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

U.S. Wet Pet Food Processing Equipment Market Summary

Unlike global markets where rising pet ownership in emerging regions drives expansion, growth in the U.S. is anchored in the mature yet evolving consumer base that demands high-quality, protein-rich, and clean-label wet pet foods. This shift in consumer preferences is pushing manufacturers to upgrade to advanced, automated processing technologies that ensure nutritional integrity, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

In the U.S., the premiumization of pet food is being propelled by a growing focus on health and wellness among pet owners, who increasingly view their pets as family members. This heightened awareness is leading to greater demand for nutrient-dense, high-quality wet pet food products. Furthermore, the shift toward clean-label, organic, and minimally processed formulations is particularly strong in the U.S. market, prompting domestic manufacturers to upgrade to advanced processing equipment that ensures transparency, safety, and nutritional retention-further driving equipment demand.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The U.S. wet pet food processing equipment industry features a mix of established domestic manufacturers and U.S.-based subsidiaries of global corporations, all vying for a share in a mature but innovation-driven market. Companies are focused on developing advanced, automated processing solutions that deliver high-quality, safe, and nutritionally consistent pet food, aligning with evolving consumer expectations. Technological innovation is heavily influenced by the demand for premium pet products, operational efficiency, and compliance with stringent regulatory standards.

In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Association of American Feed Control officials (AAFCO) are key regulatory bodies enforcing rigorous standards for hygiene, ingredient safety, and nutritional labeling. Adhering to these regulations is vital, as U.S. pet owners are particularly attentive to food traceability and ingredient transparency. As a result, equipment manufacturers are increasingly integrating smart automation, precision control, and IoT-enabled monitoring systems to support compliance and enhance process reliability.

Despite strong growth potential, competition from novel processing methods-such as high-pressure processing and small-batch artisanal systems-poses a challenge to traditional equipment suppliers. To stay competitive, U.S. manufacturers are focusing on modular, energy-efficient machinery and prioritizing features that support clean-label production, food safety, and customization. These efforts are essential for tapping into the U.S.'s growing demand for high-end, health-focused wet pet food products.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The U.S. wet pet food processing equipment industry is primarily driven by increasing pet adoption and the strong cultural shift toward pet humanization. American pet owners are particularly inclined toward feeding their pets high-quality, nutrient-dense meals that mirror human-grade food standards, with a preference for clean-label, high-protein, and grain-free formulations. This has prompted U.S.-based manufacturers to invest in advanced, hygienic, and automated processing systems that offer traceability, ingredient precision, and regulatory compliance.

However, a key challenge in the U.S. market is the substantial capital expenditure associated with establishing or upgrading production lines. The demand for FDA- and AAFCO-compliant machinery-such as pressure retorts, aseptic fillers, and integrated packaging systems-makes it costly for both established manufacturers and emerging brands to scale operations without significant upfront investment.

At the same time, the U.S. is at the forefront of adopting automation, AI, and IoT-driven solutions in food processing. These innovations offer strong growth opportunities, enabling pet food manufacturers to enhance operational efficiency, ensure food safety, reduce labor dependency, and optimize resource use. The push toward digitalized, data-driven manufacturing environments is rapidly transforming how wet pet food is produced and quality-controlled across the American supply chain.

Equipment Insights

The processing equipment segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 53.0% in 2024. In the U.S. wet pet food processing equipment industry, processing machinery remains the dominant segment, driven by the industry’s response to heightened consumer demand for high-protein, grain-free, and health-focused pet food. American manufacturers are prioritizing precision and nutritional integrity, prompting investments in technologies such as advanced extruders, vacuum fillers, and aseptic systems that improve ingredient control and extend shelf life. Domestic players like Andritz and Clextral have introduced equipment tailored to meet these expectations while supporting large-scale, efficient operations.

Packaging equipment also plays a vital role in the U.S. market, as preserving product freshness, moisture content, and safety is essential for meeting FDA food handling standards and consumer expectations. The growing preference for convenient, single-serve portions and long-lasting shelf stability is driving U.S. manufacturers to adopt specialized packaging solutions capable of high-speed, contamination-free sealing and sterilization suited for wet formulations.

Food Type Insights

The cat food segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 33.07% in 2024. This leadership is supported by strong consumer demand for premium, moisture-rich, and palatable formulations. Domestic manufacturers are increasingly adopting equipment capable of producing feline-specific textures and flavor profiles while maintaining food safety and nutritional standards. The emphasis on minimally processed, human-grade ingredients aligns with evolving pet owner expectations, driving equipment upgrades for precision and hygiene.

Similarly, the U.S. dog food segment is experiencing a shift toward nutrient-dense, meat-rich wet formulations. This trend is accelerating investments in specialized processing systems designed to manage high-moisture, protein-focused recipes with consistency and safety. U.S. regulations and consumer scrutiny over ingredient transparency have pushed manufacturers to adopt automated systems that ensure efficiency, traceability, and compliance across the production cycle.

