Pet care in 2025: The big picture
The recovery of volume sales for pet care in the UK is progressing more slowly than anticipated, with a modest improvement observed in the final months of 2024. Despite the stabilisation of prices following significant inflation in 2023, pet owners continue to feel financial pressure and remain cautious with their spending compared to the pre-2023 period.
2025 key trends
The premiumisation trend in pet care is pushing the stronger performance of premium brands compared to mid-priced and economy options, driven by consumers who are less sensitive to price and are willing to invest in higher-quality food and products for their pets. Likewise, fresh pet food is gaining further momentum, fuelled by increasing awareness of the nutritional deficiencies in traditional pet food and the health benefits of fresh options.
Competitive landscape
In 2024, Nestlé Purina Ltd and Mars Petcare UK Ltd continued to lead pet care in the UK, primarily through their respective brands, Felix (in cat food) and Pedigree (in dog food). Pedigree lost further share in 2024, attributed to the rising influence of Nestlé Purina’s dog food brand Lily's Kitchen, and the growing preference for premium and niche options.
Retail developments
E-commerce is set to retain its position at the leading distribution channel for pet care in 2025, driven by its convenience and competitive pricing. Amazon, as the top retailer, exemplifies this trend, offering a wide range of pet products that are particularly advantageous for bulky items.
What next for pet care?
Stable growth predicted for pet care in the UK over the forecast period will be driven by premium dog and cat food, along with dog and cat treats, which are expected to significantly contribute to the industry's expansion in the local market. The increasing population of dogs and cats, particularly small and medium-sized dogs, will further bolster value growth.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Pet Care industry in United Kingdom with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Cat Food
- Dog Food
- Other Pet Food
- Pet Products
If you're in the Pet Care industry in United Kingdom, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Pet Care in United Kingdom report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Pet Care in United Kingdom?
- Which are the leading brands in Pet Care in United Kingdom?
- How are products distributed in Pet Care in United Kingdom?
- How is the rise of e-commerce impacting the retail environment and consumer engagement?
- How are fashions and values in human food echoed in food for pets?
- How has COVID-19 impacted consumer demand? To what extent have lockdown, home seclusion and stockpiling boosted sales? Will the longer term economic repercussions of the pandemic stimulate or suppress future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Pet Care in the United Kingdom
Pet care in 2025: The big picture
2025 key trends
Competitive landscape
Retail developments
What next for pet care?
DISCLAIMER
Cat Food in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Conscious spending trends and stabilised prices result in flat growth
Rising competition limits growth of leading players
E-commerce leads distribution, driven by convenience
Humanisation and premiumisation will drive further value growth
Cat food e-commerce sales will continue to evolve and remain competitive
Demand for innovative and health-focused food will continue
Dog Food in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Dog food’s stability and premium shift amid financial pressures
Competitive shifts among leading dog food brands
E-commerce continues to transform dog food distribution in 2025
Premiumisation set to further drive dog food sales in the UK
Digital transformation in dog food driven by convenience and customisation
Fresh, ethical and premium offerings set to lead future growth and innovation
Other Pet Food in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Decline of other pet population starts to slow
Burgess Supafeeds gains leadership of other pet food
Pets shop and superstores to continue leading distribution of other pet food
Steady growth expected for other pet food over the forecast period
Rise of snacking and natural food trends likely to extend to small mammals
The rise of e-commerce driven by convenience and range
Pet Products in the United Kingdom
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Affordability remains crucial as consumers exercise caution over non-essential spending
Leading players in pet products are concentrated in pet healthcare
E-commerce leads distribution of pet products due to its reach and convenience
Humanisation and health trends to drive growth of pet products, with pet healthcare expected to be most dynamic
Online sales boosted by special occasions and seasonal trends
Advanced pet products for wellbeing and convenience will drive innovative solutions
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Pet Care
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- Cat Treats and Mixers
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- Economy Dry Cat Food
- Mid-Priced Dry Cat Food
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- Premium Therapeutic Dry Cat Food
- Premium Non-Therapeutic Dry Cat Food
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- Economy Wet Cat Food
- Mid-Priced Wet Cat Food
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- Premium Therapeutic Wet Cat Food
- Premium Non-Therapeutic Wet Cat Food
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- Dog Treats and Mixers
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- Economy Dry Dog Food
- Mid-Priced Dry Dog Food
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- Premium Therapeutic Dry Dog Food
- Premium Non-Therapeutic Dry Dog Food
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- Economy Wet Dog Food
- Mid-Priced Wet Dog Food
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- Premium Therapeutic Wet Dog Food
- Premium Non-Therapeutic Wet Dog Food
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- Bird Food
- Fish Food
- Small Mammal/Reptile Food
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- Cat Litter
- Pet Healthcare
- Other Pet Products
Why buy this report?
- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
- Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions
This report originates from Passport, our Pet Care research and analysis database.
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