China 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

China Pet Food Market Overview:

China Pet Food Market size is estimated to reach US$50.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 16.9% during the forecast period 2024-2030. The China pet food market is seeing rapid growth driven primarily by increasing pet population as more Chinese in urban areas seek companionship, especially since the pandemic. The demand for specialized pet food catering to certain conditions is rising as pet owners become more conscious of pet health and nutrition. Additionally, the rising penetration of packaged pet food and increased spending on pets boosts the Pet Food Market in China. Moreover, Chinese companies are bolstering pet food exports to other countries, further driving the market growth. 

Fresh and human grade pet food options are gaining traction in China as pet owners become more cautious about ingredient quality. These products which use fresh meats, vegetables and other high-quality ingredients are perceived as safer and closer to home-cooked meals. The trend is largely influenced by concerns about ingredient integrity and product safety. Another trend is the use of functional ingredients that target specific health benefits such as digestive health, skin and coat improvement and immune system support. For instance, in May 2022, Dear Deal Super Pet Food with blueberry, salmon and chicken functional dog snack was launched. The product contained anthocyanins which are said to provide deep nourishment and is suitable for dogs at all stages. Functional pet food ingredients like probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants are becoming more popular as they help improve the overall health and well-being of pets.

Market Snapshot: 

China Pet Food Market - Report Coverage:

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

COVID-19 / Ukraine Crisis - Impact Analysis:  

• COVID-19 positively impacted the pet food market in China. Lockdowns and increased time at home led to a surge in pet ownership. This increased the demand for pet food products. The pandemic also accelerated the shift towards online shopping, with e-commerce platforms becoming the preferred distribution channel for pet food sales. 
• The Russian-Ukraine war indirectly affected the pet food market. However, the conflict disrupted global supply chains affecting the availability of certain ingredients and raw materials used in pet food production. This led to increased prices on imported pet food.

Key Takeaways

Treats to Grow the Fastest

Treats are expected to grow with the fastest CAGR during the forecast period in China’s pet food market as pet owners increasingly indulge their pets with snacks and rewards. Pet owners buy special biscuits, oral chew sticks and occasionally offering special treats. Pet treats are available in various flavors and nutritional profiles allowing owners to select options that align with the dietary needs of the pets. Additionally, treats designed to support dental health, joint function or skin and coat quality are in high demand.  According to Virbac, in China, only 30% of Chinese pet owners provide dental care to their pets. To raise Chinese pet owner’ awareness of dental hygiene importance, display such as flyers, brochures, banners, etc. were set up in veterinary clinics. Therefore, as pet owners continue to prioritize the happiness and health of the pets, the treats segment is projected to experience rapid growth.

Online is the Largest Segment

Online is the largest distribution channel for pet food in China as it provides pet owners with a convenient and accessible way to purchase a variety of pet food products. E-commerce giants like Alibaba and JD.com make it easy for consumers to access domestic and international brands from the comfort of their homes. The online segment benefits from frequent discounts, loyalty programs and a wide range of product choices attracting a large customer base. During the 2022 edition of the Double 11 online shopping festival, the largest e-commerce event in China, imported pet food grew much faster than domestic products. Many pet food companies offer subscription models online enabling recurring orders for added convenience. As online shopping continues to grow in popularity and pet food companies enhance their digital presence this segment is poised for further growth.

Bags are the Largest Segment

Bags are the largest segment, by packaging type, in the China 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. Additionally, China has a well-established packaging industry as well. As per the Asian Development Bank, China is the world's largest plastic producer and accounts for nearly one-third of global plastic production. Owing to its cost effectiveness, plastic bags available in various sizes are the most common packaging type for pet food. 

Rising Pet Population Drives the Market

The growing pet population in China is a significant factor boosting the pet food market. The shifting social norms around pet ownership have encouraged more Chinese households to welcome pets particularly in urban areas. China’s urban pet population will surpass the number of children under the age of four in 2024, according to Goldman Sachs. China's urban pet population is projected to surpass the number of young children by 2030, as per the Goldman Sachs report. This shift is attributed to declining birth rates and a growing preference for pets among younger Chinese citizens. This increase in pet ownership has driven demand for pet food as owners seek nutritious, high-quality products to support the well-being of the pets. With the population of both cats and dogs expected to continue rising, the demand for pet food is set to grow accordingly.

Concerns Over Inferior Ingredients to Hamper Growth

Concerns over inferior or substandard ingredients in pet food are major challenge in China. Instances of low-quality or contaminated ingredients have led to skepticism among consumers loweing brand trust. This concern is especially prominent among pet owners who prioritize premium and natural ingredients. Cases of ingredient adulteration or mislabeling create apprehension affecting trust in certain brands. For instance, in March 2024, as reported by Global Times, there was a scandal involving toxic dog food from Xingtai in North China's Hebei Province. Some companies were found falsifying the nutritional content and ingredients of their products such as overstating the chicken content while using cheaper chicken meal as a substitute. Additionally, to mask the risks of inferior ingredients, some manufacturers excessively add montmorillonite to pet food which could severely impact pet health over time.

Key Market Players: 

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

1. Mars Petcare China
2.  Nestlé Purina PetCare China 
3. General Mills China
4. Gambol Pet Group
5. Yantai China Pet Foods Co., Ltd.
6. PETKIT
7. Huaxing Pet Food Co Ltd
8. Peidi Group
9. Shandong Luscious Pet Food Co., Ltd
10. Diana Pet Food

Scope of Report: 

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