brands to innovate with clean-label products that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Major companies operating in the dog treats, chews & toppers industry are General Mills Inc., Merrick Pet Care, Inc., Zukes, LLC, Mars, Incorporated, Plato Pet, The Honest Kitchen, Canidae, Primal Pet Foods, Redbarn Pet Products, Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc., ADM, Affinity Petcare SA, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Nestlé, The J.M. Smucker Company, and others.

The rising number of pet adoptions is expanding the customer base for dog treats, chews, & toppers. Increasing companionship trends, coupled with higher disposable incomes, are leading pet owners to invest in diverse treat options.

The expanding pet population, particularly in urban areas, is creating sustained demand for innovative and high-quality treat solutions, fostering market growth.

• The Health for Animals report indicates that over half of the world's population is estimated to own a pet. Dogs remain the most popular choice, found in approximately one-third of households worldwide.

Key Highlights:

1. The dog treats, chews & toppers market size was recorded at USD 11.52 billion in 2023.
2. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.54% from 2024 to 2031.
3. North America held a share of 36.44% in 2023, valued at USD 4.20 billion.
4. The freeze dried treats segment garnered USD 4.55 billion in revenue in 2023.
5. The adult segment is expected to reach USD 7.74 billion by 2031.
6. The plant-based segment is poised to grow at a CAGR of 5.91% through the forecast period.
7. The pet specialty stores segment held a share of 35.76% in 2023.
8. Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.98% through the estimated timeframe.

Market Driver

Growing Demand for Functional and Nutritional Treats

Health-conscious pet owners are seeking functional dog treats, chews, & toppers that offer specific wellness benefits. Products infused with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics are gaining traction, addressing concerns related to digestion, joint mobility, and coat health. The rising incidence of pet obesity and allergies has further boosted demand for low-calorie and hypoallergenic treat options. The increasing emphasis on preventive pet healthcare is accelerating the growth of the dog treats, chews, & toppers market globally.

• In March 2024, Canadian pet food brand Petcurean expanded its Go! Solutions pet nutrition portfolio. Combining the joy of treating with health and wellness benefits, the new Benefit Chews for Dogs feature a soft and chewy texture. The product lineup includes four varieties, including Digestion + Gut Health Salmon, Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Salmon, Skin + Coat Care Lamb, and Weight Management + Joint Care Chicken.

Additionally, manufacturers are investing in innovative textural enhancements to improve palatability and ensure high acceptance rates among dogs. These advancements are fueling product diversification, allowing brands to cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Market Challenge

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

Stringent regulatory requirements across different regions pose a significant challenge to the growth of the dog treats, chews & toppers market. Varying standards related to ingredient safety, labeling, and manufacturing practices make it difficult for companies to ensure compliance across multiple markets. Adapting to evolving regulations increases operational complexities and costs.

To address this challenge, companies are investing in advanced quality control systems, obtaining globally recognized certifications, and collaborating with regulatory bodies to streamline approval processes. Additionally, many brands are prioritizing transparent ingredient sourcing and digital traceability solutions to enhance compliance and build consumer trust.

Market Trend

Increased Veterinary Recommendations for Chews and Toppers

The collaboration between pet food manufacturers and veterinary professionals is strengthening brand credibility and expanding product adoption. The growing reliance on expert recommendations is boosting the growth of the dog treats, chews, & toppers market, particularly in segments targeting therapeutic nutrition.

• In October 2023, Better Choice Company, a pet health and wellness brand, announced a research and development partnership with Aimia Pet Health to create a GLP-1 supplement for overweight pets under its Halo brand. Through this collaboration, Better Choice will work with Aimia Pet Health to develop treats and toppers designed to address pet obesity safely and effectively.

Veterinarians are fueling the demand for functional treats and toppers by recommending formulations that support pet health. Dental chews are gaining traction for oral disease prevention, while meal toppers are being recommended for aging dogs with reduced appetite and obesity. Veterinary-backed formulations addressing weight management, stress relief, and digestive health are increasing consumer confidence in premium products, propelling market growth.

