
South America Pet Food Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The South America pet food market is expected to grow from USD 15 billion in 2025 to USD 16.08 billion in 2026 and is forecast to reach USD 22.74 billion by 2031 at 7.18% CAGR over 2026-2031. After years of sustained investment, the region now boasts more than USD 1 billion in recently installed capacity, which underpins competitive exports, especially from Brazil and Argentina. Consumption patterns continue to migrate toward premium and therapeutic recipes as rising urban incomes, humanization of companion animals, and e-commerce accessibility reshape purchase priorities across all income brackets. Competitive rivalry remains low because multinationals, such as Mars and Nestlé Purina, share shelf space with agile regional champions that know how to leverage local crop availability for a cost advantage.
Key Report Takeaways
- By product type, food retained 70.30% revenue share in 2025 while veterinary diets advanced at a 8.85% CAGR through 2031.
- By pets, dogs held 67.30% of the South America pet food market share in 2025, whereas cat food is projected to post the highest CAGR of 7.95% from 2026 to 2031.
- By distribution, specialty stores accounted for 41.80% of sales in 2025. Online platforms are growing the fastest at a 9.2% CAGR over the forecast window.
- By geography, Brazil commanded 61.20% of revenue in 2025, while Argentina is forecast to expand at 8.25% CAGR through 2031.
Note: Market size and forecast figures in this report are generated using Mordor Intelligence’s proprietary estimation framework, updated with the latest available data and insights as of January 2026.
South America Pet Food Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
| Driver | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rising humanization of pets fueling premiumization | +1.8% | Brazil, Argentina, and Chile | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Expansion of e-commerce pet-specialty platforms | +1.2% | Regional and strongest in urban centers | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Growth in functional nutrition and nutraceutical adoption for preventive pet healthcare | +0.9% | Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Increasing cat ownership in densely populated urban centers | +0.7% | Major metropolitan areas across region | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Localization of production by multinationals, mitigating import tariffs | +0.6% | Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Innovation in insect-based proteins improving sustainability profile | +0.4% | Brazil, and Chile early adopters | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Rising Humanization of Pets Fueling Premiumization
Three of four Argentine owners consider their companion animals family members, so they willingly pay for premium snacks, organic formulations, and veterinary diets that emulate human wellness trends. Brazilian and Argentine factories have installed advanced twin-screw extruders and automated packaging to deliver scientifically validated recipes at scale, allowing brands to justify higher price points and differentiate through functional claims. Start-ups such as Mascote Fit use human-grade meats and transparent labeling to capture younger consumers who distrust artificial additives. Premium share already sits at 12% in Mexico and is predicted to approach 20% once disposable incomes converge with regional averages[1]Source: M.A., “Un mercado en auge que define hábitos de consumo,” Perfil, perfil.com. Parallel growth in pet hospitality and insurance services reinforces willingness to invest in nutrition, confirming a virtuous cycle between humanization and premium feed demand.
Expansion of E-commerce Pet-Specialty Platforms
Digital platforms lowered the cost of reaching fragmented pet households, as e-commerce gained 100 basis points of expenditure share in Argentina within one year. Mercado Libre ranked pet food the sixth best-selling category during Mexico’s “El Buen Fin” campaign, posting 90% year-over-year sales growth that validated the omnichannel shift. Consumers appreciate subscription convenience, a larger selection, and price transparency, which is eroding the dominance of independent pet shops, which still number 42,000 in Brazil. Nestlé Purina piloted zero-waste bulk delivery in Santiago using Algramo’s electric tricycles, reducing packaging weight by 10 grams per kilogram sold and demonstrating how digital tools can align sustainability goals with direct-to-consumer economics. Rapid fulfillment networks now enable same-day delivery in capital cities, further closing convenience gaps that once discouraged online orders.
Growth in Functional Nutrition and Nutraceutical Adoption for Preventive Pet Healthcare
Pet owners are increasingly demanding proof that their diets support immunity, gut microbiota, joint mobility, and cognitive longevity. Biorigin’s PalaUp, a yeast-derived ingredient adding umami notes while carrying beta-glucans, illustrates biotech’s role in immune-support formulations. Grupo Molino Chacabuco launched a diet for spayed cats with a balanced mineral formula for urinary health, responding to the increasing feline sterilization rates in Argentina. Regulatory bodies are catching up, for instance, the National Service of Agri-Food Health and Quality (SENASA) simplified approval pathways for functional ingredients in January 2025, creating an explicit process for nutraceutical claims that had lacked clarity. Younger urban professionals align their own wellness routines with their pets’ diets, which sustains demand for fortified treats, digestive supplements, and condition-specific kibbles.
