UK Pet Food Market Size And Trends

UK Pet Food Market Size & Trends

The UK pet food market size was estimated at USD 3.01 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2025 to 2030. The industry is experiencing strong and sustained growth, primarily fueled by an increase in pet ownership and the deepening emotional bond between people and their pets. As more individuals live in smaller households or on their own, particularly in urban areas, pets are being treated as valued companions and family members. This change in attitude has significantly influenced consumer spending habits, with pet owners increasingly prioritizing the health and well-being of their animals. As a result, there is a rising demand for premium, nutritious pet food products that support overall wellness, reflect human food trends, and align with the desire to provide pets with the best possible care.

The UK pet food industry is seeing a strong shift toward high-quality, nutrition-focused offerings, driven by pet owners who are increasingly concerned about the health and longevity of their animals.

Another important factor behind the rising demand is the growing humanization of pets. Pet owners are seeking premium, health-focused, and specialized food options, including organic, functional, and gourmet pet foods. There is also a heightened awareness around pet health and nutrition, leading to higher demand for products that are high in protein, grain-free, and made with natural ingredients. Brands that emphasize transparency and offer nutritional benefits are gaining strong consumer preference.

Sustainability trends are also playing a key role in shaping the industry. Environmentally conscious consumers are showing more interest in eco-friendly and sustainable pet food options, including plant-based and lab-grown alternatives. Notably, the UK has become the first country in Europe to approve lab-grown meat for pet food, signaling a shift toward greener choices in pet nutrition.

The industry hosts a diverse range of brands, catering to varying preferences, budgets, and pet needs. Well-established global brands such as Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Plan, Purina, and Pedigree continue to dominate in both mainstream retail and veterinary-recommended segments due to their longstanding reputations for nutritional research and quality. However, there is growing competition from premium and boutique brands like Lily’s Kitchen, Edgard & Cooper, Forthglade, and Pooch & Mutt, which emphasize natural, locally sourced ingredients and sustainable packaging. These brands resonate with ethically minded consumers and are particularly popular in specialty stores and online platforms.

Moreover, newer entrants are innovating with raw, freeze-dried, and insect-based proteins, such as Yora and Scrumbles, meeting the demands of eco-conscious pet owners. This wide availability of brands, each with unique selling points, gives UK consumers plenty of choice when it comes to feeding their pets high-quality, tailored nutrition.

Consumer Insights

UK consumers are prioritizing pet food products that support their pets’ overall health and wellness. Pet owners are more informed and scrutinize ingredients, often opting for food that is free from artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers. Functional benefits-such as joint support, digestion aid, skin and coat health, and weight management-are key factors influencing purchasing decisions. Many are willing to pay a premium for formulas that align with specific dietary needs or health conditions.

There is a clear shift in preference toward premium, natural, and organic pet food options. Consumers are seeking products made with high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. Grain-free, raw, freeze-dried, and high-protein options are increasingly popular, especially among pet owners who are influenced by human food trends. This growing demand is also reflected in the rising market share of niche, boutique brands.

The UK’s pet population has seen significant growth, with 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats reported in 2024, each increasing by 1.5 million from previous years. Notably, there’s a rising trend of men adopting adult cats, with 27% of male pet owners choosing to adopt adult cats compared to 18% of female owners. ​

Online shopping has become a significant mode of purchase for pet food in the UK, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Subscription models offering tailored meal plans, home delivery, and auto-replenishment are increasingly appealing to busy pet owners seeking convenience and consistency. This trend is particularly strong among younger demographics who value digital convenience and personalization.

The humanization of pets continues to influence purchasing decisions, with owners seeking high-quality, nutritious, and health-focused food options.

Additionally, grain-free, gluten-free, organic, and raw diets are gaining traction, especially among urban and health-conscious pet parents. Brands are responding with clean-label offerings, limited-ingredient formulas, and breed or age-specific nutrition plans. Concerns over allergies, obesity, and chronic health issues in pets have also led to a rise in vet-recommended therapeutic diets and personalized nutrition options. This evolution reflects a broader trend of treating pets with the same care and dietary consideration given to human family members. 

Product Insights

Dry pet food accounted for a revenue share of 59.2% in 2024. The demand for dry pet food in the UK is growing due to its convenience, longer shelf life, and cost-effectiveness compared to wet or fresh alternatives. Many pet owners prefer dry food for its ease of storage, portion control, and dental health benefits, as the kibble helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup. Additionally, the growing availability of nutritionally balanced and specialized dry formulas, such as grain-free, high-protein, and breed-specific options, is attracting health-conscious consumers seeking tailored nutrition for their pets.

The pet snacks/treats market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2025 to 2030. The growth of pet snacks and treats in the UK pet food market is driven by the increasing humanization of pets, with owners treating their animals more like family members and rewarding them similarly. Pet treats are being used not only for training and behavior reinforcement but also to express affection and enhance bonding. Additionally, there is a rising demand for functional treats that offer health benefits, such as joint support, dental care, or calming effects, further fueling market expansion. The wide variety of flavors, formats, and health-focused options is also attracting consumers looking to pamper their pets while supporting their well-being.

