High-quality feed is in demand

Dogs remain the most popular pet in the UK, with 13.5 mio owned by households, while cats are close behind with 12.5 mio. According to UK Pet Food, 36 per cent of households own a dog and 29 per cent own a cat. However, rabbits, birds and exotic animals are also found in British households. Overall, figures from Statista show that there were 36 mio pets in the UK in 2024, representing a market value of 4.1 bn GBP.

Dog food is a real growth driver, accounting for more than half of the market at around 2 bn GBP when all types of pets are taken into account. Cat food accounts for a further 40 per cent of the market, valued at 1.53 bn GBP. The total pet food market is estimated to be worth 4.1 bn GBP.

These figures also reflect the population: The number of domestic dogs has risen by almost 40 per cent in the last ten years. Almost a third of households in the UK have at least one dog.

People in the UK continue to expand their families by taking in pets: they buy and adopt pets, and turn to breeders and private sellers. Around 20 per cent of dog owners get their pet from a shelter or rescue centre.

In recent years, the growth rate of the pet food market in the UK has been around nine per cent per year. This is slightly above the growth rates of other pet-related sectors, such as veterinary and retail services.

Imports of dog and cat food are worth almost 1.4 bn US-dollars per year. Most dog and cat food imports to the UK come from France and Germany. Additionally, around 370 mio US-dollars’ worth of dog and cat food is exported annually, with European countries being the most important trading partners.

The pet food market is currently only experiencing slight growth. This is due to changing consumer preferences, increased competition, and concerns about pet food quality.

Demand for high-quality, organic pet food products is growing rapidly. This is being fuelled by growing consumer awareness of the importance of high-quality, natural nutrition, as well as the increasing variety of plant-based and vegan pet food products. This is because more and more people are adopting these diets themselves and applying their personal values to their pets.

The growing focus on pet health and welfare is also a contributing factor. Healthier options are in demand, with an emphasis on natural ingredients…