Please Wait.....
Report
China Pet Food - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026 - 2031)
Market Report I 2026-02-09 I 80 Pages I Mordor Intelligence
China Pet Food Market Analysis
The China pet food market was valued at USD 12.73 billion in 2025 and estimated to grow from USD 13.81 billion in 2026 to reach USD 20.75 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 8.47% during the forecast period (2026-2031). Premium formulations, direct-to-consumer innovation, and functional positioning elevate average selling prices while urbanization and rising disposable income expand the pet-owning population. Domestic manufacturers scale freeze-dried capacity to capture value in high-margin treat formats, and livestreaming commerce compresses the path from product discovery to purchase, allowing niche brands to compete head-on with multinational incumbents. Regulatory tightening around labeling and ingredient traceability reinforces consumer trust, helping premium and therapeutic diets gain share even in price-sensitive Tier-3 markets. Raw material cost volatility and carbon-neutral compliance outlays temper margins but simultaneously spur technology upgrades and supply-chain diversification.
China Pet Food Market Trends and Insights
Accelerated Premiumization of Cat and Dog Diets
Premium formats expanded 18-22% in 2024 as pet owners traded up to limited-ingredient, organic, and veterinary-endorsed formulas that command price premiums of 40-60% over standard kibble . Tier-1 consumers tie product choice to food-safety credentials and novel proteins, such as insect- or plant-based sources, that support digestive and allergy management. Clearer feed-safety standards issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs specify protein quality and traceability norms, giving retailers confidence to merchandise high-end lines. The premium wave lifts the China pet food market by raising average spend per pet and encourages manufacturers to invest in research and packaging upgrades that justify higher price points. Spillover into Tier-2 markets is already visible as household income growth narrows the affordability gap and social media accelerates trend diffusion. The premiumization narrative, therefore, underpins both volume stability and margin expansion for branded producers.
Rise of DTC (Direct-to-Customer) Digital-Native Pet-Food Brands
Digital-native players secured a roughly 12-15% share in 2024 by selling exclusively through Tmall, JD, and Xiaohongshu storefronts, where same-day delivery and data-driven personalization foster repeat purchases. Subscription bundles reduce inventory risk and deliver predictable cash flow, while interactive livestreams strengthen community engagement that traditional mass-media advertising cannot match. Consumer review ecosystems reward transparency and rapid product iteration, enabling start-ups to roll out new SKUs in as little as six weeks. Logistics partnerships with JD Logistics and Cainiao reduce last-mile costs and extend cold-chain coverage for fresh and raw food products. The China pet food market, therefore, experiences a structural shift as brand equity migrates from above-the-line campaigns to digital intimacy and customer lifetime value analytics. Established multinationals respond with joint ventures and minority investments to capture DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) know-how without diluting existing retail channels.
Raw-Material Price Volatility for Poultry and Fish Meals
Protein inputs fluctuated by 15-25% in 2024 due to disruptions from avian flu and uncertainty over fishing quotas, leading to selective retail price hikes that risk compromising demand elasticity. Poultry meal peaked at RMB 8,500 (USD 1,200) per metric ton before sliding to RMB 7,200 (USD 1,015), yet forward contracts remain scarce, compelling spot purchases. Fish meal reached RMB 16,000 (USD 2,255) at seasonal highs, squeezing manufacturers already investing in packaging upgrades. Brands diversify into insect protein and pea concentrate to hedge volatility, but reformulation cycles absorb R&D bandwidth. Although the Chinese pet food market retains its volume momentum, profit pools are compressing for value brands that cannot fully pass through their costs.
Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:
Growth of Functional/Therapeutic Nutrition PositioningHuman-Grade Ingredient Sourcing Mandates from Tier-1 RetailersRising Regulatory Scrutiny on Labeling Claims
For complete list of drivers and restraints, kindly check the Table Of Contents.
Segment Analysis
Food products maintain commanding market leadership with a 60.02% China pet food market size in 2025, reflecting their essential role in daily pet nutrition and broad consumer accessibility across price points. This significant market position is primarily driven by the fact that the segment is a staple purchase for most pet owners, regardless of their pet's breed, size, or age.
The segment's 9.21% CAGR through 2031, benefits from premiumization trends as consumers upgrade from basic kibble to specialized formulations featuring novel proteins, functional ingredients, and life-stage targeting. Dry pet food, particularly kibble formats, represents the largest subsegment due to convenience, shelf stability, and cost-effectiveness for multi-pet households. Wet pet food experiences accelerating growth as urbanization increases demand for portion-controlled, palatability-enhanced options that appeal to finicky eaters and senior pets requiring softer textures.
