Pet-loving Philippines to consume more dog, cat treats

The Philippines, known for its profound love for dogs and cats, is seen to consume more pet food from the United States this year which may drive sales, albeit at a slower pace, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said.

In a report, the USDA pegged dog and cat food exports to the country at $434 million (P23.7 billion) in 2023, up by 9 percent from $397 million (P21.68 billion) a year prior.

“Dog and cat food exports from the US reached a record high in 2021 and will continue to increase, though with slower growth in 2023,” said the foreign agency.

In 2021, the United States exported $364 million worth of pet food products to the country.

“With one of the highest dog and cat ownership rates in Asia, the Philippines presents a growing opportunity for US pet food. As pets became more popular household companions, especially during the pandemic, pet ownership and pet food sales have grown immensely over the past five years,” it added.

Ownership ranking

The USDA cited the 2021 Rakuten’s survey in Asia in saying the country ranked the highest in dog ownership, cornering a share of 67 percent and second in cat ownership with a 43 percent share.

Figures from the Philippine Canine Club Inc. showed registered puppies reached 133,478 while registered litters hit 33,207 in 2021, an increment of more than 40 percent from the previous year.

“Many Filipinos who previously were not pet owners acquired a pet during the pandemic, as recent studies show animal companionship serves as a healthy coping mechanism,” the USDA said.

It also said dry dog food remains the best-performing pet food in terms of sales, seeing a 9-percent sales increase.

“Economy” dry dog food comprises the majority of dog food sales on the back of high demand for affordability and convenience.