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    UK Pet Food Market

    ID: MRFR/AGR/42712-HCR
    128 Pages
    Garvit Vyas
    September 2025

    UK Pet Food Market Research Report: By Pet Type Outlook (Cat, Dog, Fish, Others), By Product Type Outlook (Dry Food, Wet Food, Snacks Treats) and By Distribution Channel Outlook (Store-Based, Non-Store-Based) - Forecast to 2035

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    UK Pet Food Market Research Report Forecast to 2035 Infographic
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    Table of Contents

    UK Pet Food Market Summary

    The United Kingdom pet food market is projected to experience substantial growth over the next decade.

    Key Market Trends & Highlights

    UK Pet Food Key Trends and Highlights

    • The market valuation is expected to rise from 4.5 USD billion in 2024 to 8.1 USD billion by 2035.
    • A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.49 percent is anticipated from 2025 to 2035.
    • The increasing demand for premium pet food products is likely to drive market expansion.
    • Growing adoption of pet ownership due to changing lifestyles is a major market driver.

    Market Size & Forecast

    2024 Market Size 4.5 (USD Billion)
    2035 Market Size 8.1 (USD Billion)
    CAGR (2025-2035) 5.49%

    Major Players

    BASF, Royal Canin, Nestle Purina Petcare, Pet Food Experts, Smalls, Petcurean, Mars Petcare, Blue Buffalo, WellPet, PetSmart, Aller Petfood, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Brentwood Foods, Spectrum Brands

    UK Pet Food Market Trends

    The UK pet food market has witnessed several important trends in recent times, reflecting changes in consumer preferences and lifestyle. A key market driver has been the increased humanization of pets, with owners seeking premium and nutritious food that meets the health standards they expect for themselves. This trend has fueled the demand for natural and organic ingredients in pet food as consumers prioritize transparency and sustainability.

    Additionally, a shift towards specific dietary needs is notable, with an increase in demand for grain-free, limited-ingredient, and high-protein options catering to pets with allergies or sensitivities.In the UK pet food market, there are opportunities to be explored with the growing e-commerce platforms, which saw a significant increase during and after the pandemic. For convenience, pet owners are increasingly purchasing food online, resulting in the creation of subscription boxes that send pet food to the doorstep. This change is favorable for companies that are agile enough to embrace and meet the digital channels’ relevance.

    In addition, there is more interest in primary functional pet foods like those that improve joints or strengthen immune systems. This is in line with the emerging pet wellness trend, where owners are becoming more knowledgeable and responsible about their pets' health.

    The UK government, through various initiatives, is also supporting responsible pet ownership and promoting higher welfare standards, which influences consumer choices and market dynamics. Overall, these trends indicate a vibrant and evolving landscape in the UK pet food market, driven by health-conscious consumers, digital innovation, and a commitment to sustainability.

    UK Pet Food Market Drivers

    Market Segment Insights

    Pet Food Market Pet Type Outlook Insights

    The UK Pet Food Market is experiencing notable growth, particularly within the Pet Type Outlook segment, which encompasses various categories, including cats, dogs, fish, and other pets. The increasing trend of pet ownership in the UK has been a significant driver, with numerous households now considering pets as integral family members. This has led to a growing demand for quality pet food, which aligns with consumer trends favoring premium and health-focused options to promote the overall well-being of their animals.

    Within this segment, the market for dog food is particularly robust, primarily because of dogs' popularity among UK households, often leading to higher spending per pet in terms of food choices, supplements, and treats. Cats also significantly contribute to the UK Pet Food Market, as many cat owners are keen on specialized diets that cater to the health needs of their feline companions. The emphasis on natural, grain-free, and organic ingredients has gained traction, resonating well with pet owners who prioritize nutrition and sustainable sourcing.

    Conversely, the fish food category has a smaller market share but remains relevant for enthusiasts who keep aquariums. The growing interest in exotic pets has further diversified the food offerings, meeting the needs of fish owners who require specialized formulations to sustain their aquatic environments.

