#petfoodprocessing

The global wet pet food processing equipment market size is anticipated to reach USD 2,699.5 million by 2033 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2025 to 2033, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is primarily driven by the sustained global rise in pet ownership, particularly dogs and cats, along with a strong shift toward premium, natural, and high-protein pet foods.

Market opportunities are driven by the growing need for automation and digitalization in food manufacturing processes. Equipment manufacturers offering integrated systems that combine mixing, cooking, filling, and sterilization under hygienic design principles are well-positioned to benefit. Additionally, sustainability trends are opening new pathways for energy-efficient machines and those compatible with recyclable or retortable packaging. Emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America are also providing a growth runway, with expanding middle-class populations increasingly purchasing commercial pet food, including wet formats. Equipment suppliers that can cater to small and medium-sized enterprises in these regions with scalable, modular equipment are likely to gain competitive traction.

From a regulatory perspective, wet pet food processing is subject to stringent food safety and animal feed regulations. In the U.S., it falls under the oversight of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), particularly the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), which enforces compliance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Facilities must adhere to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs), implement hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls under the FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act), and ensure accurate labeling and nutritional adequacy as per AAFCO guidelines. In Europe, manufacturers must comply with EU Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 for feed hygiene, among other national and international food safety standards. Equipment must support traceability, hygienic design, and ease of cleaning to comply with these frameworks.

Top players in the wet pet food processing equipment market—such as GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, JBT Marel, and Andritz—have strategically focused on offering turnkey solutions that integrate advanced automation, energy efficiency, and clean-in-place systems. Furthermore, partnerships with pet food manufacturers for product development support, pilot plant testing, and regional expansion are central to their strategies. Players are also pursuing mergers and acquisitions to access new geographic markets and complementary technologies, especially in areas such as aseptic packaging, vacuum processing, and thermal sterilization. For instance, in July 2024, DC Norris announced a strategic partnership with Zakka Multitec, appointing them as exclusive agents for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aims to expand DC Norris’s presence in the Middle East by bringing food and beverage processing solutions to more clients in the region

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Wet Pet Food Processing Equipment Market Report Highlights

Based on equipment, the processing equipment segment dominated the market in 2024. Manufacturers are adopting advanced processing systems to meet demand for high-quality, nutrient-rich wet pet food, driving investments in precise, efficient machinery.

Based on food type, the cat food segment led the market in 2024. Growing demand for premium, tailored nutrition is prompting producers to use advanced equipment that ensures safe, palatable wet food specifically suited to feline preferences.

Based on form, the chunk in gravy segment dominated the market in 2024. Rising consumer preference for visually appealing, varied pet meals is pushing manufacturers to invest in technology that preserves texture, appearance, and shelf life.

Based on package type, the cans segment dominated the market in 2024. The need for reliable, long-lasting packaging that protects flavor and nutrients is sustaining the dominance of cans, which perform well in high-heat sterilization.

The market in North America dominated the global market in 2024. Rising pet humanization and demand for premium, minimally processed pet food are driving the adoption of advanced processing technologies supported by strong industrial and tech infrastructure.

The entire manufacturing process for pet food manufacturing involves several steps. The first step in the processing cycle of pet food involves meat fermentation. The second step involves skinning (deciding whether to remove the skins or leave them on the bone). After this, the meat, skins and offal are cleaned and prepared for further processing. This includes cleaning and rinsing of containers, chopping of bones and other material, Boil drying of lower fat ingredients, Dextrose or Acidic Acidification process, and storage at ambient temperature.

The second step in the pet food manufacturing process includes the primary objective of shelf life extension. By increasing the time (in minutes) for foods to sit on the shelf before they need to be discarded, manufacturers are able to create long-term contract agreements with retailers. At this point, the entire manufacturing process is initiated. At this point, the packaging is opened and liquids are poured into containers and then into air-tight containers which are destined for shipping.

It is in the storage phase that the quality and safety of pet foods are challenged the most. Wet ingredients will often sit on the bottom shelf of retail display cases. Many manufacturers use plastic airtight containers that are designed to prevent liquid transfer during transportation. While storage of moist ingredients is less likely to occur, it does happen. In the pet food manufacturing process, meat, wet ingredients, dry ingredients and plastic packaging are all subjected to various environmental stresses and conditions that can affect product stability.

The main objective of pet food processing is to identify and eliminate common allergens, irritants and spoilage from wet ingredients before they are released into the market. Pet food manufacturing companies use a variety of methods and equipment during the wet manufacturing process. One of the most important equipment items is the moisture analyzer. This device is designed to help manufacturers determine which ingredients are stable and which have moisture levels that can cause problems during shipping or distribution. Moisture analyzers are an important tool for both the manufacturer and retailer of dry dog food products.

The other goal of cattle feed manufacturing is to produce a higher quality product at a lower cost. Companies spend a great deal of time and money on researching, developing and manufacturing good quality products. They also make use of state of the art technology and methodologies to help reduce waste. The result is a cleaner healthier product. Pet foods that pass this quality standards are more likely to lead to a higher profit margin for manufacturers.

Pet foods containing artificial flavors or colors or colorings are considered by the pet food industry to be low quality. Pet foods are made in similar ways no matter the type of pet food processing used. For example, most commercial pet foods are made with fish, poultry or pork ingredients. Pet foods that contain fruit juices, spices or other additives are considered inferior.

In May of 2021 a recall was issued for some pet food manufacturers. It was determined that a high percentage of kibble had contained mold spores. Some of the manufacturers said that they would be able to clean the problem up, but only if the kibble is thrown out. That would be a costly solution. A recall is often made when a company said they will address the issue, only to find that later they have not.