China Pet Treats - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)

The china pet treats market size is projected to be USD 3.23 billion in 2025, USD 3.42 billion in 2026, and reach USD 4.56 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2026 to 2031. This report is Segmented by Sub-Product (Crunchy Treats, Dental Treats, and More), by Pets (Cats, Dogs, and Other Pets), and by Distribution Channel (Convenience Stores, Online Channel, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Metric Tons).

China Pet Treats Market Trends and Insights

Premiumization of Pet Snacks and Functional Treats

The China pet treats market is shifting from simple reward feeding to targeted nutrition, and premiumization is now the main revenue driver. The USDA FAS Pet Food Market Update 2026 reported that functional foods, interactive treats, and fresh offerings have become the primary growth drivers for both domestic and imported brands, particularly among younger Chinese consumers, highlighting the growing demand for specialized products in the China pet treats market. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) stated that high-end and functional pet food products were projected to grow at 6% to 8% in 2025, with strong interest in freeze-dried training treats, cartilage treats, dental sticks, and air-dried meat formats. Oral care, immune support, joint and bone health, and skin and coat support are also gaining attention, so brands without a clear functional position are losing relevance in the China pet treats market

Rising Cat Ownership and Cat Treat Penetration

Rising cat ownership is changing the demand base of the China pet treats market and widening the opportunity for species-specific product launches. The United States Department of Agriculture - Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) reported that 69.7% of cat owners purchased freeze-dried formats in 2025, and demand increased for products linked to hairball control, hydration, and liver and kidney support. The State Council Information Office also noted that regulations in many cities restricted large-breed dogs and daytime dog-walking hours, which is one reason new urban pet ownership has shifted toward cats in the China pet treats market

Tightening Import Registration and Compliance Burden

Compliance requirements are making it harder for imported treat brands to enter China and narrowing the economics of a full-import strategy. The USDA FAS reported that in September 2025, China notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of draft National Hygienic Standards for Pet Feed (Food) and a draft Mandatory National Standard for Pet Food Labeling, both of which would create additional quality and labeling obligations for producers. The same USDA FAS report stated that imported packaged pet food fell to USD 474.1 million in 2025, down 5.2% from 2024, indicating that cost and compliance pressures were already affecting trade flows. China also raised the provisional MFN tariff on retail-packaged pet food from 4% to 10% from January 1, 2025, which lifted landed costs for foreign brands. In the China pet treats market, this pushes many international suppliers toward local manufacturing, co-packing, or a narrower premium product mix.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

• E-Commerce and Social Commerce Led Discovery
• Humanization of Pets and Treats as Rewarding Occasions
• Ingredient Cost Volatility for Meat-Based Treats

Segment Analysis

Freeze-dried and jerky treats accounted for 31% of the China pet treats market size in 2025, making them the largest subsegment. The same category was also the fastest-growing, showing that premium demand and scale are building in the same part of the category. According to China International Pet Show (CIPS 2026), 81.2% of dog owners purchased jerky and meat strip treats in 2025, while 56.6% purchased freeze-dried formats.

The USDA FAS identified freeze-dried snacks, cartilage treats, meat floss, dental sticks, and air-dried meat as the highest-growth dog treat formats in 2025. It also pointed to freeze-dried donuts, grass sticks, and interactive pocket treats as fast-growing cat formats, which shows that premium innovation is spreading across use cases and species. The China pet treats industry is therefore rewarding products that combine visible protein content with convenience and function. Soft and chewy treats continue to meet training needs because they are easy to portion and feed. Crunchy treats still hold stable everyday volume in the China pet treats market because they remain accessible to more price-sensitive households.

Complete Report Scope:

• By Sub Product
  • Crunchy Treats
  • Dental Treats
  • Freeze-Dried and Jerky Treats
  • Soft and Chewy Treats
  • Other Treats
• By Pets
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Other Pets
• By Distribution Channel
  • Convenience Stores
  • Online Channel
  • Specialty Stores
  • Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
  • Other Distribution Channels

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

• Mars, Incorporated
• Nestlé S.A.
• Colgate-Palmolive Company
• General Mills, Inc.
• Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.
• Yantai China Pet Foods Co., Ltd.
• Petpal Pet Nutrition Technology Co., Ltd.
• Gambol Pet Group Co., Ltd.
• Zhengbang Technology Co., Ltd.
• Shanghai Bridge Pet Care Co., Ltd.
• Shandong Luscious Pet Food Co., Ltd.
• Yantai Purepet Foods Limited
• Fubei Pet Food Co., Ltd.
• Nanjing Wants Pet Products Co., Ltd.
• Zhangjiagang This Way Pet Food Co., Ltd.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support