Japan Animal Supplements Market - 2024-2027

Report Overview

Japan Animal Supplement Market reached US$ 231.49 million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 329.17 million by 2027, growing with a CAGR of 9.48% during the forecast period 2024-2027.

Japan's animal supplements market is characterized by a blend of traditional practices and modern advancements. While there is a growing interest in enhancing animal health through supplements, the market is shaped by a strong adherence to traditional methods and cultural practices. This unique blend influences both the supply and demand for animal supplements in the country.

Japan has stringent regulations governing the use and sale of animal supplements. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety and efficacy of supplements, covering aspects from ingredient approval to manufacturing practices. Compliance with these regulations requires thorough documentation and adherence to high-quality standards, impacting market dynamics and influencing the types of products available.

Japanese consumers, including livestock producers and pet owners, strongly prefer high-quality, safe and effective animal health products. There is significant demand for supplements that align with Japan's rigorous standards for food safety and animal welfare. Additionally, traditional practices and natural remedies still hold sway, influencing how supplements are perceived and adopted.

Japan's cultural emphasis on traditional farming and animal care methods impacts the adoption of modern animal supplements. While increasing interest in new supplements offering benefits such as improved health and productivity, traditional practices remain deeply embedded. This creates a market where new products must demonstrate clear advantages to gain acceptance alongside traditional methods.

Market Drivers

Increasing Humanization of Pets

Pets are increasingly viewed as family members, leading to greater investment in their health and wellness. This trend drives demand for high-quality supplements that support pet longevity and quality of life. For instance, in a country that is dealing with an aging population and a plummeting birth rate, many Japanese people favor pets over children.

According to the Japan Pet Food Association, the country has just 17 million children under the age of 16, yet almost 20 million cats and dogs. In Japan, people splurge on their pets and take excellent care of them. From top-quality food to making sure their vaccination status is up-to-date, to tours on weekends, pets in Japan are given the best life that their parents can afford.

In fact, pets help in relieving stress. There is a separate business aspect of this as well. In Japan, a client can pay to keep dogs for a period of time. They only need to guarantee their safety. Additionally, Japanese consumers have a strong focus on health and beauty, which extends to their pets. This cultural emphasis on maintaining and enhancing physical appearance and overall health translates into a higher demand for supplements that support pets' coat condition, skin health and general vitality.

The humanization trend has led to increased expectations for the quality and safety of pet products. Japanese pet owners prefer supplements that are manufactured to high standards, often seeking out products with natural ingredients and those that meet rigorous quality certifications. Moreover, the humanization trend has driven the expansion of specialty pet stores and online platforms that offer a wide range of high-quality supplements. These channels cater to the increasing demand for premium and customized pet health products.

Rising Livestock Productivity

Japanese livestock farms are often at the forefront of adopting advanced agricultural technologies. To maximize the benefits of these technologies, supplements are used to optimize animal health, improve feed conversion rates and enhance overall productivity. This ensures that livestock can achieve their full potential in productivity, aligning with the country's emphasis on efficiency and high-quality output.

With rising productivity, there is a greater emphasis on maintaining animal health to prevent diseases that could impact production. Supplements that boost the immune system, improve gut health and support overall well-being become essential in preventing disease outbreaks and ensuring consistent productivity.

In a competitive market, increasing livestock productivity can lead to better economic returns. Supplements that enhance growth rates, improve reproductive performance, or reduce feed costs can provide a competitive edge, making them a valuable investment for farmers aiming to maximize profitability. Thus, rise of livestock productivity helps to boost the market growth.

For instance, Japan is in the top 10 of global animal feed producers. According to a recent survey, conducted by Alltech (nutrition company), in 2021 the overall volume of animal feed production in the country amounted to 24.797 million tons. This is almost comparable to the pre-pandemic figures of 2019, 25.3 million tons, however slightly lower than some initial analysts' predictions.

Moreover, the drive for higher productivity fosters innovation in supplement formulations. Companies in Japan are investing in research and development to create new and improved supplements that address specific productivity challenges, contributing to market growth.

Market Restraints

Stringent Regulations Regarding Animal Health and Products

The cost of meeting Japan's strict regulatory requirements for animal supplements can be high. Companies must invest in extensive testing, documentation and certification processes to ensure their products comply with safety and efficacy standards. This can be particularly burdensome for small and medium-sized enterprises, potentially limiting their ability to enter or compete in the market.

Regulations related to disease prevention and control in livestock can impact the use of animal supplements. For example, if there are stringent rules for preventing diseases, supplements that support immune function or overall health become essential. However, navigating these regulations can be complex and costly for producers, potentially affecting their willingness to invest in supplements.

For instance, each year thousands of these unwanted animals are taken by animal control to so-called "dream boxes", where they face an inhumane death by gassing. These gas chambers are not back-alley businesses but are sanctioned by the government Department of Public Health ("hokensho") to deal with the stray dog and cat problem.

And it's not just the strays rounded up on the street that are sent here; Japan has very few rehoming shelters, so when someone hands their pet over to a "hokensho"-run "animal welfare center," it's often the dream boxes where they'll end up. Death by gassing is often a cruel process, with different-sized animals being given the same gas exposure, meaning that the larger animals may take up to 30 minutes to die.

Thus, stringent regulations related to animal production in Japan create a highly controlled environment that affects various aspects of the animal supplements market. Compliance with these regulations involves significant investment and adaptation, influencing the types of supplements available and their market dynamics.

