Japan Pet Food Market - Industry Size, Companies & Share

Japan Pet Food Market- Size, Share & Industry Analysis

The japan pet food market size was valued at USD xx billion in 2024 and is expected to hit around USD xx billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of xx% over the forecast period 2025 to 2034. The increased number of pet owners, especially dog and cat owners in Japan, is driving the Japan pet food market. Growing pet humanization trends are fostering market growth.

Key Takeaways 

• East Japan dominated the Japan pet food market by generating the largest revenue in 2024 due to the highest pet owners in East Japan.
• Western Japan is anticipated to rise at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2034, driven by the highest online sales of pet food products in Western Japan. 
• By product, the Dry pet food segment accounted for the largest market revenue in 2024 due to its convenient use. 
• By product, the pet snacks/treats segment is anticipated to grow at a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034, influenced by the availability of diversifying product offerings. 
• By pet type, the dogs segment marked its dominance by generating the largest revenue in 2024, driven by the largest dog ownership in Japan.
• By pet type, the cats segment is observed to rise at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2034, influenced by increased demand for cat-specified food products. 
• By category, the traditional pet food segment accounted for the largest market revenue in 2024 due to the popularity of established brands. 
• By category, the specialist veterinary nutrition pet food segment is anticipated to grow at a notable CAGR from 2025 to 2034, influenced by the growing access to specialized diets. 
• By distribution channel, the pet specialty stores segment marked its dominance by generating the largest revenue in 2024, driven by consumer choices of convenient purchase. 
• By distribution channel, the online/e-commerce segment is observed to rise at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2034, influenced by expanding online platforms. 

Expanding Pet Care Industry: To Boost Japan Pet Food Market 

The Japan pet food market has witness significant growth over the years, driven by various factors like rising pet owner number, awareness of pet health & wellness, existence of pet care services, key vendor presence, e-commerce growth, and rising demand for premium, sustainable protein source based, and specialized nutrition-based pet food products. The expanding pet care industry in Japan is encouraging the adoption of pets. Access to the premium and specialized products is fostering pet food demands. 

Japan has 15 Pet Care product startups, including CoCo Gourmet, Forema, Uniam, Dog and Cat Life, and Nune. Out of these, 7 startups are funded, with 2 having secured Series A+ funding. Uniam specializes in providing fresh food for cats. (Source:tracxn)

The increased number of pet owners is the major driver of the Japan pet food market. The growing urbanization and higher-income households have contributed to increased pet ownership, particularly among older and single-person households. Japan is responding with pet-friendly locations, gourmet pet food, travel services, and availability of innovative products like sustainable accessories and pet technology gadgets, encouraging citizens to adopt pets. Dogs and cats are the major pets that have increased in adoption in Japan. The rising pet ownership and pet humanization have led to an increasing demand for natural, organic, specialized, and premium food products in the country.

Major Innovations for the Growth of the Japanese Pet Food Market 

• In April 2025, Interpets Asia Pacific, Japan's top pet-products trade show, 14th edition of the event expand to utilize all eight East Halls for the first time, making it the largest Interpets to date. Some 980 exhibitors (including 236 from overseas) and almost 78,000 visitors – industry players, as well as pet owners and their pooches- were welcomed to the event to witness the latest pet-care innovations.(Source:interpets)

The Pet Food Association of Japan, of pet food manufacturers and sellers, is continuously calling on its members to expand to new areas that support the health of pets to encourage their owners to buy. The association claims group can counter the effects of retail price inflation in pet food. (Source:petfoodindustry)

What are the Major Trends of the Japan Pet Food Market?

• Pet Humanization: The trend to treat pets as family members is the major factor contributing to the rising demand for premium and specialized pet food products in Japan.
• Awareness of Pet Health & Wellness: The rising focus on pet health & wellness has surged demand for food with specific health benefits. 
• Expanding E-commerce Platform: rapidly expanding online platform enabling access to premium, luxury, and specialized pet food products, contributing to market growth.
• Increased Disposable Income: The rising availability of disposable income for Japanese citizens is allowing spending on premium pet food products, contributing to market growth.

Report Scope

Opportunity

Rising Demand for Specialized Diets and Functional Foods 

The demand for specialized diets and functional foods for pets has witnessed rapid growth in Japan, driven by factors like humanization, rising awareness of pet health & wellness, awareness of side effects of certain ingredients, and aging pet populations. The demand for functional food ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and vitamins is gaining traction in the country. The function ingredients provide potential health benefits to the pets by enhancing their immunity and digestive system functions. Additionally, the growing surge toward premiumization for high-quality pet foods with specific health benefits is generating significant innovative opportunities for the pet food industry in Japan.

Restraint

Evolving Consumer Preferences 

The consumers are prioritizing premium, organic, natural, and functional foods, hampering market competition. Consumer demands for transparency associated with ingredients, labelling, manufacturing process, and sustainable practices are challenging manufacturers to balance brand standards and cost-effectiveness with rising consumer expectations. Additionally, the ongoing shift toward traditional pet feeding methods, like homemade or raw diets challenging pet food brands in Japan. 

Country Analysis

East Japan Pet Food Market & Trends 

The eastern Japan citizens dominate the Japan pet food market, driven by factors like an aging population, urbanization, and access to cutting-edge technologies and platforms. Cities include Tokyo, Yokohama, and cities in the Tohoku region, including Iwaki, Kōriyama, Akita, Morioka, Aomori, and Yamagata, are contributing to the market growth. This city has the largest aging population, driving adoption of pets by elderly citizens and the increasing popularity of cat ownership. Additionally, eastern Japan has the highest number of younger pet owners, influenced by urbanization and western trends. 

Western Japan Pet Food Market & Trends 

Western Japan is the fastest-growing region in the pet food market, driven by increased online sales, a rising trend for pet wellness, and premium products. Western Japan includes major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kobe, and Nara. The demand for high-quality pet food, particularly specialized diets for aging pets, is high in Western Japan. Access to major online platforms like Amazon Japan, Ubuy Co., DOKODEMO, and Vivapets is fostering sales growth. Growing pet-family mindsets are emerging in the market. 

Segment Analysis

Product Insights

Which Product Segment Dominated the Japan Pet Food Market in 2024?

In 2024, the dry pet food segment dominated the market due to high demand for cost-effective, convenient, and long shelf-life pet food products. The rising consumer awareness about pet nutrition, owners’ urban lifestyle, and are growing demand for specialized pet foods are contributing to the segment growth. Japanese companies are focusing on developing dry pet food with specific health needs, like weight management, digestive support, and joint care, especially for senior pets.

The pet snacks/treats segment is expected to lead the market over the forecast period. Consumer are preferring various snacks and treats for their pets, due to their availability of different flavors and types of snacks and treats. With the increased awareness about the importance of snacks and treats while training pets, the demand is increasing. The demand for functional treats, including dental care, digestive aid, and joint health support, is trending in Japan.

• Interpets Tokyo will be held from April 2, 2026, to April 5, 2026, for the exhibition of pet food & treats in Tokyo, Japan. The first day of the event will be dedicated to the trade professionals. (Source: jetro)

Pet Type Insights

What made the Dogs Segment hold the largest revenue of the Japan Pet Food Market in 2024?

The dogs segment held the largest market revenue in 2024, due to the highest rate of dog owners in the country. The rising trend for pet humanization and growing awareness of pet health & wellness has increased demand for specialized and nutritious food for dogs. In Japan, most elderly citizens own pet dogs. The small dogs, puppies, are the major consumers of Japanese pet food products.

• In Japan, pet food prices increased from 3% to 10%, with dog parents spending more on pet food (NZ$33) compared to cat owners (NZ$22) each month. However, spending on treats is similar (NZ$11). (Source:mynzte)

The cat segment is the second-largest segment, leading the market, driven by increased cat ownership, changing attitudes towards cats as family members, are rising demand for cat-specific products like wet food and specialized formulations for health and wellness. Cats have a spectacular place in Japanese culture and folklore, making them the segment to lead the market. 

• Japanese pet parents are spending a significant amount on their pets. According to Miyamoto Katsuhiro, cat parents' spending alone will reach ¥2.9 trillion ($19.6B/€18.6B) in 2025. (Source: globalpetindustry)

Category Insights

How Traditional Pet Food Segment Dominated the Japan Pet Food Market? 

The traditional pet food segment dominated the market, due to major popularity and trust in existing brand products, affordability, and convenience. Most of the Japanese households prefer traditional pet foods due to their balanced nutrition, long shelf life, and ease of storage. 

The specialist veterinary nutrition pet food segment is experiencing significant growth due to growing awareness of pet health & wellness, demand for specialized food products, and the rising trend of pet humanization. The demand for premiumization, customization, specialized, and functional ingredient-based pet food has increased in the country. 

Distribution Channel Insights

Which Distribution Channel Segment Leads the Japan Pet Food Market in 2024?

In 2024, the pet specialty stores segment led the market due to consumers' prioritizing of premium and customized options. Pet specialty stores provide specialized products with expert guidelines, making it a convenient choice for consumers. Pet specialty stores in Japan are the dominant distribution channel, driven by traditional purchase behaviours of consumers and access to experienced staff. 

The online/e-commerce segment is the fastest-growing segment of the market. Japanese consumers are becoming aware of online shopping platforms. The convenience, major access to specialized products, and price sensitivity make online purchasing popular in the country. The rising younger pet owners and their online shopping behaviors are fostering the purchase of pet food online in Japan. 

Recent Developments

• In August 2024, Big Idea Ventures, a global investment leader in the food-tech, Agri-tech, and materials science sectors, introduced its Next Generation Global Pet Food Innovation Program, in partnership with  Mars Petcare, a global leader in veterinary care, nutrition, and breakthrough programs in diagnostics, wearable health monitoring, DNA testing, and pet welfare. The program targeted the development of sustainable and future-ready nutrition for pets. (Source: buhlergroup )
• In March 2024, Hills Colgate Japan K.K. unveiled Science Diet Vet Essential, its first new brand of total nutritional diet in approximately 20 years. The brand is to be sold at veterinary hospitals and pet specialty stores nationwide. (Source: atpress)

Top Companies 

• LUPUS Alimento
• Total Alimentos
• Mars, Incorporated
• The J.M. Smucker Company
• Nestlé Purina
• Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
• The Hartz Mountain Corporation
• General Mills Inc.
• WellPet LLC
• Diamond Pet Foods

Popular Brand of Pet Food in Japan:

• Mars Inc., Colgate-Palmolive, and Nestle are big brands in Japan pet food market, accounting for 54% of the total market.
• International brands, including Royal Canin, Hill’s, and Cesar, are popular for dog food in Japan. 
• Japanese brands include Grand Deli, Aiken Genki by Unicharm Corporation, and Inaba by Inaba Pet Foods.
• Inaba Pet Foods is well-known for cat food, accounting for 23% market share. Ciao by Inaba has again gained significant popularity as the cat treat of choice in Japan.
• NZ has gained a position as the 12th largest exporter of pet food to Japan.

Segment Covered in the Report

By Product 

• Wet Pet Food
• Dry Pet Food
• Snacks/Treats

By Pet Type 

• Cats
• Dogs
• Others

By Category 

• Traditional Pet Food
• Specialist Veterinary Nutrition
  
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Others

By Distribution Channel 

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• E-commerce
• Pet Specialty Stores
• Others

By Country

• East Japan
• Western Japan
• South Japan
• North Japan