Brazil Pet Food Market Report 2026
"The Brazilian pet market is expanding rapidly, creating new opportunities as more discerning owners drive demand for freshness, functionality and innovation."
Laura Menegon, Analyst Food & Drink, LATAM
The pet food market in Brazil is expanding rapidly and is forecast to reach R$59.6 billion ($11.4 billion) by 2029, supported by the growing humanization of pets and rising demand for premium and functional products. Despite a tax burden of 50% – nearly three times the global average – the category continues to advance, demonstrating strong resilience.
Pet owners are becoming more demanding as 85% report increased concern about the healthfulness of their pets’ diets, fueling interest in freshness, naturalness, functional ingredients and scientifically supported claims. New categories, particularly beverages and hydration solutions, are also gaining relevance in a context where 96% of guardians express concern about ensuring proper hydration.
Social changes are also expanding the sector’s potential. Smaller families and the growing presence of pets in the home continue to drive higher spending on food and care. In addition, the development of public policies focused on animal welfare reinforces the sector’s heightened visibility and supports ongoing market expansion.
This Report highlights strategic opportunities for the sector, including premiumization, monoprotein formulations, functional claims, the convergence of nutrition and entertainment, and the growing focus on pets’ emotional wellbeing.
This Report Looks at the Following Areas:
- Pet food types and categories
- Pet food purchase channels
- Important factors when choosing pet food
- Benefits in pet food and treats
- Behaviors around pet food
Market Definitions
Mintel defines the pet food market as encompassing food and treats for domestic animals, including cats, dogs, small animals such as hamsters and rabbits, as well as fish, reptiles and birds. Dog and cat food formats include dry, wet/canned, semi-moist and treat products. The following segments are included in this Report:
- Cat food
- Dog food
- Other pet food (eg hamsters, birds, guinea pigs, reptiles)
- Pet treats
Are excluded from this Report:
- Food for horses and animals usually considered livestock (pigs, goats, chickens etc.)
- Chews and bones for dogs
- Vitamins and Supplements for pets
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- What you need to know
- Outlook for pet food
- Opportunities
- Concerns about ultra-processed food extend to pet nutrition, boosting interest in fresh options
- Brands will need to meet demand for fresh food while industry and retailers adapt
- Offer fresh ingredient toppers to enhance dry food’s nutrition and palatability
- Food and entertainment will go hand in hand
- Boundaries between food and toys continue to blur
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THE MARKET
- Pet food market set for continued growth
- Sector productivity has fallen short of expectations
- Fewer children, more pets (and more expenses)
- Animal protection laws expand as civil society engagement increases
- The caramel mongrel becomes a cultural heritage of São Paulo
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THE CONSUMER
- Health benefits remain a key priority and differ across specific segments
- Health benefits are the primary consideration when purchasing pet food
- Graph 1: important factors when choosing pet food, 2025
- For female pet owners: focus on prevention and immunity
- Graph 2: benefits in pet food/treats, by gender, 2025
- Beware of empty claims: consumers expect benefits supported by scientific evidence
- Portfolio variety supports retention among consumers seeking multiple benefits
- For Gen Z pet owners: focus on emotional health
- Use natural ingredients to promote pet relaxation and strengthen owner confidence
- Pet hydration gains importance, creating opportunities for new categories
- Hydration gains relevance in the pet category
- Pet drinks show potential for growth in the Brazilian market
- Ensure kitten hydration to reduce kidney risks
- Dogs also deserve special attention for hydration
- Rising food allergy concern drives demand for single-protein food
- Pet owners are looking for food with specific types of proteins
- Pet owners are concerned about the effects of their pets’ diets
- Brands should clearly communicate protein types
- Private labels need to invest in premiumization to meet discerning consumer demand
- Pet specialty chains offer stronger value for premium food shoppers
- Graph 3: purchase channels, by pet food category, 2026
- Low prices and category expertise drive private label gains in specialist chains
- Retail can drive premiumization to compete with specialty stores
- A private label portfolio should target consumers seeking premium, natural, benefit-led ingredients
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PRODUCT, INNOVATION AND MARKETING
- Launches and innovations
- Brands invest in fresh and natural ingredients
- Claims about the presence of antioxidants are gaining relevance
- Launches target allergic pets or those with sensitive skin
- Protein-seeking diets expand into pet food
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APPENDIX – DEFINITION
- Report definition
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APPENDIX – MARKET SIZE AND MARKET SHARE
- Market size
- Market share
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APPENDIX – THE CONSUMER
- Consumer research questions
- Methodology
- Abbreviations
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