China Pet Obesity Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The China Pet Obesity Market is expanding rapidly due to increasing prevalence of overweight and obese pets across households and veterinary clinics.

• Rising pet humanization trends are driving demand for specialized nutrition and weight management solutions.

• Advancements in smart pet monitoring and health-tracking technologies are enabling early obesity detection.

• Growing awareness among pet owners about metabolic and lifestyle-related disorders is improving preventive care.

• The surge in premium pet food formulations and veterinary diet programs is fueling market growth.

• Collaborations between veterinarians, nutritionists, and pet care companies are enhancing weight management strategies.

• Government and animal health organizations in China are promoting obesity prevention campaigns.

• Increasing expenditure on pet healthcare and wellness services is accelerating overall market expansion.

China Pet Obesity Market Size and Forecast

The China Pet Obesity Market is projected to grow from USD 1.1 billion in 2025 to USD 2.4 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 13.4% during the forecast period. Rising incidences of obesity among companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, are driving strong market demand. Urban lifestyles, overfeeding, and lack of physical activity are contributing to growing obesity rates. Veterinary professionals are emphasizing early diagnosis and structured weight-loss programs combining nutrition, exercise, and digital monitoring. Pet owners are increasingly investing in premium diet formulations and technology-based health solutions. Moreover, growing regulatory focus on pet health and the expansion of pet wellness services in China are boosting industry growth.

Introduction

Pet obesity has emerged as a critical health concern worldwide, affecting millions of domestic animals. In China, rising rates of obesity among pets are associated with sedentary lifestyles, overnutrition, and limited awareness of dietary management. Obese pets face elevated risks of diabetes, joint disorders, cardiovascular disease, and reduced life expectancy. The market encompasses a broad spectrum of solutions including therapeutic pet foods, nutritional supplements, digital monitoring devices, and weight management programs. Veterinary clinics, pet food manufacturers, and technology firms are collaborating to provide integrated wellness approaches. The convergence of preventive care, smart monitoring, and personalized nutrition is reshaping pet healthcare standards in China.

Future Outlook

By 2031, the China Pet Obesity Market will witness widespread adoption of AI-driven health monitoring, personalized nutrition, and tele-veterinary programs. Smart collars and wearable devices will continuously track activity, calorie intake, and weight fluctuations. Data integration with mobile health platforms will enable veterinarians to recommend tailored diet and exercise plans remotely. Pet food manufacturers will invest in research to develop functional foods targeting metabolism, satiety, and fat oxidation. Additionally, wellness service providers will offer subscription-based pet fitness and diet management plans. As pet humanization intensifies, obesity prevention will become a key focus within the broader pet healthcare ecosystem across China.

China Pet Obesity Market Trends

• Rising Humanization of Pets and Lifestyle Shifts
  The growing emotional attachment between owners and pets in China has led to human-like treatment practices, including indulgent feeding habits. Pet parents often overfeed or provide calorie-rich treats, contributing to widespread obesity. Increasing urbanization has reduced pets’ outdoor activity levels, further exacerbating weight gain. This shift toward sedentary pet lifestyles is encouraging manufacturers to design portion-controlled foods and activity-promoting accessories. Pet care brands are leveraging emotional marketing to promote healthy feeding behaviors. The trend reflects the deepening cultural shift toward viewing pets as family members, with corresponding health responsibilities.

• Growth of Specialized Veterinary Diets and Nutraceuticals
  Specialized veterinary diets and nutritional supplements are gaining popularity in China as frontline solutions for managing pet obesity. Veterinary clinics are prescribing low-calorie, high-protein formulations to promote fat reduction while maintaining muscle mass. Nutraceuticals containing omega-3 fatty acids, L-carnitine, and fiber are being incorporated into routine diets. Pet food manufacturers are launching therapeutic lines targeting specific metabolic conditions like diabetes and thyroid imbalance. Veterinarian partnerships with food companies are ensuring science-backed formulations. The proliferation of prescription-based nutrition products is driving the market’s clinical and commercial growth trajectory.

