Cat Food Sales Outpace Dog Food Growth This September
Pet owners are spending more on feline diets as fish and seafood protein products drive retail growth.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Pets — General
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Cat food sales significantly outpaced dog food growth across U.S. retailers in September 2026, driven by a surge in demand for fish and seafood protein products. The trend reflects a notable shift in consumer purchasing habits at major retailers including Costco.
Why it matters
Pet owners are increasingly diversifying their household budgets toward cat-specific diets, reflecting broader changes in pet care spending. This data highlights shifting brand loyalty and category dominance for staples like fresh and frozen dog food.
Cat food sales rose 11% year-over-year in September 2026, while Costco specifically saw a 31% jump for cat products. Kirkland Signature dog food experienced a notable climb, moving from No. 51 to No. 4 in fresh and frozen dog food rankings.
The players
Costco
A wholesale retailer that has seen significant growth in its private-label pet food sales.
Walmart
A national retailer that continues to track as a key indicator for consumer pet food spending habits.
Fancy Feast Gems
A premium cat food product line that generated up to $500,000 in monthly GMV at select wholesale retailers.
The details
The analysis tracked sales across 15 major retailers using omnichannel receipts and credit card data to determine gross merchandise value (GMV) shifts. Cat food containing fish and seafood proteins led the growth, posting a 17% increase in sales compared to the prior year. Meanwhile, Kirkland Signature's expansion into the fresh and frozen dog food segment has disrupted existing brand rankings by capturing a significant share of the market.
Timeline
September 2026 data shows cat food sales outperforming dog food.
January through September 2025 served as the base period for year-to-date comparisons.
September 2025 acted as the benchmark for calculating brand rank changes.
The Home Front
This shift in spending mirrors broader trends in the pet industry where private-label brands are capturing significant market share from established names. Household pet budgets are increasingly being reallocated toward premium and specialized protein-based formulations.
Pet owners should review their recurring pet food subscriptions or bulk purchase lists to account for these shifting market prices. If your cat has specific dietary needs, check the ingredient labels on new, high-growth seafood formulas to ensure they align with your veterinarian's recommendations.
The takeaway
Cat food demand is currently surging at a higher rate than dog food, particularly within seafood-based protein categories. When re-evaluating your pet supply budget, keep an eye on private-label price performance as these brands continue to climb in national rankings.
Further reading
For more on managing your household's pet expenses and dietary choices, explore our Pets — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Petfood Industry Community.
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