China Pet Food Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Pet Type, Product Type, Pricing Type, Ingredient Type, Distribution Channel, and Region, 2026-2034

China Pet Food Market Overview:

The China pet food market size reached USD 22.51 Billion in 2025. The market is projected to reach USD 32.87 Billion by 2034, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.30% during 2026-2034. The market is driven by the accelerating premiumization trend and growing demand for functional pet food products that address specific health concerns. Intensifying competition from domestic brands that are leveraging cost-effective strategies and improved manufacturing capabilities to capture market share. These dynamic shifts reflect the evolution of pet ownership patterns in urban China, where pets are increasingly viewed as family members deserving of high-quality nutrition and specialized care, thereby expanding the China pet food market share.

China Pet Food Market Trends:

Rising Demand for Functional Pet Food

The Chinese pet food market is experiencing a significant transition toward functional nutrition as pet owners increasingly prioritize their pets' overall health and welfare. In July 2025, Corbion gained regulatory approval to sell its algae-derived omega-3 DHA products in China enhancing its position in the animal nutrition sector. The company also restructured its executive team to improve efficiency with key appointments including a new chief integrated supply chain officer and chief technology officer.  Pet owners are seeking food that focuses on joint mobility, digestive health, the immune system, and skin and coat. This is particularly true with urban pet owners who are seeking food that is scientifically formulated and veterinarian approved, and will pay a premium for that. In response, natural additives, probiotics, omega fatty acids and herbal extracts are being added to pet food. An increasing number of senior pets and the increase of obesity in pets has resulted in the demand for specialty pet food growing. The increasing popularity of health-focused and preventive pet diets is emerging as a significant factor in China pet food market growth.

Growth of E-Commerce and Digital Platforms

In China, the pet food sector is progressively moving toward digital platforms as online marketplaces emerge as a primary distribution channel. The rapid growth of online shopping has made it easier for pet owners to access a wide variety of products anytime driving higher sales volumes. According to the data published by the International Trade Administration (ITA), China’s e-commerce market reached CNY 15.4 Trillion (USD 2.2 Trillion) in 2023, growing 11.9%. It is projected to reach CNY 25.4 Trillion ($3.6 trillion) by 2028, with a CAGR of 9.9%. The e-commerce sites provide convenience, a diverse range of products, and competitive pricing appealing to tech-savvy pet owners who favor shopping from home. Brands are utilizing social media, influencer outreach, and focused digital marketing strategies to connect directly with consumers, foster brand loyalty, and inform owners about the advantages of their products. Subscription services and direct-to-consumer platforms are becoming more popular offering reliable supply and customized suggestions. Moreover, mobile applications and online communities allow pet owners to share experiences, reviews, and feedback enhancing online interaction. This shift towards digital is facilitating quicker market entry especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities and is serving as a crucial driver for the growth of the pet food market in China.

China Pet Food Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2026-2034. Our report has categorized the market based on pet type, product type, pricing type, ingredient type, and distribution channel.

Pet Type Insights:

• Dog Food
• Cat Food
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the pet type. This includes dog food, cat food, and others.

Product Type Insights:

• Dry Pet Food
• Wet and Canned Pet Food
• Snacks and Treats

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type have also been provided in the report. This includes dry pet food, wet and canned pet food, and snacks and treats.

Pricing Type Insights:

• Mass Products
• Premium Products

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the pricing type. This includes mass products and premium products.

Ingredient Type Insights:

• Animal Derived
• Plant Derived

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the ingredient type have also been provided in the report. This includes animal derived and plant derived.

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Online Stores
• Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, specialty stores, online stores, and others.

Regional Insights:

• North China
• East China
• South Central China
• Southwest China
• Northwest China
• Northeast China

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the region have also been provided in the report. This includes North China, East China, South Central China, Southwest China, Northwest China, and Northeast China.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

China Pet Food Market News:

• In February 2025, Freshippo founder Hou Yi launched a pet food store, Pet & Fresh, in Shanghai aiming to open 100 outlets by year-end. The business focuses on a mix of online and offline sales, offering rapid delivery and competitive pricing. The pet economy in China is booming, exceeding CNY300 billion.
• In September 2025, Unicharm announced its plans to launch a new pet food plant in Jiangsu, Chinaaiming to increase its market share from 1% to 20% by 2030. The facility, built in partnership with Jia Pets, will enhance production flexibility and support growth.

China Pet Food Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the China pet food market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What is the breakup of the China pet food market on the basis of pet type?
• What is the breakup of the China pet food market on the basis of product type?
• What is the breakup of the China pet food market on the basis of pricing type?
• What is the breakup of the China pet food market on the basis of ingredient type?
• What is the breakup of the China pet food market on the basis of distribution channel?
• What is the breakup of the China pet food market on the basis of region?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the China pet food market? 
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the China pet food market?
• What is the structure of the China pet food market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the China pet food market? 

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the China pet food market from 2020-2034.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the China pet food market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the China pet food industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.