Vietnam Pet Food Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

Vietnam Pet Food Market Analysis

The Vietnam Pet Food Market size is estimated at 155.5 million USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 243.7 million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.40% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Vietnam's pet food industry is experiencing a significant transformation driven by changing demographics and evolving consumer preferences. The country has witnessed a notable shift in pet ownership patterns, with dogs representing 45.1% of the total pet population in 2022, followed by cats at 38% and other pets at 16.9%. This transformation is particularly evident among younger adults and urban professionals who are increasingly viewing pets as family members rather than just animals. The trend toward pet humanization has led to a growing demand for premium and specialized pet food products, with consumers showing increased interest in natural ingredients, grain-free options, and products tailored to specific health conditions.

The distribution landscape for pet food in Vietnam is dominated by specialty stores, which accounted for 72.8% of total sales in 2022. This dominance reflects consumers' preference for specialized retail environments that offer expert advice and a wide selection of products. The retail infrastructure continues to evolve, with Vietnam boasting approximately 1,100 supermarket stores, led by Co.op mart's network of 128 locations. The emergence of omnichannel retail strategies has become increasingly important, with traditional retailers expanding their online presence to meet changing consumer shopping preferences.

Product innovation and premiumization are reshaping the Vietnamese pet food market, with manufacturers focusing on developing specialized formulations and functional ingredients. A significant development in this direction was Mars Inc.'s establishment of its first pet food research and development center in Asia-Pacific in 2023, demonstrating the industry's commitment to innovation and local market adaptation. Companies are increasingly introducing products with novel proteins, natural preservatives, and functional benefits, responding to the growing consumer demand for higher-quality pet food nutrition options.

The competitive landscape is evolving with both international and local players implementing strategic initiatives to capture market share. Major companies are expanding their product portfolios through innovations in natural and premium segments, while also strengthening their distribution networks. The market is witnessing increased investment in research and development, with companies focusing on understanding local preferences and dietary requirements. This has led to the introduction of products specifically formulated for Asian pet breeds and aligned with regional feeding habits, marking a shift from the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to pet food nutrition.

Vietnam Pet Food Market Trends

Cats are considered lucky in Vietnamese culture which is anticipated to drive the cat adoption as pets in the country

• In Vietnam, owning a cat as a pet has become increasingly popular. Thus, the cat population has significantly increased by 28.5% between 2019 and 2022. The growing middle class mainly drives this trend. The changing preference toward cat ownership for their distinct personalities and behavior is also enhancing the adoption of cats. In Vietnamese culture, cats are considered lucky animals and are believed to bring good fortune to households that own them.
• Cat ownership in the country is growing at a slower rate compared to dog ownership. The number of households owning cats increased from 11.3% in 2016 to 12.4% in 2020. As of 2022, the pet cat population accounted for about 38.0% of the total pet population in Vietnam. This considerable share of cats is mainly because of the increasing trend in pet cat ownership, particularly among young age people.
• Despite the significant pet cat population in the country, the pet cat population in Vietnam is facing a serious threat from the illegal, inhumane, and hazardous cat meat trade, which has resulted in cat owners living in constant fear of their pets being stolen and slaughtered for human consumption. Every day, thousands of pet cats are disappearing due to rampant theft. However, the Vietnamese government has taken stringent measures to ban the cat meat trade. Both government and non-government organizations promote the adoption of cats and train responsible cat ownership in the country. Easy accessibility to pet cat products through offline and online retail stores and growing interest in cat cafes and parks are the factors contributing to the increasing adoption or ownership of cats across the country. Such factors are anticipated to rise in the overall pet cat population during the forecast period.

Mid-priced pet foods are the most demanded food products in the country, and increasing awareness of pet health is driving pet expenditure in Vietnam

• In Vietnam, a trend of increasing pet expenditure has been witnessed due to an increase in the prices of pet food products and pet parents preferring customized diets. Dogs are more prone to diseases such as diabetes and obesity; thus, they require large quantities of pet food as compared to other pets. These factors increased the share of dogs in the pet expenditure and attained a higher share in the pet expenditure as they accounted for 39% in 2022.
• Pet parents in Vietnam are expected to continue purchasing pet food that is mid-priced as compared to high-priced pet food due to low income compared to other Asia-Pacific countries such as India, China, South Korea, and Australia. Mid-priced pet food is expected to be given more to pets as there is growing awareness about specialized pet food. Millennial pet parents are expected to spend more time with pets and purchase more branded pet food, which expands further category development and increases expenditure on pet food.
• Sales of pet foods are mostly through pet shops and grocery retailers, whereas there is an increase in the sales of pet food through online retailers. For instance, in 2020, pet food sales through non-grocery specialist stores accounted for 72.8% of the pet food sales in the country, whereas sales through e-commerce accounted for 3.1%, which is expected to register a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period. The growing awareness about health concerns and the rise in mid-priced products purchased by pet parents are the factors expected to help in increasing pet expenditure in the country during the forecast period.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

• The positive belief toward dogs and the increasing need for companionship is anticipated to drive the dog population in Vietnam
• The increasing urbanization and other pets' ability to live in small spaces are driving the other pet population in Vietnam

Segment Analysis: PET FOOD PRODUCT

Food Segment in Vietnam Pet Food Market

The food segment continues to dominate the Vietnam pet food market, accounting for approximately 48% of the total market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the increasing pet population and growing demand for high-quality and nutritious dry and wet pet food market products to support pets' health. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by the rising awareness among pet owners about the importance of providing balanced nutrition through commercial pet food products. The food segment encompasses both dry and wet pet food categories, with dry pet food being particularly popular due to its longer shelf life, convenience, and affordability. The increasing adoption of commercial pet food products over home-cooked meals has also contributed to the segment's market leadership.

Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements Segment in Vietnam Pet Food Market

The pet nutraceuticals/supplements segment is experiencing remarkable growth in the Vietnam pet food market, projected to expand at approximately 13% CAGR during 2024-2029. This accelerated growth is primarily driven by the increasing preference of pet owners for preventive healthcare and the rising demand for vitamins, minerals, and probiotics for their pets. The segment's growth is further fueled by the growing awareness about pet health and wellness, particularly among urban pet owners who are increasingly seeking specialized nutritional supplements to enhance their pets' overall well-being. The market is witnessing a surge in demand for products containing omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and various vitamins and minerals, reflecting the increasing sophistication of pet care practices in Vietnam.

Remaining Segments in Pet Food Product Market

The pet treats and pet veterinary diets segments play crucial roles in completing the Vietnamese pet food market landscape. Pet treats serve as important tools for training and bonding with pets, while also providing supplementary nutrition and dental benefits. The segment has gained significant traction with the introduction of various innovative products including dental treats, crunchy treats, and soft chews. Meanwhile, the pet veterinary diets segment addresses specific health conditions and dietary requirements of pets, offering specialized formulations for various health issues such as digestive sensitivity, diabetes, and urinary tract problems. Both segments are witnessing increased adoption as pet owners become more conscious about their pets' health and dietary needs.

Segment Analysis: PETS

Dogs Segment in Vietnam Pet Food Market

Dogs represent the dominant segment in the Vietnamese pet food market, commanding approximately 62% market share in 2024. This substantial market presence is primarily attributed to the large dog population in Vietnam, which comprises nearly half of the total pet population in the country. The segment's strength is further reinforced by the increasing awareness among dog owners regarding the importance of nutritious dog food Vietnam for their dogs' health and well-being. The market is characterized by a strong demand for premium and super-premium dog food brands that offer natural, gluten-free, single protein, and functional ingredient formulations. Additionally, the segment benefits from a diverse product portfolio including treats, specialized diets, and regular food products, catering to various nutritional needs and preferences of different dog breeds.

Cats Segment in Vietnam Pet Food Market

The cats segment is emerging as the most dynamic growth sector in the Vietnamese pet food market, projected to expand at approximately 10% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This remarkable growth trajectory is driven by several factors, including the increasing adoption of cats as pets, particularly in urban areas where smaller living spaces make cats an ideal pet choice. The segment is witnessing significant innovation in product development, with manufacturers introducing specialized formulations catering to different life stages and health requirements of cats. The market is also seeing a notable shift towards premium Vietnam cat food products, with an increasing focus on natural ingredients and grain-free options. The growth is further supported by the rising trend of cat cafes and the growing popularity of cats among young urban professionals who appreciate their independent nature and lower maintenance requirements.

Remaining Segments in Pet Food Market

The other pets segment, encompassing animals such as fish, birds, and small mammals, plays a complementary role in the Vietnamese pet food market. This segment caters to a diverse range of pet owners who prefer alternative pets, particularly in urban settings where space constraints may limit the ability to keep larger pets. The segment is characterized by specialized nutritional products designed for specific species, including premium fish food, bird seeds, and specialized small mammal nutrition products. The market for these alternative pets is supported by the growing trend of pet diversification and the increasing availability of specialized pet food products through various distribution channels, including specialty stores and online platforms.

Segment Analysis: DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

Specialty Stores Segment in Vietnam Pet Food Market

Specialty stores continue to dominate the Vietnamese pet food distribution landscape, commanding approximately 71% market share in 2024. These stores have established themselves as the preferred destination for pet owners due to their comprehensive product offerings and specialized expertise. Specialty stores employ knowledgeable staff who can provide detailed guidance on pet nutrition market and product selection, making them particularly attractive to pet owners seeking personalized recommendations. The segment's strength is further reinforced by the extensive network of small pet stores across the country that offer a wide range of products from basic to premium pet food options. These stores have also adapted to changing consumer preferences by expanding their product portfolios to include natural, organic, and specialized dietary options, thereby maintaining their market leadership position.

Online Channel Segment in Vietnam Pet Food Market

The online distribution channel is experiencing remarkable growth and is projected to expand at a rate of approximately 12% during 2024-2029. This accelerated growth is driven by the increasing digital adoption among Vietnamese pet owners and the convenience offered by e-commerce platforms. Online retailers are leveraging competitive pricing strategies, frequent promotional offers, and a wider product selection to attract customers. The segment's growth is further supported by the development of user-friendly mobile applications, improved logistics networks, and secure payment systems. Major e-commerce platforms like Blitly.io, petmart.vn, and bom.so are continuously enhancing their pet food categories with new brands and products, while also providing detailed product information and customer reviews to help pet owners make informed purchasing decisions.

Remaining Segments in Distribution Channel

The other distribution channels in the Vietnamese pet food market include supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, and various other retail formats. Supermarkets and hypermarkets serve as one-stop shopping destinations, offering competitive prices and regular promotional activities to attract pet owners. Convenience stores, while having a smaller market share, provide easy accessibility and extended operating hours for emergency purchases. Other channels, including veterinary clinics, pet shelters, and feed stores, cater to specific customer needs and preferences. These diverse distribution channels collectively contribute to making pet food products more accessible to consumers across different regions and demographics in Vietnam.