KSA Pet Food Market Outlook to 2030

KSA Pet Food Market Overview

• The KSA pet food market is valued at USD 75.9billion, driven primarily by the increasing trend of pet ownership across the Kingdom. This growth is fueled by rising disposable incomes, shifting societal attitudes towards pets, and an increased focus on pet health and nutrition. Urbanization is also playing a key role, with more residents in metropolitan areas adopting pets, particularly in Riyadh and Jeddah. These factors are contributing to a robust demand for pet food, especially premium and organic varieties.

• Dominant cities in the KSA pet food market include Riyadh and Jeddah. Riyadh's dominance is attributed to its large population base, high-income levels, and urban lifestyle, which fosters greater pet ownership and spending on premium pet food products. Jeddah, a key economic hub, follows closely due to its growing middle-class population and rising awareness regarding pet health and wellness. Both cities also benefit from a well-developed retail infrastructure, further boosting their market presence.
• In 2023, Saudi Arabia tightened its labeling requirements for pet food products. All pet food sold in the KSA must include clear labels detailing the ingredients, nutritional value, and expiration dates, in both Arabic and English. These regulations ensure transparency and consumer trust in the products they purchase. The SFDA requires that all pet food sold in the country meet strict quality standards, which include certifications for the use of safe and approved ingredients, ensuring the safety of pets consuming these products.

KSA Pet Food Market Segmentation

• By Product Type: The KSA pet food market is segmented by product type into dry pet food, wet pet food, organic pet food, veterinary diets, and treats & snacks. Dry pet food holds a dominant market share under this segmentation due to its cost-effectiveness, long shelf life, and convenience. It is particularly popular among dog and cat owners who prefer it for its affordability and ease of storage. Dry pet food also caters to specific dietary requirements, offering formulations for different age groups and breeds, which boosts its market dominance.

• By Pet Type: The KSA pet food market is segmented by pet type into dogs, cats, fish, birds, and small mammals. Dog food has the highest share within the pet type segment. Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the Kingdom, especially among expatriate families and urban dwellers. The rising demand for premium dog food products, including organic and grain-free options, further strengthens this segment’s lead in the market.

KSA Pet Food Market Competitive Landscape

The KSA pet food market is dominated by a few key global players, alongside local manufacturers. These players benefit from established supply chains, a wide distribution network, and brand loyalty. The competition is primarily focused on product innovation, with many companies introducing specialized pet food catering to dietary and health needs. The market also sees a steady increase in organic and natural pet food products, driven by growing consumer awareness.

KSA Pet Food IndustryAnalysis

Market Growth Drivers

• Rising Disposable Income: Saudi Arabia’s GDP per capita rose to $26,230 in 2023, with higher disposable income allowing consumers to allocate more towards pet care, including premium pet food products. The shift toward higher-income households has created a market for specialized and high-quality pet food. In cities like Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam, this trend is more pronounced, as urban pet owners seek better nutrition for their pets. The expanding middle class is driving this demand, which is expected to significantly boost the overall pet food market.
• Urbanization and Pet Ownership Rates: Urbanization in Saudi Arabia is rapidly increasing, leading to significant lifestyle changes that contribute to higher pet ownership, especially in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. With Saudi Arabia’s population projected to reach 37 million by 2024, the demand for pet food is on the rise as more individuals and families adopt pets, particularly cats and dogs. The growing number of nuclear families and expatriates further accelerates this trend, driving the expansion of the pet food market across the country
• Increasing Demand for Premium Pet Food Products: The demand for premium pet food in Saudi Arabia is gaining momentum as more pet owners prioritize their pets' health and well-being. Saudi consumers are showing a growing preference for specialized and organic products, reflecting an increased awareness of the nutritional benefits of premium pet food. This shift from generic brands is also fueled by the increasing availability of international pet food brands in the country. As a result, the market for premium and organic pet foods continues to expand, driven by health-conscious pet owners seeking higher-quality nutrition options for their pets.

Market Challenges:

• Growth of Organic and Natural Pet Food Products: The trend toward organic and natural pet food products continues to grow in Saudi Arabia as consumers become more health-conscious about their pets' diets. Reflecting a global shift towards cleaner, healthier ingredients, local manufacturers are responding to the demand by increasing production of organic pet foods that are free from artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers. This movement is encouraging further innovation and competition in the market as pet owners seek higher-quality, natural options for their pets’ nutrition.
• Limited Availability of Raw Materials: The limited availability of locally sourced raw materials such as grains and meat presents a challenge for Saudi Arabia’s pet food market. The country relies heavily on international supply chains for most raw ingredients, particularly grains used in pet food production. This dependency creates vulnerabilities in the supply chain, as fluctuations in global agricultural markets and import restrictions can disrupt the availability of key ingredients. These disruptions impact production costs and the overall availability of pet food products in the market, making it difficult for manufacturers to maintain stable operations. Top of Form

Bottom of Form

KSA Pet Food Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the KSA pet food market is expected to experience significant growth. This expansion is likely to be driven by an increasing number of pet adoptions, the rise of pet humanization trends, and the growing preference for premium and natural pet food products. Additionally, the development of local production and distribution channels will reduce dependency on imports, providing further opportunities for market growth.

Market Opportunities:

• Increased Focus on Customized Pet Diets: Customized pet diets are gaining popularity in Saudi Arabia as more pet owners seek tailored nutritional solutions for their pets. In 2023, a growing number of pet food brands began offering customizable diet options based on specific health requirements, such as weight management or allergy prevention. This shift is driven by increasing awareness of pet health and the availability of data-driven insights into pet nutrition. Pet food brands that provide personalized diet plans are seeing higher customer loyalty and engagement, especially among urban pet owners.
• Rising Demand for Sustainable Packaging: Sustainability is becoming a key factor in consumer decision-making in Saudi Arabia’s pet food market. In 2023, a significant portion of pet food packaging was designed to be eco-friendly, incorporating recyclable materials and reducing plastic waste. This trend aligns with global environmental concerns, as consumers increasingly prioritize environmentally responsible choices. Manufacturers are investing in sustainable packaging solutions, driving innovation and enhancing competitiveness in the pet food sector.