Core Insights - The pet industry in China is experiencing significant growth, with the upcoming Asia Pet Expo in 2025 expected to set new scale records. The focus on "precise segmentation" and "efficacy" in pet food products is becoming increasingly important [1][2] - There is a notable shift in pet brand innovation from merely pleasing pet owners to prioritizing pet health, with Chinese brands showing stronger overall innovation capabilities compared to their counterparts in the US and Japan [1][2] Industry Trends - The proportion of pet owners from the post-2000 generation is rising, with their share increasing from 10.1% in 2023 to 25.6% in 2024. This demographic is expected to drive growth in the pet industry, as they seek emotional support from pets at a low cost [3] - Average annual spending per pet is projected to grow, with a year-on-year increase of 3% for dogs and 4.9% for cats in 2024. Despite the growth in pet spending in China, it remains significantly lower than in the US and Japan, where spending is 4-6 times higher [3] Market Structure - The pet food industry in China is still in a fragmented stage, with leading brands like MaiFuDi and Royal Canin holding single-digit market shares. The market is expected to trend towards consolidation as brand loyalty increases due to the separation of buyers and users [4] - The demand for pet healthcare is rapidly increasing, driven by the aging of pets and advancements in medical technology and equipment. Pet owners are showing a greater willingness to seek veterinary care, leading to higher average costs for pet medical treatment [5]