Dog Treats, Chews & Toppers Market Report Snapshot

Segmentation	Details
By Product Type	Freeze Dried Treats, Training Treats, Dental Chews, Dental Chews, Others
By Life Stage	Puppy, Adult, Senior
By Ingredient	Animal-Based, Plant-Based
By Distribution Channel	Pet Specialty Stores, Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Drug Stores, Convenience Stores, Online Retail
By Region	North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico
	Europe: France, U.K., Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe
	Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, India, Australia, ASEAN, South Korea, Rest of Asia-Pacific
	Middle East & Africa: Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa
	South America: Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America

 Market Segmentation:

• By Product Type (Freeze Dried Treats, Training Treats, Dental Chews, Dental Chews, and Others): The freeze dried treats segment earned USD 4.55 billion in 2023 due to its superior nutritional retention, longer shelf life, and growing consumer preference for high-protein, minimally processed pet food options that align with the demand for premium and natural ingredients.
• By Life Stage (Puppy, Adult, and Senior): The adult segment held a share of 43.44% in 2023, aided by the high global population of adult dogs and the increasing demand for functional treats that support joint health, digestion, and overall well-being.
• By Ingredient (Animal-Based and Plant-Based): The animal-based segment is projected to reach USD 9.84 billion by 2031, owing to strong consumer preference for high-protein, palatable, and biologically appropriate nutrition, which supports muscle development, joint health, and overall canine well-being.
• By Distribution Channel (Pet Specialty Stores, Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Drug Stores, Convenience Stores, and Online Retail): The pet specialty stores segment is likely to grow at a CAGR of 6.53% through the forecast period, attributed to its extensive product variety, expert guidance, and exclusive availability of premium and specialized formulations, attracting pet owners seeking high-quality, health-focused options.

Dog Treats, Chews & Toppers Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

The North America dog treats, chews & toppers market captured a share of around 36.44% in 2023, valued at USD 4.20 billion. North America has one of the highest pet ownership rates globally, with a substantial portion of households owning dogs. Pet parents in the region are increasingly prioritizing premium and functional nutrition, creating a robust demand for high-quality dog treats, chews, & toppers. The willingness to spend on gourmet, organic, and specialized formulations is shaping regional market trends, promoting brands to introduce innovative offerings. Rising disposable income levels and the perception of pets as family members are further fueling domestic market expansion.

• According to the 2024 report by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 82 million households in the U.S. own a pet. In 2023, total pet-related spending reached USD 147 billion, with pet food and treats accounting for USD 64.4 billion.

Additionally, consumers in the region are prioritizing sustainability, leading to increased demand for eco-friendly packaging and responsibly sourced ingredients in dog treats, chews, & toppers. Brands are focusing on recyclable packaging, plant-based alternatives, and ethically harvested proteins to align with environmental consciousness. This shift toward sustainability is fueling product development and expanding the market for natural and environmentally responsible pet treats.

Asia Pacific dog treats, chews & toppers industry is set to grow at a CAGR of 6.98% over the forecast period. Consumers in Asia-Pacific are increasingly prioritizing premium pet nutrition, boosting demand for high-quality dog treats, chews, & toppers. Functional formulations that offer health benefits such as digestive support, joint health, and dental care are gaining immense traction.  The growing demand for premium dog treats is driving interest in grain-free, organic, and human-grade treats. Brands are responding with innovative products featuring superfoods, natural ingredients, and high-protein formulations, fueling regional market expansion.

Furthermore, the rapid growth of e-commerce platforms is transforming pet product distribution in Asia-Pacific. Consumers increasingly prefer online shopping for convenience, a wider product selection, and access to imported brands. Major marketplaces such as Alibaba’s Tmall, JD.com, Amazon, and Flipkart are offering an extensive range of dog treats, chews, & toppers, leading to increased sales. Subscription-based pet food models and DTC brands are enhancing customer engagement and loyalty. The accessibility of global brands through online channels is further propelling regional market growth.

