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

UK Pet Treats Market Analysis

The UK Pet Treats Market size is estimated at 0.93 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 1.07 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.69% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The UK pet treats industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing consumer demographics and pet ownership patterns. The total pet population in the country reached an impressive 38.4 million in 2022, reflecting the growing importance of pets in British households. Urban areas, particularly London, have emerged as key markets with 61% of households having pets, predominantly cats due to space constraints and lifestyle compatibility. This urbanization trend has led manufacturers to develop pet treats specifically designed for indoor pets, with considerations for portion control and ingredients suitable for confined living spaces.

The industry is witnessing a notable shift toward premium and functional pet treats, driven by the increasing trend of pet humanization. Manufacturers are responding to this trend by developing innovative products that address specific health concerns and dietary requirements. For instance, in January 2023, Mars Incorporated launched Crave Meaty Rolls, featuring a safe texture endorsement from the European Veterinary Dental Society (EVDS), demonstrating the industry's commitment to pet health and safety standards. This focus on premium products has led to increased investment in research and development, with companies exploring novel ingredients and formulations.

Sustainability and ethical sourcing have become paramount concerns in the pet treats market. In response, manufacturers are implementing environmentally conscious practices throughout their supply chains. A significant development in this direction was Mars Incorporated's partnership with the Broad Institute in 2023 to create an open-access database of dog and cat genomes, aimed at developing more effective precision medicines and diets. Additionally, companies are increasingly adopting sustainable packaging solutions and exploring alternative protein sources to reduce their environmental impact.

The market is experiencing rapid technological integration, particularly in distribution and personalization. E-commerce has emerged as a crucial distribution channel, with companies investing in digital platforms to enhance customer experience and provide personalized product recommendations. The industry is also seeing innovation in product development, exemplified by Vafo Praha's launch of new product lines in May 2023, including Brit RAW Freeze-dried treats and Brit Dental Stick, catering to the growing demand for natural and functional treats. These developments indicate a market that is increasingly driven by innovation and consumer convenience, with a strong focus on meeting specific pet health needs and owner preferences. The UK pet food and treats market is poised for continued growth, reflecting these dynamic shifts.

UK Pet Treats Market Trends

There is an increased preference of adopting cats in urban areas as they require less space and are easily affordable

• The adoption of pet cats has been increasing in the United Kingdom for the past five years, and the increase in the number of cats as pets in the country can be attributed to an increase in the need for companionship during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing urbanization, and because cats can be kept 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 that cat ownership was the highest in the country as it accounted for 61% of the pet parents 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 preference of people 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 relatively quiet creatures, which is essential 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 expected to be adopted by pet parents in the coming years. The rising cat population due to increasing 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 pet food product premiumization and increasing demand for high-quality natural pet foods are driving expenditure in the United Kingdom

• 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 growing trend of pet humanization, which has resulted in a higher demand for premium products, including natural and grain-free pet foods.
• The pet treats expenditure accounted for about 10.3% of the total pet expenditure in the United Kingdom per pet in 2022. Between 2019 and 2022, there was an increase in pet treats expenditure in the country. The expenditure on cat treats showed a significant increase of about 37.8%, while spending on dog treats increased by about 11.7%, and spending on other pet animal treats increased by 4.3% during the same period. Some of the major pet treat manufacturers in the United Kingdom are Mars Incorporated, Nestle Purina Petcare, and Hill's Pet Nutrition. The increasing premiumization in the country demands various novel protein pet treats and increased pet health, driving the pet treat expenditure in the country.
• 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 pandemic. Pets at Home is one of the leading pet food retailers in the country and operates more than 452 stores. Growing awareness of the benefits of high-quality pet treats and the increasing premiumization of pet treats are projected to continue driving pet expenditure in the country.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

Segment Analysis: SUB PRODUCT

Crunchy Treats Segment in UK Pet Treats Market

Crunchy treats maintain their dominant position in the UK pet treats market, commanding approximately 24% market share in 2024. This segment's leadership is primarily driven by the wide array of products catering to diverse pet owner preferences and the treats' significance in pet training and reward systems. Dogs are the primary consumers of crunchy treats, with supermarkets and specialty stores serving as the major distribution channels. The segment's popularity is attributed to the treats' long shelf life, versatility in flavors, and their role in promoting dental hygiene among pets. Pet owners particularly value crunchy treats for their ability to satisfy pets' natural chewing instincts while providing essential nutritional benefits.

Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats Segment in UK Pet Treats Market

The freeze-dried and jerky treats segment is experiencing remarkable growth in the UK pet treats market, projected to grow at approximately 4% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This impressive growth trajectory is driven by increasing consumer awareness about the benefits of minimally processed pet treats and the rising demand for single-ingredient products. The segment's expansion is further supported by pet owners' growing preference for natural and premium quality treats, particularly those made from high-quality protein sources. Dogs account for nearly half of this segment's consumption, while cats are emerging as significant consumers due to their preference for meat-based treats. The segment's growth is also bolstered by innovative product launches and the increasing availability of these treats through various distribution channels, particularly online platforms.

