India’s pet food market is projected to reach ₹7,500 crore by 2026, driven by rising pet ownership, increasing demand for premium nutrition, and mobile app-based services.
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Vandana Abrol 
5 min read
An enthusiastic developer and skilled business management expert with over a decade of experience in the field
In recent years, India has seen a significant increase in pet ownership. As awareness about pet health grows, pet owners are paying closer attention to their pets’ diet and overall nutrition. Selecting the right food is crucial for maintaining your pet’s health, supporting their growth, and preventing illnesses. This article provides a detailed overview of pet food options and nutrition trends in India for 2026. It also highlights how modern tools, such as app development for pet food and nutrition, as well as on-demand pet care apps, are making it easier for pet owners to manage their pets’ well-being.
Planning to launch a pet-care platform? Check out Digittrix’s guide to creating a pet-care services app and get started!
Pets require a balanced diet to stay healthy. A diet lacking important nutrients can lead to health issues such as obesity, joint problems, digestive disorders, and reduced immunity. In India, pet food has evolved from simple homemade meals to specially formulated commercial diets made for specific breeds, ages, and health requirements.
Modern pet nutrition highlights the use of high-quality ingredients, vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Proteins are vital for muscle growth, while fats supply energy and support skin and coat health. Carbohydrates provide the energy pets need for daily activities. Vitamins and minerals support bone and tooth health and the immune system, contributing to overall vitality.
For pet owners who struggle to track the nutritional content of various products, creating a pet food mobile app offers a useful solution. These apps can provide detailed information on ingredients, proper portions, and feeding schedules, making it easier for pet parents to keep their pets on a healthy diet.
Pet food in India is categorized into three main types: dry, wet, and semi-moist. Each offers unique benefits and considerations.
Dry food is a popular choice among pet owners because of its convenience, affordability, and long shelf life. Kibble aids in maintaining dental health by decreasing plaque and tartar buildup. It also comes in various formulas for puppies, adult pets, and seniors. Well-known brands in India include Royal Canin, Pedigree, Hill's Science Diet, and Drools.
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Wet food has higher moisture content and is usually more appealing to pets because of its aroma and flavor. It is especially good for pets with dental problems or a poor appetite. Wet food also helps keep pets hydrated, particularly during hot weather.
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Semi-moist food is a middle ground between dry and wet food. It often contains a mix of water, preservatives, and sweeteners to keep it soft and flavorful. While convenient, semi-moist food may not be the best choice for pets with dental problems or those prone to obesity.
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With more educated pet owners in India, nutritional trends are moving toward premium and functional pet foods. Some key trends include:
pet care Grain-free pet food removes wheat, corn, and soy from recipes. Instead, it depends on protein sources like chicken, lamb, fish, or turkey. Grain-free diets are thought to improve digestion and lessen allergies in sensitive pets.
Organic pet food uses ingredients grown without pesticides and harmful chemicals. Natural pet food avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Both options are becoming more popular among health-conscious pet owners.
Certain breeds have specific nutritional needs. Breed-specific pet food is created to meet these needs, such as joint support for large breeds, coat care for long-haired dogs, and digestive support for small breeds.
Functional supplements in pet food help meet specific health needs, such as probiotics for gut health, glucosamine for joint support, and antioxidants for immunity. These supplements are often found in premium brands to offer complete nutrition.
Managing pet nutrition can be tough, especially for busy pet owners. That’s where technology becomes essential. Pet care app development and on-demand pet care apps are helping owners keep their pets healthy effectively.
Feeding Reminders: Apps can notify owners about feeding times and portion sizes, ensuring pets get consistent nutrition. They also assist owners in maintaining a regular schedule even during busy days, preventing overfeeding or missed meals that can affect a pet’s health.
Diet Tracking: Track your pet’s daily nutrient intake, weight, and growth patterns using the app. Detailed charts and progress reports help pet owners see if their pet’s diet needs adjustments for improved health and energy.
Vet Consultations: Some apps offer pet owners access to veterinarians for advice on diet and health. This feature helps owners get expert guidance without visiting clinics, saving time and providing prompt medical support when needed.
Pet Store Integration: Apps frequently connect to online pet stores, enabling users to order food, supplements, and other essentials directly. It ensures you never run out of supplies, and many platforms even suggest products based on your pet’s age, breed, and dietary needs.
Activity Monitoring: Pet care apps can also track physical activity, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight along with proper nutrition. Owners can view daily exercise summaries and set goals to keep their pets active, fit, and mentally stimulated.
