Halal Pet Food a Must for Muslim Pet Owners in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand

At a bustling pet fair in Bangkok, the scene is lively, with everything from Japan’s popular dog snacks to high-quality cat litter from Shandong vying for attention. But this year, a new segment has captured the spotlight: halal pet food. Representing Thailand’s Bureau of Livestock Standards and Certification, Malik Abdulbut takes the stage with a clear message for the pet food industry: halal pet food isn’t just a niche—it’s a necessity for Muslim pet owners across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

With millions of Muslim pet owners, especially in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, the demand for halal-certified pet food has surged. These pet owners seek not only quality but also products that align with Islamic dietary laws. Halal pet food must be free of pork and pork derivatives, considered haram (forbidden) in Islam, and meet strict hygiene standards throughout the supply chain. As more Muslim pet owners recognize the importance of halal for their pets, businesses have a golden opportunity to meet this growing need.

Halal Pet Food in Southeast Asia

The demand for halal-certified products spans everything from food and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and pet care. For pet owners in Muslim-majority countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, ensuring that pet food aligns with halal standards is about more than just religious observance—it’s about values and peace of mind. Pet ownership is growing rapidly, especially as younger generations delay starting families and instead invest in pets as companions.

Recent statistics show that in Indonesia alone, the pet population is booming, with the number of domestic cats expected to reach nearly 5.9 million by the end of 2026, more than double the number in 2018. Cats are the most popular pets in the region, especially as they are regarded as clean animals in Islam. By contrast, dogs, which are often considered unclean by many Muslims, make up less than 8% of the pet market in Southeast Asia’s largest economy. In Malaysia, too, the pet market is expanding, with similar preferences for halal products that cater to cats and smaller pets.

Halal Certification for Muslim Pet Owners

For Muslim pet owners, halal certification goes beyond religious preference. It’s about maintaining consistency in how they care for their families, including their pets. Halal certification for pet food means that no forbidden ingredients, such as pork or alcohol-derived additives, are present, and that the entire manufacturing process adheres to strict standards of cleanliness and ethical sourcing. This includes ensuring that animal-based ingredients come from animals slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines.

Pet owners also have to handle these products daily, so they prefer knowing that the items are halal-compliant. This extends to how pet food is stored, packaged, and transported. For manufacturers, this presents a unique opportunity to tap into a market segment with highly specific, yet scalable, requirements.

Though Thailand is a Buddhist-majority country, it has emerged as a leading global exporter of halal-certified pet food. Ranking as the world’s third-largest halal pet food exporter, Thailand supplies products not only across Southeast Asia but also to the Middle East, where demand for halal products continues to grow. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are two key importers of halal pet food, driven by rising pet ownership and increased interest in halal-certified products among Muslim consumers.

In Southeast Asia, Thailand has made significant strides in halal certification infrastructure, with dedicated certification bodies working closely with businesses to ensure compliance with Islamic standards. The government has even provided incentives for companies to pursue halal certification, recognizing the economic potential of this growing sector. Halal pet food exports have become an integral part of Thailand’s diverse economy, making it a leader in Southeast Asia’s halal market.

Challenges and Opportunities

Achieving halal certification for pet food is not without its challenges. According to Malik Abdulbut, one of the key obstacles for companies is understanding and navigating the requirements for halal certification. Many companies perceive halal certification as a costly and complicated process, leading some to avoid it altogether.

Halal certification requires adherence to a range of guidelines, from the sourcing of ingredients to hygiene practices in manufacturing facilities. For example, pet food products must be free from any form of cross-contamination with haram ingredients, which requires strict protocols in facilities that produce both halal and non-halal items.

Despite these challenges, there is a strong incentive for businesses to enter this market. With pet ownership on the rise in Muslim-majority regions, halal-certified pet food represents a major growth area. Companies willing to invest in certification can cater to a loyal and growing consumer base that prioritizes halal compliance for all products in their households, including pet care.

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, is an untapped market for halal pet food. The country’s pet ownership rates have surged, particularly in urban areas where pets are becoming integral parts of family life. Cats dominate the Indonesian pet market, as they are seen as cleaner and more permissible for Muslim households. The number of pet cats in Indonesia is expected to continue climbing, with projections pointing to millions more pet cats by 2026.

This growing pet population means greater demand for halal-certified pet food options. Indonesian manufacturers and importers are increasingly exploring halal certification to cater to this market, especially with many Muslim pet owners seeking assurance that their pets’ food aligns with Islamic dietary laws.

Malaysia, known for its rigorous halal standards, has established itself as a hub for halal certification in Southeast Asia. The Malaysian government and halal certifying bodies have set a global standard for halal compliance, making it easier for local businesses to tap into both domestic and international markets. Malaysian companies have introduced a range of halal-certified pet food brands that cater to the Muslim population’s needs, with clear labeling to ensure compliance and build consumer trust.

One prominent example is the Malaysian pet food brand Notti, which displays its halal certification alongside other quality seals. The brand has successfully built a reputation for meeting halal standards, making it popular among Muslim pet owners in Malaysia and other Muslim-majority markets.

The Middle East has also seen a surge in demand for halal-certified pet products. Pet ownership is growing, especially in urban centers where many young professionals and families have begun adopting pets. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the demand for halal pet food is part of a broader trend toward halal lifestyle products. Consumers in these regions are increasingly seeking halal options for all products they buy, including pet food.

This demand presents significant opportunities for halal-certified pet food exporters from Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Malaysia, to tap into Middle Eastern markets. Businesses that understand and cater to the nuances of halal certification for pet products will find a receptive audience in the Gulf region.

Related: Top 10 Halal Pet Care Products for Healthy Happy Pets

How Global Brands Can Enter?

For international pet food brands, entering the halal market can be a strategic move that opens up new revenue streams. However, it requires a deep understanding of halal certification requirements and a commitment to maintaining halal compliance throughout the supply chain. Brands like Mars Petcare and Nestle Purina, for instance, have the resources to expand into halal-certified product lines by investing in certification processes and targeting halal markets.

These brands may find an advantage in partnering with local businesses in Southeast Asia or the Middle East to streamline the certification process and meet consumer needs. By working with established halal certification bodies in these regions, they can ensure that products meet Islamic standards and appeal to Muslim pet owners.

The halal market shows no signs of slowing down. With pet ownership on the rise across Muslim-majority countries and a growing awareness of halal requirements, this niche market is set for substantial growth. The next decade will likely see an increase in halal-certified pet products, from snacks and treats to supplements and grooming items.

As halal certification standards become more standardized globally, the process may become more accessible for manufacturers, helping to boost supply and meet consumer demand. The halal market is a unique intersection of cultural, religious, and economic factors, making it a fascinating space for innovation and expansion.

For Muslim pet owners, halal pet food is about more than just compliance—it’s about caring for their pets in a way that aligns with their beliefs and values. From Thailand’s leadership in halal food exports to the rising demand in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Middle East, the market for halal-certified pet products is expanding rapidly.

As more companies recognize the potential in this market, pet owners will have greater access to high-quality, halal-compliant pet food options. By meeting these needs, businesses have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with Muslim consumers, foster trust, and contribute to a growing halal market that goes beyond traditional products to embrace every aspect of the Muslim lifestyle, including pet care.