• Technological Integration in Pet Health Monitoring
  Technology is revolutionizing pet obesity management in China through real-time health tracking and analytics. Wearable devices such as smart collars and GPS trackers monitor activity levels, calorie burn, and sleep patterns. Mobile applications record feeding schedules and automatically adjust meal portions based on energy expenditure. Integration with veterinary telemedicine platforms enables remote consultations and progress tracking. Data-driven insights empower owners to make informed health decisions. The fusion of digital monitoring and veterinary science is enhancing preventive and corrective measures against obesity.

• Expansion of Pet Wellness and Fitness Services
  Pet wellness centers and fitness programs are becoming mainstream across urban regions of China. These facilities offer personalized weight management services, including diet planning, physical exercise, and hydrotherapy. Veterinary clinics are integrating wellness programs into routine preventive care visits. Mobile pet fitness services and online coaching platforms are extending reach to home-based pet owners. Social media-driven fitness challenges are motivating pet owners to engage in regular pet exercise. The formalization of pet wellness ecosystems signifies the market’s evolution toward holistic and continuous health management.

• Increasing Awareness Through Educational Campaigns
  Public and institutional campaigns are raising awareness of pet obesity in China. Government agencies, veterinary associations, and NGOs are promoting initiatives focused on pet nutrition and exercise. Campaigns emphasize owner education, early diagnosis, and responsible feeding habits. Pet expos and workshops are being organized to demonstrate portion control and weight management techniques. Influencers and social media advocates are helping normalize discussions about pet health. This widespread educational effort is building a more informed consumer base committed to preventive care and lifestyle moderation.

Market Growth Drivers

• Rising Prevalence of Obesity Among Companion Animals
  Pet obesity has become one of the most common health issues in companion animals across China, affecting nearly one-third of dogs and cats. The increasing prevalence of overfeeding and sedentary lifestyles has amplified the problem. Veterinary clinics are reporting a consistent rise in obesity-related metabolic and orthopedic disorders. The growing number of overweight pets is creating sustained demand for therapeutic nutrition and veterinary interventions. As pet ownership rates increase, obesity prevention has become a critical component of healthcare services. This rising prevalence forms the foundation of long-term market expansion.

• Increased Spending on Pet Healthcare and Nutrition
  Pet owners in China are allocating higher budgets toward health, nutrition, and preventive care. Premium and functional pet foods are gaining traction among health-conscious consumers. Veterinary clinics are offering comprehensive obesity treatment packages combining diet, diagnostics, and behavioral counseling. Online retail channels are boosting accessibility to weight-control supplements and smart feeding devices. The willingness of consumers to invest in their pets’ wellbeing is fostering a robust market for obesity management solutions. This shift toward premiumization underscores a lasting trend of health-focused pet care expenditure.

• Advancements in Pet Health Monitoring Devices
  The proliferation of wearable and connected devices is revolutionizing pet healthcare in China. Smart collars equipped with sensors track activity levels, energy expenditure, and sleep cycles. These devices integrate with mobile apps that provide weight tracking and dietary recommendations. Veterinarians can monitor progress remotely and suggest behavioral or nutritional adjustments. Data analytics enables early detection of obesity-related risks, improving intervention timing. The continuous evolution of smart technologies enhances accountability among owners and facilitates precision-based weight management.

• Supportive Veterinary and Institutional Initiatives
  Veterinary associations and health organizations in China are implementing obesity management protocols across clinics. Regular body condition scoring, nutritional counseling, and activity assessments are being institutionalized. Universities are conducting research on pet metabolism and feeding behavior, aiding scientific formulation development. Government programs are funding public health campaigns emphasizing preventive pet healthcare. Institutional collaboration is ensuring consistent education and evidence-based intervention frameworks. These systemic efforts are establishing obesity management as a core veterinary discipline.

• Growth of E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Pet Health Brands
  The rise of e-commerce platforms and D2C brands is reshaping distribution in the China pet obesity market. Online retailers offer wide access to weight-control foods, supplements, and digital monitoring tools. Subscription-based health boxes and auto-replenishment models ensure convenience for pet owners. Digital engagement through loyalty programs and educational content enhances consumer retention. Startups are leveraging data analytics to offer customized feeding recommendations. The online ecosystem is democratizing access to advanced pet health products, driving market penetration across all demographics.

