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Quick answer: the pet food market in Spain reached sales of €2,178 million in 2025, up 6.1% on the previous year, according to the manufacturers’ association Anfaac. The main driver was the cat: cat food grew by 12.2%, compared with 1.1% for dog food. Wet food and treats for cats were the fastest-growing categories.
The figures were released in March 2026 and are back in the news this October, after several media outlets linked them to a striking trend: Spain now has more households with dogs or cats than households with very young children. Here is what the numbers say and what you can take from them when filling the bowl.
Pet food market figures for 2025
According to Anfaac, which represents around 90% of companies in the sector, 603,527 tonnes of dog and cat food were sold in 2025, 5.3% more than in 2024. By value, dog food totalled €1,139 million and cat food €1,039 million. In other words, cats are close to matching dogs in sales, although dogs remain well ahead by volume.
- Wet cat food: €458 million, up 17.3%.
- Cat treats: €95 million, up 26.7%.
- Wet dog food: €198 million, up 15.5%.
- Dry dog food: €773 million, the only major category to fall (−2.1%).
More households with pets than with young children
In its October 2026 analysis, The Objective (republished by El Estímulo) cites data from the research firm Worldpanel: Spain has around 7.3 million households with dogs or cats, compared with just over 4.1 million with very young children, and households with pets have grown by 12.4% since 2023. The Spanish Ministry of Social Rights study published in June 2026 puts the number of pets listed in regional registers at 15.17 million, including 7.56 million dogs and 5.62 million cats.
What it means for you as a dog or cat owner
The rise of wet food reflects a trend that many vets welcome, especially for cats: it adds water to the diet, which helps animals that drink little. However, it is important to distinguish between complete food (which can be the basis of the diet) and complementary food (only as an extra). The same goes for creamy treats: they are great for rewards or for giving a tablet, but they count towards the daily ration.
Chicken pâté for cats 80 gView product
Creamy chicken treat 4 x 15 gView product
Adult cat dry food 1.5 kgView product
Tips for buying your pet’s food more wisely
- Compare by the kilo, not by the pack: with wet food, small tins can work out expensive if they are the main diet.
- Combine sensibly: if you mix dry and wet food, reduce the amount of each so you do not overdo the calories.
- Switch gradually: any change of food is best made over 7 to 10 days to avoid digestive upsets.
- Ask your vet if your dog or cat is overweight, has urinary problems or follows a special diet.
See more wet cat food, cat treats, wet dog food and dry cat food.
Frequently asked questions
Is wet food better than dry food?
Not necessarily. Both can be complete and balanced. Wet food provides more water and is often more appealing; dry food is more practical and economical. Many families combine the two.
How many treats can I give per day?
As a general guide, treats should not exceed around 10% of daily calories. Check the label of each product and adjust the main ration.
Why is the cat market growing so fast?
There are more registered cats and more households with cats, and their owners are increasingly choosing wet food and treats, which have a higher price per kilo.
Keep reading
- Wet cat food: complete or complementary
- Dry food price per kilo: how to work it out and save
- Pet food: buy single items or multipacks?