Australia Pet Food Market

Australia pet food market, valued at USD 2.8 billion, grows due to 61% household pet ownership and demand for health-focused products like dry and premium options.

Region:Global

Author(s):Shubham

Product Code:KRAC0749

Pages:95

Published On:August 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

Australia Pet Food Market Overview

  • The Australia Pet Food Market is valued at USD 2.8 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This valuation aligns with industry production value indications around USD 3.2 billion and reflects strong demand from increasing pet ownership, premiumization, and health-focused formulations. Consumers are increasingly seeking high-quality, nutritious options for their pets, supporting growth in dry, wet, and functional offerings.
  • Key cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane dominate the market due to their large populations and higher disposable incomes. These urban areas host dense retail coverage (supermarkets, specialty chains, and online pure-plays), which improves access to a wide range of pet food options and supports premium spending.
  • In 2023, the Australian government implemented regulations aimed at improving pet food safety standards. Australia’s product safety authorities have advanced a national standardization effort for pet food, with requirements emphasizing clearer ingredient and nutrition information to enhance transparency and pet welfare.
Australia Pet Food Market Size

Australia Pet Food Market Segmentation

By Type:The pet food market can be segmented into various types, including Dry Pet Food, Wet/Canned Pet Food, Treats & Snacks, Raw & Fresh/Chilled Pet Food, Veterinary/Prescription Diets, Supplements & Nutraceuticals, Plant-Based/Alternative Protein Pet Food, and Others. Among these, Dry Pet Food is the most dominant segment due to its convenience, longer shelf life, and cost-effectiveness. Consumers prefer dry food for its ease of storage and feeding, which has led to its significant market share.

Australia Pet Food Market segmentation by Type.

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes Dogs, Cats, Birds, Fish, Small Mammals (e.g., rabbits, guinea pigs), Reptiles, and Others. The dog food segment is the largest due to the high number of dog owners in Australia, who often prioritize quality nutrition for their pets. This trend is supported by the increasing awareness of pet health and wellness, leading to a rise in demand for specialized dog food products.

Australia Pet Food Market segmentation by End-User.

Australia Pet Food Market Competitive Landscape

The Australia Pet Food Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Nestlé Purina PetCare Australia, Mars Petcare Australia (incl. Royal Canin, ADVANCE, OPTIMUM), Coles Group Limited (private label pet food), Woolworths Group Limited (incl. Woolworths and PetCulture), Petbarn (Greencross Petbarn Pty Ltd), Black Hawk (Masterpet, an EBOS Group company), Hill's Pet Nutrition, Royal Canin Australia, ADVANCE Pet Nutrition (Mars Petcare Australia), Pet Circle, Big Dog Pet Foods, Love’em Pet Treats, Vets All Natural, OPTIMUM (Mars Petcare Australia), Ziwi Peak (ZIWI LTD) contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Nestlé Purina PetCare Australia

1894

Melbourne, Australia

Mars Petcare Australia

1984

Melbourne, Australia

Coles Group Limited

1914

Melbourne, Australia

Woolworths Group Limited

1924

Sydney, Australia

Petbarn (Greencross Petbarn Pty Ltd)

2000

Sydney, Australia

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Revenue (Australia) and 3-year CAGR

Market Share in Australia (%)

Portfolio Breadth (Dry/Wet/Treats/Vet Diets/Raw)

Average Price Positioning (Economy/Mid/Premium/Super Premium)

Retail Footprint (Supermarkets, Specialty, Vet, Online)

Online D2C Penetration (% of sales online)

Australia Pet Food Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Pet Ownership:The Australian pet ownership rate has reached approximately 61% of households, translating to around 6.3 million pet dogs and 3.8 million pet cats as of 2024. This surge in pet ownership is driven by urbanization and changing lifestyles, with pet owners increasingly viewing pets as family members. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that pet-related spending has increased by 10% annually, indicating a robust market for pet food products catering to this growing demographic.
  • Rising Health Consciousness Among Pet Owners:A significant trend among Australian pet owners is the increasing focus on pet health and nutrition. In 2024, it is estimated that 45% of pet owners are willing to pay more for premium, health-oriented pet food products. This shift is supported by a growing body of research linking pet nutrition to overall health, prompting owners to seek out high-quality, natural ingredients. The demand for specialized diets, such as grain-free and organic options, is expected to continue rising, further driving market growth.
  • Growth of E-commerce Platforms:The e-commerce sector for pet food in Australia has seen exponential growth, with online sales projected to reach AUD 1.2 billion in 2024. This growth is fueled by the convenience of online shopping and the increasing number of pet food brands establishing a digital presence. According to IBISWorld, online pet food sales have grown by 25% annually, reflecting a shift in consumer purchasing behavior. This trend is expected to enhance market accessibility and drive sales for various pet food products.

