Pet Food Outpaces Human Food Sales in Russia’s 2025 Retail Growth

The pet food category emerged as a standout performer in Russia’s non-specialized retail chains in 2025, significantly outstripping the growth rates of the broader human food market. According to recent data from the analytical firm NTech, the segment has become a primary driver of retail momentum.

While general human food sales in Russia grew by 1.9% in volume and 13.6% in value over the year, pet nutrition showed more robust dynamics. The overall pet food category recorded a 7% increase in physical volume and a 15% surge in monetary terms.

Detailed Segment Performance

The growth was distributed across the two primary pet categories:

• Dog Food: Sales volume increased by 9% in kilograms, while revenue rose by 15%. The average price reached 240 rubles per kilogram (approximately $3.00).
• Cat Food: Sales grew by 7% in volume and 15% in value. The average cost reached 321 rubles per kilogram (approximately $4.02).

These figures align with the broader industry trajectory, where the total turnover of the Russian pet market climbed to 590 billion rubles (approximately $7.38 billion) in 2025.

Demographic Shifts and Consumer Habits

Industry analysts attribute this success to shifting demographics and changing consumer lifestyles. NTech co-founder Dmitry Trifonov noted that pet food, much like the ready-to-eat human meal sector, has benefited from a growing consumer desire to save time.

According to Trifonov, the transition from traditional large families to smaller households—often consisting of a single individual and a pet—continues to push the market upward. Despite high market consolidation, experts believe there are still untapped niches and potential growth points within the category.

The Role of Domestic Production

The stability of the category is largely underpinned by the success of import substitution. By early 2026, Russian brands had secured a 96% share of the cat and dog food market, ensuring consistent product availability on retail shelves.

Consumer priorities remain centered on the balance between price and quality, a key factor for 57% of owners. Furthermore, 82% of respondents view the creation of «Russian shelf» initiatives as particularly relevant for the pet food sector. Currently, the average monthly expenditure for a pet owner in Russia is roughly 4,500 rubles (approximately $56.32), with 90% of that budget dedicated to food and treats.

Source: NTech