Overview - The perception of pets as family members has deepened, leading to a shift in dog food consumption from "optional" to "essential," providing stable demand for the dog food market in China [1][5] - The rise of single economy, aging population, and emotional companionship needs have expanded the dog owner demographic, increasing both the frequency of dog food purchases and average spending per customer [1][4] Market Statistics - In 2024, China's dog food sales are projected to reach 607,300 tons, with an average selling price of 35,800 yuan per ton, resulting in total sales of 21.738 billion yuan [1][5] - Dry dog food accounts for 83.82% of sales, while wet dog food represents 3.74% [1][5] Industry Development - The dog food industry in China has evolved from informal feeding practices to industrialized production, with domestic brands now competing with international ones [3][4] - Increased regulation and rising costs have led to the elimination of smaller brands lacking core technology and funding, while leading companies are expanding market share through mergers and supply chain upgrades [3][4] Consumer Trends - The aging population and rising divorce rates have increased the number of people seeking companionship from pets, driving growth in the pet economy [4][8] - The average annual spending per pet dog in China is expected to reach 2,961 yuan in 2024, reflecting a 3.0% year-on-year increase [4][5] Supply Chain - The upstream supply chain includes core raw material suppliers such as meat, grains, and fats, which account for over 70% of production costs [6] - In 2024, China's grain production is projected to reach 652.29 million tons, with meat production at 97.80 million tons, ensuring a stable supply of raw materials for the dog food industry [6] Competitive Landscape - The dog food market in China is highly competitive, with numerous brands including international players like Royal Canin and local brands like MaiFuDi and WanPi [9][10] - The top 10 brands in the market hold only 24.60% of the market share, indicating a fragmented competitive environment [9] Future Trends - The focus on pet health will drive dog food products towards natural, grain-free, and functional formulations, with an emphasis on ingredient traceability and safety [13] - Customizable dog food tailored to specific breeds, ages, and health conditions is expected to become more prevalent, including options based on genetic testing [13]