Market Challenges

  • Intense Competition Among Brands:The Australian pet food market is characterized by fierce competition, with over 200 brands vying for market share. This saturation leads to price wars and aggressive marketing strategies, which can erode profit margins. According to Market Research Future, the top five brands account for only 30% of the market, indicating a fragmented landscape. Companies must continuously innovate and differentiate their products to maintain a competitive edge in this challenging environment.
  • Fluctuating Raw Material Prices:The pet food industry in Australia faces challenges related to the volatility of raw material prices, particularly for meat and grains. In 2024, the cost of key ingredients has risen by 15% due to supply chain disruptions and climate-related factors. This fluctuation can significantly impact production costs and pricing strategies for pet food manufacturers. Companies must develop strategies to mitigate these risks, such as diversifying suppliers and investing in alternative ingredients.

Australia Pet Food Market Future Outlook

The future of the Australian pet food market appears promising, driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. As pet owners increasingly prioritize health and sustainability, the demand for premium and natural products is expected to rise. Additionally, the integration of technology in pet care, such as smart feeding solutions, will likely enhance consumer engagement. Companies that adapt to these trends and invest in innovative product development will be well-positioned to capture market share in the coming years.

Market Opportunities

  • Expansion into Emerging Markets:There is a significant opportunity for Australian pet food brands to expand into emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region. With a growing middle class and increasing pet ownership rates, countries like Indonesia and Vietnam present lucrative prospects. The Australian Trade and Investment Commission reported a 20% increase in demand for premium pet food in these markets, indicating a strong potential for growth.
  • Development of Innovative Product Lines:The demand for specialized pet food products, such as those catering to specific dietary needs or health conditions, is on the rise. Companies can capitalize on this trend by developing innovative product lines that address these needs. For instance, the introduction of functional pet foods that support joint health or digestive wellness is gaining traction, with a projected market value of AUD 300 million by 2024, highlighting a significant opportunity for growth.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Dry Pet Food (Kibble and Other Dry Formats)

Wet/Canned Pet Food

Treats & Snacks (incl. Dental, Jerky, Soft & Chewy)

Raw & Fresh/Chilled Pet Food

Veterinary/Prescription Diets

Supplements & Nutraceuticals

Plant-Based/Alternative Protein Pet Food

Others

By End-User

Dogs

Cats

Birds

Fish

Small Mammals (e.g., rabbits, guinea pigs)

Reptiles

Others

By Distribution Channel

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

Pet Specialty Retail (e.g., Petbarn, independent stores)

Online Retail/E-commerce (e.g., Pet Circle, marketplaces)

Veterinary Clinics

Convenience Stores

Direct-to-Consumer Subscription Services

Others

By Price Range

Economy

Mid-Range

Premium

Super Premium

By Packaging Type

Bags

Cans

Pouches

Trays/Tubs

Chilled/Fresh Packaging

Bulk Packaging

By Brand Type

National/International Brands

Private Labels (e.g., Coles, Woolworths, ALDI)

Local/Australian Brands

By Nutritional Content

High Protein

Grain-Free

Low Fat/Weight Management

Functional Ingredients (e.g., probiotics, omega-3s, joint support)

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Food Standards Australia New Zealand)

Manufacturers and Producers

Distributors and Retailers

Pet Industry Associations (e.g., Pet Industry Association of Australia)

Pet Food Importers

Veterinary Professionals and Clinics

Online Pet Product Marketplaces

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Nestle Purina PetCare Australia

Mars Petcare Australia (incl. Royal Canin, ADVANCE, OPTIMUM)

Coles Group Limited (private label pet food)

