Canada Pet Food Market – By Animal Type , By Ingredient , By Source , By Food Type , By Packaging and By Distribution Channel Opportunity Analysis & Industry Forecast, 2024-2030

Canada Pet Food Market Overview:

Canada Pet Food Market size is estimated to reach US$5.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period 2024-2030. The Canadian pet food market is seeing rapid growth driven primarily by increasing pet adoption rates as more Canadians seek companionship, especially since the pandemic. The demand for premium and specialized pet food is rising as pet owners become more conscious of pet health and nutrition. Additionally, a shift towards healthier pet food options is fueling market expansion along with the trend of pet humanization where pets are treated as family members. Moreover, the innovations in pet food formulations and flavors are creating a strong demand for quality pet food options across the Canadian market.

A key trend is the growing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly pet food. As consumers become more aware regarding sustainability, there is a growing interest in pet food products that use sustainable ingredients and environmentally responsible packaging. As per a survey of more than 750 pet owners by Mondi, 74% of respondents favored pet food packaged in sustainable bags and containers. This shift is encouraging brands to adopt eco-friendly packaging. Another trend in the market is the rise in online pet food sales. With the growth of ecommerce Canadian pet owners are turning to subscription services and the wide variety of pet food products available online due to convenience. This represents the Canda Pet Food Industry Outlook during the forecast period.

Market Snapshot: 

Canada Pet Food Market - Report Coverage:

The “Canada Pet Food Market Report - Forecast (2024-2030)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the Canada Pet Food Market.

COVID-19 / Ukraine Crisis - Impact Analysis:  

• COVID-19 positively impacted the pet food market in Canada. Due to lockdowns, several people adopted pets for companionship. According to statistics from Global News, almost 30% of Canadians adopted a new animal during the pandemic and 31% of those who adopted new pets during this time were actually first-time pet parents. This led to an increased demand for pet food.
• The Russian-Ukraine war indirectly affected the pet food market. Due to war, the inflation worsened in the country resulting in high prices of ingredients thereby impacting the pet food market. 

Key Takeaways

Kibble is the Largest Segment

Kibble is the largest segment in the Canadian pet food market in terms of food type due to its convenience, affordability and long shelf life. This makes it a popular choice among pet owners. According to Jefferies’ survey of 1,450 pet owners on brand preference, dry kibble remains the most frequently bought dog and cat food with 81% respondents said that they purchase dry kibble pet foods. The availability of various kibble options ranging from standard to high-quality and grain-free formulas appeals to a wide range of consumers. Kibble is easy to store, serves as a complete nutrition option for pets and offers dental benefits by reducing plaque buildup for dogs and cats. As more consumers become aware about their pets' diets, brands have also introduced premium kibble with natural ingredients and added nutrients. For instance, in August 2024, Zignature, a Pets Global dog food brand, showcased its new puppy formula line at SUPERZOO 2024. According to the brand, the kibble and wet formulas are boosted with a custom blend of vitamins and minerals to support overall wellbeing and promote a healthy and active lifestyle for the puppy. Thus, the popularity of kibble is expected to maintain its position as the largest segment catering to various dietary preferences and budget needs.

Online to Grow the Fastest

Online is projected to be the fastest growing distribution channel for pet food in Canada as consumers shift to digital platforms for convenience, competitive pricing and a wide range of choices. With direct-to-door delivery and subscription options available, e-commerce appeals to pet owners who prioritize convenience and time efficiency. In March 2023, PetSmart a partnership with Instacart to provide same-day delivery through more than 150 of its stores in Canada. According to Instacart, the last-mile delivery platform reaches more than 90% of all Canadian households and delivers products from over 4,000 stores across the country, including all Canadian PetSmart locations. The rise of specialty pet food products has also spurred online demand as digital platforms offer detailed information and reviews to help consumers make informed choices. Seasonal promotions and personalized recommendations further enhance the online shopping experience attracting more pet owners to buy online. For instance, online pet food retailer, Chewy Inc., announced it will venture north to Canada in Q3 2023 marking its entrance onto the international pet retail playing field. According to the company, Canada’s substantial and growing pet market makes it an attractive entry point for the company. As e-commerce expands, online sales are anticipated to play an important role in the growth of Canada’s pet food market.

Bags are the Largest Segment

Bags are the largest segment, by packaging type, in the Canadian pet food market due to their durability, convenience and cost-effectiveness. Most dry pet foods such as kibble and treats are packaged in bags that are easy to store, transport and reseal. Bags are versatile and available in various sizes, along with resealable options appealing to convenience needs. The packaging’s ability to preserve food quality and prevent moisture or contamination makes it a preferred choice among pet owners. With these benefits, pet food in bags remains the largest segment in the Canadian market reflecting both practicality and consumer demand for quality packaging.

Rising Pet Adoption Drives the Market

Pet adoption rates in Canada are on the rise significantly boosting the pet food market as more households welcome pets. This trend has been particularly evident since the COVID-19 pandemic as individuals and families turned to pet companionship. The BC SPCA found homes for 11,138 animals and reunited 2,165 lost animals with their families in 2023. These numbers are up from 2022 when the BC SPCA found homes for 9,773 animals and reunited 2,032 lost pets with their guardians. As per data from the Calgary Humane Society, the society found homes for 2,371 animals in 2022 and returned 238 animals to their owners. The adoption rates are up slightly from 2021 when the organization adopted 2,114 animals. With growing pet aoption, there is a growing increase in demand for a wide range of pet food products from kibble to treats to specialized diets. The market benefits from both first-time adopters and existing pet owners adopting additional pets expanding the demand for pet food across various segments. As adoption rates continue to grow, the Canadian pet food market is set to see sustained growth driven by increased pet numbers and care needs.

Concerns Over Raw Food to Hamper Growth

Raw pet food is growing in popularity but presents challenges in Canada’s pet food market due to concerns over safety, handling and storage. Raw diets typically require freezing, precise handling and careful meal preparation which can be difficult and time-consuming for consumers. Moreover, there are risks associated with bacterial contamination which may harm both pets and their human owners. In March 2023, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) issued a warning for Canadian consumers of an ongoing Salmonella outbreak spanning six provinces. The outbreak was classified as extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and linked to two potential sources raw pet food and contact with cattle. The agencies reminded consumers to use safe food handling practices and frequent handwashing when handling raw pet food. Veterinary professionals often caution against raw diets, especially for immunocompromised pets due to the potential health risks. Despite interest in raw food for its perceived health benefits these challenges might limit the growth of this segment. 

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Key Market Players: 

Product/Service launches, approvals, patents and events, acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations are key strategies adopted by players in the Canada Pet Food Market. The top 10 companies in the Canada Pet Food Market are:

1. Mars Petcare Canada
2.  Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada 
3. General Mills Canada
4. Champion Petfoods
5.  PLB International
6. Elmira Pet Products
7. FirstMate Pet Foods
8. Petcurean
9.  Hagen Inc.
10. Canadian Naturals

Scope of Report: 

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