UAE Pet Food Market: Evolving Consumer Awareness, Quality Demand & Growth Outlook

According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, UAE Pet Food Market size reached USD 107.3 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 171.0 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.04% during 2025-2033.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of UAE Pet Food Market

• Personalized Nutrition Systems: AI-powered platforms analyze individual pet health profiles, breed characteristics, and activity patterns to create customized food recommendations, with systems tracking real-time dietary requirements across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• Smart Supply Chain Management: Machine learning algorithms enable major retailers like The Petshop to predict demand across 50+ locations, ensuring premium products reach stores within 60 minutes while reducing food waste significantly.
• Enhanced Quality Assurance: AI-driven inspection systems continuously monitor production lines, detecting contaminants and inconsistencies instantly, maintaining strict quality standards across UAE manufacturing facilities for both local and imported products.
• Predictive Consumer Analytics: Advanced algorithms forecast market trends and purchasing behaviors, helping manufacturers like Mars Petcare and Nestlé Purina develop formulations suited to local climate conditions and breed preferences.

How UAE Vision 2030 is Revolutionizing Pet Food Industry

The UAE's economic diversification agenda under Vision 2030 is transforming pet food into a strategic growth sector. With pet ownership surging 30% post-pandemic among urban millennials and expatriate communities, the industry has evolved from a $360 million niche market toward ambitious multi-billion targets. Government initiatives promoting animal welfare, coupled with Dubai's pet-friendly infrastructure allowing pets in hotels, restaurants, and parks, have normalized premium pet ownership. Major investments are flowing into local manufacturing, with Mars Petcare investing $15 million to expand Dubai production capacity by 40%, while Nestlé Purina's Abu Dhabi distribution center implements blockchain for supply chain transparency. These developments align with national sustainability goals and the UAE's ambition to become a regional manufacturing hub, creating jobs while reducing import dependency on specialized pet nutrition products that meet stringent quality standards.

Access the Latest 2026 Market Data & Forecasts

UAE Pet Food Market Trends & Drivers:

The UAE pet food market is riding strong momentum from cultural shifts in pet ownership patterns. The humanization trend has elevated pets from animals to family members, with owners spending between AED 500-2,000 monthly on nutrition, healthcare, and grooming. Urban households, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, now treat pets as status symbols and companions, driving demand for premium formulations. Hotels and residential buildings increasingly welcome pets with specialized menus and amenities. The market witnessed explosive 254% growth over the past decade, jumping from $61.8 million to $219 million, fueled by 1.5 million pet owners caring for over 2 million pets—predominantly cats and dogs. This cultural evolution, combined with rising disposable incomes among young professionals and expatriates, continues propelling market expansion across all product categories.

Premiumization is reshaping purchasing decisions as health-conscious consumers demand specialized nutrition. Owners are actively seeking organic, grain-free, protein-rich formulations with no pesticides, GMOs, or artificial additives. Functional pet foods incorporating probiotics, vitamins, and minerals tailored to life stages, breed sizes, and health conditions are gaining significant traction. Royal Canin leads with 28% market share in cat food and 24.6% in dog food, reflecting consumer preference for science-backed nutrition. Major retailers expanded organic sections by 40% in response to millennial pet parents aligning pet diets with human wellness trends. The convenience factor of dry food maintains its dominance due to easy storage and longer shelf life, while wet food gains ground among owners prioritizing palatability and hydration.

Digital transformation is revolutionizing distribution channels and consumer access. E-commerce platforms now offer same-day delivery across all emirates, with online sales growing rapidly as convenience becomes paramount. Pet shops and superstores capture 56% of retail value, while online channels expand through partnerships with veterinary clinics offering free consultations with purchases. The infrastructure boom—including specialized pet facilities, luxury boarding resorts, and mobile grooming services—supports sustained demand. Government regulations ensuring product quality and import standards, combined with initiatives promoting pet ownership and animal welfare, create a supportive ecosystem. The aging population's growing need for service dogs, nuclear family structures seeking companionship, and public spaces like Dubai Birds and Pet Market with dedicated walking areas further normalize pet ownership, driving consistent food purchases across multiple channels.

UAE Pet Food Market Industry Segmentation:

The report has segmented the market into the following categories:

Pet Food Type Insights:

• Cat Food
• Dog Food
• Others

Product Type Insights:

• Dry Food
• Wet and Canned Food
• Snacks and Treats

Ingredient Type Insights:

• Animal Derivatives
• Plant Derivatives
• Cereal Derivatives
• Others

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Stores
• Others

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.

Recent News and Developments in UAE Pet Food Market

• January 2025: Mars Petcare announced a major expansion of its premium pet food manufacturing facility in Dubai, investing $15 million to increase production capacity by 40%. The expansion introduces new organic product lines specifically targeting the growing health-conscious pet owner segment.
• February 2025: PetWise, the UAE's first AI-powered pet nutrition platform, launched in partnership with local veterinary clinics across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The platform offers personalized diet recommendations based on breed, age, and comprehensive health data, achieving 25% improved customer satisfaction within three months.

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