Woolworths Group Limited (incl. Woolworths and PetCulture)

Petbarn (Greencross Petbarn Pty Ltd)

Black Hawk (Masterpet, an EBOS Group company)

Hill's Pet Nutrition

Royal Canin Australia

ADVANCE Pet Nutrition (Mars Petcare Australia)

Pet Circle

Big Dog Pet Foods

Loveem Pet Treats

Vets All Natural

OPTIMUM (Mars Petcare Australia)

Ziwi Peak (ZIWI LTD)

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. Australia Pet Food Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 Australia Pet Food Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. Australia Pet Food Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing Pet Ownership
3.1.2 Rising Health Consciousness Among Pet Owners
3.1.3 Growth of E-commerce Platforms
3.1.4 Demand for Premium and Natural Pet Food Products

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Intense Competition Among Brands
3.2.2 Fluctuating Raw Material Prices
3.2.3 Regulatory Compliance Costs
3.2.4 Changing Consumer Preferences

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Expansion into Emerging Markets
3.3.2 Development of Innovative Product Lines
3.3.3 Collaborations with Veterinary Professionals
3.3.4 Increasing Demand for Sustainable Products

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Growth of Subscription-Based Pet Food Services
3.4.2 Rise in Organic and Natural Pet Food Products
3.4.3 Increased Focus on Pet Nutrition
3.4.4 Adoption of Smart Pet Feeding Solutions

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) Regulations
3.5.2 Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) Guidelines
3.5.3 Labeling Requirements for Pet Food Products
3.5.4 Import Regulations for Pet Food Ingredients

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. Australia Pet Food Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. Australia Pet Food Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Dry Pet Food (Kibble and Other Dry Formats)
8.1.2 Wet/Canned Pet Food
8.1.3 Treats & Snacks (incl. Dental, Jerky, Soft & Chewy)
8.1.4 Raw & Fresh/Chilled Pet Food
8.1.5 Veterinary/Prescription Diets
8.1.6 Supplements & Nutraceuticals
8.1.7 Plant-Based/Alternative Protein Pet Food
8.1.8 Others

8.2 By End-User

8.2.1 Dogs
8.2.2 Cats
8.2.3 Birds
8.2.4 Fish
8.2.5 Small Mammals (e.g., rabbits, guinea pigs)
8.2.6 Reptiles
8.2.7 Others

8.3 By Distribution Channel

8.3.1 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
8.3.2 Pet Specialty Retail (e.g., Petbarn, independent stores)
8.3.3 Online Retail/E-commerce (e.g., Pet Circle, marketplaces)
8.3.4 Veterinary Clinics
8.3.5 Convenience Stores
8.3.6 Direct-to-Consumer Subscription Services
8.3.7 Others

8.4 By Price Range

8.4.1 Economy
8.4.2 Mid-Range
8.4.3 Premium
8.4.4 Super Premium

8.5 By Packaging Type

8.5.1 Bags
8.5.2 Cans
8.5.3 Pouches
8.5.4 Trays/Tubs
8.5.5 Chilled/Fresh Packaging
8.5.6 Bulk Packaging

8.6 By Brand Type

8.6.1 National/International Brands
8.6.2 Private Labels (e.g., Coles, Woolworths, ALDI)
8.6.3 Local/Australian Brands

8.7 By Nutritional Content

8.7.1 High Protein
8.7.2 Grain-Free
8.7.3 Low Fat/Weight Management
8.7.4 Functional Ingredients (e.g., probiotics, omega-3s, joint support)

9. Australia Pet Food Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Revenue (Australia) and 3-year CAGR
9.2.3 Market Share in Australia (%)
9.2.4 Portfolio Breadth (Dry/Wet/Treats/Vet Diets/Raw)
9.2.5 Average Price Positioning (Economy/Mid/Premium/Super Premium)
9.2.6 Retail Footprint (Supermarkets, Specialty, Vet, Online)
9.2.7 Online D2C Penetration (% of sales online)
9.2.8 New Product Launches (past 24 months)
9.2.9 Manufacturing Footprint in Australia (Yes/No; plants, co-packers)
9.2.10 Sustainability KPIs (recyclable packaging %, renewable energy use)
9.2.11 Customer Ratings (Average star rating across major retailers)
9.2.12 Veterinary Endorsement/Clinical Diet Presence

