Sales of pet treats in the US reached US $11 billion in 2022, with dog treats making up 78 per cent of total sales.
Packaged Facts’ Pet Treats and Chews in the US, 5th Edition report revealed that growth in the pet treats market has slowed since pandemic-era rise, with growth in 2022 fuelled by inflation-related price increases rather than by growth in unit sales.
Looking at product type, indulgent treats make up the largest share of the market at 36 per cent, followed by rawhides/long-lasting chews, functional treats, and dental sticks.
The trends driving growth in the pet treat market include humanisation, and an increased focus on using pet treats as part of pets’ health and wellness regime.
Shannon Landry Brown, Brand Manager at Packaged Facts pet market research, believes behind the trends is the pet owners’ sentiment that pets are part of the family.
“Not only do pet owners use treats to encourage good behaviour (for training purposes, for example), they use them to express feelings of affection; ‘treat time’ has become a way for pet owners to show their pets just how much they mean to them.”
Packaged Facts projects the pet treat market to continue to grow over the next five years, with key opportunities including value-positioned treats, treats for cats, and treats featuring alternative proteins.
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