    Alongside these, the category of 'Others' includes various pets such as birds, reptiles, and small mammals, reflecting a niche but essential part of the overall market, as these owners, too, seek high-quality, tailored food options.The segmentation of the UK Pet Food Market indicates that while dogs and cats dominate in terms of volume and consumer interest, the other segments provide substantial diversity and opportunities for targeted marketing. Moreover, the ongoing pet humanization trend influences purchasing decisions, as pet owners are increasingly aligning pet food products with their own values around health, wellness, and sustainability.

    This shift not only impacts the formulation and branding strategies of pet food manufacturers but also challenges them to innovate while staying attuned to evolving consumer preferences. As a result, understanding the nuances of each pet type within this landscape is critical for effectively capturing market share. The UK pet food industry leverages data insights to tailor products to meet specific dietary needs and lifestyle choices of pet owners, thereby enhancing the overall market growth potential for the future.

    Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

    Pet Food Market Product Type Outlook Insights

    Pet Food Market Product Type Outlook Insights

    The UK Pet Food Market showcases a diverse Product Type Outlook, comprising segments such as Dry Food, Wet Food, and Snacks Treats, each playing a crucial role in shaping market dynamics. Dry Food continues to dominate as a staple for pet owners due to its affordability, convenience, and extended shelf life, making it a preferred choice for many.

    Wet Food is gaining traction, appealing to pet owners who prioritize palatability and hydration for their pets, which is particularly important in warmer climates, thereby creating significant opportunities for growth.Meanwhile, Snacks Treats are witnessing an upswing, as consumers increasingly seek premium options that can enhance their pets' diets while also serving as training rewards or indulgent treats. This trend aligns with the growing emphasis on pet health and wellness in the UK, where pet owners are more inclined to spend on high-quality, nutritious options.

    Additionally, the evolving consumer preferences towards natural and organic ingredients are influencing these product categories, presenting challenges for brands to innovate while maintaining product integrity.Overall, the segmentation within the UK Pet Food Market underlines the varied consumer demands and the importance of adaptability in product offerings to capture market share effectively.

    Pet Food Market Distribution Channel Outlook Insights

    Pet Food Market Distribution Channel Outlook Insights

    The Distribution Channel Outlook for the UK Pet Food Market reveals significant trends and insights essential for understanding the market's dynamics. The market showcases two primary channels: Store-Based and Non-Store-Based. Store-Based channels, including supermarkets and pet specialty shops, currently dominate the landscape, largely due to consumers' preference for in-person shopping experiences where they can assess product quality firsthand.

    On the other hand, Non-Store-Based channels, such as e-commerce platforms, are rapidly gaining traction, driven by the convenience of online shopping and home delivery options, especially post-pandemic.This shift towards digital platforms is complemented by advances in logistics and supply chain management, making it more efficient for retailers to reach consumers. The overall growth within these segments is supported by increasing pet ownership across the UK and rising spending on premium pet food products, emphasizing quality over quantity.

    As consumer behaviors evolve, both channels present unique opportunities and challenges that will significantly influence the UK Pet Food Market segmentation and overall market growth in the coming years.

    Get more detailed insights about UK Pet Food Market Research Report Forecast to 2035

    Regional Insights

    Key Players and Competitive Insights

    The UK Pet Food Market is characterized by its dynamic and competitive landscape, which has seen significant growth and innovation in recent years. As pet ownership rises, there is a palpable demand for high-quality pet nutrition products that cater to the diverse needs of pets and their owners. This market features a range of players, from large multinational corporations to niche boutique brands, each vying for consumer attention and loyalty. Trends such as premiumization, sustainability, and health-oriented products are reshaping the competitive environment as companies adjust their strategies to align with pet owners' evolving preferences.

    The focus on ingredient transparency, natural products, and tailored nutrition solutions continues to drive competition, with companies constantly developing new formulations to satisfy the growing consumer desire for quality and efficacy in pet food.In this highly competitive landscape, BASF stands out with a strong presence and specialized knowledge in the supply of nutritional solutions tailored for the UK Pet Food Market. Renowned for its commitment to innovation and research, BASF brings a wealth of expertise in developing nutritional ingredients that enhance the health and well-being of pets.

    Their strengths lie in their advanced technological capabilities and a comprehensive understanding of pet nutrition science, allowing them to provide formulations that not only meet current market demands but also anticipate future trends. This positions BASF as a vital partner for food manufacturers looking to deliver high-quality, functional pet food products that cater to the health-conscious pet owner segment in the UK.Royal Canin, meanwhile, has established itself as a leader in the UK Pet Food Market through its dedication to health-specific nutrition solutions tailored for various breeds, ages, and pet health conditions.