Increasing Cat Ownership in Densely Populated Urban Centers
Cats often favor dense living spaces because they require less outdoor time and adapt well to apartment life. Argentina follows a similar pattern, with feline presence even as dog numbers decline. Cats spur demand for indoor recipes addressing hairball management, lower calorie density, and urinary health, and these features command premiums over standard dog formulas. Mexican cat food sales are reflecting both pet adoption and trade-up behavior among existing owners. Companies tailoring products to feline life stages and health conditions capture incremental spend that would otherwise be unavailable in the mature dog segment.
Restraints Impact Analysis
| Restraint | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility in raw meat and grain prices squeezing manufacturer margins | -1.4% | Regional, particularly Brazil and Argentina | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
| Limited cold-chain infrastructure restricting wet food distribution | -0.8% | Rural areas and northern regions | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| High informality of retail limiting premium brand penetration | -0.6% | Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
| Stringent labeling regulations on nutraceutical claims slowing new launches | -0.4% | Argentina and Chile regulatory frameworks | Medium term (2-4 years) |
| Source: Mordor Intelligence | |||
Volatility in Raw Meat and Grain Prices Squeezing Manufacturer Margins
Corn production in Brazil is affected, following drought-reduced harvests, which added 1.07 percentage points to national inflation and led to cost pass-through to retail shelves. Argentine yellow maize climbed year on year in March 2024 due to drought and peso devaluation, while wheat rose over the same period[2]Source: FAO, “FPMA Bulletin #3,” fao.org. Protein inputs tell a similar story, with Brazilian beef briefly reaching USD 2.32 per kilogram at wholesale before easing due to larger slaughter volumes, as reported by. Companies hedge through ingredient substitution and futures contracts, but smaller firms without vertical integration face solvency pressure.
Limited Cold-Chain Infrastructure Restricting Wet Food Distribution
Temperature-controlled logistics remain scarce in secondary and rural corridors, for instance, Maersk identifies five systemic cold-chain gaps, including fragmented regulation and poor traceability, that raise costs and increase the risk of spoilage. Wet cat and dog sachets therefore grow more slowly than dry food, despite consumer interest in moist textures. Even in Brazil, where wet capacity is expanding, penetration lags because distribution to the North and Center-West requires multimodal transport and multiple handoffs. Companies are experimenting with retort pouches that withstand wider temperature bands, yet premiumization potential will stay capped until logistics standards improve region-wide.
Segment Analysis
By Pet Food Product - Therapeutic Nutrition Drives Premium Growth
Veterinary diets were the fastest-growing segment, with a 8.85% CAGR, despite food still accounting for 70.30% of the 2025 revenue in the South America pet food market. The South America pet food market size for veterinary diets is projected to grow by 2031 as clinics recommend condition-specific formulas for renal or metabolic support. Manufacturer margins reach double those of conventional adult maintenance kibble because functional ingredients raise perceived value and price elasticity.
Treats now account for a significant share of consumer spending, with options including dental sticks, freeze-dried bits, and jerky. Regulatory shifts, such as Mexico’s NOM-012-SAG/ZOO-2020, enforce stability tests for high-moisture treats, prompting investments in inline moisture analyzers and metal detection to avoid product recalls. Pet nutraceuticals, omega-3 oils, yeast-derived beta-glucans, and milk bioactives are climbing a 10% runway, albeit from a low base, propelled by cross-selling in veterinary offices. Wet food is gaining share too, but logistics bottlenecks limit distribution beyond tier-one cities.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Pets - Urban Lifestyle Shifts Favor Feline Growth
Dogs still captured 67.30% of 2025 dollar sales in the South America pet food market, yet cats posted the sharper 7.95% trajectory thanks to space-constrained apartments and shifting lifestyle norms. The pet population dynamics create distinct nutritional requirements, with cat-specific formulations emphasizing indoor lifestyle adaptations, hairball control, and urinary health maintenance that command premium pricing compared to traditional dog food formulations.
Cat food innovators focus on hairball control and pH-balanced urinary diets that fetch premiums over standard feline maintenance fare. Smaller mammals, birds, and aquarium fish compose less than 2% of volume, yet specialty blends for rabbits or parakeets command high unit margins in pet boutiques. The demographic mix of millennial singles and empty-nest retirees drives the cat surge, providing a stable consumption base that will support continued SKU proliferation.
