Middle East and Africa Pet Care Market Outlook, 2029

The need for companionship is driving the pet care market due to which the adoption rate of pets is increasing. The Middle East & African pet care industry continues to see an increment in pet adoption rates, with the Middle East countries dominating the market, while African regions showing a fast growth rate. Advances in technology are making healthcare, accessories, grooming services, and training facilities readily available to the owners. The pet owners are looking for better quality pet services that include pet accessories, grooming, and healthcare & are ready to pay more for the same. The developments of pet specialist organizations offering administrations protecting flying creatures from sickness, injury, and stress have been observed in the region. Along with this, they also offer bird-grooming facilities such as keeping feathers dry and clean, trim beaks and nails, and help to avoid awkward shedding. They are also collaborating with retail locations with water basins, showers, and trimmers for new winged creature owners. With the Covid-19 pandemic, the Middle East and African pet owners increasingly spent more time with their pets and a section of these pet parents ended up spending more on premium pet food such as cat and dog treats along with other pet products such as pet toys. This helped pet treats segment to record higher growth in the region. Pet food companies are also offering pet food with glucosamine for healthy joints and strong bones, and proteins, vitamins, and minerals for complete and balanced nutrition of dogs & cats, with the ongoing humanization trend, such pet food will see higher growth in the region. Middle East and Africa region witnessed more than 31 new product launches in the dog and cat food category with the cat food category accounting for 58% of these launches in the region.

According to the research report "Middle East and Africa Pet Care Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Middle East and Africa Pet Care market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 9.04 Billion by 2029. Where the pet parents are seen spending more on facilitating their pets with a quality lifestyle. The pet food market of the Middle East is driven by the growing awareness of pet parents regarding pet health, thus growing the demand for packaged and premium products. The demand for pets for companionship and security purpose is rising due to the growing trend towards the nuclear family. It has considerably boosted the demand for these products. The increasing cost of feeding pets hinders the growth of the pet food market. Households in some of the countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt prefer to own a cat rather than dogs due to religious reasons and the cat population outnumbers dog in selected countries. Dog ownership has also been rising in the region with large breeds (over 10kg) dominating dog population. Since the region's pet care industry is still in nascent stage, therefore economically priced dry pet food sees maximum volume sales; however, in line with global trends, pet food manufacturers in the region are seeing growing demand for natural pet food products that are gluten-free and GMO-free with increased health benefits, like pet food with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

The animal feed market in the Middle East and Africa is experiencing significant growth, driven by the rising demand for various types of pet food, including dog food, cat food, fish food, bird food, and other categories. The growth is fueled by an increasing focus on pet health and nutrition, leading to innovations in product offerings such as dry food, wet or canned options, and a variety of snacks and treats. Dry food remains the most popular choice among pet owners due to its convenience and longer shelf life. Meanwhile, the demand for wet or canned food is also on the rise, as it is often perceived as more palatable and nutritious for pets. The market for snacks and treats is expanding rapidly, reflecting a trend towards premiumization where consumers are willing to spend more on high-quality products that enhance their pets' well-being. Countries like Saudi Arabia and South Africa are at the forefront of this growth, with Saudi Arabia dominating the market due to its high meat consumption rates and initiatives aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in food production. Innovations in feed formulations, including organic and grain-free options, are becoming increasingly popular as pet owners seek healthier alternatives for their animals. Furthermore, e-commerce platforms are playing a crucial role in making these products more accessible, contributing to the overall expansion of the pet food market in the region.

The pet care market in the Middle East and Africa is rapidly evolving, with distinct segments driven by regional demands and cultural nuances. In countries like the UAE and South Africa, pet food is experiencing a surge, fueled by an increasing pet ownership rate and a shift towards premium and organic products. Local preferences are reflected in formulations that incorporate traditional ingredients, such as lamb and chicken, alongside imported brands that cater to health-conscious consumers. Pet accessories also play a significant role, especially in urban areas where pet owners seek stylish and functional items. The market for pet apparel, toys, and travel gear is expanding, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and Kenya, where pet fashion trends and social media influence are driving demand. Customizable and tech-enabled products, such as GPS collars and interactive toys, are gaining popularity among tech-savvy pet owners. In terms of pet healthcare, there is a growing awareness of the importance of preventative care and wellness, leading to increased demand for veterinary services, nutritional supplements, and specialized food. Countries like Egypt and Nigeria are seeing a rise in veterinary clinics and pet insurance offerings, reflecting a broader trend toward responsible pet ownership. The pet grooming segment is flourishing, especially in urban centers where busy lifestyles necessitate professional grooming services. Salons that offer a range of services from basic washes to luxury spa treatments are becoming more common in cities like Dubai and Johannesburg. The demand for natural grooming products is also rising, as pet owners become more conscious of the ingredients used in their pets’ care.


Covid-19 Impacts:
Middle East and African countries acted swiftly in response to the Covid-19 pandemic from early 2020 and this resulted into less per capita infection than Europe or South America. Despite their efforts, region's economy was impacted and real GDP witnessed a decline of over 4.4% in 2020. Lockdown measures in first half of 2020 disrupted the global supply chain and led to global stoppage in business activity and decline in regional and global demand. However, change in consumer behavior and higher adoption of pets to many households across the region is anticipated to boost the market growth during the upcoming timeframe.



Major companies present in the market
Nestle SA, Mars Incorporated , Colgate-Palmolive , United Pet Group, a Spectrum Brands Company, PLB International , Unicharm Corporation, Raw Gold , Promeal (PTY) LTD, Heritage Foods Kenya Ltd. , Lider Pet Food

Considered in this report
• Geography: Middle East & Africa
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Middle East & Africa pet care market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country-wise pet care market analysis
• Various divers and challenges
• Ongoing trends and developments
• Five force models
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

Segment covered in the report
• Pet foods
• Pet healthcare
• Pet accessories
• Pet grooming

By Pet Type in the report
•Dog Food
•Cat Food
•Fish Food
•Bird Food
•Others

By Food Type in the report
•Dry Food
•Wet or Canned
•Snacks and treats
•others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering, the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started, verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to Industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to pet care products industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.