The Pulses in Pet Food Market size was estimated at USD 1.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.9 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.20% during the forecast period (2024-2030).

Pulses in Pet Food Market

Market Summary

The pulses in pet food market represents a significant and evolving segment within the broader pet nutrition industry, driven by a shift towards sustainable and plant-based protein sources. Pulses, including lentils, chickpeas, peas, and beans, are increasingly incorporated into dog and cat food formulations as high-quality, nutritious ingredients. This trend is largely fueled by growing consumer awareness of ingredient sourcing and a rising demand for natural, non-GMO, and grain-free pet food options. The market is characterized by ongoing innovation in product development, with manufacturers leveraging pulses to enhance the protein content and nutritional profile of their offerings while also addressing common pet allergies associated with traditional grains and animal proteins. This sector is integral to the food and beverages industry, reflecting broader consumer trends towards health, sustainability, and transparency that are also prevalent in human food consumption.

Key Highlights

Key highlights of the pulses in pet food market include the prominent role of pulses as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to animal-based proteins, aligning with global sustainability goals. The market benefits from the robust expansion of the premium pet food segment, where health-conscious pet owners seek out specialized diets. Significant investment in research and development by leading companies focuses on optimizing the inclusion rates of various pulses to maximize nutritional benefits and palatability for pets. The versatility of pulses allows for their use across a wide array of product types, from dry kibble to wet food and treats. Furthermore, strategic partnerships between pulse suppliers and pet food manufacturers are becoming more common, ensuring a stable supply chain and fostering innovation in ingredient functionality and application.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The primary drivers propelling the pulses in pet food market include the increasing pet humanization trend, where owners prioritize high-quality nutrition for their pets, mirroring their own dietary choices. This is complemented by a growing preference for plant-based ingredients and the need for allergen-free pet food solutions. Significant opportunities exist in the continued exploration of novel pulse varieties and the development of specialized blends that cater to specific health conditions, such as weight management or digestive health. The expansion into emerging markets, where pet ownership is rising, also presents substantial growth potential. However, the market faces restraints, including potential regulatory hurdles concerning the maximum allowable inclusion levels of pulses in pet food and the need for extensive palatability testing to ensure consumer acceptance. Concerns over anti-nutritional factors present in some pulses also necessitate careful processing and formulation.

Concentration Insights

The competitive landscape of the pulses in pet food market features a mix of large, multinational pet food corporations and specialized ingredient suppliers. Key players such as Mars Petcare, Nestl? Purina, and Hill's Pet Nutrition are actively integrating pulses into their product portfolios. The market concentration is also influenced by major agricultural and ingredient companies like Ingredion and Roquette, which supply processed pulse ingredients such as protein concentrates and flours. This ecosystem creates a concentrated yet collaborative environment where innovation is driven by partnerships between pet food brands and their ingredient providers. The presence of these established entities creates high barriers to entry for new competitors, necessitating significant investment in research, supply chain logistics, and brand trust to compete effectively.

Type Insights

Within the pulses in pet food market, the type of pulse used is a critical differentiator. Peas are among the most widely utilized pulses, valued for their high protein and fiber content and their common application in grain-free formulations. Lentils are also popular, offering a rich source of essential nutrients and often used in premium products. Chickpeas and beans, including fava beans and navy beans, are gaining traction for their nutritional profiles and functional properties in binding and texturizing pet food. Each pulse type offers a distinct nutritional advantage; for instance, peas provide lysine, while lentils are a good source of iron and folate. The selection of pulse type is a strategic formulation decision based on the desired nutritional outcome, cost considerations, and availability, influencing the final product's market positioning.

Application Insights

The application of pulses spans the entire spectrum of pet food products, demonstrating their versatility. In dry food or kibble, pulses are primarily used as a binding agent and a primary source of protein and carbohydrates, helping to create a crunchy texture. In wet food applications, pulses contribute to the nutritional density and texture of the product, often pureed or ground into the mixture. They are also extensively used in pet treats and snacks, providing a healthy, chewy component. Furthermore, pulses are finding application in specialized veterinary diets and prescription foods, where specific nutritional profiles are required to manage health conditions. The breadth of application underscores the functional and nutritional value that pulses add to modern pet food formulations, catering to diverse consumer needs and preferences.

Regional Insights

Regionally, North America holds a dominant position in the pulses in pet food market, driven by high pet ownership rates, strong consumer awareness of pet nutrition, and the early adoption of grain-free trends. Europe follows closely, with stringent regulations on pet food ingredients fostering demand for high-quality, natural components like pulses. The Asia-Pacific region is identified as the fastest-growing market, fueled by increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing cultural shift towards pet parenting, particularly in countries like China and India. Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are emerging regions showing gradual uptake, though market penetration is slower due to differing cultural attitudes towards pet care and less developed retail channels for premium pet food products.

