South Korea Wet Pet Food Market Reserach Report, 2030

The wet pet food market in South Korea has been experiencing rapid growth, driven by shifting consumer preferences, increasing pet humanization, and a rising awareness of pet nutrition. With more households treating pets as family members, there is a heightened demand for high-quality, nutritious, and palatable food options that cater to the specific dietary needs of cats and dogs. South Korean pet owners are becoming more conscious of the ingredients used in pet food, leading to a surge in demand for premium and organic wet pet food options. The preference for wet pet food is growing, particularly among owners of small dog breeds and cats, as it provides higher moisture content, better palatability, and a softer texture that appeals to picky eaters. Urbanization and the increasing number of single-person households have contributed to a rise in pet ownership, with many individuals opting for smaller breeds that require special dietary considerations. The availability of gourmet and functional wet pet food products, including grain-free formulas, high-protein options, and veterinary-prescribed diets, reflects the changing expectations of South Korean consumers. Pet owners are willing to spend more on premium and specialized nutrition, which has prompted both international and domestic pet food brands to introduce innovative formulations that cater to these demands. The rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer sales channels has further expanded access to a variety of wet pet food products, allowing customers to compare ingredients, read reviews, and make more informed purchasing decisions. According to the research report "South Korea Wet Pet Food Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Wet Pet Food market was valued at more than USD 260 Million in 2024. The South Korean wet pet food market is also influenced by government regulations and food safety standards, which emphasize transparency, quality control, and ingredient traceability. Consumers in South Korea place a strong emphasis on food safety, and this extends to pet food, with many preferring products that contain natural ingredients and avoid artificial preservatives or additives. The growing trend of customized pet diets has led to the emergence of subscription-based services and personalized meal plans tailored to specific breeds, ages, and health conditions. Additionally, the increasing number of pet-friendly cafés, hotels, and daycare centers has fueled demand for convenient, travel-friendly wet pet food packaging that allows owners to maintain their pets’ diet routines while on the go. The market has seen an influx of luxury and gourmet wet pet food options featuring high-end ingredients such as real cuts of meat, seafood, and organic vegetables, catering to pet owners who seek a fine-dining experience for their animals. Domestic brands are gaining traction alongside international players, with many companies developing products specifically designed to appeal to the preferences of South Korean consumers. The rise of social media and influencer marketing has also played a role in shaping purchasing decisions, as pet owners turn to online platforms for recommendations, product reviews, and endorsements from veterinarians and pet care experts. The ongoing innovation in packaging, including portion-controlled trays, resealable pouches, and recyclable containers, reflects the increasing consumer demand for convenience and sustainability.

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The wet pet food market in South Korea is shaped by the diverse dietary needs of various animals, with formulations catering to different species to ensure optimal health and well-being. Wet food designed for dogs is crafted to support their nutritional requirements, providing protein-rich meals infused with essential vitamins and minerals. These products often feature varying textures, from pâtés to chunks in gravy, and are formulated based on factors such as breed size, age, and dietary sensitivities. Some formulations cater to smaller breeds that require more calorie-dense meals, while others focus on large breeds that benefit from joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine. Hydration is a key focus, with wet food offering higher moisture content to aid digestion and kidney health. Cats, being obligate carnivores, require high-protein diets with essential amino acids such as taurine, making their wet food selections heavily meat-based with limited carbohydrates. The formulations also prioritize urinary tract health, as hydration plays a crucial role in preventing common feline issues such as kidney disease and urinary crystals. Many options include grain-free recipes that cater to digestive sensitivities, and specialized formulas address concerns such as hairball control and weight management. Exotic pets like ferrets, rabbits, and reptiles have specific dietary needs, leading to a growing niche segment of wet pet food tailored to these animals. Ferrets require high-protein, meat-based diets, while rabbits thrive on vegetable-based formulations that support their digestive systems. Reptiles such as bearded dragons and geckos have unique dietary demands, prompting the development of wet food infused with insect proteins, specialized vitamins, and other species-specific nutrients to enhance their overall health. Pricing structures within South Korea’s wet pet food market vary widely, catering to consumers with different budget considerations while ensuring pets receive the necessary nutrition. Affordable wet pet food options focus on providing cost-effective nutrition, often utilizing fillers and animal by-products to keep prices low while maintaining essential vitamins and minerals. These economy-tier products appeal to budget-conscious consumers and large households with multiple pets that require cost-efficient feeding solutions. While these formulations meet basic dietary needs, they may contain artificial preservatives and a lower percentage of whole meat ingredients. On the other end of the spectrum, premium wet pet food offers higher-quality ingredients, reducing reliance on artificial additives while improving digestibility and enhancing health benefits. Many of these options include real cuts of meat, omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and functional nutrients that support immune function, digestion, and joint mobility. Some products in this tier are formulated for specific breeds or life stages, ensuring targeted nutrition. The demand for ultra-premium and organic wet pet food continues to rise, driven by pet owners seeking human-grade ingredients, grain-free formulations, and ethically sourced proteins. This category emphasizes natural preservation methods, high meat content, and the exclusion of artificial flavors, colors, and fillers. Organic options focus on sustainability and hormone-free, antibiotic-free meat sources, appealing to consumers who prioritize holistic pet nutrition. Many wet pet food brands in this segment also include novel proteins such as venison, duck, and fish, catering to pets with allergies or sensitive stomachs. The distribution landscape for wet pet food in South Korea includes a mix of traditional retail channels and digital platforms, catering to diverse shopping preferences and accessibility needs. Pet specialty stores remain a key channel, offering extensive selections of wet pet food brands, including prescription diets, breed-specific formulations, and products recommended by veterinarians. These stores provide expert advice, helping pet owners select the best options based on dietary requirements, allergies, and health concerns. Large supermarkets and hypermarkets serve as mainstream retail outlets, making wet pet food widely accessible to general consumers. These stores stock a variety of brands, from budget-friendly options to premium selections, allowing customers to purchase pet food alongside their regular groceries. Convenience stores provide a more limited selection, catering primarily to pet owners in need of emergency or last-minute purchases. These locations typically carry single-serve pouches or smaller cans of wet food for both dogs and cats, making them a practical option for urban consumers with busy lifestyles. The rapid growth of e-commerce has transformed the wet pet food market, with online platforms offering an extensive range of products, subscription services, and bulk purchasing options. Digital marketplaces provide exclusive brands, specialized diets, and imported wet pet food varieties that may not be readily available in brick-and-mortar stores. Subscription-based services are gaining traction, offering tailored meal plans that deliver wet pet food directly to consumers’ homes on a scheduled basis. Veterinary clinics remain a significant distribution point for prescription wet pet food, catering to pets with medical conditions requiring specialized diets. Some direct-to-consumer brands bypass traditional retail entirely, offering high-quality, customized wet pet food through online subscriptions.

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Considered in this report • Historic Year: 2019 • Base year: 2024 • Estimated year: 2025 • Forecast year: 2030 Aspects covered in this report • Wet Pet Food Market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Pet Type • Dogs • Cats • Others (Ferrets, Rabbits, Reptiles, etc.)

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By Price Range • Economy • Premium • Super Premium & Organic By Distribution Channel • Pet Specialty Stores • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets • Convenience Stores • Online • Others (e.g., Veterinary Clinics, Direct-to-Consumer Subscription Services) The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.