Probiotic and Prebiotic Pet Foods Market Fueling Pet Wellness and Longevity

The probiotic and prebiotic pet foods market is forecast to increase from USD 5.84 billion in 2025 to USD 9.94 billion by 2034, advancing at a CAGR of 6.1% throughout the projected period.

The market is driven by growing consumer awareness of the link between gut health and overall pet wellness, prompting pet owners to seek functional nutrition solutions. Rising rates of pet humanization have encouraged owners to invest in premium, science-backed products that promote longevity and quality of life. Veterinary endorsements and clinical research validating the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics are further fueling adoption.

Probiotic and Prebiotic Pet Foods Market Overview

The global probiotic and prebiotic pet foods market is witnessing significant expansion, reflecting the rising awareness of pet health and nutrition. Valued at USD 5.84 billion in 2025, the market is projected to reach USD 9.94 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period. This growth stems from an increasing humanization of pets, where owners are prioritizing preventive healthcare through functional nutrition.

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Probiotic and Prebiotic Pet Foods Market Growth

Over the past decade, pet food purchasing behavior has shifted toward premium, health-oriented options. Probiotics and prebiotics are now widely recognized for their role in improving gut health, immunity, and nutrient absorption in companion animals. Brands are responding with innovative formulations, tailored supplements, and convenient formats to meet the demands of informed pet owners.

Growth is further supported by veterinary endorsements and scientific research validating the benefits of these functional ingredients. In many developed and emerging markets, consumers are willing to pay a premium for specialized diets that address digestive health, skin conditions, and overall vitality, making probiotic and prebiotic formulations a fast-growing niche in the pet food sector.

Why Gut Health Matters for Pets?

A healthy gut is at the core of a pet’s overall well-being. Just like humans, pets rely on a balanced digestive system to absorb nutrients, maintain a strong immune system, and stay active. An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to issues such as diarrhea, skin problems, and reduced energy levels. Probiotics and prebiotics work together to promote a healthy microbiome, keeping pets happier, healthier, and more resilient to illness.

Trends Shaping the Future of Pet Nutrition

• Clean-label products: Pet owners are becoming more conscious of what goes into their pets’ food, preferring natural and transparent ingredient lists without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Brands are now highlighting “no fillers” claims and sourcing ingredients responsibly to meet the growing clean-label demand. This shift also aligns with human food trends, as owners often mirror their own dietary choices in their pets’ meals.
• Personalized diets: Customized nutrition is emerging as a major growth driver, with formulas tailored to a pet’s breed, life stage, activity level, and specific health conditions. Pet food brands are using online quizzes, vet consultations, and data-driven algorithms to recommend the perfect probiotic-prebiotic blend for individual animals. This approach not only supports optimal health but also fosters brand loyalty.
• E-commerce growth: Online sales of pet food are booming, with subscription models offering convenience and cost savings for pet parents. Direct-to-consumer delivery ensures regular supply without store visits, while online platforms provide a wider range of premium options than traditional retail. Social media and influencer marketing are also playing a key role in promoting probiotic and prebiotic products to targeted audiences.
• Human-grade quality: Pet parents increasingly want the same quality and safety standards for their pets’ food as they do for their own. This has fueled demand for human-grade probiotics, prebiotics, and other premium ingredients sourced from trusted suppliers. Products carrying “human-grade” certification or transparent sourcing claims often enjoy higher consumer trust and willingness to pay a premium.

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What’s Driving the Rise of Functional Pet Foods?

The growing humanization of pets is a key driver, as owners now view their animals as family members and want to provide them with premium nutrition. Scientific studies and veterinary recommendations have further boosted trust in probiotic and prebiotic products. Additionally, a rise in pet digestive issues due to stress, diet changes, and aging has made functional pet foods more appealing to health-conscious consumers.

From Treats to Meals How Probiotics Fit In

• Probiotics are no longer limited to capsules or supplements:  they’re now found in a wide range of pet products. From crunchy treats and soft chews to complete meal formulas, probiotics are being blended into everyday pet diets. This makes it easier for owners to provide digestive support without disrupting their pet’s feeding routine. Many brands are also adding strain-specific probiotics that target specific health needs like digestive balance or immune support.
• Prebiotics – The Secret Fuel for Healthy Digestion: While probiotics are the beneficial bacteria, prebiotics are the food they need to thrive. Prebiotics are plant-based fibers that feed good bacteria in a pet’s gut, ensuring they multiply and perform their functions effectively. Ingredients like chicory root, beet pulp, and inulin are popular sources. When combined with probiotics, prebiotics create a “synbiotic” effect  offering maximum digestive health benefits.

