Saudi Arabia Pet Food Market By Pet Type (Dog, Cat, Fish, Others), By Product Type (Dry Food, Wet Food, Canned Food, Others), By Sales Channel (Supermarket/Hypermarket, Dedicated Pet Stores, Online, Others), By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Saudi Arabia Pet Food market was valued at USD 74.56  Million in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 82.56 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 1.71%. The Saudi Arabia Pet Food market is experiencing steady growth, driven by several key factors. Increasing pet ownership, particularly among younger demographics and expatriates, has led to a higher demand for specialized pet food products. Consumers are becoming more conscious of their pets' nutritional needs, seeking products that offer health benefits and cater to specific dietary requirements. The rise of pet humanization, where pets are treated as family members, is influencing spending behaviors, with owners willing to invest in premium and organic pet food options. Also, the growing trend of e-commerce provides greater accessibility to a variety of grooming products. These dynamics are contributing to the steady expansion of the pet food market in Saudi Arabia.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Pet Ownership Across the Region

The rising pet ownership across Saudi Arabia is a significant driver of the pet food market. As a part of this, according to a recent study, as of 2025, the number of pets, particularly dogs and cats, has increased substantially, with estimates suggesting the pet population has grown from 0.8 million to 2.4 million. This surge is attributed to evolving social norms, increased disposable incomes, and a growing expatriate population. As pets are increasingly viewed as family members, there is a heightened focus on their well-being, leading to greater demand for specialized and premium pet food products. The government's support for the pet industry and the influence of social media have further accelerated this trend, making pet ownership more mainstream and driving the growth of the pet food market in the region.

Growing Disposable Income

The rising disposable income in Saudi Arabia is a significant driver of the pet food market. As the country's economy diversifies and urbanizes, a growing middle class has increased purchasing power, allowing consumers to allocate more funds toward pet care. This economic shift has led to a greater willingness among pet owners to invest in premium and specialized pet food products that cater to their pets' nutritional needs and preferences. Consequently, the demand for high-quality pet food has surged, contributing to the market's expansion. As a part of this, according to United States Department of Agriculture, as of 2024, the pet food market grew with an average annual growth of 30% since 2019, reflecting the impact of increased disposable income on consumer spending in this sector.

Increased Awareness of Pet Nutrition

In Saudi Arabia, the increasing awareness of pet nutrition is significantly influencing the pet food market. As pet ownership rises, particularly among younger demographics and expatriates, there is a growing emphasis on providing pets with balanced and health-focused diets. Pet owners are becoming more informed about the nutritional needs of their animals, leading to a preference for high-quality pet food products that offer specific health benefits. This shift is evident in the demand for specialized diets, including organic, grain-free, and breed-specific formulations. The trend of pet humanization, where pets are treated as family members, further drives this behavior, with owners willing to invest in premium products that ensure their pets' well-being. Consequently, pet food manufacturers are innovating to meet these demands, offering products that cater to the evolving nutritional requirements of pets in Saudi Arabia.

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Key Market Challenges

Distribution & Supply Chain Complexities

Distribution and supply chain complexities pose significant challenges to the Saudi Arabia pet food market. The country's vast geography, coupled with remote and less-developed regions, complicates the timely and efficient distribution of pet food products. This can lead to issues such as delays, product spoilage, and increased transportation costs. Also, the rapid growth of the pet food market has outpaced the development of infrastructure, further straining logistics networks. Companies are increasingly investing in modern distribution solutions, such as Tetra Recart, to address these challenges. These solutions aim to provide more efficient, affordable, and sustainable ways to get products from point A to point B, ensuring that pet food reaches consumers across the country in optimal condition.

Strict Government Norms

Strict government norms present a notable challenge in the Saudi Arabia pet food market, impacting both local manufacturers and international suppliers. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) enforces stringent regulations on the import, labeling, and composition of pet food products to ensure safety and quality. While these regulations aim to protect animal health and align with national food safety standards, they often result in delays in product approvals and higher compliance costs for companies. Importers must navigate complex documentation and testing procedures, and any non-compliance can lead to shipment rejections or product recalls. Also, frequent updates to regulatory frameworks require businesses to stay constantly informed and adaptable. These challenges can discourage small and mid-sized enterprises from entering the market, limiting product variety and innovation. As a result, while regulation ensures product integrity, it also poses logistical and financial hurdles that can restrain the growth and diversification of the Saudi pet food market.

Key Market Trends

Rise of Natural and Functional Ingredients

The rise of natural and functional ingredients is a prominent trend driving the Saudi Arabia pet food market. As pet owners become more aware of the health and wellness needs of their animals, there is a growing demand for pet food products formulated with organic, non-GMO, and additive-free ingredients. Consumers are actively seeking options that mimic human-grade diets, focusing on high-protein, grain-free, and nutrient-rich formulations. Functional ingredients such as omega fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants are gaining traction due to their health benefits, including improved digestion, coat health, and immune support. This trend reflects the broader movement of pet humanization, where pets are treated as family members and receive similar dietary consideration. Manufacturers are responding by launching innovative products that address specific health concerns, such as weight management or age-related needs. The focus on clean labels and transparency in sourcing also resonates with the growing eco-conscious and health-driven consumer base in the Saudi market.