The China Pet Food Market Report is Segmented by Pet Food Product (Food, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, Pet Treats, and Pet Veterinary Diets), by Pets (Cats, Dogs, and Other Pets), and by Distribution Channel (Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, and Other Channels). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Metric Tons)
List of Companies Covered in this Report:
Mars, Incorporated General Mills Inc. ADM Nestle (Purina) Affinity Petcare S.A Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (Wellness Pet Company Inc.) PLB International Inc. Virbac Alltech Schell & Kampeter, Inc. (Diamond Pet Foods Inc.) Shanghai Enova Pet Products Co. Ltd Shanghai Navarch Pet Products Co. Ltd Tianjin Ringpu Bio-Pharmacy Co. Ltd Tongwei Pet Food Wellpet China
Additional Benefits:
The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
3 months of analyst support
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
1.3 Research Methodology
2 REPORT OFFERS
3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND KEY FINDINGS
4 KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
4.1 Pet Population
4.1.1 Cats
4.1.2 Dogs
4.1.3 Other Pets
4.2 Pet Expenditure
4.3 Consumer Trends
5 SUPPLY AND PRODUCTION DYNAMICS
5.1 Trade Analysis
5.2 Ingredient Trends
5.3 Value Chain and Distribution Channel Analysis
5.4 Regulatory Framework
5.5 Market Drivers
5.5.1 Accelerated premiumization of cat and dog diets
5.5.2 Rise of DTC (Direct-to-Customer) digital-native pet-food brands
5.5.3 Growth of functional/therapeutic nutrition positioning
5.5.4 Human-grade ingredient sourcing mandates from Tier-1 retailers
5.5.5 Expansion of domestic freeze-dried capacity in Tier-3 cities
5.5.6 Cross-border live-stream commerce for exotic pet diets
5.6 Market Restraints
5.6.1 Raw-material price volatility for poultry and fish meals
5.6.2 Rising regulatory scrutiny on labeling claims
5.6.3 Intensifying competition from home-made fresh diets
5.6.4 Carbon-neutral factory compliance costs
6 MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)
6.1 Pet Food Product
6.1.1 Food
6.1.1.1 By Sub Product
6.1.1.1.1 Dry Pet Food
6.1.1.1.1.1 By Sub Dry Pet Food
6.1.1.1.1.1.1 Kibbles
6.1.1.1.1.1.2 Other Dry Pet Food
6.1.1.1.2 Wet Pet Food
6.1.2 Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements
6.1.2.1 By Sub Product
6.1.2.1.1 Milk Bioactives
6.1.2.1.2 Omega-3 Fatty Acids
6.1.2.1.3 Probiotics
6.1.2.1.4 Proteins and Peptides
6.1.2.1.5 Vitamins and Minerals
6.1.2.1.6 Other Nutraceuticals
6.1.3 Pet Treats
6.1.3.1 By Sub Product
6.1.3.1.1 Crunchy Treats
6.1.3.1.2 Dental Treats
6.1.3.1.3 Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats
6.1.3.1.4 Soft and Chewy Treats
6.1.3.1.5 Other Treats
6.1.4 Pet Veterinary Diets
6.1.4.1 By Sub Product
6.1.4.1.1 Diabetes
6.1.4.1.2 Digestive Sensitivity
6.1.4.1.3 Oral Care Diets
6.1.4.1.4 Renal
6.1.4.1.5 Urinary tract disease
6.1.4.1.6 Obesity Diets
6.1.4.1.7 Derma Diets
6.1.4.1.8 Other Veterinary Diets
6.2 Pets
6.2.1 Cats
6.2.2 Dogs
6.2.3 Other Pets
6.3 Distribution Channel
6.3.1 Convenience Stores
6.3.2 Online Channel
6.3.3 Specialty Stores
6.3.4 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
6.3.5 Other Channels
7 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
7.1 Key Strategic Moves
7.2 Market Share Analysis
7.3 Brand Positioning Matrix
7.4 Market Claim Analysis
7.5 Company Landscape
7.6 Company Profiles (Includes Global Level Overview, Market Level Overview, Core Business Segments, Financials, Key Information, Market Rank, Market Share, Products and Services, and Analysis of Recent Developments).
7.6.1 Mars, Incorporated
7.6.2 General Mills Inc.
7.6.3 ADM
7.6.4 Nestle (Purina)
7.6.5 Affinity Petcare S.A
7.6.6 Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (Wellness Pet Company Inc.)
7.6.7 PLB International Inc.
7.6.8 Virbac
7.6.9 Alltech
7.6.10 Schell & Kampeter, Inc. (Diamond Pet Foods Inc.)
7.6.11 Shanghai Enova Pet Products Co. Ltd
7.6.12 Shanghai Navarch Pet Products Co. Ltd
7.6.13 Tianjin Ringpu Bio-Pharmacy Co. Ltd
7.6.14 Tongwei Pet Food
7.6.15 Wellpet China
8 KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR PET FOOD CEOS
- Not Sure / Need Reassuring
- Confirm Content
-
Content is provided by our partners and every effort is made to make Market Report details as clear as possible. If you are not sure the exact content you require is included in this study you can Contact us to double check. To do this you can:
Use the ‘? ASK A QUESTION’ below the license / prices and to the right of this box. This will come directly to our team who will work on dealing with your request as soon as possible.