Probiotic and Prebiotic Pet Foods Market Dynamics

Drivers

The probiotic and prebiotic pet foods market is primarily driven by the rising trend of pet humanization, where owners increasingly prioritize functional and preventive health solutions for their pets. Growing veterinary recommendations for the use of probiotics and prebiotics in managing digestive disorders and boosting immunity have further fueled adoption. Additionally, the expanding availability of these products across both retail and online channels has made them more accessible to a wider consumer base.

Opportunities

Significant opportunities lie in product innovation, particularly through the use of novel probiotic strains and plant-based prebiotic sources. The expansion into emerging markets where pet adoption rates and disposable incomes are on the rise presents untapped growth potential. Moreover, collaborations between pet food manufacturers and veterinary clinics to develop prescription-grade probiotic and prebiotic diets could create strong competitive advantages.

Challenges

Despite its growth prospects, the market faces notable challenges. High product development costs, driven by extensive research, safety testing, and regulatory approvals, can limit the pace of innovation. In some regions, consumer education about the distinct benefits of probiotics versus prebiotics remains limited, slowing adoption. Additionally, the risk of product degradation due to improper storage or short shelf life can impact both consumer trust and product performance.

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Case Study

Boosting Pet Wellness and Sales How a U.S. Brand Used Probiotics and Prebiotics to Go Global

A leading U.S.-based pet food brand launched an innovative range of dog treats enriched with a blend of probiotics and prebiotics designed specifically to improve gut health and overall digestion. These functional treats were formulated using strain-specific probiotics clinically proven to support immune function, paired with natural plant-based prebiotics to enhance bacterial growth in the gut.

The brand strategically partnered with veterinary clinics across the country, providing educational materials and free product samples to pet owners. Within the first 18 months, the product line experienced an impressive 40% sales growth. This success was driven by two key factors endorsements from trusted veterinarians and a dynamic influencer-led social media campaign that generated strong consumer engagement.

Read More: https://www.foodbeveragestrategies.com/baking-ingredients-market/

Probiotic and Prebiotic Pet Foods Market Key Players 

• Nestlé Purina Petcare
• Mars Petcare
• Hill’s Pet Nutrition
• General Mills, Inc. (Blue Buffalo)
• Diamond Pet Foods
• Procter & Gamble (Iams)
• Merrick Pet Care
• Virbac
• WellPet LLC
• Nutro (Mars Inc.)
• Pets Choice
• Animalbiotech
• Life3 Biotech
• Lallemand Animal Nutrition
• Deutsche Tiernahrung Cremer GmbH
• Royal Canin (Mars Inc.)
• BASF SE
• Chr. Hansen A/S
• Beneo GmbH
• Kemin Industries

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Segments Covered in the Report

By Type of Product

• Probiotic Pet Foods
  • Yogurt-based products
  • Powdered supplements
  • Chewable tablets
  • Wet food
  • Dry food
• Prebiotic Pet Foods
  • Inulin-based
  • FOS (Fructooligosaccharides)
  • MOS (Mannanoligosaccharides)
  • Beta-glucans
  • Other plant-based fibers

By Pet Type

• Dogs
  • Small-sized pets
  • Medium-sized pets
  • Large-sized pets
• Cats
  • Adult cats
  • Kittens
  • Others (birds, reptiles, etc.)

By Application

• Digestive Health
  • Gastrointestinal health
  • Absorption enhancement
• Immunity Enhancement
  • Skin and Coat Health
  • Mental Health & Behavior
  • Cognitive function
  • Stress reduction
• Weight Management
• Allergy Relief

By Formulation Type

• Dry Food
  • Kibble
  • Pellets
• Wet Food
  • Canned food
  • Pouches
• Treats and Chews
• Supplements
• • Powders
  • Tablets
  • Capsules
• Raw and Freeze-Dried
  • Raw food
  • Freeze-dried products

By Distribution Channel

• Online Retail
  • E-commerce platforms (Amazon, Chewy, etc.)
  • Pet food company websites
• Offline Retail
  • Pet specialty stores
  • Supermarkets and hypermarkets
  • Veterinary clinics
  • Pet pharmacies
• Direct to Consumer (D2C)

By Source of Probiotics/Prebiotics

• Animal-based Probiotics
  • Lactobacillus spp
  • Bifidobacterium spp
• Plant-based Probiotics
  • Saccharomyces boulardii
  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Fermented Ingredients
  • Fermented dairy products
  • Fermented vegetables
• Synthetic/Technologically Advanced Probiotics

By Packaging Type

• Bulk Packaging
  • Large packs for commercial use
• Retail Packaging
  • Single-use packs
  • Multi-pack formats
• Customized Packaging
• Personalized pet food packages

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)
• Latin America

Future Outlook

The next decade will likely see probiotic and prebiotic pet foods evolve into standard dietary components for companion animals. Technological advancements in strain stability, along with deeper consumer understanding, will drive broader adoption. Brands that can combine scientifically validated benefits with palatable, convenient formats will have a competitive edge.

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