Japan Pet Food Market Size & Trends
The size of the Japan pet food market was valued at USD 4.20 billion in 2024 and growing at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2025 to 2030. The growth is driven by a number of social, economic, and cultural forces that are influencing pet ownership habits and product choices. The aging population is one of the major drivers. Japan has one of the world's most aged populations, and several senior citizens are getting pets, such as dogs and cats, to keep them company. This changing population has seen a rise in demand for senior pet food-for older pets-with softer foods, digestive aid, and greater nutritional value to cope with animal-related aging problems. Firms such as Unicharm and Mars Japan are reacting to this by introducing "senior-specific" diets and wet food products appropriate for the requirements of aging animals.
Pet owners in Japan are also extremely detail-conscious and care about safety, traceability, and premium quality in the pet food they feed their pets. Domestic consumers tend to look for locally manufactured pet food as against imported products because of food safety and ingredient sourcing concerns. This preference has led Japanese manufacturers to promote "Made in Japan" labels, with comprehensive ingredient sourcing and production details prominently featured on packaging. Brands such as AIXIA and Inaba Foods have ridden this trend by highlighting Japanese seafood ingredients and high product transparency.
Health-consciousness is another unique trend among Japanese pet owners. Functional foods marketed to meet individual health issues-hypothetically, kidney nourishment for felines or fat-reduced canine diets-are highly sought. Increasing demand lies with food rich in probiotics, taurine, and other additives, specifically for indoor cats and dogs that comprise a very large portion of animals in concentrated urban settings in cities like Osaka and Tokyo. These urban lifestyles also imply that pet owners prefer small, smell-managed packaging and portion-sized servings to accommodate small living areas. Japanese people are also strongly brand-conscious and research-oriented.
They tend to seek advice from veterinarians or pet nutritionists prior to changing food and are guided by listings in Japanese pet publications and sites such as Petline or Rakuten Pet Store. Online shopping is increasingly becoming the channel of choice, especially among newer generations and working urbanites. Japanese websites like Rakuten and Yahoo! Japan Shopping carry a large variety of pet food, both local and premium international brands like Hill's Science Diet and Royal Canin.
Consumer Insights
Safety, traceability, and domestic manufacture are Japanese consumer concerns when purchasing pet food. As a result of past fear of tainted imports, particularly from abroad, a majority of pet owners favor "Made in Japan" products. These are considered cleaner, safer, and more regulated. Many packages promote where ingredients are made, how production is done, and that products meet Japanese standards for safety.
As of October 2020, Japan had approximately 18.13 million dogs (8.5 million) and cats (9.6 million) domesticated, according to the annual survey conducted by the Japan Pet Food Association (JPFA). Cats outnumbered dogs in 2017 for the first time since the JPFA survey started in 1993. Nevertheless, the total number of pets in Japan is showing a downward trend as the decline in the population of dogs outweighed the rise in the population of cats. In contrast, the population of pets in Japan is more than the Japanese population with ages less than 15 years, which is 15.33 million as of April 2019 (Ministry of Internal Affairs & Communication).
In 2023, around 397,000 dogs and 369,000 cats were newly adopted into Japanese households. Those numbers account for a decrease of 29,000 for dogs and 63,000 for cats from 2022. Although the nation witnessed a rise in pet adoptions during the COVID-19 pandemic-fueled by more individuals staying indoors-the most recent data show that this trend in pet ownership has softened as the pandemic ebbed.
As per an online questionnaire held by the Pet Food Association from September to October 2023, which collected valid responses from about 50,000 people aged between 20 and 79, the number of pet dogs in Japan was 6.84 million, down 209,000 from the past year. Compared with this, the number of pet cats was 9.07 million, an increase of 232,000 from the past year. Collectively, the total number of pet dogs and cats in Japan amounted to 15.91 million, marking a net increase of 23,000 compared to 2022.
Over the last few years, Japan's pet population has been influenced by four leading trendsindoor living, smaller size, aging, and lifestyle-related illness. An increasingly large majority of pets are lived with indoors-84.7% of dogs and 90.4% of cats-with the result being longer lifetimes but also enhanced susceptibility to obesity and age diseases. Dog keeping prefers small-sized breeds like Toy Poodles, Chihuahuas, Shibas, and Miniature Dachshunds, whereas hybrid cats rule over the feline population.
East Japan dominated Japan's pet food industry in 2023 with a 36% market share owing to its economic strength and desire for high-quality products. Western Japan is gaining traction with a 17% share, as income rises and pet ownership rises among young people. South Japan, with 15%, boasts a wide range of pets, including exotic ones, and is experiencing growth in cat ownership because of climate. North Japan is the leading production area, particularly Hebei and Shandong, with Beijing demonstrating robust consumption. Northeast Japan, especially Liaoning, is a prime pet breeding base and strategic region for pet food brands targeting breeders. Growth has been further boosted by the growth of e-commerce and subscription-based pet food services.
