The dog and cat food market in China has been growing steadily with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) above 20% over the 2011-16 time period. The solid performance results from the continuous growth in household income and many families keeping pets to accompany the single child.

Few global manufacturer giants dominate the pet food market in China. They are the pioneers of the pet food category and therefore enjoy more brand awareness. But in recent years the local players have become more significant, winning by either better value for money or product premiumisation.

Looking ahead, as pets are becoming a family member for most pet owners, pet food humanisation, such as organic, all-natural, and free from additives or preservatives, could be the innovation directions. Also, online is a critical channel to watch as the existing pet food users are commonly buying pet food online, and the distribution system provided by e-commerce players could reach many non-users in the lower tier cities and rural areas.

Mintel defines the pet food market as food and snacks and treats for household pets, including cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, fish, reptiles, and birds. Food for dogs and cats is the primary focus in this Report and is categorised as dry, wet, and snacks and treats.

Market sizing includes wet and dry food for dogs and cats only. Based on the products’ property, dogs’ snacks and treats are included in dogs’ dry food, and cats’ snacks and treats are included in cats’ wet food.

Though pet food for other animals is not covered in the sizing, it is included in the consumer research and is discussed in the consumer sections.

Excluded from this Report are:

• Dog chews and rawhides

• Pets’ supplements.

Mintel divides consumers into three groups based on their monthly household income. The table below shows the definitions of low, middle, and high household income consumer groups.