Wet Pet Food Processing Equipment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Equipment (Processing, Packaging, Cleaning & Sanitization), By Food Type (Dog Food, Cat Food), By Form, By Package Type, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2033

Wet Pet Food Processing Equipment Market Growth & Trends

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

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.
• In October 2024, Cabinplant A/S formed a strategic partnership with Harpak-ULMA to enhance their presence in the U.S. and Canadian markets. This distribution agreement combines Cabinplant’s advanced food processing and multihead fixed-weight packaging solutions with Harpak-ULMA’s intelligent packaging platforms and extensive support network.