The small mammal and reptile food market has seen considerable growth due to a variety of factors.
• There has been a sturdy advancement in the market size of small mammal and reptile food in the past few years. The market is anticipated to expand from $3.88 billion in 2024 to $4.21 billion in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%.
The growth observed in the historic phase can be credited to pet ownership trends, consciousness about pet nutrition, veterinary suggestions, and the humanization of pets.
The small mammal and reptile food market is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory in upcoming years.
• Strong expansion is predicted in the small mammal and reptile food market in the upcoming years, with the market size projected to reach $5.76 billion in 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2%.
Factors contributing to the estimated growth throughout the forecast period include an emphasis on health and wellness, the expansion of e-commerce, customization and personalization, sustainability, and regulatory modifications. Key trends during the forecast timeline encapsulate premiumization, the use of alternative proteins, convenience, transparency and traceability, plus health-specific formulations.
The growth of the small mammal and reptile food markets is projected to be driven by escalating expenditure on animal healthcare. Ensuring the welfare and long-term health of all animals from pets to wildlife through comprehensive care and management is what defines animal health. Due to the surge in pet ownership, increasing demand for animal-related products, advancements in veterinary treatment, stronger bonds between humans and animals, and more stringent regulations, there is a surge in spending on animal health. This increase in costs directs towards a surge in demand for unique small mammal and reptile food, triggering innovation, brand loyalty, veterinary team-ups, and overall market growth within the pet care industry. For instance, in March 2023, the American Pet Products Association, a non-profit industry association based in the US, indicated that pet foods and snacks recorded the largest expenditure at $58.1 billion. That accounted for a noteworthy increase of 16.2% making it the fastest-growing category. Thus, the upward trend in animal healthcare spending is anticipated to push forward the expansion of the small mammal and reptile food market.
The small mammal and reptile food market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Type: Rabbits Food, Rodents Food, Small Reptiles Food, Other Types
2) By Source: Animal, Plant
3) By Application: Pet-Specialty Stores, Super markets And Hyper markets, Convenience Stores, Other Applications
Subsegments:
1) By Rabbits Food: Pellets, Hay, Treats, Fresh Vegetables And Fruits
2) By Rodents Food: Hamster Food, Guinea Pig Food, Gerbil Food, Rat Food, Treats And Chews
3) By Small Reptiles Food: Insectivore Diets, Herbivore Diets, Omnivore Diets, Live Or Insect Food (Crickets, Mealworms)
4) By Other Types: Ferret Food, Chinchilla Food, Hedgehog Food
Prominent firms in the small mammal and reptile food market are prioritizing the formulation of advanced products, such as those specifically designed for young or lactating/pregnant rabbits, in order to gain a market advantage over competitors. These products typically use a balanced blend of natural ingredients including forage, minerals, and vitamins, as well as essential oil supplements that boost muscle growth, improve the quality of fur, and contribute to overall health. For example, in September 2022, Andy by Anderson Hay, a company based in the US that produces certified organic and natural food for rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets, teamed up with Heinold Feeds, another US-based feed firm. Together, they developed a novel line of custom, alfalfa-based feed pellets intentionally designed for young rabbits. The goal of this joined initiative is to offer a balanced, nutritious diet to rabbits under six months old, a stage which is crucial for their growth and health. Vets widely acknowledge alfalfa pellets as a perfect food source for young rabbits, given that they meet the nutritional needs during key growth phases. The pellets are made with superior, natural ingredients, inclusive of essential oils and supplements that stimulate muscle growth, enhance fur quality, and maintain overall health, with crucial nutrients like forage, minerals, and vitamins also included.
Major companies operating in the small mammal and reptile food market report are:
• Central Garden & Pet Company
• Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc.
• Big Heart Pet Brands
• T-Rex Products LLC
• Blue Buffalo Company Ltd.
• Nulo Pet Food Inc.
• Drs. Foster & Smith
• Higgins Group Corp.
• Fluker Farms
• Nutro Products Inc.
• F.M. Brown's Sons Inc.
• Pretty Bird International Inc.
• Timberline Fisheries Inc.
• Kaytee Products Inc
• Oxbow Animal Health
• Zoo Med Laboratories
• Vitakraft Sunseed Inc.
• Rolf C. Hagen Inc.
• Mazuri Exotic Animal Nutrition
• Supreme Pet Supplies (UK) Ltd.
• Lafeber Company
• Taiyo Feed Mill Pvt Ltd
• HBH Pet Products Inc.
• Rep-Cal Research Labs Inc.
• JurassiPet
North America was the largest region in the small mammal and reptile food market in 2024. The regions covered in the small mammal and reptile food market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.