Pet Humanisation and Functional Nutrition Reshape Thailand’s Dog Food Industry

Pet Humanisation and Functional Nutrition Reshape Thailand’s Dog Food Industry

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6 min read

Thailand’s dog food industry is benefiting from changing attitudes towards pet ownership, rising demand for prepared food and greater attention to canine health. According to Vyansa Intelligence, the sector was valued at USD 1.03 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.84 billion by 2032, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.64% during 2026–2032. Growing urban pet ownership and demand for differentiated nutrition are influencing product development and retail activity.

Urban Pet Ownership Supports Demand for Prepared Food

An increasing number of Thai households are choosing dogs as companions, particularly in urban areas. Younger households are among those showing interest in dog ownership, while more shopping centres, restaurants and hotels are accommodating pets. These changes are making it easier for owners to include dogs in everyday activities and are influencing how they approach pet care.

The emotional connection between owners and their dogs is also affecting feeding habits. Dogs are increasingly regarded as family members, encouraging owners to pay closer attention to food quality and nutritional suitability. This is supporting a shift from table scraps and home-prepared meals towards commercially prepared dog food and treats.

Prepared food offers convenience and allows owners to select products according to a dog’s age, breed and dietary requirements. As pet ownership develops, demand is not limited to basic feeding products; owners are also showing interest in options associated with health and wellbeing.

Dry Food Remains the Leading Product Category

Dry dog food accounted for 70% of value sales in 2025, making it the largest product category in Thailand. The segment is projected to record a volume CAGR of approximately 5.03%. Its established role in everyday feeding and availability across different price points support its position among households with varying spending preferences.

Mid-priced dry food is expected to remain important because it offers a balance between affordability and product quality. This segment serves consumers who want prepared nutrition without necessarily moving to premium-priced products. Mid-range wet food also retains relevance, particularly for owners seeking variety in feeding routines.

Premium dog food, meanwhile, is expected to expand more rapidly as owners become increasingly interested in specialised products. Formulations designed for different breeds, life stages and health needs are gaining attention. This creates opportunities for manufacturers to develop products with differentiated ingredients and nutritional features while keeping prices accessible to a broader consumer base.

Treats and Functional Mixers Reflect Pet Humanisation

Treats and mixers are becoming more prominent as owners look beyond standard meals. Their use ranges from rewarding good behaviour and supporting training to adding variety to regular feeding. The category also reflects the growing role of dogs in household routines, with owners willing to consider additional products as part of their pets’ daily care.

Functional benefits are an important element of product development. Some treats are positioned around dental health, digestion or calming properties, giving owners options that combine reward-based feeding with specific product features. These formats can also provide manufacturers with opportunities to differentiate products in an increasingly varied category.

The expansion of treats and mixers illustrates how pet humanisation influences purchasing decisions beyond core food. Owners may be more willing to spend on products they associate with their dogs’ comfort and wellbeing. However, these supplementary foods need to be considered as part of an animal’s overall diet rather than as replacements for nutritionally complete meals.

Retail Stores and E-commerce Shape Purchasing Habits

Retail channels accounted for 85% of sales in 2025, underlining the importance of physical and online retail in Thailand’s dog food distribution. Hypermarkets, supermarkets and pet stores remain important purchasing locations. Hypermarkets offer convenience for consumers buying pet food alongside household groceries, while specialist stores provide a wider selection and access to product guidance.

Pet stores and superstores are particularly relevant to mid-priced and premium products. Their assortment and staff knowledge can help owners compare brands and consider food suited to different breeds or nutritional requirements. Some supermarkets also offer services such as veterinary clinics and pet grooming, broadening their role in pet-related shopping.

Retail e-commerce is among the most dynamic distribution channels. Online platforms provide access to a wider range of brands, product information and promotional offers. They also give newer businesses a route to reach consumers without depending entirely on extensive physical retail networks. Convenience and product availability are supporting online purchasing, although physical stores continue to provide personal assistance and immediate access to products.

Product Innovation and Changing Consumer Preferences

Competition between premium and mid-priced brands is encouraging manufacturers to balance product quality with reasonable pricing. Consumers are becoming more attentive to ingredients and nutritional features, while manufacturers are exploring product concepts that respond to specific feeding preferences.

Raw-feeding ideas, alternative proteins and functional claims are among the trends identified in the sector. These developments reflect interest in different ingredient sources and formulations, although product claims need to be supported by appropriate evidence. The FEDIAF nutritional guidelines provide a reference for nutrient levels in complete and complementary pet food, helping explain the role of nutritional adequacy in product formulation.

Personalised nutrition is another area of interest. Products designed for particular breeds, ages and health requirements can help brands distinguish their offerings. Clear ingredient information and appropriate nutritional guidance are important as owners compare products with different claims and intended uses.

Competition and Industry Structure

More than 20 companies are active in Thailand’s dog food industry, while the five largest account for approximately 45% of sales. The leading companies identified by Vyansa Intelligence include Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc, Ek-Chai Distribution System Co Ltd, I-Tail Corp PCL, Perfect Companion Co Ltd and Mars Thailand Inc.

Other participants include Betagro Agro Group PCL, Royal Canin (Thailand) Co Ltd, International Pet Food Co Ltd, Bluefalo Petcare Co Ltd and Asian Alliance International PCL. The competitive environment includes international brands, established domestic businesses and companies with strong retail or manufacturing positions. Pricing, product quality, distribution coverage and the ability to respond to specialised nutritional preferences are relevant areas of competition.

Regulatory oversight also forms part of the operating environment. Thailand’s Department of Livestock Development administers the Animal Feed Control Act, which provides the legal framework for animal feed quality control. Compliance with applicable requirements is relevant to businesses involved in producing, importing and distributing pet food.

Outlook Through 2032

Thailand’s dog food industry is projected to expand considerably through 2032, supported by rising pet ownership, urban lifestyles and the growing preference for prepared food. Dry food is expected to retain its leading position, while treats, functional mixers and premium formulations provide additional areas for product development.

Retail stores will remain important because of their product variety and in-person guidance, while e-commerce is expected to develop through convenience and broader brand access. Competition between mid-priced and premium products is likely to keep attention on both affordability and nutritional differentiation. The sector’s development will depend on how manufacturers and retailers respond to changing expectations around pet health, product quality and everyday feeding.

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