Whether it’s celebrities or commoners, the joy of having pets is universal. But joy, as always, comes with responsibility. Just like children depend entirely on their parents, pets rely wholly on their humans. Every aspect of their well-being from health to training or even emotional care sits squarely on the owner’s shoulders. And at the heart of this responsibility is Food. The right kind, at the right time, in the right quantity. While schedules can take care of timing and portions, the deeper question is what constitutes the best nutrition is far more complex.
The Indian pet food market has blown up. The specialized brands, niche products, and even research-led diets are allowing owners of pets to make informed choices. The days of giving pets biscuits, milk, or a leftover roti are gone. Now we have options to pick from: high-quality dried kibble, canned foodie even raw and BARF (biologically appropriate raw food) diets.
This shift is being driven by a powerful cultural force: the “humanization” of pets. Pets aren’t just animals anymore, they’re family. This emotional repositioning is shaping the landscape for premium, health-centric pet food designed to support longevity, immunity, gut health, and even mood. And the market is ready. A rising middle class, higher disposable incomes, and growing awareness around pet wellness mean people are willing to invest in their pets.
Take Bengaluru-based Drools Pet Food, which recently entered India’s unicorn club. Thanks to a strategic investment of over $1 billion by Nestlé SA in 2025. This isn’t just a big win for the brand; it’s a defining moment for the Indian pet care ecosystem. It signals a massive shift in pet ownership in India: from functional to emotional. As a result, the industry is no longer just about pet food. It’s a full-spectrum wellness space. Supermarkets now have dedicated pet food aisles, mirroring human FMCG categories. Products are arranged by breed, age, activity level, and even temperament.
In this emotional economy, brands that understand the soul of the Indian pet-parent relationship will lead. The messaging will evolve from marketing to mentoring from selling products to building communities. Because in a country where the bond between humans and animals is sacred, the business of pet food has transformed.
