The UK is undoubtedly a nation of pet lovers, with consumers spending in excess of £3 billion in 1999 on their pets - of which almost £1.6 million was on cat and dog food. However, traditionally a nation of dog lovers, the UK has moved its loyalties slightly towards cats in recent years as they are lower maintenance and can be left to their own devices in ways that dogs cannot. Also contributing to this are the ever increasing time constraints, brought about by longer working hours and the increase in single-person households, and cats have become more popular as a result of their greater independence. The cat and dog food markets are largely dominated by a small number of companies which are responsible for producing the majority of the top brands, yet the opening up of new distribution channels in the UK over the past few years has allowed smaller brands to make inroads into the sector.

Why is branded cat and dog food more popular with consumers than generic labels?

Many cat owners prefer moist, branded foods while dog owners have moved towards dry, branded food.

What will the effect of single serve-sachets have over the traditional tin food in the market place?

This report examines markets which fit into the category of cat and dog food, including treats but excluding food sold through veterinary practices (although these are referred to). With pets as popular as ever, the cat and dog food markets are both likely to fare well in the short to medium term, fuelled by the consumer's continued trading up, yet what does the future hold for the treats sector? Cat and Dog Food highlights the effects that the changing nature of pet ownership is having on the entire cat and dog food market in the UK. With pet superstores opening up countrywide, what will the effect be on traditional distribution channels? Both the cat and dog food markets are likely to see more specialised products emerging, but are these merely a new fad? Cat and Dog Food analyses the leading players and determines likely future developments.

Other Mintel reports of interest include:

Pet Insurance, Finance Intelligence, December 1999

Pet Healthcare, Market Intelligence, October 1999

Pet Accessories, Market Intelligence, September 1999

Pet Food and Pet Care Retailing, Retailing Intelligence, January 1999.