Pet News

A comprehensive study on the French pet market in 2024 highlights a period of steady ownership, with the total pet population reaching a substantial 75.1 million. This detailed report, compiled by the French federation of pet food manufacturers, FACCO, provides valuable insights into the demographics of pet companions and prevailing consumption patterns within the industry. It underscores a consistent enthusiasm for animal companionship across French households, while also pointing to subtle shifts in dietary preferences and purchasing avenues.

Detailed Overview of France's Pet Landscape and Industry Insights

In 2024, a significant 61% of French households joyfully welcomed a pet into their lives. Among these, over half, precisely 53%, were proud owners of at least one dog or cat, illustrating the enduring popularity of these beloved domestic animals. The overall pet population in the nation stood at an impressive 75.1 million, maintaining a consistent level with the figures from the previous year, 2023. Notably, this represents a growth of 1.1 million companions since 2022, signaling a robust and expanding pet community that has more than doubled since 1976.

Mirroring a long-standing trend, aquatic life remained the most favored type of pet in 2024, with the fish population swelling to an astounding 33.7 million. This marks a considerable surge from 29.8 million in 2023 and 29.1 million in 2022. The feline population reached a robust 16.7 million, while the canine contingent stood at 9.7 million. The past year saw the cat population expand by 100,000, and the dog population saw an even larger increase of 200,000 across the country. Additionally, small mammals experienced a notable increase, rising from 3.7 million in 2023 to 4.7 million in 2024, whereas the bird population remained stable at 3.6 million.

Regarding dietary habits, the FACCO data revealed that the average annual expenditure on pet food in France was approximately €490 ($567) for dogs and €324 ($375) for cats in 2024. Commercial pet food continued to dominate the market, with 85% of dog owners and a substantial 95% of cat owners opting for prepared meals. Dry food emerged as the leading choice for both species, utilized by 86% of cat owners and 81% of dog owners. Furthermore, nearly half of all French cat owners (47%) and 33% of dog owners indulged their pets with treats. While commercial options prevail, the segment of owners preparing homemade food for their pets saw a marginal increase of 1% for both cats and dogs, reaching 7% and 16% respectively. Supermarkets and grocery stores remained the primary retail channels for pet food purchases in 2024, favored by 69% of cat owners and 50% of dog owners, although specialized pet stores and online platforms experienced commendable growth in sales.

Reflections on the French Pet Market's Enduring Appeal and Future Directions

The consistent growth and stability observed in the French pet market offer compelling insights into the enduring bond between humans and animals. From a journalist's perspective, this report highlights not just a thriving industry, but also a cultural phenomenon where pets are increasingly integrated into family life. The shift towards potentially more natural or personalized diets, even if modest, suggests a growing consciousness among pet owners regarding their companions' well-being. The continued dominance of commercial food, coupled with the rising popularity of treats, indicates a market ripe for innovation in product development and niche offerings. Observing the robust growth in fish and small mammal populations, alongside the steady increase in dog and cat ownership, it becomes evident that the definition of a 'pet' is expanding, opening new avenues for diverse products and services. This dynamic market offers fertile ground for businesses to explore new trends, cater to evolving consumer preferences, and continue to strengthen the human-animal connection in meaningful ways.

In a notable market shift, private label pet food brands are experiencing significant growth, outperforming their national brand counterparts. This upward trajectory is particularly striking given the backdrop of rising inflation, which has prompted pet owners to re-evaluate their spending habits. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing value, and private label options are effectively meeting this demand by offering quality products at more accessible price points.

The pet food industry, while not experiencing the same level of inflation as other sectors in the U.S. economy, has nevertheless seen prices climb. Specifically, pet inflation registered a 1.9% year-over-year increase in April 2025, a rise from 1.3% in May, according to data compiled by Cascadia Capital in their Summer 2025 Pet Industry Overview. This figure, though lower than the overall national inflation rate of 17.4%, has still influenced purchasing decisions among pet owners.

Amidst these economic conditions, the performance of private label pet food in 2024 revealed a distinct advantage. Cascadia Capital's analysis indicates that private label pet care products saw a 1.7% increase in dollar sales year-over-year, accompanied by an impressive 3.5% surge in unit sales. This contrasts sharply with national pet food brands, which recorded a modest 1.0% growth in dollar sales and a 0.6% decline in unit sales during the same period. The analysts from Cascadia attribute this success to private labels' agility in aligning with current market demands, including premiumization, sustainability, and enhanced culinary experiences, all while offering competitive pricing.

Across all pet product categories, private label sales collectively advanced by 5.8% year-over-year, exceeding the growth rate observed for branded items. Within the specific segment of pet food and treats, growth moderated to 3.6% in 2024. This growth was primarily driven by price adjustments rather than increased sales volume, creating a conducive environment for private label expansion as consumers sought more economical alternatives without compromising on perceived quality.

Despite the overall success of the private label segment, some prominent national brands have opted to scale back their involvement in private label manufacturing. For example, Colgate-Palmolive announced its intention to divest its private label division in 2024, citing weak sales volumes and profit margins. The company plans to redirect its focus towards its science-driven Hill’s Pet Nutrition brand. Similarly, J.M. Smucker divested its private label pet food operations in 2023. This strategic realignment by major players suggests a concentrated effort on core brands, potentially leaving more room for specialized private label manufacturers to thrive.

Looking ahead, financial analysts at Cascadia Capital predict that ongoing economic uncertainties and persistent inflationary pressures will continue to shape consumer behavior. This environment is expected to further benefit private label pet food brands, as pet owners remain vigilant about expenses and seek value-driven solutions for their companions' dietary needs.

The burgeoning success of private label pet food signifies a significant transformation within the industry. As economic considerations continue to influence consumer choices, the flexibility, innovation, and affordability offered by private label products are positioning them as a dominant force in the market, challenging the long-standing leadership of established national brands.