In 2023, U.S. exports of dog food and cat food to Colombia reached $46.6 million, the third-highest value ever for this market, reported analysts at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). According to Euromonitor International figures cited by FAS, the Colombian dog food and cat food market saw 10% year-on-year growth in 2023, reaching a value of COP 5 trillion ($1.2 billion). The market is expected to continue growing at an annual rate of 7% through 2028. The number of pet owners in Colombia has also increased from 25% to 30% of the population in the last four years.

Trends in the Colombian pet food market

Like pet owners around the world, Colombians are increasingly paying attention to the health of their pets, driving demand for products with natural ingredients and clean labels, FAS analysts wrote. Pet food products that offer specific health benefits, such as improved digestion or dental health, could grow in this market. In addition, dog and cat treats are becoming increasingly popular as consumers increasingly choose natural foods and supplements to improve their pets’ quality of life.

In November 2023, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) secured market access for U.S. exports of beef and bone meal (MBM) to Colombia, a potential pet food ingredient. This development is expected to further strengthen the U.S. position in Colombia’s growing pet food market.