Emerging Trends In The Pet Therapeutic Food/Prescription Diet Market, By Key Countries

Deliverable Overview

The animal health team at Grand View Research has estimated and forecasted a trend report of the emerging trends in the pet therapeutic food and prescription diet market by key countries across the globe. The trend report consists of a list of around 500 prescription pet food manufacturers and a detailed analysis of their prescription pet food products globally based on parameters like company name, HQ/location, revenue, establishment year, product name, animal species, indication, food from, and product price. Furthermore, the second section of this report includes an assessment of the latest business activities shaping this market’s trend. It covers more than 30 key countries, including all types of pet therapeutic foods and prescription diets. These countries include the U.S., UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, India, China, Japan, and South Korea, among others, represent key markets where pet population, expenditure, pet humanization, and the penetration of pet prescription diet/therapeutic food were estimated to be the highest.

Report Overview

Therapeutic diets, also known as prescription (Rx), are specially formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of pets, particularly those with specific health issues. Unlike standard commercial pet foods, therapeutic diets are scientifically developed and clinically tested to support treating and preventing various diseases in dogs and cats. These diets contain higher-quality ingredients, which contributes to their higher cost. Commercial pet diets are designed to meet the nutritional requirements established by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). These diets undergo professional taste testing and laboratory analysis to ensure they fulfill pets' nutritional needs at various life stages.

In 2010, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine stated that prescription pet food diets are classified as drugs under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because they are marketed to treat or cure diseases. This statement led to a significant counterattack from veterinarians and the public, prompting demands for clarification. Veterinary diets do not contain prescription drugs and are not labeled with warnings typical of prescription medications. They are taxed like over-the-counter products, and a prescription is not legally required. The decision to mandate veterinarian prescriptions for these diets was made by pet food manufacturers, a strategy that some consumers oppose. However, many argue that this measure ensures that therapeutic diets are used under veterinary supervision. Veterinarians are trained to diagnose and monitor animal health, making them the first point of contact for pet owners noticing health issues. While the FDA regulates prescription drugs, which must be obtained through a veterinarian, therapeutic diets can similarly affect animal health, thus necessitating veterinary approval for their distribution.

Furthermore, common conditions that can be managed with therapeutic diets include allergies, kidney disease, orthopedic issues, diabetes, skin problems, gastrointestinal disorders, urinary tract diseases, obesity, liver disease, and dental health. Various therapeutic diets are designed to manage specific health issues in dogs and cats. A veterinarian can recommend the appropriate diet based on the pet’s condition. Here are some common types of therapeutic diets and their benefits:

• Renal Diets: Formulated for pets with kidney disease, these diets feature low phosphorus and sodium, moderate protein levels, and increased Omega-3 fatty acids. They promote appetite and combat weight loss while providing essential B vitamins.

• Obesity Diets: These diets are high in fibre and low in calories, designed to aid weight loss. They help pets feel full while ensuring balanced nutrition to prevent deficiencies.

• Thyroid Diets: Used for cats with hyperthyroidism, these diets are low in iodine, which helps reduce excessive thyroid hormone production.

• Diabetic Diets: These diets, which may be high in fibre or low in carbohydrates and high in Protein, help manage diabetes by slowing stomach emptying and reducing blood sugar spikes.

• Hydrolysed Diets: Ideal for diagnosing and treating food allergies, these diets contain hydrolysed proteins broken down into small particles, preventing allergic reactions.

• Urolith Diets: Created to treat and prevent bladder stones, these diets modify urine acidity and reduce mineral intake while promoting hydration.

• Dental Diets: These hard, uniquely shaped kibbles help prevent plaque and tartar buildup by encouraging pets to chew thoroughly.

• Gastrointestinal Diets: Formulated for pets with digestive issues, these diets are easy to digest, low in fat, and often enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids to support gastrointestinal health.

• Recovery Diets: Targeted for pets in critical care, these energy-dense and highly digestible diets provide nutritional support and prevent muscle loss.

• Joint Diets: Designed to alleviate arthritis pain in dogs, these diets include therapeutic Omega-3 fatty acids and supplements like glucosamine to support joint health.

• Oncology (Restorative) Diets: Designed to nourish and support dogs with serious illness such as cancer. These diets are designed for pets and contain Omega-3 fatty acids (Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), Protein, arginine, etc. to help manage help manage inflammation, cachexia, provide necessary nutrition, and boost immune system.

The final deliverable will be presented in the following format.:

Key Business Activities Driving the Market Trend

Adopting pet therapeutic foods or prescription diets is growing rapidly, driven by increasing pet ownership, humanization of pets, and rising awareness about pet health. Pet owners are willing to invest in their pets' health and longevity, leading to a greater demand for specialized food to improve their quality of life. Veterinarians are crucial in recommending therapeutic diets, and pet owners trust their expert opinions. The premiumization of pet food, focusing on natural and organic ingredients, is also driving the market's growth. In the current scenario, prescription pet diets can be categorized under premium pet food. Hence, their adoption in countries across the globe is subject to high or low expenditure on pets.

On this basis, countries like the U.S., the UK, and Germany, which rank at the top of pet expenditure at around USD 130 billion, USD 10 billion, and USD 6 billion, respectively, are estimated to have the most favorable scenario for easy penetration of prescription pet food. The industry is expected to see significant growth in the coming years, driven by an aging pet population, advancements in veterinary science, and an increased focus on obesity and weight management. Additionally, the growth of pet health insurance and the expansion of therapeutic pet food into emerging markets will further boost the industry's growth. Overall, the pet therapeutic food market is poised for lucrative growth as pet owners continue to prioritize preventive care and invest in premium, health-focused products for their pets.

Emerging Trends in the Pet Therapeutic Food and Prescription Diet Market, By Key Countries Report Scope

First section of the deliverable consists of around 500 prescription pet food manufacturers and a detailed analysis of their prescription pet food products globally based on parameters like name, HQ/location, revenue, establishment year, product name, animal species, indication, food from, and product price. Furthermore, second section of this report will include assessment of latest business activities that are shaping this market’s trend.