Form Insights

The chunk-in-gravy segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 43.2% in 2024. In the U.S. wet pet food processing equipment industry, chunk-in-gravy products are driving demand for advanced processing systems that can maintain both shelf stability and the appealing texture associated with premium pet foods. The emphasis on human-grade presentation and recipe diversity has pushed manufacturers to invest in equipment capable of producing consistent, high-quality chunk-in-gravy meals.

Loaf-style wet pet food is gaining traction in the U.S., especially among pet owners seeking high-protein, meat-rich options with a firm texture. The increasing focus on premiumization and textural integrity in pet diets has encouraged producers to adopt equipment that ensures uniform shaping, moisture retention, and nutritional value in loaf-format products.

Package Type Insights

The cans segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 42.5% in 2024. In the U.S. wet pet food processing equipment industry, cans continue to dominate due to their durability and suitability for high-temperature sterilization, making them ideal for preserving nutrient-rich, dense pet foods like loaves and chunks in gravy. Their compatibility with retort systems ensures both long shelf life and food safety, reinforcing their prominence in large-scale production.

Pouches are rapidly gaining market traction in the U.S. as a convenient and lightweight alternative, especially for premium and portion-controlled products. Their rise is supported by growing consumer demand for ease of use and product variety, prompting manufacturers to invest in advanced pouch-filling equipment that ensures hygiene, precision, and efficiency at scale.

Key U.S. Wet Pet Food Processing Equipment Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include JBT Marel and DC Norris among others.

• JBT Marel, also known as John Bean Technologies Corporation, is a global technology solutions provider primarily serving the food and beverage industry. The company was established as an independent publicly traded company in 2008 following FMC Technologies' divestiture of its non-energy businesses.

• DC Norris designs, manufactures, installs, and services industrial and commercial food processing systems that cater to a broad range of food types, including ready meals, soups, sauces, beverages, pet food, and more. Their equipment portfolio includes advanced cooking kettles, cooling systems, sous vide technology, can opening and crushing machines, and vessels for safe food transfer and storage.

Recent Developments

• In January 2025 JBT finalized its voluntary takeover of Marel hf., merging the two companies to form JBT Marel Corporation. Shares of the new combined entity began trading under the ticker “JBT MarelM” on both the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Iceland as of January 3, 2025. The merger is designed to create a stronger, more diversified company in food processing solutions by combining the expertise, technologies, and market reach of both JBT Marel and Marel.

• In May 2025, DC Norris acquired AE Mixers, strengthening its capabilities in industrial food processing equipment pertaining to pet food, food & beverage, and confectionery industries. This acquisition complements their existing portfolio and supports growth by enhancing their mixing technology offerings.

U.S. Wet Pet Food Processing Equipment Market Report Scope

U.S. Wet Pet Food Processing Equipment Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research, Inc. has segmented the U.S. wet pet food processing equipment market based on the product, food type, form, and package type:

• Equipment Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Processing Equipment

    • Mixing & Blending Equipment

    • Grinding Equipment

      • Pre-breakers

      • Pallet Inverters

      • Holding Bins

      • Others

    • Pre-Cooking Equipment

    • Cooling & Chilling Equipment

    • Others

  • Packaging Equipment

    • Cans

      • Filling Machines

      • Can Seaming Machines

      • Retort Systems

        • Saturated Steam

        • Water Spray

        • Water Immersion

        • Steam-air

        • Hydrostatic Retorts

      • Labeling Machines

      • Cartoning and Case Packing Machines

  • Trays

    • Filling Machines

    • Sealing Machines

    • Lidding Film Handling Systems

    • Retort Systems

      • Saturated Steam

      • Water Spray

      • Water Immersion

      • Steam-air4

      • Hydrostatic Retorts

    • Labeling Machines

    • Cartoning and Case Packing Machines

  • Pouches

    • Pouch Feeding/Loading Machines

    • Filling Machines

    • Sealing Machines

    • Retort Systems

      • Saturated Steam

      • Water Spray

      • Water Immersion

      • Steam-air4

      • Hydrostatic Retorts

    • Labeling Machines

    • Cartoning and Case Packing Machines

  • Tubes

    • Tube Feeding Machines

    • Filling Machines

    • Sealing Machines

    • Trimming Machines

    • Retort Systems

      • Saturated Steam

      • Water Spray

      • Water Immersion

      • Steam-air4

      • Hydrostatic Retorts

    • Labeling Machines

    • Cartoning and Case Packing Machines

  • Others

    • Filling Machines

    • Sealing Machines

    • Retort Systems

      • Saturated Steam

      • Water Spray

      • Water Immersion

      • Steam-air4

      • Hydrostatic Retorts

    • Labeling Machines

    • Cartoning and Case Packing Machines

  • Cleaning & Sanitization Equipment

• Food Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Dog Food

  • Cat Food

• Form Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Loaves

  • Stew

  • Chunk in Gravy

  • Others

• Package Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Cans

  • Trays

  • Pouches

  • Tubes

  • Others