UK Dog Food Industry 2025 – Statistics & Trends

This UK-only, data-driven report covers the dry dog food (kibble) market, grain-free trends, and health/functional nutrition. It is designed for journalists, bloggers and analysts. You’re welcome to cite this page — please link back to Ultimate Pet Foods.

Pet population context: 36 million pets across the UK and 17.2 million households (60%) with a pet (2024).[1]

1) Market Overview — UK Dog Food

The UK dog-food market is estimated at ≈£2.7 billion in 2025, based on an industry forecast of US$3.48 billion (converted to GBP; see source) with a CAGR of about 3.28% through 2030.[2] Broader UK pet-food estimates place the market near **£3.9–£4.0 billion** in 2024–25.[3][4]

Growth is steady rather than explosive: value is buoyed by premiumisation and health features while volumes can be flat in tougher economies. For context, some datasets show 2024 UK pet-food market size around US$3.01–3.12 billion (different methodology/scope), growing ~3.8% to 2030.[5] Use consistent sources when comparing year-to-year.

Infographic placeholder showing UK dog food market value trend in £bn, 2018–2030

Infographic : Market value trend (2018–2030) in £bn with CAGR band

2) Dry Dog Food (Kibble) — The Core Platform

Dry formats remain the backbone of pet feeding in the UK. Industry analysis indicates dry pet food accounts for a majority share of revenue nationally, with dry + traditional formats dominating shelves.[5] Own-label ranges also hold significant volume in dog meals, intensifying price competition.[6]

Upsides

  • Cost-effective, long shelf life, easy storage and portioning for UK households.
  • Well-suited to e-commerce and subscriptions (predictable weights, low spoilage).
  • Clear premium pathways via freshly prepared meats, high protein, and functional add-ons.

Challenges

  • Ingredient/packaging inflation pressures RRP and margins across 2023–25.
  • Volume softness in some years; value growth often relies on premium trading-up.[6]
  • Competitive pinch from supermarket own-label and growth of alternative formats.
Infographic placeholder comparing dry vs wet dog food share in the UK

Infographic : Dry vs Wet share (latest available UK split)

3) Grain-Free & Alternative Diets

Grain-free holds an estimated ~15% share in the UK — a meaningful niche compared with North America’s larger share, but still a clear premium signal in Britain.[7] Surveys also show a sizeable minority of owners actively prefer grain-free options for dogs.[8]

Upsides

  • Aligns with UK “free-from / natural” expectations and humanisation of pet diets.
  • Premium positioning with potential for higher perceived value.
  • Helps frame discussions around sensitivities and tailored nutrition.

Considerations

  • Higher ingredient costs and tighter household budgets can constrain adoption.
  • Ongoing scientific/regulatory scrutiny (e.g., DCM discussion) — communicate responsibly and evidence-first.[9]
Infographic placeholder showing grain-free share in the UK and 2015–2025 timeline

Infographic : UK grain-free share (%), timeline 2015–2025, and owner preference split

4) Health / Functional / Premium Dog Food

Functional benefits (digestive health, joint care, skin & coat, cognitive support) are now mainstream purchase drivers in the UK. European research indicates frequent repeat-buying of functional products; UK specialist nutrition is set for steady growth to 2030.[10][5]

  • Digestive health: prebiotics (e.g., MOS/FOS) and gentle cooking processes resonate with UK buyers.
  • Joint support: collagen/glucosamine popularity among owners of active breeds and seniors.
  • Omega-3: valued for puppy cognitive/visual development and general wellness.
  • Clean labels & provenance: “freshly prepared” meats, named proteins, and transparent sourcing.
Infographic placeholder: top functional claims in UK dog food 2021–2025

Infographic : Share of launches with digestive/joint/skin&coat/cognitive claims

5) Distribution & E-Commerce in the UK

E-commerce and subscriptions continue to expand their role in UK pet food, with analysts projecting steady online growth through 2030. Meanwhile, supermarket own-label maintains the largest single volume share in dog meals — heightening price pressure on brands.[5][6]

  • What’s growing: D2C subscriptions, auto-replenishment, and convenience-led online purchasing of dry food.
  • Retail reality: Own-label dominance on volume; premium brands must justify price via science and outcomes.
  • Macro watch: UK cost-of-living dynamics can compress discretionary spend in accessories/treats, but nutrition remains resilient.[11]
Infographic placeholder showing UK pet food channel mix shift 2018–2025 with online growth

Infographic : Online vs grocery vs specialist share trend (UK)

6) Challenges & Risks

  • Input inflation: protein/raw materials, packaging and energy costs have raised shelf prices (2023–25).
  • Volume softness: some reports note volume declines even where value is stable (premium trading-up).[6]
  • DCM debate & evidence standards: communicate grain-free responsibly with up-to-date science and balanced guidance.[9]
  • Sustainability: packaging reduction, ethical sourcing, and footprint transparency are becoming standard expectations in the UK.
Infographic placeholder Risk matrix for UK dog food sector

Infographic : Risk vs Opportunity matrix for premium dry brands

7) Outlook & Opportunities (UK)

  • Premiumisation persists: owners pay for proven benefits (digestive, joint, skin & coat) even in leaner times.
  • Evidence-led messaging: science + provenance beats hype for UK consumers and editors evaluating sources to cite.
  • E-commerce & subscription: best matched to dry food — predictable cost-to-serve and convenience.
  • Clarity on grain-free: balanced education builds trust and reduces confusion.

Press & researchers: you may freely cite this page. Please link back to Ultimate Pet Foods as your source.