Company Insights

Leading companies in the pulses in pet food market are leveraging their expertise to maintain a competitive edge. Mars Petcare, through its brands like Royal Canin and Iams, incorporates pulses to meet demand for specialized diets. Nestl? Purina utilizes pulses in products under its Beyond and Pro Plan lines, focusing on natural ingredients. Hill's Pet Nutrition integrates pulses into its Science Diet and Prescription Diet formulas. On the ingredient supply side, companies such as Ingredion provide pea starch and protein isolates, while Roquette offers pea protein concentrates specifically designed for pet food applications. These companies invest heavily in sustainability initiatives and supply chain transparency to assure consumers of the quality and ethical sourcing of their pulse-based ingredients, which is a key purchasing factor.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in the pulses in pet food market are centered on innovation and sustainability. Major players have launched new product lines featuring novel pulse blends as the primary protein source, responding to consumer demand for alternative proteins. There has been a noticeable increase in mergers and acquisitions, with large conglomerates acquiring smaller brands that have expertise in natural and pulse-based formulations to quickly expand their market share. Investment in processing technologies has intensified, aiming to improve the digestibility and nutrient bioavailability of pulses in pet food while reducing anti-nutritional factors. Furthermore, companies are increasingly publicizing their commitments to sustainable sourcing, often highlighting partnerships with pulse farmers to ensure a traceable and environmentally responsible supply chain, which resonates strongly with modern consumers.

Report Segmentation

This market report on pulses in pet food is meticulously segmented to provide a granular analysis of the industry. The segmentation is based on type, which includes peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans, and other pulses, detailing the usage and market dynamics for each variant. The report is further segmented by application, covering dry food, wet food, treats, and other specialized applications, offering insights into consumption patterns across different product forms. A crucial segmentation by pet type distinguishes between dog food and cat food, acknowledging the different nutritional requirements and formulation challenges for each animal. Geographically, the report provides a detailed analysis across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World, highlighting regional trends, growth rates, and consumer behaviors that shape the market landscape.

FAQs

What are pulses in pet food? Pulses refer to the edible seeds of legume plants, such as peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans, which are used in pet food as a valuable source of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates to enhance the nutritional profile of the diet.

Why are pulses used in pet food? Pulses are used in pet food primarily as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative protein source to meat. They are also incorporated to create grain-free formulations, address food allergies in pets, and improve the fiber content for better digestive health.

Are pulses good for dogs? Yes, when properly processed and formulated in balanced diets, pulses are generally good for dogs. They provide essential nutrients, though it is important they are used appropriately to ensure high digestibility and to mitigate any potential anti-nutritional factors.

What is the future of plant-based pet food? The future of plant-based pet food is expected to see growth, driven by sustainability concerns, owner lifestyle choices, and continuous ingredient innovation. However, it will likely complement rather than completely replace traditional meat-based diets, especially for obligate carnivores like cats.

Which companies are leading in pulse-based pet food? Leading companies incorporating pulses into their pet food products include Mars Petcare (Royal Canin, Iams), Nestl? Purina (Beyond, Pro Plan), Hill's Pet Nutrition, and Smucker's (Big Heart Pet Brands). Ingredient suppliers like Ingredion and Roquette are also key players.

Citius Research has developed a research report titled “Pulses in Pet Food Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” delivering key insights regarding business intelligence and providing concrete business strategies to clients in the form of a detailed syndicated report. The report details out the factors such as business environment, industry trend, growth opportunities, competition, pricing, global and regional market analysis, and other market related factors.

Details included in the report for the years 2024 through 2030

• Pulses in Pet Food Market Potential
• Segment-wise breakup
• Compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for the next 6 years
• Key customers and their preferences
• Market share of major players and their competitive strength
• Existing competition in the market
• Price trend analysis
• Key trend analysis
• Market entry strategies
• Market opportunity insights

The report focuses on the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the market based on various factors geographically. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The Pulses in Pet Food Market report is segmented on the basis of various market segments and their analysis, both in terms of value and volume, for each region for the period under consideration.

Pulses in Pet Food Market Segmentation

Regions Covered

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• MENA
• Asia Pacific
• Sub-Saharan Africa and
• Australasia

Pulses in Pet Food Market Analysis

The report covers below mentioned analysis, but is not limited to:

• Overview of Pulses in Pet Food Market
• Research Methodology
• Executive Summary
• Market Dynamics of Pulses in Pet Food Market
  • Driving Factors
  • Restraints
  • Opportunities
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment A
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment B
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Segment C
• Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions
• Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Pulses in Pet Food Market
• Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Pulses in Pet Food Market
• Pulses in Pet Food Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030
  • Competition Landscape
  • Market Share of Major Players
• Key Recommendations

The “Pulses in Pet Food Market Report - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth Trends, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Segment Forecasts 2024 - 2030” report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report delivers the market driven results supported by a mix of primary and secondary research. The report provides the results triangulated through authentic sources and upon conducting thorough primary interviews with the industry experts. The report includes the results on the areas where the client can focus and create point of parity and develop a competitive edge, based on real-time data results.

Pulses in Pet Food Market Key Stakeholders

Below are the key stakeholders for the Pulses in Pet Food Market:

• Manufacturers
• Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers
• Material/Component Manufacturers
• Industry Associations
• Downstream vendors

Pulses in Pet Food Market Report Scope

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

Like most other markets, the outbreak of COVID-19 had an unfavorable impact on the Pulses in Pet Food Market worldwide. This report discusses in detail the disruptions experienced by the market, the impact on flow of raw materials, manufacturing operations, production trends, consumer demand and the projected future of this market post pandemic.

The report has helped our clients:

• To describe and forecast the Pulses in Pet Food Market size, on the basis of various segmentations and geography, in terms of value and volume
• To measure the changing needs of customers/industries
• To provide detailed information regarding the drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges influencing the growth of the market
• To gain competitive intelligence and uncover new opportunities
• To analyse opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying high-growth segments in Pulses in Pet Food Market
• To strategically profile key players and provide details of the current competitive landscape
• To analyse strategic approaches adopted by players in the market, such as product launches and developments, acquisitions, collaborations, contracts, expansions, and partnerships

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