By Distribution Channel - Digital Transformation Accelerates Market Access
Specialty outlets remained the top sales avenue with 41.80% revenue share, benefiting from on-site veterinary services and curated assortments in urban corridors. Still, the online South America pet food market size is projected to grow, driven by auto-replenishment programs and rapid delivery couriers. Online is projected to post a 9.2% CAGR and could surpass hypermarkets by 2029 if fulfillment continues to improve.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain strong in mainstream price bands and are increasingly dedicating end-cap displays to premium SKUs as category turnover grows. Convenience stores exploit impulse buys with 100-gram sachets and chew sticks, packaged for single-use. Direct-to-consumer brands chip away at the middle through flexible subscription bundles that include diet consultations, which help capture consumer data critical for personalized nutrition roadmaps.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
Geography Analysis
Brazil underpins regional leadership with 61.20% revenue in 2025, backed by a good share of annual output and high commercial feed penetration among the country's pets. Recent capital outlays worth USD 500 million since 2021 have added modern extrusion lines and robotic warehousing that raise throughput and cut labor costs. Nonetheless, corn inflation and freight volatility challenge profitability, reinforcing the strategic value of near-farm production sites and rail investments.
Argentina is projected to show the fastest country-level growth. Argentina is forecast to expand at 8.25% CAGR through 2031, according to domestic trade groups. The country's unique veterinary-centric distribution model, where prescription and mass consumption products flow through veterinary channels, creates opportunities for therapeutic nutrition but may limit mainstream market penetration.
The rest of South America is heterogeneous. Chile imported a good volume of United States pet foods during 2022, while Empresas Carozzi and Champion maintain sizable domestic shares. Colombia’s billion-dollar market attracted Grupo Diana, which acquired local producer Alimentos Nutrión to expedite its entry. Peru’s Rinti exports across Andean neighbors, benefiting from tariff-free Pacific Alliance corridors. Although these markets lack Brazil’s scale, they offer double-digit unit growth, and relaxation of Mercosur customs regimes through Brazil’s 2024 decree further simplifies intra-zone raw-material flows.
Competitive Landscape
Global majors and regional specialists split the field, resulting in a low concentration profile for the South America pet food market. Mars, Nestlé Purina, PremieRpet, BRF Global, and Empresas Carozzi SA utilize international brand equity and research and development capabilities to launch novel SKUs and secure shelf presence across hypermarkets. Nestlé Purina allocated funds worldwide from 2022 to 2025, with a new Brazilian greenfield plant at Vargeão set to deliver both dry and wet formats.
Regional powers BRF Pet SA, Special Dog, and PremierPet pair local ingredient access with intimate consumer knowledge and agile product development cycles. BRF Pet’s Biofresh posted 26% real revenue growth in 2024, reflecting the draw of natural positioning[3]Source: Lisa Cleaver, “BRF continues to grow super premium natural segment,” Pet Food Industry, petfoodindustry.com. PremierPet’s expansion features fourth-generation extrusion modules that enhance protein inclusions and digestibility, surpassing imported formulas in freshness.
Innovation ecosystems flourish. Biorigin and Lesaffre merged their capabilities in June 2025, combining yeast technology with a carbon-neutral factory to supply palatants and functional biomolecules. Equipment vendors, such as Marel, help medium-sized players reach 90% meat content via RevoPortioner systems, leveling product quality across firm sizes. White-space opportunities revolve around sustainable packaging, insect protein, and DTC conversion. Start-ups entering these fronts pressure incumbents to respond quickly or acquire early movers.
South America Pet Food Industry Leaders
BRF Global
Empresas Carozzi SA
Mars Incorporated
Nestle (Purina)
PremieRpet
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Recent Industry Developments
- November 2024: BRF Pet SA reported significant progress in the super-premium natural pet food segment during Q3 2024, driving overall business profitability with innovations including Biofresh for Dogs Loin and Pineapple functional formula.
- July 2023: Hill's Pet Nutrition introduced its new MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified pollock and insect protein products for pets with sensitive stomachs and skin lines. They contain vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.
- May 2023: Nestle Purina launched new cat treats under the Friskies "Friskies Playfuls - treats" brand. These treats are round in shape and are available in chicken and liver and salmon and shrimp flavors for adult cats.