Expansion of Distribution Channels

The expansion of distribution channels is significantly influencing the growth of the Saudi Arabia pet food market. Traditional retail outlets, such as supermarkets and hypermarkets, continue to play a vital role, offering consumers the convenience of purchasing pet food alongside their regular groceries. Specialized pet shops are also gaining traction, providing a variety of products tailored to specific pet needs. Also, the rise of e-commerce platforms has transformed the market landscape, enabling consumers to access a broader range of pet food products with ease. Online channels offer the advantage of home delivery and often feature detailed product information, aiding informed purchasing decisions. This diversification of distribution channels caters to varying consumer preferences and lifestyles, enhancing market accessibility and driving overall growth.

Innovation in Pet Food Processing

Innovation in pet food processing is emerging as a pivotal trend in Saudi Arabia, driven by the growing demand for high-quality, nutritious, and diverse pet food products. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting advanced processing technologies to enhance product quality, safety, and variety. Techniques such as extrusion, forming, and coating are being utilized to produce pet foods that cater to specific dietary needs and preferences. These innovations not only improve the nutritional profile of pet foods but also extend shelf life and enhance palatability. The integration of automation and precision engineering in processing equipment ensures consistency and efficiency in production. As pet owners become more discerning, seeking products that align with their pets' health requirements, the industry is responding with tailored solutions. This focus on technological advancement in processing is instrumental in meeting the evolving expectations of consumers and sustaining the growth trajectory of the pet food market in Saudi Arabia.

Segmental Insights

Pet Type Insights

Dog dominated the Saudi Arabia Pet Food market, driven by their increasing popularity as household companions across urban and suburban regions. This trend is fuelled by the growing number of expatriates and younger Saudi families adopting dogs for companionship, security, and lifestyle enhancement. As a part of this, according to a recent study, as of 2023, there were 13.38 million foreign residents in Saudi Arabia, accounting for 41.6% of the country's 32.2 million overall population. As dog ownership rises, so does the demand for nutritious, breed-specific, and age-appropriate pet food products tailored to their dietary needs. Pet owners are more informed and willing to invest in premium dog food that supports health, immunity, and digestion. Also, the expansion of pet-friendly spaces and services, such as grooming centers and veterinary clinics, further encourages responsible dog ownership. These factors collectively contribute to the strong performance of the dog segment in the Saudi pet food market.

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Regional Insights

Western region dominated the Saudi Arabia Pet Food market, is attributed to several interrelated factors. Firstly, the region's high urbanization rate and dense population have led to increased pet ownership, as urban dwellers often seek companionship and security, making pets an integral part of their households. Also, the Western region is a hub for expatriates who bring diverse pet-keeping cultures and preferences, thereby expanding the demand for various pet food products. Also, the Northern & Central region's driven by several interrelated factors. In the Central region, cities like Riyadh and Buraidah have seen a surge in pet ownership, influenced by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and shifting cultural attitudes that increasingly embrace pets as integral family members. This cultural shift has led to heightened demand for diverse and high-quality pet food products. Buraidah, the capital of Al-Qassim Province, is particularly noteworthy for its robust agricultural sector and economic vitality, which support the availability and distribution of pet food products.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, Delicious Food Factory (DFF), a Saudi-based enterprise, has inaugurated the largest pet food manufacturing facility in the Middle East. Spanning 55,000 square meters, the state-of-the-art plant is designed to produce up to 60,000 tonnes of dry food and 40,000 tonnes of wet food annually. The company’s brand portfolio includes Horayra and Purevet for cat food, and it has recently expanded into the dog food segment with the launch of its new brand, Kulaib.

Key Market Players  

• Mars, Incorporated
• Nestle S.A.
• Colgate-Palmolive Company
• General Mills
• Bayt Al Aleefa
• United Petfood
• Cheyenne Dog Food Company
• Wellness Pet Company, Inc.
• Working Dog Food Co
• Schell & Kampeter, Inc

Report Scope:

In this report, the Saudi Arabia Pet Food Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

•   Saudi Arabia Pet Food Market, By Pet Type:

o   Dog

o   Cat

o   Fish

o   Others

• Saudi Arabia Pet Food Market, By Product Type:

o   Dry Food

o   Wet Food

o   Canned Food

o   Others

• Saudi Arabia Pet Food Market, By Sales Channel:

o   Supermarket/Hypermarket

o   Dedicated Pet Stores

o   Online

o   Others

• Saudi Arabia Pet Food Market, By Region:

o   Eastern

o   Western

o   Northern & Central

o   Southern

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Saudi Arabia Pet Food Market.

Available Customizations:

Saudi Arabia Pet Food Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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