Pet care app development companies in India focus on creating apps that blend convenience, functionality, and education. These apps feature user-friendly interfaces to help owners make informed decisions about their pets’ diets without confusion.
Based on quality, nutrition, and popularity, the following brands are highly recommended in India.
Royal Canin offers breed- and life-stage-specific pet foods. Its formulas contain high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This brand is ideal for pets with special dietary needs.
Hill’s Science Diet is recognized for its science-backed formulas. It provides diets for weight management, sensitive stomachs, and urinary health. This brand is perfect for owners seeking veterinary-approved nutrition.
Drools provides affordable, high-protein options. Its selection includes dry and wet foods, treats, and functional supplements. Drools is a popular choice for daily feeding in American households.
Pedigree remains a popular brand that offers a wide variety of dry dog foods. It is often chosen for its balanced nutrition and affordability. Pedigree also provides growth-stage-specific formulas for puppies and adult dogs.
These brands concentrate on premium nutrition for cats. They provide grain-free, high-protein diets that support healthy skin, coat, and digestion.
Choosing the right pet food needs careful thought. Here are some useful tips:
India’s pet food industry is projected to grow steadily by 2026. As disposable income increases and awareness of pet health rises, premium and functional foods are expected to lead the market. Simultaneously, the development of pet food and nutrition apps, along with pet food mobile apps, is offering more accessible and convenient ways to ensure pets receive proper care. On-demand services like pet grooming, food delivery, and health consultations are also expanding, making it easier for owners to provide a balanced diet and maintain overall wellness.
App-based solutions are more than just convenient; they are about making informed decisions. Modern pet care app development tools enable users to track nutrition, monitor health, and order products online. These apps offer a comprehensive platform for pet parents who might not have time to visit multiple stores or research ingredients.
By incorporating features like reminders, vet appointments, and diet tracking, apps make managing pet nutrition easier daily. Pet care app development companies in India focus on user-friendly designs so pet owners can access all essential information with ease.
Furthermore, on-demand pet care apps are expanding their services beyond just nutrition. Owners can now request grooming, vaccinations, and other veterinary services through a single platform. This convenience is especially useful in urban areas where busy schedules can make traditional pet care difficult.
Looking to monetise your pet-care platform? Check out Digittrix’s guide on pet-care app monetisation and start growing your revenue!
Pet food and nutrition in India are experiencing major changes in 2026. Pet owners now have access to high-quality, functional foods made for specific breeds, age groups, and health needs. Grain-free, organic, and premium brands are becoming more popular among educated pet parents who focus on their pets’ health.
Meanwhile, the development of pet food mobile apps, pet care apps, and on-demand pet care apps is transforming how owners handle nutrition and wellness. These apps offer reminders, diet tracking, vet support, and easy ordering through a user-friendly interface. With these tools, feeding your pet the right food and staying healthy has become much simpler.
Investing in proper nutrition is the first step toward a happy, long, and healthy life for pets. With careful food choices and technology support, pet owners in India can confidently ensure their pets get all the necessary nutrients.
In the expanding pet care and nutrition market, success relies on understanding what pet owners truly need: convenience, trust, and personalized support. Modern pet parents seek digital tools that simplify feeding, tracking, and caring for their pets. That’s where Digittrix comes in.
As a trusted pet care app development company, Digittrix creates advanced, user-friendly solutions that help businesses connect with pet owners effectively. Our expertise in mobile apps and custom web development allows us to build feature-rich platforms tailored for real-world use.
From AI-based nutrition tracking and feeding reminders to virtual vet consultations and secure online ordering, our development team ensures each feature serves a practical purpose. With over 14 years of experience, we create apps that combine performance, usability, and innovation, helping you deliver value to your users and grow your brand in the competitive pet care industry.
Whether you’re planning to launch a new pet nutrition platform or expand an existing one, Digittrix can help bring your idea to life with precision and creativity. Contact our experts today at +91 8727000867 or email us at digittrix@gmail.com to discuss your next pet care app project.
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Royal Canin, Drools, Hill’s Science Diet, and Pedigree remain popular choices in 2026 because of their balanced nutrition and breed-specific formulas.
Proper nutrition promotes growth, boosts immunity, maintains a healthy coat, and prevents obesity, digestive problems, and joint issues.
Pet care apps offer feeding reminders, diet tracking, veterinarian advice, and simple online food ordering for easy pet health management.
Grain-free diets may benefit pets with allergies or sensitive digestion, but it’s best to consult a vet before changing their diet.
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