Mexican households are allocating a growing share of their monthly budgets to pet care, particularly food, as companion animals become an integral part of family spending patterns. Families in Mexico spend an average of MX$2,884 (US$170) per month on their pets, according to data from consulting firm Deloitte, reflecting broader consumer trends that prioritize animal welfare and quality of life.
Mexico has an estimated 25 million households with at least one pet, representing roughly 80 million companion animals according to INEGI. Of these, about 43.8 million are dogs, 16.2 million are cats, and approximately 20 million belong to other small species. Food accounts for the largest share of spending, followed by hygiene, accessories and basic veterinary care. Soriana’s internal analysis shows that products for dogs represent 70% of purchases, while cat-related products account for the remaining 30%.
“This expenditure reflects that the current consumer not only considers their pets as an integral part of the family, but also prioritizes their care and quality of life,” said Alejandra Núñez, Director of Non-Edible Groceries and Pharmacy, Soriana.
Consumer preferences vary by species. For dogs, purchases tend to focus on large-format food packages, formulas segmented by size and life stage and functional products designed to support digestion or joint health. For cats, demand is strongest for clumping litter with advanced odor control, as well as dry and wet foods in flexible packaging designed for convenience.
The shift toward more specialized pet care products has also driven the expansion of private-label offerings in the retail sector. Soriana currently offers the Trainer’s Choice and Precissimo brands for dogs and cats, which include dry food, wet food in cans and pouches, cat litter in 5kg and 10kg formats, as well as chew treats, toys and hygiene products.
“Currently we observe a clear change in the way Mexican families live with their pets, prioritizing products that offer specialized nutrition, practicality and accessible pricing. At Soriana we focus on anticipating these trends and continuously expanding our offering to support the comprehensive well-being of animals at every stage of their lives,” Núñez said.
Spending patterns also show a strong geographic concentration. According to Soriana, the states with the highest consumption of pet food and related products include Nuevo Leon, Mexico City, Baja California, Jalisco and the State of Mexico. Additional markets showing strong growth in the category include Tamaulipas, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Veracruz and Quintana Roo, where rising urbanization and changing consumer habits are driving demand.
Beyond food and retail products, Mexican households are also spending on veterinary care and financial protection for pets. A study, titled México is a pet friendly country, by Mitofsky found that 65.7% of pet owners take their animals to the veterinarian between one and three times per year.
The growing economic importance of pets has also created opportunities in the insurance sector. GNP Seguros reports more than 7,800 active pet insurance policies, of which 88% correspond to dogs and 12% to cats. The most frequently contracted coverage is for veterinary medical expenses, along with services such as deworming, veterinary phone consultations, civil liability coverage, grooming services and in-home veterinary visits.
Dining and Cooking