UK Pet Diet Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

UK Pet Diet Market Analysis

The UK Pet Diet Market size is estimated at 0.85 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 1 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.41% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The UK pet nutrition and veterinary diets market is experiencing significant transformation driven by evolving pet ownership patterns and changing consumer preferences. The pet population in the country shows a balanced distribution, with dogs accounting for 33.8%, cats representing 33%, and other pets comprising 33.1% of the total pet population in 2022. This equilibrium in pet ownership has led to a diverse market landscape, with manufacturers developing specialized pet diet products for different pet categories. The trend is particularly evident in urban areas, where approximately 10 million households owned dogs in 2022, reflecting the growing acceptance of pets in city environments.

The distribution landscape is witnessing a significant shift toward an omnichannel presence, with traditional and modern retail channels competing for market share. Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain dominant with a 31.8% market share, while online channels closely follow at 31.5% of total sales in 2022. This evolution is supported by major retailers like Pets at Home, which operates over 461 stores across the country while maintaining a strong online presence. The convergence of offline and online channels has created a seamless shopping experience for pet owners, with retailers offering services such as click-and-collect and subscription-based deliveries.

Product innovation in the market is increasingly focused on addressing specific health conditions and nutritional requirements. Digestive sensitivity diets lead the specialized category, accounting for 23.3% of veterinary diets, followed by urinary tract disease products at 18.5% in 2022. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to create advanced formulations that combine multiple health benefits. For instance, in March 2023, Hill's Pet Nutrition launched a new line of prescription diets specifically designed to support pets diagnosed with cancer, demonstrating the industry's commitment to addressing complex health conditions.

The retail landscape continues to evolve with the emergence of specialized pet stores and veterinary clinics as key distribution points. These specialized outlets are increasingly offering consultation services and personalized diet recommendations, creating a more comprehensive pet care ecosystem. Major retailers are expanding their in-store veterinary services and nutrition consulting capabilities, while online platforms are incorporating AI-powered recommendation systems to guide pet owners in selecting appropriate veterinary diets. This trend is supported by the rising number of pet specialty stores and veterinary clinics that combine product sales with professional services.

UK Pet Diet Market Trends

Increasing preference for adopting cats in urban areas as they require lesser space, affordability, and maintenance

• The adoption of cats as pets has been increasing in the United Kingdom for the past 5 years, and the increase in the number can be attributed to an increase in the need for companionship during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing urbanization, and their ability to stay indoors without feeling cooped up. These benefits helped the cat population increase by 69.3% between 2019 and 2022.
• In the United Kingdom, only one region has a higher population of cats as pets than dogs. In 2022, London witnessed the highest cat ownership in the country, which accounted for 61% of the pets in London. London has the highest national share of cats adopted because of their affordability and lower maintenance requirements. Increasingly, people are living in small apartments and houses, which are better suited for cats than for dogs. The majority of the cats adopted in the country are found to be living in urban areas. The higher preference of people for adopting cats in urban areas is because they require less space than dogs and do not need to be taken on walks, which is difficult in busy cities such as London. Cats are also relatively quiet creatures, which is required while living in flats, making them a preferred choice for pet parents.
• There is a high potential for the growth of the cat population in the country, with 250,000 stray cats in the urban areas of the country that can be adopted by pet parents in the coming years, which will help in increasing the pet population and also the demand for the cat food products during the forecast period.
• The rising cat population due to the growth in urbanization, lower maintenance, and the potential of adoption of cats increasing in the future are anticipated to help in the growth of the pet food market in the country.

The growing trend of premiumization and increasing availability of veterinary diets through various distribution channels (particularly online channels), making access easy for consumers, are driving pet expenditure in the country

• In the United Kingdom, there has been a consistent upward trend in pet owners' spending on various pet products. Between 2019 and 2022, there was a substantial increase of about 13.3% in pet expenditure. This growth can be attributed to the expanding pet population in the country, which rose from 21.5 million in 2019 to 38.4 million in 2022. Furthermore, the growing trend of pet humanization has resulted in a higher demand for premium products, including natural and grain-free pet foods.
• Expenditure on pet veterinary diets accounted for about 16.3% of the average pet food expenditure per pet in 2022. The pet veterinary diet expenditure per pet in the country increased from USD 224.4 in 2017 to USD 282.3 in 2022. This increase is mainly attributed to the growing incidence of pet diseases, increasing pet humanization, a higher number of pet owners spending on preventive care, and the various health benefits associated with pet veterinary diets. Among pet animals, the pet veterinary diet expenditure on dogs is the highest, valued at USD 107.9 per dog in 2022. This is followed by cats and dogs, which were valued at USD 97 and USD 77.4, respectively, in the same year.
• Offline retail channels, such as pet shops, vet clinics, and supermarkets, are the preferred distribution channels for purchasing pet food products in the country. However, e-commerce has gained popularity in recent years, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pets at Home is one of the leading pet food retailers in the country and operates more than 452 stores. Growing awareness about the benefits of high-quality pet veterinary diets and the increasing premiumization of pet products are projected to continue driving pet expenditure in the country.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

