Market Intelligence
Pet Foods and Supplies China

China Pet Products

China’s pet industry continues its rapid expansion, with Southern China—particularly Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area—emerging as one of the most dynamic and influential regional markets. While nationwide trends such as rising demand for premium food, healthcare products, and smart pet devices are evident, Southern China demonstrates distinct characteristics that set it apart from the broader market.

As of 2023, China’s urban pet (i.e., dogs and cats) consumption market was valued at $39.09 billion, reflecting a 3.2 percent year-over-year increase. By 2026, the market is projected to reach $50.6 billion. With respect to pet ownership, the number of urban pet dogs and cats in 2023 was reported at 51.75 million and 69.8 million, respectively. Currently, Chinese consumers’ demand for pet care products mainly focuses on safety, quality, ease-of-use, and affordability. However, the market for pet personal care products and supplements in China is highly competitive, and U.S. companies face competition from domestic brands, which often enjoy a pricing advantage. Nevertheless, U.S. companies can benefit from a perceived stronger reputation for quality, advanced formulations, and adherence to safety standards. In the pet healthcare sector, there is growing demand for premium pet supplements, joint health products, dental care solutions, and specialized pet medications. Moreover, distributors at recent Chinese trade shows have noted an increased interest in probiotic supplements, omega-3-enriched pet food, and herbal-based health products tailored for longevity and disease prevention.

Guangzhou’s location within the Greater Bay Area (GBA) strengthens its role as a gateway for international trade, particularly for cross-border e-commerce and logistics. U.S. brands benefit from efficient customs clearance and the use of bonded warehouses in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong to streamline imports.

  • High Pet Ownership Density: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Foshan are among the regions with the highest pet ownership rates in China. Younger urban professionals and dual-income households dominate this demographic, showing a preference for premium imported brands, particularly in the natural, organic, and functional product categories.
  • Distribution and Wholesale Hub: Guangzhou serves as a critical distribution center for Southern China. Wholesale markets and distributors in Baiyun and Huangpu supply pet products not only across Guangdong but also into Guangxi and Hainan, extending the region’s influence.
  • Industry Events and Clusters: The region hosts key trade fairs such as Pet Fair South China and the China International Pet Fair (CIPS). These exhibitions provide international brands with unique opportunities to connect directly with distributors, retailers, and consumers in Southern China.
  • Consumer Preferences: Pet owners in Southern China place strong emphasis on health, lifestyle, and technology. Trends include:
    • Growing demand for grain-free, hypoallergenic, weight management, and breed-specific diets.
    • High interest in pet healthcare products—particularly dental care, skin and coat health, and probiotics.
    • Strong adoption of smart devices such as automatic feeders, water fountains, GPS trackers, and health-monitoring collars, reflecting the tech-savvy consumer base in Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
    • Rising popularity of premium grooming services and pet-friendly retail environments, which highlight the lifestyle integration of pets in urban households.

Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area represent a strategically important sub-market within China’s pet industry. With its high pet ownership rates, advanced logistics networks, innovation-oriented consumers, and growing emphasis on health and safety, Southern China offers U.S. pet product companies a potential strategic location and platform to establish or expand their market presence.

For more information, please contact Office.Guangzhou@trade.gov.