South America Pet Food Market Report Scope
Food, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, Pet Treats, Pet Veterinary Diets are covered as segments by Pet Food Product. Cats, Dogs are covered as segments by Pets. Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets are covered as segments by Distribution Channel. Argentina, Brazil are covered as segments by Country.| Food | By Sub Product | Dry Pet Food | By Sub Dry Pet Food | Kibbles |
| Other Dry Pet Food | ||||
| Wet Pet Food | ||||
| Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements | By Sub Product | Milk Bioactives | ||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | ||||
| Probiotics | ||||
| Proteins and Peptides | ||||
| Vitamins and Minerals | ||||
| Other Nutraceuticals | ||||
| Pet Treats | By Sub Product | Crunchy Treats | ||
| Dental Treats | ||||
| Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats | ||||
| Soft and Chewy Treats | ||||
| Other Treats | ||||
| Pet Veterinary Diets | By Sub Product | Derma Diets | ||
| Diabetes | ||||
| Digestive Sensitivity | ||||
| Obesity Diets | ||||
| Oral Care Diets | ||||
| Renal | ||||
| Urinary tract disease | ||||
| Other Veterinary Diets |
| Cats |
| Dogs |
| Other Pets |
| Convenience Stores |
| Online Channel |
| Specialty Stores |
| Supermarkets/Hypermarkets |
| Other Channels |
| Brazil |
| Argentina |
| Rest of South America |
| Pet Food Product | Food | By Sub Product | Dry Pet Food | By Sub Dry Pet Food | Kibbles |
| Other Dry Pet Food | |||||
| Wet Pet Food | |||||
| Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements | By Sub Product | Milk Bioactives | |||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | |||||
| Probiotics | |||||
| Proteins and Peptides | |||||
| Vitamins and Minerals | |||||
| Other Nutraceuticals | |||||
| Pet Treats | By Sub Product | Crunchy Treats | |||
| Dental Treats | |||||
| Freeze-dried and Jerky Treats | |||||
| Soft and Chewy Treats | |||||
| Other Treats | |||||
| Pet Veterinary Diets | By Sub Product | Derma Diets | |||
| Diabetes | |||||
| Digestive Sensitivity | |||||
| Obesity Diets | |||||
| Oral Care Diets | |||||
| Renal | |||||
| Urinary tract disease | |||||
| Other Veterinary Diets | |||||
| Pets | Cats | ||||
| Dogs | |||||
| Other Pets | |||||
| Distribution Channel | Convenience Stores | ||||
| Online Channel | |||||
| Specialty Stores | |||||
| Supermarkets/Hypermarkets | |||||
| Other Channels | |||||
| Geography | Brazil | ||||
| Argentina | |||||
| Rest of South America | |||||
Market Definition
- FUNCTIONS - Pet foods are usually intended to provide complete and balanced nutrition to the pet but are primarily used as functional products. The scope includes the food and supplements consumed by pets including veterinary diets. Supplements/nutraceuticals that are directly supplied to pets are considered within the scope.
- RESELLERS - Companies engaged in reselling of pet food without value addition have been excluded from the market scope, in order to avoid double counting.
- END CONSUMERS - Pet owners are considered to be the end-consumers in the market studied.
- DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS - Supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, convenience stores, online channels and other channels are considered within the scope. The stores which are exclusively providing pet related basic and custom products are considered within the scope of specialty stores.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Pet Food | The scope of pet food includes the food that is eatable by pets including food, treats, veterinary diets, and nutraceuticals/supplements. |
| Food | Food is animal feed intended for consumption by pets. It is formulated to provide essential nutrients and meet the dietary needs of various types of pets, including dogs, cats, and other animals. These are generally segmented into dry and wet pet foods. |
| Dry Pet Food | Dry pet foods may be extruded/baked (kibbles) or flaked. They have a lower moisture content, typically around 12-20%. |
| Wet Pet Food | Wet pet food, also known as canned pet food or moist pet food, generally has a higher moisture content compared to dry pet food, often ranging from 70-80%. |
| Kibbles | Kibbles are dry, processed pet food in small, bite-sized pieces or pellets. They are specifically formulated to provide balanced nutrition for various domestic animals, such as dogs, cats, and other animals. |
| Treats | Pet Treats are special food items or rewards given to pets, to show affection, and encourage good behavior. They are especially used during training. Pet treats are made from various combinations of meat or meat-derived materials with other ingredients. |
| Dental Treats | Pet dental treats are specialized treats that are formulated to promote good oral hygiene in pets. |
| Crunchy Treats | It is a type of pet treat that has a firm and crispy texture which can be a good source of nutrition for pets. |
| Soft and chewy treats | Soft and Chewy pet treats are a type of pet food product that is formulated to be easy to chewy and digest. They are usually made from soft and pliable ingredients, such as meat, poultry, or vegetables, that have been blended and formed into bite-sized pieces or strips. |
