Dogster: Exploring Trends, Market Size, and Frequently Asked Questions

The pet food industry in Canada is experiencing a significant boom, and it’s no surprise given how much Canadians adore their furry companions. With some of the biggest pet food brands calling Canada home, the industry is thriving and expected to continue its growth trajectory for the next few years. Let’s delve into 20 fascinating statistics that shed light on the current state of the Canadian pet food industry.

1. The Canadian pet food market is projected to reach a staggering $5.96 billion USD by 2029, showcasing the industry’s robust growth potential (Mordor Intelligence).

2. In 2021, the Canadian pet food market was valued at $3.34 billion USD, with a significant portion of distribution occurring through store-based retail channels (Research and Markets).

3. The pet nutraceutical and supplement industry in Canada is witnessing rapid growth, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.06%, making it the fastest-growing market segment by product (Mordor Intelligence).

4. Dog food reigns supreme as the largest pet food category in Canada, boasting a value of $2.08 billion USD (Expert Market Research). This dominance can be attributed to the higher consumption of commercial food by dogs compared to cats.

5. Canadian dog owners are dedicated to their pets, spending approximately $1,200 CAD annually on food, making it the highest expense for dog owners (Statista).

6. In contrast, Canadian cat owners spend around $576 CAD annually on food, reflecting a lower expenditure compared to dog owners (Statista).

7. Mars Incorporated leads the Canadian pet food market with a substantial 22.53% market share as of 2022, solidifying its position as a key player in the industry (Mordor Intelligence).

8. Ontario houses 135 animal food manufacturing establishments as of December 2022, showcasing the province’s significant contribution to the pet food manufacturing sector (Statista).

9. Pedigree emerges as the top-selling brand of pet food in Canada, valued at $190.3 million, highlighting Canadians‘ preference for this renowned brand (Expert Market Research).

10. Champion Petfoods, a Canadian-based company, stands out as the leading pet food company headquartered in Canada, with $200 million in sales in 2022 (Statista).

Moving on to imports and exports:

11. Pet food imports in Canada were valued at $1,638.4 million in 2022, indicating a substantial increase in demand for imported pet food products (Government of Alberta).

12. The United States emerges as the top export market for Canadian pet food in 2023, with exports totaling $374.4 million, underscoring the strong trade relationship between the two countries (Global Pet Industry).

13. However, the export of Canadian pet food to China witnessed a significant decline between 2021 and 2022, with exports halving during this period (Global Pet Industry).

14. Over 95% of imported pet food in Canada originates from the United States, highlighting the close trade ties between the two countries in the pet food industry (Pet Food Association of Canada).

15. In April 2024, Canada’s exports of dog and cat food reached $91.5 million, while imports totaled $159 million, showcasing the country’s active participation in the global pet food trade (Observatory of Economic Complexity).

Looking at pet food sales in Canada:

16. Dry dog food accounted for a substantial 75% of dog food sales in Canada in 2021, emphasizing the popularity of this category among Canadian pet owners (Government of Alberta).

17. Similarly, dry cat food held a significant market share, representing 61% of all cat food sales in Canada in 2021, indicating a preference for this type of pet food among cat owners (Government of Alberta).

In conclusion, the Canadian pet food industry is thriving, with a promising outlook for continued growth in the coming years. With key players, robust market trends, and a strong focus on pet nutrition, Canada’s pet food sector is poised for further expansion and innovation. As Canadians continue to prioritize their pets‘ well-being, the industry is set to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of pet owners across the country.