E-commerce sites such as JD.com and Tmall have brought imported and premium pet foods to the masses, while domestic brands are also boosting their presence through specialized online advertising, pet influencer collaborations, and AI-based recommendations for pet diets. Uneno Co., Ltd., a dashi manufacturer located in Kyoto and with a history of more than 120 years, joined hands with the new dog brand mellowbear to introduce a furikake dog-friendly in August 2023, known as "Kunkun Fragrant Fish Furikake (Bonito flavor)." The furikake features "dashigara," which is low-salt residue obtained during Uneno's dashi production process. It is safe and healthy for dogs to eat. Low-temperature slow-dried to intensify aroma, the topping is formulated to enhance flavor and nutritional value of dog food. This partnership not only brings together classic Japanese cuisine techniques and modern pet care but also fights food waste by reusing dashi byproducts as pet feed.
Report Coverage & Deliverables
- Competitive benchmarking
- Historical data & forecasts
- Company revenue shares
- Regional opportunities
- Latest trends & dynamics
Product Insights
Dry dog and cat food had a revenue share of 58.8% in 2024. Dry pet food is consistently rising in demand in Japan, prompted by a mixture of urbanization, aging animal populations, and convenience preference on the part of consumers. Pet owners in Japan, who are often residing in smaller houses or apartments, prefer the compactness and convenience of dry kibble. In addition, dry dog and cat food is well-suited for Japan's aging pets as it provides customized nutritional formulas such as low-calorie, joint-supportive, or digestive-friendly mixtures to assist in the management of prevalent age-related diseases.
The pet snacks/treats industry is predicted to expand with a CAGR of 4.7% between 2025 and 2030. Treats are increasingly being utilized by Japanese pet owners not only as a method for training and reward but also as a means to show love and enhance emotional connection with pets. This change in attitude is playing a major role in the growth of the treat segment.There is also a significant increase in demand for functional treats with specific health benefits, including joint support for older pets, dental care, improving digestion, and stress relief-all of which match Japan's older pet population and indoor-living lifestyle. Japanese consumers are very choosy, preferring products with clean labels, locally sourced ingredients, and scientifically proven benefits.
Pet Type Insights
Dog pet food contributed a revenue percentage of 59.5% in 2024. Sales of dog pet food are seeing significant increases in Japan due to the continuous growth in dog ownership and an intensifying cultural phenomenon of regarding dogs as cherished family members. Japanese pet owners are putting more emphasis on the health, nutrition, and well-being of their dogs, which contributes to high demand for healthy, personalized food products that cater to particular diet needs, health status, and life stages.
The market is seeing growing interest in premium, natural, and functional dog food, with grain-free, hypoallergenic, and breed-specific products appealing to quality-conscious consumers who want to give their pets the best.
Cat food is projected to rise at 4.0% CAGR during 2025-2030.More individuals in Japan, particularly in metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, are choosing smaller homes, and cats have emerged as the pet of choice because they are easy to maintain and accommodate in small apartments. Moreover, Japan's declining birth rate and aged population have caused an increase in single households and elderly people keeping cats as companions. This increasing relationship between pets and owners has brought about the humanization of cats, with owners giving them the status of family members and asking for better-quality food products to nourish them and enhance their lifespan.
Distribution Channel Insights
Pet food sales by pet specialty stores represented a revenue percentage of 31.9% in 2024. They provide an edited assortment of premium, high-quality, niche, and specialist pet food that is targeted towards particular dietary needs and health requirements, reflecting the increasing trend for pet humanization and premiumization. Pet owners increasingly demand visibility into ingredients and nutrition, something which specialty stores are more apt to offer. Moreover, such stores usually have experienced staff that can provide individualized advice and suggestions, improving the shopping experience for pet owners.
Online/e-commerce sales of pet food are anticipated to increase with a CAGR of 6.0% during the period 2025-2030. ​The rise of e-commerce in the Japan pet food market is fueled by some major factors. Preeminent, convenience from e-shops makes available to pet owners a great deal of product availability from their locations without requiring movement, something trended higher from the retail digital transformation. It increased retailers' investment in digital solutions to capture growing demand.
Category Insights
Conventional commuter pet food had a revenue share of 86.5% in 2024. Demand for conventional pet food is rising in Japan as pet owners look for dependable, easy-to-use, and affordable feeding solutions that fit into their daily lives and the needs of their pets. In spite of the emergence of premium and fresh pet food options, conventional dry and wet pet food continues to be popular in Japanese homes because it is well-balanced, has a long shelf life, and is convenient to store, especially in urban areas where space is scarce. Many pet owners-particularly the elderly-demands well-established, well-known brands that are consistent and maintain a long reputation for safety and quality.