Segment Analysis: SUB PRODUCT

Digestive Sensitivity Segment in UK Pet Veterinary Diets Market

The Digestive Sensitivity segment dominates the UK pet veterinary diets market, commanding approximately 24% market share in 2024, valued at around USD 196 million. This segment's leadership position is attributed to the rising prevalence of digestive issues in pets, including food allergies, infections, and insufficient digestive enzymes. The segment has gained significant traction due to increasing awareness among pet owners about the importance of digestive health, with studies showing that over 83% of dog owners and 84% of cat owners in the country consider digestive health extremely important for their pets' overall well-being. The segment is projected to maintain its dominant position and demonstrate the strongest growth rate of nearly 4% during 2024-2029, driven by the introduction of innovative products incorporating high-fiber content, easily digestible proteins, and natural ingredients, along with the integration of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics to enhance digestive health. The focus on pet nutrition within this segment underscores the importance of a balanced pet diet to address these health concerns.

Remaining Segments in Sub Product Segmentation

The UK pet veterinary diets market encompasses several other significant segments, including urinary tract disease diets, renal diets, diabetes diets, oral care diets, and other specialized veterinary diets. Urinary tract disease diets represent the second-largest segment, focusing on managing and preventing urinary system conditions through specialized formulations that support hydration and prevent bladder crystal formation. Renal diets play a crucial role in supporting pets with chronic kidney diseases through reduced protein, phosphorus, and sodium levels. Diabetes diets are specifically designed to manage blood sugar levels with controlled fat content and high fiber formulations. Oral care diets focus on dental health by reducing plaque and tartar while promoting healthy gums and teeth. The remaining specialized veterinary diets address various conditions such as weight management, cardiac health, and joint support, demonstrating the market's comprehensive approach to pet nutrition and health management.

Segment Analysis: PETS

Dogs Segment in UK Pet Veterinary Diets Market

The dogs segment dominates the UK pet veterinary diets market, commanding approximately 61% market share in 2024, driven by the country's large dog population, which accounts for about 34% of total pets. This significant market position is attributed to dogs' higher susceptibility to various health conditions requiring specialized diets, particularly digestive sensitivity and urinary tract diseases. The segment's prominence is further reinforced by the increasing awareness among dog owners about the importance of specialized nutrition in managing and preventing health issues. Dogs are projected to maintain their market leadership while growing at the fastest rate of nearly 4% during 2024-2029, supported by the rising trend of pet humanization and increasing health consciousness among pet owners. The segment's growth is particularly strong in digestive-sensitive veterinary diets, which account for about 23% of the dog veterinary diet market value, reflecting the higher incidence of digestive issues in various dog breeds, including Great Danes, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Collies. The emphasis on pet nutrition within this segment highlights the critical role of a tailored pet diet in addressing these health challenges.

Remaining Segments in Pet Segmentation

The cats segment represents the second-largest category in the UK pet veterinary diets market, benefiting from the growing cat population in urban areas and increasing awareness about feline health issues. Cats have specific nutritional requirements, particularly for conditions like renal health and urinary tract diseases, driving the demand for specialized diets. The other pets segment, which includes birds, ornamental fish, reptiles, and small mammals, maintains a smaller but significant presence in the market. Despite representing a substantial portion of the pet population, their lower consumption volumes and different nutritional needs result in a smaller market share. These segments are particularly important in urban areas where space constraints make smaller pets more practical, contributing to the overall diversity and growth of the pet veterinary diets market.

Segment Analysis: DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

Online Channel Segment in UK Pet Veterinary Diets Market

The online channel has emerged as the dominant distribution channel in the UK pet veterinary diets market, commanding approximately 33% market share in 2024. This channel's prominence can be attributed to several factors, including the convenience of home delivery, competitive pricing options, and the availability of a wide range of premium and specialized veterinary diet products. The segment's growth is particularly driven by the increasing preference of pet owners for digital shopping platforms that offer detailed product information, customer reviews, and easy comparison tools. Online retailers have also strengthened their position by providing educational resources about pet nutrition and health, enabling pet owners to make informed decisions about veterinary diets. The segment is projected to grow at around 5% CAGR from 2024 to 2029, the highest among all distribution channels, driven by the continued digital transformation of retail and the increasing adoption of e-commerce platforms by pet owners.

Remaining Segments in Distribution Channel

The other significant distribution channels in the UK pet veterinary diets market include supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, convenience stores, and other channels such as veterinary clinics and pet shelters. Supermarkets/hypermarkets remain crucial due to their one-stop shopping experience and wide product availability. Specialty stores have carved out their niche by offering expert guidance and a focused selection of premium veterinary diets. Convenience stores, while having a smaller market share, serve an important role in providing easy access to veterinary diets in local neighborhoods. Other channels, including veterinary clinics and pet shelters, contribute to the market by offering professional advice alongside product sales, though their market presence is more limited compared to mainstream retail channels.

Free With This Report

We provide a complimentary and exhaustive set of data points on regional and country-level metrics that present the fundamental structure of the industry. Presented in the form of 90+ free charts, the section covers difficult-to-find data from various countries regarding the expenditure on different pet food products including food, treats, veterinary diets, and nutraceuticals/supplements.