Remaining Segments in Sub Product Segmentation

The remaining segments in the UK pet treats market include dental treats, soft & chewy treats, and other treats, each serving distinct pet needs and preferences. Dental treats play a crucial role in maintaining pet oral health, helping to control plaque and tartar buildup while freshening breath. Soft & chewy treats are particularly popular among pet owners for training purposes and are favored by pets of all age groups due to their palatability. The other treats category encompasses various specialized products such as lickable treats, cakes, catnips, and rawhides, catering to specific pet preferences and dietary requirements. These segments collectively contribute to the market's diversity and meet various pet health and wellness needs.

Segment Analysis: PETS

Dogs Segment in UK Pet Treats Market

Dogs continue to dominate the UK dog treats market, commanding approximately 53% market share in 2024, primarily due to their position as the most commonly adopted pets in the country. This significant market share is driven by the large dog population, with around 13 million dogs in households across the United Kingdom. The segment's strength is further reinforced by dogs' higher consumption patterns compared to other pets, as well as their specific needs for training and reward-based treats. The market is particularly robust in dental treats, which account for a substantial portion of dog treat sales, followed by crunchy treats and freeze-dried varieties. Supermarkets remain the primary distribution channel for dog treats, accounting for about one-third of sales, as pet owners prefer purchasing these products alongside their regular household items.

Cats Segment in UK Pet Treats Market

The cats segment in the UK pet treats market is demonstrating remarkable growth potential, with an anticipated CAGR of approximately 4% during the forecast period 2024-2029. This accelerated growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of cats in urban areas, where their adaptability to indoor living makes them ideal pets for apartment dwellers. The segment's growth is further supported by the rising trend of premium and specialized cat treats, particularly in dental care and freeze-dried varieties. The expansion of e-commerce channels has also contributed significantly to this growth, offering cat owners convenient access to a wider variety of treat options and specialized products. Additionally, the increasing awareness among cat owners about the importance of high-quality treats and their role in maintaining feline health is expected to sustain this growth trajectory.

Remaining Segments in Pet Types

The other pets segment, encompassing ornamental birds, fish, small mammals like rodents, and reptiles, plays a vital role in the UK pet treats market. This segment caters to a diverse range of pet owners who keep these animals as companions, particularly in urban settings where space might be limited. The market for these pets is characterized by specialized treats that cater to specific dietary requirements and preferences of different species. Soft and chewy treats are particularly popular in this segment, followed by crunchy treats and other specialized varieties. The segment is supported by specialty stores and online channels that offer expert guidance and a wide range of products tailored to these unique pet types.

Segment Analysis: DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Segment in UK Pet Treats Market

Supermarkets and hypermarkets continue to dominate the UK pet treats market, holding approximately 33% market share in 2024. This channel's prominence is attributed to its ability to provide a comprehensive one-stop shopping experience where pet owners can conveniently purchase treats alongside their regular groceries. The segment's strength lies in offering extensive product varieties, competitive pricing, and frequent promotional activities that attract cost-conscious consumers. Supermarkets particularly excel in the distribution of crunchy and dental treats, which are essential for pets' daily needs and are frequently purchased by pet owners. The wide accessibility of supermarkets across the country, combined with their ability to maintain consistent stock levels and offer multiple brand options, has solidified their position as the preferred channel for pet treat purchases. Additionally, these retailers have developed strong relationships with major pet treat manufacturers, enabling them to offer exclusive products and maintain competitive pricing strategies.

Online Channel Segment in UK Pet Treats Market

The online distribution channel is experiencing remarkable growth in the UK pet treats market, with a projected growth rate of approximately 4% during 2024-2029. This growth is driven by the increasing preference for convenient shopping options and the expanding range of products available through e-commerce platforms. Online retailers are leveraging advanced technologies to provide personalized shopping experiences, detailed product information, and competitive pricing through bulk purchase options. The channel's growth is particularly strong in premium and specialized treat segments, such as freeze-dried treats, where consumers appreciate the detailed product information and customer reviews available online. The convenience of home delivery, subscription services, and the ability to compare prices across different platforms have made online shopping increasingly attractive to pet owners. Furthermore, the integration of mobile shopping apps and improved delivery services has enhanced the overall online shopping experience, contributing to the channel's robust growth trajectory.

Remaining Segments in Distribution Channel

The UK pet treats market is also served by several other significant distribution channels, each catering to specific consumer needs and preferences. Specialty pet stores play a crucial role by offering expert advice, premium products, and personalized service, making them particularly attractive to pet owners seeking specialized treats or specific dietary requirements. Convenience stores, while holding a smaller market share, provide essential accessibility for emergency purchases and quick shopping needs. Other channels, including veterinary clinics, feed stores, and unregulated stores, serve specific market niches by offering specialized products and professional recommendations. These channels collectively contribute to the market's diversity and ensure that pet owners have access to treats through various touchpoints, each offering unique value propositions and serving different consumer segments based on their shopping preferences and needs.

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.