    The company offers a wide array of products, including dry and wet food formulations designed to meet the specific dietary needs of dogs and cats. Royal Canin’s strengths lie in its robust research and development initiatives focused on veterinary nutrition, which facilitates the creation of products backed by scientific evidence and aligning with veterinarian recommendations. Their strong brand presence is further enhanced through strategic partnerships and collaborations with veterinary professionals, ensuring credibility and trust among pet owners.

    Royal Canin has also engaged in mergers and acquisitions aimed at expanding its market reach and enhancing its product portfolio within the UK context, illustrating a proactive approach to maintaining a competitive edge in the pet food industry.

    Key Companies in the UK Pet Food Market market include

    Industry Developments

    Recent developments in the UK Pet Food Market have shown dynamic growth, driven by increased pet ownership and demand for premium products. BASF has focused on enhancing pet nutrition through innovative ingredients, while Royal Canin and Nestle Purina Petcare have expanded their product lines to cater to evolving consumer preferences for natural and holistic pet food options. Notably, Mars Petcare's recent acquisition of nutritional startup Smalls has bolstered its position in the market by allowing access to a growing segment of pet owners looking for fresh and healthy alternatives.

    Pet Food Experts has seen a positive impact on business as demand for its extensive range of premium products has surged. Growth in companies within the market has led to a valuation increase driven by a focus on sustainability and health-conscious formulations. Current trends indicate that retailers like PetSmart and brands like Hill's Pet Nutrition are investing in e-commerce capabilities to reach consumers more effectively. Additionally, reports from 2022 indicate that the market experienced significant shifts in consumer behavior due to the pandemic, with increased spending on pet food and health products for pets becoming a priority among UK households.

    Market Segmentation

    Outlook

    • Store-Based
    • Non-Store-Based

    Pet Type Outlook

    Product Type Outlook

    Distribution Channel Outlook

    Pet Food Market Pet Type Outlook Insights

    Pet Food Market Product Type Outlook Insights

    Pet Food Market Distribution Channel Outlook Insights

    • BASF
    • Royal Canin
    • Nestle Purina Petcare
    • Pet Food Experts
    • Smalls
    • Petcurean
    • Mars Petcare
    • Blue Buffalo
    • WellPet
    • PetSmart
    • Aller Petfood
    • Hill's Pet Nutrition
    • Brentwood Foods
    • Spectrum Brands

    Report Scope

    Report Attribute/Metric Source: Details
    MARKET SIZE 2018 4.07(USD Billion)
    MARKET SIZE 2024 4.5(USD Billion)
    MARKET SIZE 2035 8.1(USD Billion)
    COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE (CAGR) 5.489% (2025 - 2035)
    REPORT COVERAGE Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
    BASE YEAR 2024
    MARKET FORECAST PERIOD 2025 - 2035
    HISTORICAL DATA 2019 - 2024
    MARKET FORECAST UNITS USD Billion
    KEY COMPANIES PROFILED BASF, Royal Canin, Nestle Purina Petcare, Pet Food Experts, Smalls, Petcurean, Mars Petcare, Blue Buffalo, WellPet, PetSmart, Aller Petfood, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Brentwood Foods, Spectrum Brands
    SEGMENTS COVERED Pet Type Outlook, Product Type Outlook, Distribution Channel Outlook
    KEY MARKET OPPORTUNITIES Premium pet food growth, Sustainable ingredient sourcing, Personalized nutrition products, Online pet food sales, Natural and organic options
    KEY MARKET DYNAMICS premium pet food demand, health-conscious consumer preferences, online retail growth, sustainability and eco-friendly products, increasing pet ownership rates
    COUNTRIES COVERED UK

    Market Highlights

    Author
    Garvit Vyas
    Analyst

    Explore the profile of Garvit Vyas, one of our esteemed authors at Market Research Future, and access their expert research contributions in the field of market research and industry analysis

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    FAQs

    What is the expected market size of the UK Pet Food Market in 2024?

    The UK Pet Food Market is expected to be valued at 4.5 billion USD in 2024.

    What is the projected market size for the UK Pet Food Market by 2035?

    By 2035, the UK Pet Food Market is projected to reach a value of 8.1 billion USD.

    What is the expected CAGR for the UK Pet Food Market from 2025 to 2035?

    The expected compound annual growth rate for the UK Pet Food Market from 2025 to 2035 is 5.489%.

    Which segment is expected to dominate the UK Pet Food Market in terms of market share?

    The dog segment is expected to dominate the UK Pet Food Market, valued at 2.2 billion USD in 2024 and projected to grow to 4.0 billion USD by 2035.

    What is the market size for the cat segment in the UK Pet Food Market in 2024?

    The cat segment of the UK Pet Food Market is valued at 1.2 billion USD in 2024.

    What are some of the key players in the UK Pet Food Market?

    Key players in the UK Pet Food Market include BASF, Royal Canin, Nestle Purina Petcare, and Mars Petcare.

    How much is the fish segment of the UK Pet Food Market expected to be worth in 2035?

    The fish segment of the UK Pet Food Market is expected to be valued at 0.9 billion USD by 2035.

    What challenges may impact the growth of the UK Pet Food Market?

    The UK Pet Food Market may face challenges such as rising ingredient costs and changing consumer preferences.

    What growth opportunities exist in the UK Pet Food Market?

    Growth opportunities in the UK Pet Food Market lie in the increasing adoption of pets and the demand for premium pet food products.

    What is the projected value for the 'others' segment in the UK Pet Food Market in 2035?

    The 'others' segment in the UK Pet Food Market is projected to reach a value of 1.0 billion USD by 2035.

    1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
    2. Market Overview
    3. Key Findings
    4. Market Segmentation
    5. Competitive Landscape
    6. Challenges and Opportunities
    7. Future Outlook
    8. MARKET INTRODUCTION
    9. Definition
    10. Scope of the study
    11. Research Objective
    12. Assumption
    13. Limitations
    14. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
    15. Overview
    16. Data Mining
    17. Secondary Research
    18. Primary Research
    19. Primary Interviews and Information Gathering Process
    20. Breakdown of Primary Respondents
    21. Forecasting Model
    22. Market Size Estimation
    23. Bottom-Up Approach
    24. Top-Down Approach
    25. Data Triangulation
    26. Validation
    27. MARKET DYNAMICS
    28. Overview
    29. Drivers
    30. Restraints
    31. Opportunities
    32. MARKET FACTOR ANALYSIS
    33. Value chain Analysis
    34. Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    35. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    36. Bargaining Power of Buyers
    37. Threat of New Entrants
    38. Threat of Substitutes
    39. Intensity of Rivalry
    40. COVID-19 Impact Analysis
    41. Market Impact Analysis
    42. Regional Impact
    43. Opportunity and Threat Analysis
    44. UK Pet Food Market, BY Pet Type Outlook (USD Billion)
    45. Cat
    46. Dog
    47. Fish
    48. Others
    49. UK Pet Food Market, BY Product Type Outlook (USD Billion)
    50. Dry Food
    51. Wet Food
    52. Snacks Treats
    53. UK Pet Food Market, BY Distribution Channel Outlook (USD Billion)
    54. Store-Based
    55. Non-Store-Based
    56. Competitive Landscape
    57. Overview
    58. Competitive Analysis
    59. Market share Analysis
    60. Major Growth Strategy in the Pet Food Market
    61. Competitive Benchmarking
    62. Leading Players in Terms of Number of Developments in the Pet Food Market
    63. Key developments and growth strategies
    64. New Product Launch/Service Deployment
    65. Merger Acquisitions
    66. Joint Ventures
    67. Major Players Financial Matrix
    68. Sales and Operating Income
    69. Major Players RD Expenditure. 2023
    70. Company Profiles
    71. BASF
    72. Financial Overview
    73. Products Offered
    74. Key Developments
    75. SWOT Analysis
    76. Key Strategies
    77. Royal Canin
    78. Financial Overview
    79. Products Offered
    80. Key Developments
    81. SWOT Analysis
    82. Key Strategies
    83. Nestle Purina Petcare
    84. Financial Overview
    85. Products Offered
    86. Key Developments
    87. SWOT Analysis
    88. Key Strategies
    89. Pet Food Experts
    90. Financial Overview
    91. Products Offered
    92. Key Developments
    93. SWOT Analysis
    94. Key Strategies
    95. Smalls
    96. Financial Overview
    97. Products Offered
    98. Key Developments
    99. SWOT Analysis
    100. Key Strategies
    101. Petcurean
    102. Financial Overview
    103. Products Offered
    104. Key Developments
    105. SWOT Analysis
    106. Key Strategies
    107. Mars Petcare
    108. Financial Overview
    109. Products Offered
    110. Key Developments
    111. SWOT Analysis
    112. Key Strategies
    113. Blue Buffalo
    114. Financial Overview
    115. Products Offered
    116. Key Developments
    117. SWOT Analysis
    118. Key Strategies
    119. WellPet
    120. Financial Overview
    121. Products Offered
    122. Key Developments
    123. SWOT Analysis
    124. Key Strategies
    125. PetSmart
    126. Financial Overview
    127. Products Offered
    128. Key Developments
    129. SWOT Analysis
    130. Key Strategies
    131. Aller Petfood
    132. Financial Overview
    133. Products Offered
    134. Key Developments
    135. SWOT Analysis
    136. Key Strategies
    137. Hill's Pet Nutrition
    138. Financial Overview
    139. Products Offered
    140. Key Developments
    141. SWOT Analysis
    142. Key Strategies
    143. Brentwood Foods
    144. Financial Overview
    145. Products Offered
    146. Key Developments
    147. SWOT Analysis
    148. Key Strategies
    149. Spectrum Brands
    150. Financial Overview
    151. Products Offered
    152. Key Developments
    153. SWOT Analysis
    154. Key Strategies
    155. References
    156. Related Reports
    157. UK Pet Food Market SIZE ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY PET TYPE OUTLOOK, 2019-2035 (USD Billions)
    158. UK Pet Food Market SIZE ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY PRODUCT TYPE OUTLOOK, 2019-2035 (USD Billions)
    159. UK Pet Food Market SIZE ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL OUTLOOK, 2019-2035 (USD Billions)
    160. PRODUCT LAUNCH/PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT/APPROVAL
    161. ACQUISITION/PARTNERSHIP
    162. MARKET SYNOPSIS
    163. UK PET FOOD MARKET ANALYSIS BY PET TYPE OUTLOOK
    164. UK PET FOOD MARKET ANALYSIS BY PRODUCT TYPE OUTLOOK
    165. UK PET FOOD MARKET ANALYSIS BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL OUTLOOK
    166. KEY BUYING CRITERIA OF PET FOOD MARKET
    167. RESEARCH PROCESS OF MRFR
    168. DRO ANALYSIS OF PET FOOD MARKET
    169. DRIVERS IMPACT ANALYSIS: PET FOOD MARKET
    170. RESTRAINTS IMPACT ANALYSIS: PET FOOD MARKET
    171. SUPPLY / VALUE CHAIN: PET FOOD MARKET
    172. PET FOOD MARKET, BY PET TYPE OUTLOOK, 2024 (% SHARE)
    173. PET FOOD MARKET, BY PET TYPE OUTLOOK, 2019 TO 2035 (USD Billions)
    174. PET FOOD MARKET, BY PRODUCT TYPE OUTLOOK, 2024 (% SHARE)
    175. PET FOOD MARKET, BY PRODUCT TYPE OUTLOOK, 2019 TO 2035 (USD Billions)
    176. PET FOOD MARKET, BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL OUTLOOK, 2024 (% SHARE)
    177. PET FOOD MARKET, BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL OUTLOOK, 2019 TO 2035 (USD Billions)
    178. BENCHMARKING OF MAJOR COMPETITORS

    UK Pet Food Market Segmentation

     

    • Pet Food Market By Pet Type Outlook (USD Billion, 2019-2035)

      • Cat
      • Dog
      • Fish
      • Others

     

    • Pet Food Market By Product Type Outlook (USD Billion, 2019-2035)

      • Dry Food
      • Wet Food
      • Snacks Treats

     

    • Pet Food Market By Distribution Channel Outlook (USD Billion, 2019-2035)

      • Store-Based
      • Non-Store-Based

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Customer Strories

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