Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries has entered the pet food market in India, joining other large companies like Nestle and Godrej Consumer Products, which have tapped this fast-growing market in recent years.
Reliance has entered the market with a new brand, Waggies, which it says has been designed to make high-quality, science-backed nutrition accessible and affordable to pet parents across the country.
"Waggies is formulated to deliver superior value, balancing enhanced nutrition with affordability," said Ketan Mody, executive director of Reliance Consumer Products.
Reliance's entry in this segment is not surprising, given the rapid growth the pet food market has seen as more Indians choose to adopt pet animals, especially dogs and cats.
India's pet population was estimated to be around 42 million in 2024 and is seen crossing 58 million by 2028, according to reports.
According to IMARC Group, India's pet foods market was valued at $2.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach $4.6 billion by 2033.
The market is expanding due to the rising pet adoption, especially in urban households, and a growing awareness about pet health and nutrition, it said. Inflating disposable incomes allow pet parents to spend more on specialised, premium food products, the report added.
In April 2025, home-grown FMCG major Godrej Consumer Products had entered the pet food market with its brand Ninja. It had said it would invest Rs 500 crore over five years in pet care.
Swiss food major Nestle had entered the space back in 2022, acquiring the pet food business from Purina Petcare India for around Rs 125 crore.
In May this year, Nestle S.A. picked up a minority stake in Drools Pet Food Private Limited in India.
