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South Africa Pet Food Market Size

The South Africa pet food market is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increase in pet ownership and a rising demand for high-quality pet products. Dogs dominate the market due to their larger consumption of pet food, with a notable preference for premium options like grain-free and organic varieties. Cats also contribute substantially to the market, with a growing interest in specialized diets such as hypoallergenic and natural food. Despite smaller pets like birds, fish, and rodents having a considerable presence in the pet population, their market share remains limited. The long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pet ownership is expected to further influence the market's expansion.

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Market Size of south africa pet food Industry

South Africa Pet Food Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 0.77 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 1.47 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Pets Dogs
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 13.81 %
svg icon Fastest Growing by Pets Dogs
svg icon Market Concentration Low

Major Players
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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South Africa Pet Food Market Analysis

The South Africa Pet Food Market size is estimated at USD 0.77 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.47 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 13.81% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

0.77 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

1.47 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

23.97 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

13.81 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Product

74.04 %

value share, Food, 2022

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The expanding pet population and the increase in the demand for high-quality and nutritional pet food products have promoted market growth for food products in the country.

Largest Market by Animal

78.97 %

value share, Dogs, 2022

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The higher population and growing incidence of dog health issues have driven up the demand for veterinary diets and dog treats, leading to the growth of the market in the country.

Fastest-growing Market by Product

17.11 %

Projected CAGR, Pet Treats, 2023-2029

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The increasing awareness, the vital role of treats in training, rewarding, and supporting the well-being of pets, and consumer focus on pet health are driving the market growth.

Fastest-growing Market by Animal

15.20 %

Projected CAGR, Dogs, 2023-2029

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Due to the increasing pet ownership rates of dogs compared to other pets, the consumer demand for commercial pet food products concerning dogs in the country is growing rapidly.

Leading Market Player

13.12 %

market share, Nestle (Purina), 2022

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Nestle (Purina) is the market leader because of the extensive product innovations in the country, and it has launched products under pet food and pet nutraceuticals segments.

Dogs dominated the pet food market in South Africa due to their higher population and large per capita consumption compared to other pets

  • Pet ownership is increasing in South Africa as more households are encouraging the companionship of pets. In 2022, cats and dogs were the most popular choices, accounting for 60.9% and 13.4% of the country's pet population, respectively.
  • Dogs have a larger share of the pet food market in South Africa. Their strong market presence was valued at USD 431.3 million in 2022. Dogs consume a higher amount of pet food compared to other pets, which contributes to their substantial market share. The demand for premium dog food, including grain-free and organic options, is anticipated to register a CAGR of 14.6% during the forecast period.
  • Cats also hold a significant share of the South African pet food market, with a market value of USD 61.3 million in 2022. The cat food market is projected to register a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period. The increasing preference for specialized diets, such as hypoallergenic and natural cat food, is driving this growth.
  • Although other pets, such as birds, fish, and rodents, account for 25.6% of the country's pet population, their market value was only USD 53.2 million in 2022. This can be attributed to the fact that these pets are generally small in size and require relatively small amounts of food.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a rise in pet ownership in South Africa, and considering the average lifespan of pets (8 to 10 years), the pet food market is projected to be impacted in the long term. The increasing population of pet owners and their demand for high-quality pet products will continue to drive the market's growth during the forecast period.
South Africa Pet Food Market

South Africa Pet Food Industry Segmentation

Food, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, Pet Treats, Pet Veterinary Diets are covered as segments by Pet Food Product. Cats, Dogs are covered as segments by Pets. Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.

