China's pet food market size 2015-2025
The Chinese pet food sector revenue amounted to 190 billion yuan in 2023, almost seven times the figure in 2015 and more than double that in 2018. The market was expected to maintain its momentum, reaching a value of 267 billion yuan by 2025.
Increased focus on pet health
Interestingly, the market has been growing much faster than the population of cats and dogs kept in urban households as pets. One reason for its significant growth was Chinese pet owners’ increased awareness of pet health. They used to feed their pets with leftovers or self-prepared meals, but now are more willing to buy food for their fur-children regularly. Many of them also buy treats and nutritional supplements to keep their pets happy and healthy.
Market structure
With the popularity of e-commerce, online shopping has become the main channel for buying pet food in China. Tmall is the e-market leader, accounting for over half of pet food’s total online sales value. International brands have a stronghold on the market. However, over the past few years, millions of domestic companies have set foot in the country’s booming pet market, with some of them soon catching up with foreign competitors.