Pet Type Insights

Pet food for dogs accounted for a revenue share of 58.8% in 2024. Dog pet food sales in the UK are growing rapidly due to the rising dog ownership across the country and the increasing tendency to treat dogs as family members. Owners are placing greater emphasis on their dogs’ health and nutrition, driving demand for high-quality, tailored food products that meet specific dietary needs and life stages. The popularity of premium, natural, and functional dog food, such as grain-free, hypoallergenic, and breed-specific formulas, is also contributing to market growth. Furthermore, the wide availability of dog food through both retail and online channels has made it more accessible than ever.

Pet food for cats is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2025 to 2030. Rising urbanization and the popularity of cats as low-maintenance, space-efficient pets have led to a steady increase in cat ownership, especially in cities like London, where apartment living is common. Cat owners are increasingly viewing their pets as family members, fueling demand for premium, health-focused, and specialized nutrition, including products that address specific health needs such as obesity, digestive issues, and allergies.

Distribution Channel Insights

Sales of pet food through pet specialty stores accounted for a revenue share of 33.1% in 2024. These stores offer a curated selection of high-quality, niche, and premium pet food products that cater to specific dietary needs and health concerns, aligning with the growing trend of pet humanization and premiumization. Consumers are increasingly seeking transparency in ingredients and nutritional information, which specialty retailers are more likely to provide. Additionally, these stores often employ knowledgeable staff who can offer personalized advice and recommendations, enhancing the shopping experience for pet owners.

Sales of pet food through online/e-commerce channels are expected to grow with a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2030. ​The growth of e-commerce in the UK pet food market is driven by several key factors. Firstly, the convenience of online shopping allows pet owners to access a wide range of products without leaving their homes, a trend that has been amplified by the digital transformation in retail. This shift has led to increased investments by retailers in their digital capabilities to meet consumer demand.

Category Insights

Traditional pet foods accounted for a revenue share of 86.5% in 2024. Traditional pet food in the UK is growing due to its affordability, widespread availability, and familiarity among long-time pet owners. Many consumers continue to trust established brands that offer consistent quality and nutritional reliability at competitive prices. In a time of rising living costs, traditional dry and canned pet foods remain a practical choice for budget-conscious households. Additionally, supermarkets and grocery stores heavily stock these products, making them convenient and accessible for everyday shoppers.

Specialist veterinary nutrition pet food is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2025 to 2030. ​ ​The specialist veterinary nutrition pet food segment in the UK is experiencing significant growth, driven by a combination of rising pet obesity rates, increased awareness of pet health, and the trend of pet humanization. According to the Royal Veterinary College, approximately 51% of dogs and 44% of cats in the UK were classified as overweight or obese by 2022, prompting pet owners to seek specialized diets tailored to address specific health concerns such as weight management, digestive issues, and joint support. ​

Key UK Pet Food Companies Insights

Pet food manufacturers in the UK are adopting advanced food processing technologies to improve product quality, flavor, and nutritional content. Techniques such as vacuum frying, air frying, and freeze-drying are used to preserve the natural qualities and nutrients of ingredients while minimizing oil content. In addition, manufacturers are incorporating innovative packaging solutions, such as resealable and biodegradable options, to enhance convenience and sustainability. Customization is also gaining momentum, with brands offering diverse seasoning blends, organic choices, and personalized snack/treat packs to meet the varied preferences of pet owners.

Key players operating in the UK pet food market are undertaking various initiatives to strengthen their presence and increase the reach of their products and services. Strategies such as expansion activities and partnerships are key in propelling the market growth.

Recent Developments

• In February 2025, Meatly, a London-based startup, launched the world’s first lab-grown meat pet treats in the UK, marking a major milestone in sustainable pet nutrition. The new product, called “Chick Bites,” is a collaboration between Meatly and plant-based dog food brand The Pack and features a blend of cultivated chicken meat and plant-based ingredients. This innovation is seen as a significant step toward reducing the environmental impact of pet food, as cultivated meat uses a fraction of the land and water required for conventional meat and generates fewer emissions.

• In May 2024, UK vegan pet food brand Omni launched a nutritionally complete cat food made with cultivated chicken meat, marking a significant milestone in the pet food industry. Developed in partnership with cultivated meat producer Meatly, this new product aims to provide cats who require certain nutrients found only in animal tissues with a cruelty-free, virtually limitless source of nutrient-rich meat. Unlike conventional livestock meat, cultivated chicken can be optimized for higher levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and omegas and is free from antibiotic residues and other chemicals.

UK Pet Food Market Report Scope

UK Pet Food Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts volume and revenue growth at the country level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the UK pet food market report on the basis of product, pet type, category, and distribution channel:

• Product Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 – 2030)

  • Wet Pet Food

  • Dry Pet Food

  • Snacks/ Treats

• Pet Type Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 – 2030)

  
  

• Category Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 – 2030)

  
  

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 – 2030)