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 Nestlé Purina PetCare Australia
9.5.2 Mars Petcare Australia (incl. Royal Canin, ADVANCE, OPTIMUM)
9.5.3 Coles Group Limited (private label pet food)
9.5.4 Woolworths Group Limited (incl. Woolworths and PetCulture)
9.5.5 Petbarn (Greencross Petbarn Pty Ltd)
9.5.6 Black Hawk (Masterpet, an EBOS Group company)
9.5.7 Hill's Pet Nutrition
9.5.8 Royal Canin Australia
9.5.9 ADVANCE Pet Nutrition (Mars Petcare Australia)
9.5.10 Pet Circle
9.5.11 Big Dog Pet Foods
9.5.12 Love’em Pet Treats
9.5.13 Vets All Natural
9.5.14 OPTIMUM (Mars Petcare Australia)
9.5.15 Ziwi Peak (ZIWI LTD)

10. Australia Pet Food Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Government Pet Food Procurement Policies
10.1.2 Budget Allocations for Animal Welfare
10.1.3 Supplier Selection Criteria

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment in Pet Food Production Facilities
10.2.2 Expenditure on Sustainable Practices
10.2.3 Funding for Research and Development

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Quality Concerns
10.3.2 Price Sensitivity
10.3.3 Availability of Products

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of Pet Nutrition
10.4.2 Willingness to Pay for Premium Products
10.4.3 Adoption of Online Shopping

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Evaluation of Pet Food Performance
10.5.2 Customer Feedback Mechanisms
10.5.3 Opportunities for Product Line Expansion

11. Australia Pet Food Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Identification of Market Gaps

1.2 Business Model Framework


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail Strategies

3.2 Rural NGO Tie-Ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps

5.2 Consumer Segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-Sales Service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability Initiatives

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding Efforts

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix Considerations
9.1.2 Pricing Band Strategy
9.1.3 Packaging Innovations

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries for Export
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap for Exports

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 Joint Ventures

10.2 Greenfield Investments

10.3 Mergers & Acquisitions

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines for Market Entry


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-Term Sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 Joint Ventures

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Milestone Planning
15.2.2 Activity Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of industry reports from Australian pet food associations and market research firms
  • Review of government publications on pet ownership statistics and pet food regulations
  • Examination of trade publications and online resources for market trends and consumer preferences

Primary Research

  • Interviews with key stakeholders in the pet food industry, including manufacturers and distributors
  • Surveys targeting pet owners to gather insights on purchasing behavior and brand loyalty
  • Focus groups with veterinarians and pet nutritionists to understand dietary trends and recommendations

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings through multiple data sources, including sales data and consumer surveys
  • Triangulation of insights from industry experts, market reports, and consumer feedback
  • Sanity checks conducted through expert panel reviews to ensure data accuracy and relevance

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of total market size based on national pet ownership statistics and average spending on pet food
  • Segmentation of the market by product type (dry, wet, and specialty foods) and distribution channels
  • Incorporation of growth rates from historical data and projected trends in pet ownership

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of sales data from leading pet food manufacturers and retailers
  • Estimation of market share based on product offerings and sales volume
  • Calculation of average price points across different product categories to derive revenue estimates

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-factor regression analysis incorporating variables such as economic conditions and consumer spending habits
  • Scenario modeling based on potential changes in pet ownership trends and dietary preferences
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Pet Food Retailers120Store Managers, Category Buyers
Pet Owners150Dog and Cat Owners, Pet Enthusiasts
Veterinary Clinics100Veterinarians, Clinic Managers
Pet Food Manufacturers80Product Development Managers, Marketing Directors
Pet Nutritionists50Nutrition Experts, Animal Dietitians

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Australia Pet Food Market?

The Australia Pet Food Market is valued at approximately USD 2.8 billion, reflecting strong demand driven by increasing pet ownership, premiumization, and health-focused formulations. The market is projected to grow further as consumers seek high-quality, nutritious options for their pets.

Which cities dominate the Australia Pet Food Market?

What are the recent regulatory changes affecting pet food in Australia?

What types of pet food are most popular in Australia?

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