Challenges in the Market

• Lack of Awareness and Misconceptions Among Pet Owners
  Many pet owners in China underestimate the health risks associated with obesity or mistake excess weight for good care. This perception gap leads to delayed intervention and improper feeding practices. Limited awareness of calorie requirements and exercise needs contributes to worsening obesity rates. Veterinarians face challenges in changing owner behavior and promoting sustained lifestyle modification. Public education and awareness campaigns are gradually improving understanding but progress remains uneven. Addressing these misconceptions is essential for effective long-term control of pet obesity.

• High Cost of Specialized Nutrition and Veterinary Services
  Therapeutic pet foods and weight-management programs are often expensive, limiting accessibility for cost-sensitive consumers. In China, the price differential between regular and prescription diets remains significant. Frequent veterinary visits, diagnostic tests, and wellness services further add to the economic burden. While affluent pet owners invest willingly, middle-income households remain underserved. Manufacturers and clinics are exploring value-based pricing and subscription models to improve affordability. Overcoming cost barriers is key to expanding preventive and corrective obesity care.

• Limited Availability of Advanced Pet Health Infrastructure
  Access to modern veterinary facilities and weight management programs remains limited outside major cities in China. Rural areas often lack specialized veterinary nutritionists and diagnostic tools. The absence of wellness centers reduces opportunities for regular monitoring and fitness training. Supply chain limitations affect the availability of therapeutic pet foods and supplements. This urban–rural divide constrains overall market reach. Strengthening infrastructure through mobile clinics and digital platforms will be crucial for inclusive growth.

• Challenges in Behavioral Modification and Owner Compliance
  Even with prescribed diets and activity plans, many owners struggle to maintain long-term compliance. Emotional feeding habits and inconsistent exercise routines reduce program effectiveness. In China, veterinarians report frequent relapses among pets previously treated for obesity. Behavioral counseling and continuous digital engagement are being integrated to address these issues. However, sustained commitment from pet owners remains variable. Enhancing owner accountability through digital reminders and reward systems is emerging as a strategic focus for service providers.

• Regulatory and Labeling Inconsistencies
  Regulatory frameworks for pet food labeling and nutritional claims vary across regions in China. Inconsistent calorie disclosure and ambiguous ingredient information confuse consumers. Manufacturers face challenges in maintaining compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Lack of standardization also affects veterinarians’ ability to recommend uniform dietary regimens. Efforts are underway to harmonize regulations and promote transparent labeling practices. Ensuring accuracy and consistency in product information will strengthen consumer trust and market reliability.

China Pet Obesity Market Segmentation

By Animal Type

• Dogs

• Cats

• Others

By Product Type

• Therapeutic Pet Foods

• Nutritional Supplements

• Wearable Devices and Trackers

• Veterinary Services

• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals

• Online Stores

• Pet Specialty Stores

• Others

Leading Key Players

• Nestlé Purina PetCare Company

• Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.

• Mars Petcare Inc.

• Royal Canin SAS

• Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd.

• Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc.

• Petplan Ltd.

• FitBark Inc.

• Tractive GmbH

• Zoetis Inc.

Recent Developments

• Nestlé Purina PetCare Company introduced a new range of low-calorie therapeutic pet foods in China targeting weight control and metabolic balance.

• Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. expanded its veterinary diet portfolio in China with advanced formulations for obesity and diabetes management.

• Mars Petcare Inc. launched an AI-integrated smart collar in China for real-time calorie tracking and activity assessment.

• Royal Canin SAS collaborated with veterinary associations in China to conduct nationwide pet obesity awareness campaigns.

• FitBark Inc. released upgraded wearable pet activity monitors in China compatible with tele-veterinary platforms for remote health tracking.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

1. What is the projected market size and growth rate of the China Pet Obesity Market by 2031?

2. Which animal categories and product types are driving the market in China?

3. How are digital technologies and smart devices enhancing obesity management solutions?

4. What are the major challenges limiting awareness, affordability, and compliance?

5. Who are the leading pet health and nutrition companies shaping innovation in the China Pet Obesity Market?