Specialist veterinary nutrition pet food is anticipated to advance at a rate of 4.5% between 2025 and 2030. Specialist veterinary nutrition pet food demand is growing in Japan as a result of the aging pet population of Japan and the rise in awareness among pet owners regarding disease prevention and health management through targeted intervention. With advances in veterinary medicine and greater numbers of pets housed indoors, the median lifespan of dogs and cats in Japan has significantly improved, contributing to an increase in age-related ailments including kidney disease, obesity, diabetes, and arthritis. Consequently, Japanese pet owners are seeking veterinary-prescribed diets that provide clinical guidance and therapeutic intervention specifically formulated for particular medical conditions.
​
Key Japan Pet Food Company Insights
Pet food producers in the Japan region are increasingly embracing cutting-edge food processing technologies to enhance product quality, taste, and nutritional value. Methods like vacuum frying, air frying, and freeze-drying are employed in preserving the natural characteristics and nutrients of ingredients without reducing their oil content. Moreover, producers are adding innovative packaging solutions like resealable and biodegradable packs to increase convenience and sustainability. Customization is also picking up speed, with brands providing varied seasoning mixes, organic options, and customized snack/treat packs to cater to the different tastes of pet owners.
Major players functioning in the Japan pet food industry are implementing numerous initiatives to build their presence and expand the footprint of their offerings and services. Initiatives such as expansion endeavors and collaborations are crucial in driving the market growth.
Key Japan Pet Food Companies
- The J.M. Smucker Company
- Nestlé Purina
- Mars, Incorporated
- LUPUS Alimento
- Total Alimentos
- Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
- General Mills Inc.
- WellPet LLC
- The Hartz Mountain Corporation
- Diamond Pet Foods
Recent Developments
-
In March 2024, Hills Colgate Japan announced the launch of "Science Diet Vet Essential," its first new total nutritional pet food brand. This brand will be sold exclusively at veterinary clinics and pet specialty stores nationwide, targeting pet owners seeking expert-recommended and science-based nutrition for dogs and cats. The lineup includes both core products for overall health and premium products addressing specific needs like digestive health, weight management, and dental care.
-
In August 2023, Uneno Co., Ltd., a Kyoto-based dashi manufacturer with over 120 years of history, partnered with the modern dog brand mellowbear to launch a canine-friendly furikake called “Kunkun Fragrant Fish Furikake (Bonito flavor).” The furikake utilizes “dashigara,” a low-salt residue from Uneno’s dashi production, making it both nutritious and safe for dogs. Slow-dried at low temperatures to enhance aroma, the topping is designed to boost both the flavor and nutritional value of dog meals. This collaboration not only bridges traditional Japanese culinary practices with contemporary pet care but also addresses food waste by repurposing dashi byproducts for pet nutrition.
Japan Pet Food Market Report Scope
|
Report Attribute |
Details |
|
Market size value in 2025 |
USD 4.38 billion |
|
Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 5.43 billion |
|
Growth rate (Revenue) |
CAGR of 4.4% from 2025 to 2030 |
|
Actual data |
2018 - 2024 |
|
Forecast period |
2025 - 2030 |
|
Quantitative units |
Volume in kilo tons; revenue in USD million/billion, CAGR from 2025 to 2030 |
|
Report coverage |
Volume & revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
|
Segments covered |
Product, pet type, category, distribution channel, region |
|
Country scope |
Japan |
|
Key companies profiled |
The J.M. Smucker Company; Nestlé Purina; Mars Incorporated; LUPUS Alimento; Total Alimentos; Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.; General Mills Inc.; WellPet LLC; The Hartz Mountain Corporation; Diamond Pet Foods. |
|
Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
|
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
Japan Pet Food Market Report Segmentation
Product Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
-
-
Wet Pet Food
-
Dry Pet Food
-
Snacks/Treats
-
-
Pet Type Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
-
Cats
-
Dogs
-
Others
-
-
Category Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
-
Traditional Pet Food
-
Specialist Veterinary Nutrition
-
Cats
-
Dogs
-
Others
-
-
-
Distribution Channel Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
-
Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
-
Convenience Stores
-
E-commerce
-
Pet Specialty Stores
-
Others
-
Related Reports
FAQ'S
For a single, multi and corporate client license, the report will be available in PDF format. Sample report would be given you in excel format. For more questions please contact:
Within 24 to 48 hrs.
You can contact Sales team (sales@marketinsightsresearch.com) and they will direct you on email
You can order a report by selecting payment methods, which is bank wire or online payment through any Debit/Credit card, Razor pay or PayPal.
Discounts are available.
Hard Copy