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United Kingdom Pet Food Market Size

The United Kingdom pet food market is experiencing significant expansion, driven by a shift from home-cooked meals to commercial pet food due to increased health and wellness awareness among pet owners. The market's growth is particularly notable in the dog and cat food segments, with dogs having a more varied diet. The rise of e-commerce and changing consumer preferences emphasizing pet health are key factors contributing to the market's expansion. The market's trajectory indicates continued growth, reflecting the evolving demands and dietary needs of pets in the country.

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Market Size of united kingdom pet food Industry

United Kingdom Pet Food Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 7.71 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 8.84 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Pets Dogs
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 2.77 %
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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United Kingdom Pet Food Market Analysis

The United Kingdom Pet Food Market size is estimated at USD 7.71 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 8.84 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 2.77% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

7.71 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

8.84 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

4.77 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

2.77 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Product

73.97 %

value share, Food, 2022

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Due to the growing number of pet adoptions, pet owners prefer dry and wet pet foods that are blended with functional ingredients, ensuring optimal nutrition and driving market growth.

Largest Market by Animal

44.02 %

value share, Dogs, 2022

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The higher population and growing incidences of dog health issues have driven the demand for veterinary diets and dog treats, which have led to its leading position in the market.

Fastest-growing Market by Product

9.65 %

Projected CAGR, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, 2023-2029

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The growing demand for vitamins and minerals, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids and the rising awareness about preventive healthcare with nutraceuticals are increasing their usage.

Fastest-growing Market by Animal

3.05 %

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 for dogs has also grown in the country.

Leading Market Player

14.45 %

market share, Mars Incorporated, 2022

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Mars, Incorporated is the market leader and has focused heavily on product innovations and partnerships. It has also launched super premium pet foods in the country for all pet segments.

Dogs and cats dominated the market, with pet owners transitioning from home-cooked food to commercial pet food in the country and driving the market

  • The pet food industry in the United Kingdom is experiencing rapid growth. The pet food segment value in the country grew by 23.5% between 2017 and 2021. This growth was primarily driven by a significant number of pet owners transitioning from home-cooked food to commercial pet food in the country. This can be attributed to increased awareness of health and wellness among pet owners.
  • Dogs and cats dominated the market. Dogs tend to have a more diverse diet compared to cats, often receiving a combination of dry and wet food. The United Kingdom's dog food market has been experiencing steady growth, growing by about 13.5% between 2017 and 2021. This growth of the market is mainly due to the growing pet dog population in the country, which reached 12.9 million in 2022.
  • In 2022, cat food accounted for 35.8% of the pet food market in the United Kingdom. Other pet animals, such as birds, small mammals, and rodents, have unique nutritional requirements that need to be fulfilled through specialized pet food products. In 2022, the market value for other animal pet food reached USD 1.8 billion.
  • Pet food and treats are the primary types of food provided to animals, collectively accounting for 86.3% of the market share in 2022. Historically, pet food mainly consisted of dry and wet products with meat and grains. However, evolving consumer preferences and a focus on pet health drive the industry to a wider range of products catering to specific dietary needs and preferences.
  • The growth of the pet food market is driven by the rise of e-commerce and evolving consumer preferences that focus on pet health and wellness. The market is projected to grow and register a CAGR of 2.8% during the forecast period.
United Kingdom Pet Food Market

United Kingdom 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.

  • The pet food industry in the United Kingdom is experiencing rapid growth. The pet food segment value in the country grew by 23.5% between 2017 and 2021. This growth was primarily driven by a significant number of pet owners transitioning from home-cooked food to commercial pet food in the country. This can be attributed to increased awareness of health and wellness among pet owners.
  • Dogs and cats dominated the market. Dogs tend to have a more diverse diet compared to cats, often receiving a combination of dry and wet food. The United Kingdom's dog food market has been experiencing steady growth, growing by about 13.5% between 2017 and 2021. This growth of the market is mainly due to the growing pet dog population in the country, which reached 12.9 million in 2022.
  • In 2022, cat food accounted for 35.8% of the pet food market in the United Kingdom. Other pet animals, such as birds, small mammals, and rodents, have unique nutritional requirements that need to be fulfilled through specialized pet food products. In 2022, the market value for other animal pet food reached USD 1.8 billion.
  • Pet food and treats are the primary types of food provided to animals, collectively accounting for 86.3% of the market share in 2022. Historically, pet food mainly consisted of dry and wet products with meat and grains. However, evolving consumer preferences and a focus on pet health drive the industry to a wider range of products catering to specific dietary needs and preferences.
  • The growth of the pet food market is driven by the rise of e-commerce and evolving consumer preferences that focus on pet health and wellness. The market is projected to grow and register a CAGR of 2.8% 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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United Kingdom Pet Food Market Size Summary

The pet food industry in the United Kingdom is experiencing significant growth, driven by a shift from home-cooked meals to commercial pet food as pet owners become more aware of health and wellness benefits for their animals. Dogs and cats are the primary focus of this market, with dogs enjoying a diverse diet and cats accounting for a substantial portion of the market share. The rise in pet ownership, particularly cats, is influenced by urbanization and the need for companionship, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The market is also seeing an increase in demand for specialized pet food products to meet the unique nutritional needs of various pets, including birds and small mammals. E-commerce is becoming an increasingly popular channel for pet food sales, complementing traditional retail outlets.

The United Kingdom's pet food market is characterized by a trend towards premiumization, with pet owners willing to spend more on high-quality, natural, and grain-free products. This trend is supported by a growing pet population and an increase in pet expenditure, reflecting the humanization of pets. The market is fragmented, with major players like Colgate-Palmolive Company, Mars Incorporated, Nestle, Schell & Kampeter Inc., and Virbac leading the industry. Recent product launches, such as Hill's Pet Nutrition's new MSC certified products and Nestle Purina's cat treats, highlight the ongoing innovation within the market. The combination of rising pet ownership, increased spending, and evolving consumer preferences is expected to sustain the market's growth trajectory in the coming years.

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United Kingdom 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

United Kingdom Pet Food Market Size FAQs

The United Kingdom Pet Food Market size is expected to reach USD 7.71 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 2.77% to reach USD 8.84 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the United Kingdom Pet Food Market size is expected to reach USD 7.71 billion.

Pet Food Market UK Report Snapshots

United Kingdom Pet Food Market Size - Industry Growth & Analysis Report up to 2029