RIYADH, SAUDIA ARABIA — Pet ownership in Saudi Arabia is rising as social norms shift and disposable income increases. This has led to a growing pet industry in the country, with the humanization of pets also leading to a rapidly expanding pet food market, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). 

All this provides US pet food processors with opportunities to expand their international footprints. 

 

Growing acceptance of pets

According to the FAS office in Riyadh, the country is witnessing a significant increase in pet ownership, driven by growing acceptance of pets in both private and public spheres. The FAS attributed this to several factors, including rising disposable income, a larger population of expatriates, the influence of Western education on Saudis, positive representation of pets in the media, and the increasing impact of social media. 

The FAS noted that popularity in pet-friendly establishments, like cat cafes, has skyrocketed. Additionally, there has also been an increasing prevalence of pet shops and veterinary clinics, demonstrating a heightened approach on responsible pet care in the country. 

“Ultimately, this signifies a more developed and sophisticated approach to pet welfare, characterized by improved access to professional services and the cultivation of a responsible pet ownership culture,” the FAS in Riyadh noted.

Though the country does not currently keep official statistics on pet ownership, it’s estimated that about 1.8 million pets are owned by Saudi Arabian residents including dogs, cats, birds and more. 

As ownership continues to grow, the view of these pets has also evolved. Keeping dogs inside home was considered taboo in Saudi Arabian culture due to religious beliefs, however, cultural attitudes have shifted, causing many residents to bring their pets into their homes. Demonstrating this evolution, in November 2023, the Transport General Authority announced that public transportation would allow small pets. 

All of this has led to a rapidly growing pet market and pet food industry as pets become treated more like family members. In turn this humanization has led to demand for high-quality nutrition and premium products. According to the FAS, affluent households are investing in premium pet foods and services to support their pets’ wellbeing. Additionally, the proliferation of e-commerce has fueled premiumization, as it offers consumers convenient access to high-end products and services. 

 

Pet food trends

According to data from Euromonitor shared by the FAS, the Saudi Arabian pet food market reached $275 million in 2024, experiencing a 30% average annual growth rate since 2019. Saudi Arabia currently imports pet food from Thailand, the European Union, Turkey, the United States and Brazil.

According to Trade Data Monitor, in 2024 the country imported an estimated $71.17 million worth of pet food, a 25% increase from $56.77 million in 2023. 

Breaking this down, Thailand is currently the largest source of imported pet food to Saudi Arabia, importing about $25.83 million in 2024, a 29% increase from $19.95 million in 2023. Followed closely by the European Union, which imported about $20.13 million in 2024, a 17.5% decrease from $24.43 million in 2023. Turkey imported about $7.69 million in 2024, a 116% increase from $3.57 million in 2023. The United States imported $1.83 million in 2024, an 11% decrease from $2.05 million in 2023; and Brazil imported $1.38 million in 2024, a 14% decrease from $1.59 million in 2023. 

The country is home to several emerging pet food brands, which the FAS reported are making “significant strides” in the market. This includes: 

  • Delicious Food Factory (DFF), a manufacturer in the Middle East that produces brands Horayra and Purevet for cats and Kulaib or dogs. DFF announced a new pet food factory north of Riyadh, set to be the largest in the Middle East. The facility will produce dry and wet pet foods and is expected to be completed by 2026.
  • Majestic Pet Food, which focuses on natural, well-balanced meals for pets produced locally in Saudi Arabia. The company’s products are widely available in pet retail locations throughout the country
  • Soluky Pet Food, a Saudi-born brand that specializes in high-quality ingredients and organic nutrition. The company’s products are delivered to consumers weekly.
  • Loqma, an expanding brand that offers a wide range of dry and wet cat foods marketed as 100% natural meat and grain free. 

In addition to the above domestic companies, several international brands hold significant positions in the Saudi pet food industry. This is due to their longer history within the country and the expansive selection of products these brands offer. According to Euromonitor data shared by the FAS, the top international pet food brands include Whiskas, Royal Canin, Friskies, Sheba, Fancy Feast, Felix, Kitekat, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Pedigree and Schesir. 

Learn more about the Saudi Arabian pet food industry here. 

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