The pet food market in Italy

The pet food market is concerned with the production, distribution, and sale of foods specifically for dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and other small pets. This sector provides a wide range of food products that meet the nutritional, health and wellness needs of animals, with offerings ranging from dry food and kibble to wet food, functional snacks and targeted diet foods.

In 2024, the global market is estimated at $192.51 billion, with a forecast to grow to $290.01 billion by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.54 percent. This growth is fueled by the increasing pet population and the growing demand for high-quality products that are increasingly tailored to breed, age, and health conditions.

Dogs represent the dominant segment, followed by cats, and the main products include dry food, wet food and snacks. In Italy, the market for dog and cat food was worth €3 billion in 2023, up 13.4 percent from the previous year, thanks to the increasing humanization of pets and the willingness of owners to invest in premium and health products.