| Freeze-dried & Jerky Treats | Freeze-dried and jerky treats are snacks given to pets, that are prepared through a special preservation process, without damaging the nutritional content, resulting in long-lasting, nutrient-rich treats. |
| Urinary Tract Disease Diets | These are commercial diets that are specifically formulated to promote urinary health and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections and other urinary problems. |
| Renal Diets | These are specialized pet foods formulated to support the health of pets with kidney disease or renal insufficiency. |
| Digestive Sensitivity Diets | Digestive-sensitive diets are specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of pets with digestive issues such as food intolerances, allergies, and sensitivities. These diets are designed to be easily digestible and to reduce the symptoms of digestive problems in pets. |
| Oral Care Diets | Oral care diets for pets are specially formulated diets produced to promote oral health and hygiene in pets. |
| Grain-Free Pet Food | Pet food that does not contain common grains like wheat, corn, or soy. Grain-free diets are often preferred by pet owners seeking alternative options or if their pets have specific dietary sensitivities. |
| Premium Pet Food | High-quality pet food formulated with superior ingredients often offers additional nutritional benefits compared to standard pet food. |
| Natural Pet Food | Pet food made from natural ingredients, with minimal processing and without artificial preservatives. |
| Organic Pet Food | Pet food is produced using organic ingredients, free from synthetic pesticides, hormones, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). |
| Extrusion | A manufacturing process used to produce dry pet food, where ingredients are cooked, mixed, and shaped under high pressure and temperature. |
| Other Pets | Other pets include birds, fish, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, and reptiles. |
| Palatability | The taste, texture, and aroma of pet food influence its appeal and acceptance by pets. |
| Complete and Balanced Pet Food | Pet food that provides all essential nutrients in appropriate proportions to meet the nutritional needs of pets without additional supplementation. |
| Preservatives | These are the substances that are added to pet food to extend its shelf life and prevent spoilage. |
| Nutraceuticals | Food products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, often contain bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic effects. |
| Probiotics | Live beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy balance of gut flora, supporting digestive health and immune function in pets. |
| Antioxidants | Compounds that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, promoting cellular health and supporting the immune system in pets. |
| Shelf-Life | The duration of which pet food remains safe and nutritionally viable for consumption after its production date. |
| Prescription diet | Specialized pet food formulated to address specific medical conditions under veterinary supervision. |
| Allergen | A substance that can cause allergic reactions in some pets, leading to food allergies or sensitivities. |
| Canned food | Wet pet food that is packed in cans and contains higher moisture content than dry food. |
| Limited ingredient diet (LID) | Pet food formulated with a reduced number of ingredients to minimize potential allergens. |
| Guaranteed Analysis | The minimum or maximum levels of certain nutrients present in pet food. |
| Weight management | Pet food designed to help pets maintain a healthy weight or support weight loss efforts. |
| Other Nutraceuticals | It includes prebiotics, antioxidants, digestive fiber, enzymes, essential oils and herbs. |
| Other Veterinary Diets | It includes weight management diets, skin and coat health, cardiac care, and joint care. |
| Other Treats | It includes rawhides, mineral blocks, lickables, and catnips. |
| Other Dry Foods | It includes cereal flakes, mixers, meal toppers, freeze-dried foods, and air-dried foods. |
| Other Animals | It includes birds, fish, reptiles, and small animals (rabbits, ferrets, hamsters). |
| Other Distribution Channels | It includes veterinary clinics, local unregulated stores, and feed and farm stores. |
| Proteins and Peptides | Proteins are large molecules composed of basic units called amino acids which help in the growth and development of pets. Peptides are the short string of 2 to 50 amino acids. |
| Omega-3 fatty acids | Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats that play a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of Pets |
| Vitamins | Vitamins are the essential organic compounds that are essential for vital physiological functioning. |
| Minerals | Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances that are essential for various physiological functions in pets. |
| CKD | Chronic Kidney Disease |
| DHA | Docosahexaenoic Acid |
| EPA | Eicosapentaenoic Acid |
| ALA | Alpha-linolenic Acid |
| BHA | Butylated Hydroxyanisol |
| BHT | Butylated Hydroxytoluene |
| FLUTD | Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease |
Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: IDENTIFY KEY VARIABLES: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms








