{"id":40537,"date":"2025-07-28T10:55:39","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T01:55:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/?p=40537"},"modified":"2026-03-26T09:24:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T02:24:44","slug":"japan-market-on-pet-food","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/first-reach.org\/en\/contents\/japan-market-on-pet-food\/","title":{"rendered":"Outlook for the Pet Food Industry in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The market grew by 11.9% year on year<\/strong>, achieving double-digit growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This strong performance was driven by a combination of price revisions resulting from rising raw material and logistics costs, together with pet owners\u2019 increasing focus on health and premium-quality products.
In this article, we analyze the outlook for the Japanese pet food industry, examining recent market developments and providing a forward-looking forecast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The analysis covers the current situation over the past two years as well as projections for the next decade, incorporating key statistical data, market trends, and competitive dynamics among major players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Market Size and Growth Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Japanese Pet Food Market: Historical Trends and Forecasts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Trends and Forecasts for the Size of Japan\u2019s Pet Food Market<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Despite stagnation in the number of pets, Japan\u2019s pet food market continues to grow. The shift toward higher value-added products and rising health consciousness among pet owners are driving steady market expansion. In particular, 2023 saw double-digit growth<\/strong>, largely influenced by price increases stemming from higher raw material and logistics costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Total market size (2023):
\u00a5475.4 billion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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All major categories recorded double-digit growth.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Dog Food<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a599.3 billion<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

+10.0% year on year<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dry food has returned to a growth trajectory, supported by strong demand for high-protein and additive-free products.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Cat Food<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a5184.7 billion<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

+13.2% year on year<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The largest category, yet still posting robust growth. Health-care-oriented products performed particularly well.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dog & Cat Treats<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a5112.5 billion<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

+13.3% year on year<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Functional treats and dental care products drove the highest growth rate among all segments.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In total, the domestic market reached approximately \u00a5475.4 billion in 2023 (+11.9% YoY)<\/strong>. Major categories all achieved double-digit growth: dog food (~\u00a599.3 billion), cat food (~\u00a5184.7 billion), and dog and cat treats (~\u00a5112.5 billion).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Trends in Dog and Cat Ownership (2018\u20132024)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Comparison of the Pet Population and the Child Population in 2024<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Against the backdrop of Japan\u2019s declining birthrate and aging population, the number of pets now exceeds the number of children under the age of 15.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

As of 2024, the dog population stood at approximately 6.79 million<\/strong>, while the cat population reached 9.15 million<\/strong>, for a combined total of 15.95 million pets<\/strong>, surpassing the population of children under 15 years old.
While the number of dogs is on a gradual decline, the cat population has remained stable. Urbanization, an increase in single-person households, and lifestyle factors are contributing to a growing preference for cats in metropolitan areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the total number of pets is not increasing significantly, higher spending per pet and greater penetration of premium-priced products<\/strong> continue to push the market upward. As a result, steady market expansion is expected to continue beyond 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to research firm IMARC, Japan\u2019s pet food market was valued at USD 6.2 billion (approx. \u00a5680 billion) in 2024<\/strong> and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.5%<\/strong>, reaching USD 9.6 billion by 2033<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the strong tailwind from inflation-driven price increases is unlikely to persist, continued demand for premium products and the introduction of new value-added offerings are expected to support moderate growth in value terms. Industry forecasts also suggest that by 2026<\/strong>, the market will expand by approximately 7\u20138% compared with 2023<\/strong>, indicating ample mid- to long-term growth potential.
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Key Drivers of Growth<\/div>
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