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Quick answer: Spain now has 7.3 million households with a dog or cat, compared with just over 4.1 million with very young children, according to data presented in October 2026. The pet food industry turned over €2.178 billion in 2025 (+6.1%), and the main driver is the cat: cat food grew by 12.2% and wet cat food rose by 32.7% in volume.
The latest figures confirm what you can see in any neighbourhood: pets are part of the family and feeding them takes up an ever larger share of the household budget. Here are the key numbers and what they mean for your wallet.
More homes with pets than with small children
According to research firm Worldpanel, whose data was presented at Anged’s Día de la Distribución retail event and reported by The Objective on 16 October 2026, of Spain’s nearly 20 million households, 7.3 million have a dog or cat, 82.5% more than households with very young children. Their number has grown by 12.4% since 2023. On top of that, statistics from Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights counted 15.17 million registered companion animals in 2025: 7.56 million dogs and 5.62 million cats.
What people buy: cats and wet food on the rise
According to ANFAAC, the Spanish pet food manufacturers’ association, the sector sold 603,527 tonnes in 2025 (+5.3%). By category:
- Cats: €1.039 billion (+12.2%). Wet cat food reached €458 million (+17.3%) and 96,723 tonnes (+32.7%). Cat treats rose by 26.7% in value.
- Dogs: €1.139 billion (+1.1%). Dry dog food fell by 2.1% in value, while wet dog food grew by 15.5%.
- Specialist shops and online: combined turnover +4.9%, with wet cat food up 28.7%.
Volumes are growing too, so higher spending is not just down to prices: there are more pets and more owners combining dry and wet food.
How to save without lowering quality
- Compare the price per kilo, not per pack: larger sizes usually work out cheaper if you store them properly.
- Use wet food wisely: combined with dry food it helps your cat stay hydrated, but adjust the total ration so they do not put on weight.
- Check whether the wet food is complete or complementary: complementary foods cannot be the only meal.
- Go easy on treats: they should be only a small part of the daily intake.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is wet cat food growing so fast?
ANFAAC’s data does not give the reasons, but it shows that more and more households have a cat and combine dry food with wet food, which also adds water to the diet.
How much does Spain spend on pet food?
According to ANFAAC, the industry turned over €2.178 billion in 2025, 6.1% more than in 2024.
Are large bags of dry food worth it?
They are usually cheaper per kilo, as long as your pet finishes the bag before it loses freshness and you keep it sealed in a cool, dry place.
Keep reading
- Pet food price per kilo: how to work it out and save
- 3 kg or 12 kg bag: which is better value?
- Wet cat food: complete or complementary?
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