Market Segment Analysis

The Japan animal supplement market is segmented based on animal type, ingredient, form and distribution channel.

Demand for High-Quality Animal Products Drives the Segment Growth

The livestock animal segment is expected to dominate with over 76.21% of the market during the forecast period 2024-2027. Japan is known for its high-quality animal products, especially in the beef like Wagyu beef, dairy and poultry industries. To maintain premium standards, livestock farmers focus heavily on animal nutrition, health and welfare. Supplements like vitamins, minerals, probiotics and feed additives are essential for improving the productivity, growth rates and quality of animal products.

For instance, Wagyu beef farmers often use specific animal supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids especially to improve the marbling and tenderness of the meat, ensuring it meets strict quality standards, this may further boost the segment growth.

Livestock farming in Japan is sensitive to disease outbreaks that could devastate the sector, such as avian influenza or foot-and-mouth disease. Supplements play a vital role in enhancing immunity and reducing the need for antibiotics, crucial for maintaining animal health and complying with rising demands for antibiotic-free production. Like, dairy farmers use probiotics and immune-boosting supplements to prevent infections in cattle, resulting in healthier herds and higher milk yields.

Sustainability Analysis

Sustainability is an increasingly important factor in the Japanese animal supplements market, driven by the need for environmentally friendly farming practices and efficient resource use. Additionally, the sustainability of the animal supplements market in Japan is becoming increasingly important due to environmental concerns, food security and animal welfare.

Improving the efficiency of feed through supplements reduces waste and environmental impact. This is especially important in Japan, where agricultural land is limited and much of the feed is imported. Supplements like enzymes, amino acids and probiotics help livestock digest feed more effectively, leading to less waste and lower emissions.

For instance, Ajinomoto has developed amino acid-based products that optimize nutrient absorption in livestock, enhancing growth while reducing feed waste. This improves overall resource efficiency and lowers the carbon footprint of livestock farming. Ajinomoto has been using the co-product to reduce carbon emissions or improve productivity in supply chains that are unrelated to it. Livestock, particularly cattle, are significant contributors to methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Companies are innovating supplements that reduce methane emissions, helping Japan meet its sustainability and environmental targets.

There is a growing demand for antibiotic-free livestock products due to concerns about antimicrobial resistance. Supplements that enhance immunity, gut health and overall wellness reduce the need for antibiotics in animal farming, promoting more ethical and sustainable livestock management. For instance, Idemitsu Kosan develops products that help improve livestock productivity and maintain health, as well as maintain the yield and quality of livestock products. This approach reduces dependency on antibiotics, aligning with ethical and sustainable farming practices.

Unmet Needs

Despite the increasing availability of animal supplements, there remains a significant gap in truly personalized products tailored to individual animals' specific health needs. Currently, most supplements offer a one-size-fits-all approach, which may not be effective for animals with unique health profiles or genetic predispositions.

While there are numerous animal supplements available in Japan, many products lack robust scientific evidence supporting their efficacy and safety. Consumers and veterinary professionals are increasingly seeking supplements that are backed by rigorous clinical research and evidence. The market currently suffers from a shortage of well-documented studies and clinical trials that validate the claims made by supplement manufacturers. There is a clear need for more research-driven products, with detailed scientific validation to build trust and ensure that supplements deliver on their promises.

Preventive health is an area where current supplements often fall short. While many products are designed to treat existing conditions, there is a significant unmet need for supplements that proactively support overall health and prevent diseases before they occur. For instance, supplements that enhance immune function, support optimal metabolic health, or promote cognitive longevity could fill this gap. There is also a need for products that integrate with broader health management strategies, such as diet and exercise, to offer a holistic approach to preventive care.

Cost can be a barrier to accessing high-quality animal supplements, particularly for small-scale farmers and pet owners. There is an unmet need for affordable yet effective supplement options that do not compromise on quality. Innovations in manufacturing processes, ingredient sourcing and distribution could help reduce costs while maintaining product efficacy.

Market Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the Japan market include Manda Fermentation Co., Ltd., DHC Corporation, TOEI SHINYAKU Co., Ltd., AIXIA Corporation, AstaReal Co., Ltd. and among others.

By Animal Type

Livestock Animals

Cattle

Poultry

Swine

Horses

Others

Companion Animals

Dogs

Cats

Birds

Other Small Mammals

By Ingredient

Vitamins & Minerals

Amino Acids

Omega Fatty Acids

Probiotics & Prebiotics

Botanicals

Others

By Form

Powder

Liquid

Tablets/Capsules

Injections

By Distribution Channel

Online Retailers

Specialty Pet Stores

Veterinary Clinics

Convenience Stores

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

Pharmacies and Drug Stores

Other Distribution Channels

Key Developments

In August 2022, Toei Shinyaku launched a cross-border EC website for Agaricus blazei, a KA21 supplement. Customers from around the world have been purchasing Toei Shinyaku products for some time now; including products containing Agaricus blazei, KA21 for boosting immunity, hair growth, dieting and improvement of the intestinal environment. They have also sold pet supplements, etc. to meet individual requests.

Why Purchase the Report?

To visualize the Japan animal supplement market segmentation based on animal type, ingredient, form and distribution channel, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.

Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.

Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the Japan animal supplement market-level with all segments.

PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.

Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The Japan animal supplement market report would provide approximately 27 tables, 33 figures and 198 pages.

Target Audience 2024

Manufacturers/ Buyers

Industry Investors/Investment Bankers

Research Professionals

Emerging Companies