  • Pet ownership is increasing in South Africa as more households are encouraging the companionship of pets. In 2022, cats and dogs were the most popular choices, accounting for 60.9% and 13.4% of the country's pet population, respectively.
  • Dogs have a larger share of the pet food market in South Africa. Their strong market presence was valued at USD 431.3 million in 2022. Dogs consume a higher amount of pet food compared to other pets, which contributes to their substantial market share. The demand for premium dog food, including grain-free and organic options, is anticipated to register a CAGR of 14.6% during the forecast period.
  • Cats also hold a significant share of the South African pet food market, with a market value of USD 61.3 million in 2022. The cat food market is projected to register a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period. The increasing preference for specialized diets, such as hypoallergenic and natural cat food, is driving this growth.
  • Although other pets, such as birds, fish, and rodents, account for 25.6% of the country's pet population, their market value was only USD 53.2 million in 2022. This can be attributed to the fact that these pets are generally small in size and require relatively small amounts of food.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a rise in pet ownership in South Africa, and considering the average lifespan of pets (8 to 10 years), the pet food market is projected to be impacted in the long term. The increasing population of pet owners and their demand for high-quality pet products will continue to drive the market's growth during the forecast period.
Pet Food Product
Food
By Sub Product
Dry Pet Food
By Sub Dry Pet Food
Kibbles
Other Dry Pet Food
Wet Pet Food
Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements
By Sub Product
Milk Bioactives
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Probiotics
Proteins and Peptides
Vitamins and Minerals
Other Nutraceuticals
Pet Treats
By Sub Product
Crunchy Treats
Dental Treats
Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats
Soft & Chewy Treats
Other Treats
Pet Veterinary Diets
By Sub Product
Diabetes
Digestive Sensitivity
Oral Care Diets
Renal
Urinary tract disease
Other Veterinary Diets
Pets
Cats
Dogs
Other Pets
Distribution Channel
Convenience Stores
Online Channel
Specialty Stores
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Other Channels
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South Africa Pet Food Market Size Summary

The South Africa pet food market is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increase in pet ownership and a rising demand for high-quality pet products. The market is characterized by a strong preference for dogs, which dominate the pet food sector due to their higher consumption rates and the growing demand for premium options like grain-free and organic foods. Cats also hold a substantial share of the market, with a growing interest in specialized diets such as hypoallergenic and natural cat food. Despite the limited growth in the cat population, partly due to government restrictions and negative stereotypes, there has been a stable increase in their numbers, influenced by trends like cat cafes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which encouraged more people to adopt pets for companionship.

The market is further propelled by the trend of pet humanization, particularly among high-income pet owners who are willing to invest in premium and natural pet food products. This has led to a noticeable rise in pet expenditure, with significant increases in spending on dogs and cats. The market is predominantly dominated by offline retail stores, although e-commerce is gaining traction. The South Africa pet food market is fragmented, with major players like Colgate-Palmolive Company, FARMINA PET FOODS, General Mills Inc., Mars Incorporated, and Nestle (Purina) holding significant shares. Recent product launches, such as Hill's Pet Nutrition's new MSC certified products and Nestle Purina's cat treats, highlight the ongoing innovation and premiumization trends in the market.

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South Africa Pet Food Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Pet Food Product

      1. 1.1.1 Food

        1. 1.1.1.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.1.1.1 Dry Pet Food

            1. 1.1.1.1.1.1 By Sub Dry Pet Food

              1. 1.1.1.1.1.1.1 Kibbles

              2. 1.1.1.1.1.1.2 Other Dry Pet Food

          2. 1.1.1.1.2 Wet Pet Food

      2. 1.1.2 Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements

        1. 1.1.2.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.2.1.1 Milk Bioactives

          2. 1.1.2.1.2 Omega-3 Fatty Acids

          3. 1.1.2.1.3 Probiotics

          4. 1.1.2.1.4 Proteins and Peptides

          5. 1.1.2.1.5 Vitamins and Minerals

          6. 1.1.2.1.6 Other Nutraceuticals

      3. 1.1.3 Pet Treats

        1. 1.1.3.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.3.1.1 Crunchy Treats

          2. 1.1.3.1.2 Dental Treats

          3. 1.1.3.1.3 Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats

          4. 1.1.3.1.4 Soft & Chewy Treats

          5. 1.1.3.1.5 Other Treats

      4. 1.1.4 Pet Veterinary Diets

        1. 1.1.4.1 By Sub Product

          1. 1.1.4.1.1 Diabetes

          2. 1.1.4.1.2 Digestive Sensitivity

          3. 1.1.4.1.3 Oral Care Diets

          4. 1.1.4.1.4 Renal

          5. 1.1.4.1.5 Urinary tract disease

          6. 1.1.4.1.6 Other Veterinary Diets

    2. 1.2 Pets

      1. 1.2.1 Cats

      2. 1.2.2 Dogs

      3. 1.2.3 Other Pets

    3. 1.3 Distribution Channel

      1. 1.3.1 Convenience Stores

      2. 1.3.2 Online Channel

      3. 1.3.3 Specialty Stores

      4. 1.3.4 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

      5. 1.3.5 Other Channels

South Africa Pet Food Market Size FAQs

The South Africa Pet Food Market size is expected to reach USD 0.77 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 13.81% to reach USD 1.47 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the South Africa Pet Food Market size is expected to reach USD 0.77 billion.

South Africa Pet Food Market Report Snapshots

South Africa Pet Food Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029