UAE Pet Food Market

UAE Pet Food Market Size:

The UAE pet food market size reached US$ 101.9 Million in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 164.6 Million by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3% during 2024-2032. The market is experiencing steady growth driven by the increasing trend of pet ownership, the rising demand for premium and specialized pet food products, the growing awareness of pet health, the expansion of pet specialty stores, supermarkets, and online retail platforms, and rapid innovation in pet food formulations.

UAE Pet Food Market Analysis:

• Market Growth and Size: The market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing pet population and rising awareness regarding pet health and nutrition.
• Major Market Drivers: Key drivers include the rise in pet ownership, the humanization of pets, and a growing emphasis on pet health.
• Technological Advancements: Technological advancements, such as innovative formulations, improved manufacturing processes, and sophisticated packaging solutions, are playing a crucial role in shaping the pet food market.
• Industry Applications: The product finds applications across various segments, including dry food, wet food, treats, and specialized dietary formulations. The industry is witnessing a shift towards functional pet foods that address specific health concerns, reflecting the increasing awareness of pet owners about the nutritional needs of their animals.
• Key Market Trends: Key trends include the growing popularity of organic and natural pet food, the introduction of gourmet and customized pet diets, and a rising preference for online platforms for pet food purchases. Additionally, there is an increasing focus on sustainability, with eco-friendly packaging and ethically sourced ingredients gaining traction.
• Geographical Trends: Geographically, the market is expanding across urban and suburban areas, with major cities witnessing a higher concentration of pet owners. The market penetration is notable in regions where pet ownership is more prevalent, reflecting varying consumer preferences and economic factors.
• Competitive Landscape: The competitive landscape is characterized by the presence of both local and international players, offering a diverse range of pet food products. Major companies are investing in research and development to stay abreast of evolving consumer demands, while strategic partnerships and acquisitions contribute to market consolidation.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Challenges include regulatory considerations, especially regarding ingredient sourcing and labeling standards. Opportunities lie in addressing the growing demand for specialized and functional pet foods, tapping into the online retail boom, and expanding product portfolios to cater to diverse pet dietary requirements.
• Future Outlook: The future outlook for the market remains optimistic, with sustained growth expected. Continued urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a deepening understanding of pet nutrition are anticipated to fuel further market expansion. As technology continues to play a pivotal role, the industry is poised for ongoing innovation and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of pet owners in the region.
   

Owning a pet is considered a status symbol in the UAE due to which they are becoming more popular among high-income earners. On account of the rising pet humanization trend, a large section of the UAE population has started treating their pets as a part of their family. This evolution in the relationship between owners and their pets has increased the owners’ awareness of their pet’s health such as weight, allergies, and dietary tolerances which has resulted in a heightened demand for different types of pet foods in the country.

The UAE Pet Food Market Drivers/Constraints:

• In the UAE, pets are now allowed to enter different spaces such as restaurants, hotels, and parks with their owners. Moreover, various hotels, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, welcome pets with assorted treats and accessories and offer special canine menus and services.
• Premiumised pet food products, such as added ingredients, gluten-free, multigrain, protein-specific, grain-free, etc., introduced by the manufacturers are gaining traction in the region as they provide better quality food, novel proteins, and the right balance of nutrients.
• Nowadays, pet owners are looking for less refined or processed products with natural preservatives and minimal fillers. The arrival of organic pet food which includes no pesticides, artificial preservatives, flavors, or genetically modified organisms and supports digestion with natural prebiotics is further creating a positive outlook for the pet food market.
• The market is highly competitive and manufacturers face a challenge from pet owners who often hold them responsible in case their pets suffer from any kind of health issues.

UAE Pet Food Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the UAE pet food market report, along with forecasts at the country level from 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on pet food type, product type, ingredient type, and distribution channel.

Breakup by Pet Food Type:

• Dog Food
• Cat Food
• Others
   

On the basis of pet food type, the market has been segmented into cat food, dog food, and others. Cats are considered to be sacred and cleaner in comparison to other pets. As a result, cat food represents the most popular pet food type, accounting for the majority of the total market share.

Breakup by Product Type:

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

Based on the product type, dry food holds the largest market share. Dry food is considered convenient for both storage and feeding and can be easily left in a bowl for the pet to consume at its own pace without the fear of spoilage. Moreover, dry kibbles are available in several shapes, sizes, and types, making them suitable for different types of pets. Other product types include wet and canned food, snacks, and treats.

Breakup by Ingredient Type:

• Animal Derivatives
• Plant Derivatives
• Cereal Derivatives
• Others
   

On the basis of ingredient type, the market has been segregated into pet food prepared from animal derivatives, plant derivatives, and cereal derivatives. Currently, animal derivatives account for the largest market share as they provide a variety of nutrients including proteins, amino acids, fats, minerals, and vitamins which are essential for a pet’s health.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Stores
• Others
   

Pet food is distributed through various channels such as supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online stores, and others. Among these, convenience stores represent the leading distribution channel.

Competitive Landscape:

The report has also analysed the competitive landscape of the UAE pet food market and provides the profiles of the key players.

This report provides a deep insight into the UAE pet food market covering all its essential aspects. This ranges from a macro overview of the market to micro details of the industry performance, recent trends, key market drivers and challenges, SWOT analysis, Porter’s five forces analysis, value chain analysis, etc. This report is a must-read for entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who have any kind of stake or are planning to foray into the pet food market in any manner.

Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the UAE pet food market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the UAE pet food market?
• Which are the popular product types in the UAE pet food market?
• What are the various ingredients in the UAE pet food market?
• What are the popular pet food types in the UAE pet food market?
• What are the major distribution channels in the UAE pet food market?
• What are the price trends of pet food?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the UAE pet food market?
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the UAE pet food market?
• What is the structure of the UAE pet food market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the UAE pet food market?
• What are the key requirements for setting up a pet food manufacturing plant?
• How is pet food manufactured?
• What are the various unit operations involved in a pet food manufacturing plant?
• What is the total size of land required for setting up a pet food manufacturing plant?
• What are the machinery requirements for setting up a pet food manufacturing plant?
• What are the raw material requirements for setting up a pet food manufacturing plant?
• What are the packaging requirements for pet food?
• What are the transportation requirements for pet food?
• What are the utility requirements for setting up a pet food manufacturing plant?
• What are the manpower requirements for setting up a pet food manufacturing plant?