Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Recommended" rating for the pet food industry, indicating a positive outlook on the sector's fundamentals and growth potential [1][61]. Core Insights - The domestic pet market is characterized by growth potential and low concentration, with a projected market size of 300.2 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7.5% [6][11]. - The market is expanding, with leading brands increasing their market share, particularly in the mid-to-high-end product segments, while low-end products face intensified competition [6][30]. - A robust supply chain is essential for brand development, ensuring product quality and responsiveness to market demands [6][41]. - Consumer preferences are shifting towards domestic brands, with a notable increase in the market share of local pet food brands [16][26]. - The trend towards scientific and emotional pet care is driving product innovation and consumer spending [50][59]. Summary by Sections Domestic Pet Market Overview - The pet market in China is growing, with a projected size of 300.2 billion yuan in 2024, driven by a low penetration rate of 21% compared to 40% in Japan and 60% in the U.S. [6][15]. - The market structure is stable, with pet food accounting for the largest share of pet-related expenditures at 52.8% in 2024 [11][12]. Market Dynamics - The market is witnessing a shift towards online purchasing, with 68% of consumers preferring online channels for pet food purchases [23][20]. - Leading brands are outperforming the overall market, with significant growth in their online sales [24][27]. Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape is becoming more differentiated, with top brands like Myfoodie and Royal Canin gaining market share [26][30]. - The number of new pet-related businesses has declined for the first time in a decade, indicating a consolidation trend favoring established brands [28][30]. Trends in Pet Food Industry - There is a clear trend towards product innovation, focusing on nutritional quality and consumer experience [50][54]. - Emotional and social aspects of pet ownership are becoming increasingly important, influencing consumer purchasing decisions [59][58]. Investment Recommendations - The report suggests that the pet food industry is in a phase of rapid brand development, with a positive long-term growth outlook, maintaining a "Recommended" rating for the sector [61][62].