Regulatory Frameworks

• In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the regulation of pet foods, including dog treats, chews, & toppers. The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) ensures that these products are safe, produced under sanitary conditions, contain no harmful substances, and are truthfully labeled. Additionally, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a non-profit organization, sets model standards for animal feeds and pet foods, including guidelines for labeling and nutritional adequacy. While AAFCO itself does not regulate, its guidelines are widely adopted by state regulatory agencies to ensure consistency across the industry.
• Following Brexit, the UK has established its own regulatory framework for pet foods. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is responsible for setting standards and ensuring compliance within the pet food industry. Regulations focus on product safety, labeling accuracy, and the prohibition of harmful substances. Manufacturers must adhere to these standards to ensure the safety and quality of dog treats, chews, & toppers in the UK market.
• In China, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) oversees the regulation of pet foods, including dog treats, chews, & toppers. Regulations emphasize product safety, quality control, and labeling requirements. Manufacturers must obtain appropriate licenses and ensure that their products meet national standards to be legally marketed within the country.
• In Japan, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) regulates pet foods under the Act on Safety Assurance and Quality Improvement of Feeds. This legislation sets standards for the safety and labeling of pet foods, including dog treats, chews, & toppers. Manufacturers are required to comply with these standards to ensure product safety and transparency for consumers.

Competitive Landscape

The global dog treats, chews & toppers market is characterized by a large number of participants, including both established corporations and emerging players. Market participants are adopting strategies such as innovation and targeted product launches.

Companies are developing functional treats that address key health concerns, including digestion, joint support, skin and coat health, and weight management.

• In March 2023, Solid Gold, a leader in premium and holistic pet nutrition, introduced five new supplements designed for dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds. The launch featured Leaps & Hounds Hip & Joint, Grass Guardian Grass Burn, Mellow Belly Gut Health, and Pet Pal-lergy Pro Allergy Support. These supplements are formulated to support various aspects of canine health, focusing on gut and digestive wellness, allergy relief, joint health, antioxidant production, and overall systemic support. By addressing specific health concerns, the brand aims to enhance the well-being of pets through targeted nutritional solutions.

By leveraging scientific research and natural ingredients, brands are formulating specialized products to meet the evolving demands of pet owners. These targeted offerings enhance pet well-being while boosting consumer engagement, fostering brand loyalty, and expanding opportunities in the premium and health-focused pet food segment.

List of Key Companies in Dog Treats, Chews & Toppers Market:

• General Mills Inc.
• Merrick Pet Care, Inc.
• Zukes, LLC
• Mars, Incorporated
• Plato Pet
• The Honest Kitchen
• Canidae
• Primal Pet Foods
• Redbarn Pet Products
• Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc.
• ADM
• Affinity Petcare SA
• Colgate-Palmolive Company
• Nestlé
• The J.M. Smucker Company

Recent Developments (M&A/Expansion/Agreements/New Product Launch)

• In April 2024, General Mills finalized the acquisition of Edgard & Cooper, a leading independent premium pet food brand in Europe, to strengthen its commitment to transforming the premium natural pet food sector.
• In November 2024, General Mills, Inc. announced a definitive agreement to acquire Whitebridge Pet Brands' North American premium cat food and pet treat business. This acquisition, which includes brands such as Tiki Pets and Cloud Star, is aimed at strengthening General Mills’ presence in the rapidly growing cat food and pet treats market.
• In March 2023, Canidae, a sustainable pet food company, merged with Natural Balance Pet Foods Inc. to form Ethos Pet Brands, a new parent company dedicated to pet well-being through simple nutrition and responsibly sourced ingredients.
• In August 2024, Worldwise, Inc., a leading provider of solution-based pet products, introduced Treatly, a new brand of pet treats and chews. This launch builds on the company’s 2022 acquisition of Pet Factory, which provided Worldwise with a top-tier U.S.-based treat manufacturing and distribution facility.