What Is Driving Growth in Taiwan’s Pet Food Market?

According to Pet Food Industry, Taiwan Pet Food Ingredients Market Products—including food and accessories—reached approximately US $19.3 billion in 2024, up from US $0.96 billion in pet food sales alone in 2023. Pet ownership has surged, with 1.48 million dogs and 1.31 million cats recorded in 2023, rises of over 19 % and 50 %, respectively, since 2021.

Key Takeaways:

• Population growth: More households are adding pets, driving volume and variety.
• Market share: Pet food accounts for roughly 50 % of total pet‑industry spend.

Try Your Free Sample Here

How Dependent Is Taiwan on Imported Pet Food Ingredients?

According to Pet Food Industry, approximately 70 % of pet food sold in Taiwan is imported. In 2024, imports hit a record US $276 million—testament to the country’s reliance on overseas suppliers for ingredient diversity and cost competitiveness.

In Summary:

• Import reliance underscores opportunity for local ingredient development.
• Record‑high imports reflect both demand growth and limited domestic production capacity.

What Are the Leading Exporter Profiles and Ingredient Qualities?

Thailand commands a 37.2 % share of Taiwan’s pet food imports (US $100 million), leveraging competitive pricing, ingredient diversity and proximity for fast logistics. The United States follows, prized for stringent safety standards and premium‑ingredient positioning, though recent HPAI and facility‑approval delays have tempered growth.

Key Points:

• Thailand (37.2 %, US $100 M): Diverse recipes, cost‑effective.
• United States: Premium ingredients, strong brand loyalty.
• Challenges: Regulatory alignment and biosecurity remain critical.

How Are Consumer Preferences Shaping Ingredient Choices?

Local buyers spend about 50 % of all pet‑related expenses on food, with supplement sales growing faster than standard formulas. Demand is rising for functional additives—probiotics, joint‑health nutrients and novel proteins—to address health, longevity and “humanization” trends.

Conclusive Summary:

• Functional ingredients (e.g., probiotics) are outpacing core feeds.
• Supplement category offers a high‑growth niche within ingredients.

What Role Does E‑Commerce Play in Ingredient Distribution?

In 2022, online platforms captured over 41 % of pet‑product spending, propelled by free delivery and bulk‑buy incentives. This channel empowers smaller brands offering premium or specialized ingredients to reach health‑focused segments directly.

Bullet Summary:

• E‑commerce accelerates ingredient experimentation through direct‑to‑consumer models.
• Bulk and subscription sales support higher‑margin functional products.

What Future Ingredient Trends Can We Expect in Taiwan?

Researchers at the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research forecast further pet‑population growth in coming years, sustaining demand for innovative ingredients. Expect expansion in precision‑fermented proteins, plant‑based formulations and tailor‑made nutritional blends for life stages and health conditions.

Forward‑Looking Points:

• Precision nutrition: Custom blends via biotech fermentation.

Next Steps

1. Assess Local Sourcing: Explore partnerships with Taiwanese ingredient producers to reduce import dependency.
2. Invest in Functional R&D: Develop probiotics, joint‑health and cognitive‑support blends tailored to local preferences.
3. Optimize E‑Commerce Strategies: Leverage subscription and bulk‑buy models to showcase premium ingredients.
4. Monitor Regulatory Alignment: Stay ahead of APHIS and Taiwan‑specific safety/labelling updates for smoother exports.