With long-term trends indicating a slow decline in the number of cats and dogs both due to changing consumer lifestyles and the fall in the number of children of an age most likely to own pets, pet food manufacturers are faced with a number of challenges to their business. The industry has responded by moving towards added-value convenience-led products, many at a price premium. Consequently, the value of the dog and cat food market has grown during the past five years. Can manufacturers continue to develop products that increase the spend of this declining number of pet owners? This report assesses the current status of the market and evaluates its prospects for the future, in the light of prevailing lifestyle and population trends.

Analysing the market’s size, trends, structure and consumers, Mintel’s research offers marketers a valuable overview of the factors that are influencing the market’s dynamics. Designed to inform and focus marketing activity, Mintel’s research highlights areas of potential that will maximise your sales and increase your share of the market.

Exclusive consumer research and authoritative market analysis provides insight into all the key industry issues, including:

The rise of single-serve portions of pet food

Continued market penetration of convenience foods

Prospect of smaller operators gaining market share

Importance of continued manufacturer commitment to main media advertising

Growing distribution channels

Changes in multiple ownership

Consumer attitudes towards spending on their pets

Mintel defines cat and dog food as any food specifically designed and marketed for a cat or dog, including treats. Market size data include cat and dog food sold through all retail outlets and for the first time Mintel is also including food sold through veterinary practices, consequently some data has changed since the last Mintel report on this subject.