South Africa Pet Food Market Size

South Africa Pet Food Market Analysis

The South Africa Pet Food Market size is estimated at USD 0.77 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.47 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 13.81% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

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0.77 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

1.47 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

23.97 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

13.81 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Product

74.04 %

value share, Food, 2022

The expanding pet population and the increase in the demand for high-quality and nutritional pet food products have promoted market growth for food products in the country.

Largest Market by Animal

78.97 %

value share, Dogs, 2022

The higher population and growing incidence of dog health issues have driven up the demand for veterinary diets and dog treats, leading to the growth of the market in the country.

Fastest-growing Market by Product

17.11 %

Projected CAGR, Pet Treats, 2023-2029

The increasing awareness, the vital role of treats in training, rewarding, and supporting the well-being of pets, and consumer focus on pet health are driving the market growth.

Fastest-growing Market by Animal

15.20 %

Projected CAGR, Dogs, 2023-2029

Due to the increasing pet ownership rates of dogs compared to other pets, the consumer demand for commercial pet food products concerning dogs in the country is growing rapidly.

Leading Market Player

13.12 %

market share, Nestle (Purina), 2022

Nestle (Purina) is the market leader because of the extensive product innovations in the country, and it has launched products under pet food and pet nutraceuticals segments.

Dogs dominated the pet food market in South Africa due to their higher population and large per capita consumption compared to other pets

South Africa Pet Food Industry Segmentation

Food, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, Pet Treats, Pet Veterinary Diets are covered as segments by Pet Food Product. Cats, Dogs are covered as segments by Pets. Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.

• Pet ownership is increasing in South Africa as more households are encouraging the companionship of pets. In 2022, cats and dogs were the most popular choices, accounting for 60.9% and 13.4% of the country's pet population, respectively.
• Dogs have a larger share of the pet food market in South Africa. Their strong market presence was valued at USD 431.3 million in 2022. Dogs consume a higher amount of pet food compared to other pets, which contributes to their substantial market share. The demand for premium dog food, including grain-free and organic options, is anticipated to register a CAGR of 14.6% during the forecast period.
• Cats also hold a significant share of the South African pet food market, with a market value of USD 61.3 million in 2022. The cat food market is projected to register a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period. The increasing preference for specialized diets, such as hypoallergenic and natural cat food, is driving this growth.
• Although other pets, such as birds, fish, and rodents, account for 25.6% of the country's pet population, their market value was only USD 53.2 million in 2022. This can be attributed to the fact that these pets are generally small in size and require relatively small amounts of food.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a rise in pet ownership in South Africa, and considering the average lifespan of pets (8 to 10 years), the pet food market is projected to be impacted in the long term. The increasing population of pet owners and their demand for high-quality pet products will continue to drive the market's growth during the forecast period.