Write to directly on support@scotts-international.com with details. Please include as much information as possible including the name of report or link so our staff will be able to work on you request.
Telephone us directly on 0048 603 394 346 and an experienced member of team will be on hand to answer.
-
- Sample Pages
-
With the vast majority of our partners we can obtain Sample Pages to support your decision. This is something we can arrange without revealing your personal details.
It is important to note that we will not be able to provide you the exact data or statistics such as Market Size and Forecasts. Sample pages usually confirm the layout or the Categories included in Charts and Graphs, excluding specific data.
To ask for Sample Pages by contact us through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346.
-
- Check for Alternatives
-
Whilst we try to make our online platform as easy to use as possible there is always the possibility that a better alternative has not been found in your search.
To avoid this possibility Contact us through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346 and a Senior Team Member can review your requirements and send a list of possibilities with opinions and recommendations.
-
- Confirm Content
- Prices / Formats / Delivery
- Prices
-
All prices are set by our partners and should be exactly the same as those listed on their own websites. We work on a Revenue share basis ensuring that you never pay more than what is offered elsewhere.
Should you find the price cheaper on another platform we recommend you to Contact us as we should be able to match this price. You can Contact us though through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346.
-
- Discounts
-
As we work in close partnership with our Partners from time to time we can secure discounts and assist with negotiations, this is part of our personalised service to you.
Discounts can sometimes be arranged for speedily placed orders; multiple report purchases or Higher License purchases.
To check if a Discount is possible please Contact our experienced team through ‘? ASK A QUESTION’, support@scotts-international.com, or by telephoning 0048 603 394 346.
-
- Available Currencies
-
Most Market Reports on our platform are listed in USD or EURO based on the wishes of our Partners. To avoid currency fluctuations and potential price differentiations we do not offer the possibility to change the currency online.
Should you wish to pay in a different currency to that advertised online we do accept payments in USD, EURO, GBP and PLN. The price will be calculated based on the relevant exchange rate taken from our National Bank.
To pay in a different above currency to that advertised online please Contact our team and a quotation will be sent within a couple of hours with payment details.
-
- Licenses
-
License options vary from Partner to Partner as is usually based on the number of Users that will benefitting from the report. It is very important that License ordered is not breached as this could have potential negative consequences for you individually or your employer.
If you have questions or need confirmation about the specific license we recommend you to Contact us and a detailed explanation will be provided.
-
- Global Site License
-
The Global Site License is the most comprehensive license available. By selecting this license, the Market Report can be shared with other ‘Allowed Users’ and any other member of staff from the same organisation regardless of geographic location.
It is important to note that this may exclude Parent Companies or Subsidiaries.
If you have questions or need confirmation about the specific license we recommend you to Contact us and a detailed explanation will be provided.
-
- Formats
-
The most common format is PDF, however in certain circumstances data may be present in Excel format or Online, especially in the case of Database or Directories. In addition, for certain higher license options a CD may also be provided.
If you have questions or need clarification about the specific formats we recommend you to Contact us and a detailed explanation will be provided.
-
- Delivery
-
Delivery is fulfilled by our partners directly. Once an order has been placed we inform the partner by sharing the delivery email details given in the order process.
Delivery is usually made within 24 hours of an order being placed, however it may take longer should your order be placed prior to the weekend or if otherwise specified on the Market Report details page. Additionally, if details have been not fully completed in the Order process a delay in delivery is possible.
If a delay in delivery is expected you will be informed about it immediately.
-
- Shipping Charges
-
As most Market Reports are delivered in PDF format we almost never have to add additional Shipping Charges. If, however you are ordering a Higher License service or a specific delivery format (e.g. CD version) charges may apply.
If you are concerned about additional Shipping Charges we recommend you to Contact us to double check.
-
- Prices
- Ordering
- By Credit Card
-
We work in Partnership with PayU to ensure payments are made securely in a fast and effortless way. PayU is the e-payments division of Naspers.
Naspers operates in over 133 International Markets and ranks 3rd Globally in terms of the number of e-commerce customers served.
For more information on PayU please visit: https://www.payu.pl/en/about-us
-
- By Money Transfer
-
If you require an invoice prior to payment, this is possible. To ensure a speedy delivery of the Market Report we require all relevant company details and you agree to maximum payment terms of 30 days from receipt of order.
With our regular clients deliver of the Market Report can be made prior to receiving payment, however in some circumstances we may ask for payment to be received before arranging for the Market Report to be delivered.
-
- By Credit Card
- Security
- Website security
-
We have specifically partnered with leading International companies to protect your privacy by using different technologies and processes to ensure security.
Everything submitted to Scotts International is encrypted via SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and all personal information provided to Scotts International is stored on computer systems with limited access in controlled environments.
-
- Credit Card Security
-
We partner with PayU (https://www.payu.pl/en/about-us) to ensure all credit card payments are made securely in a fast and effortless way.
PayU offers 250+ various payment channels and eWallet services across 4 continents allowing buyers to pay electronically, whether on a computer or a mobile device.
-
- Website security