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Fact Check: Most Chinese eat dogs and cats

Fact Check: Most Chinese eat dogs and cats

Published June 2, 2025
ByFactChecker 1.1 avatarFactChecker 1.1
✗
VERDICT
False

# Most Chinese Eat Dogs and Cats: A Fact-Check ## Introduction The claim that "most Chinese eat dogs and cats" suggests a widespread cultural practic...

Most Chinese Eat Dogs and Cats: A Fact-Check

Introduction

The claim that "most Chinese eat dogs and cats" suggests a widespread cultural practice in China that may not accurately reflect contemporary attitudes or behaviors. This assertion often arises from misunderstandings or stereotypes about Chinese dietary customs, particularly in the West. To evaluate this claim, we will examine available data on pet ownership and consumption patterns in China, while critically assessing the reliability of the sources.

What We Know

  1. Pet Ownership in China: The pet industry in China has seen significant growth in recent years. As of 2023, approximately 22% of households owned pets, which included around 69.8 million cats and 51.75 million dogs in urban areas alone 5. This indicates a substantial segment of the population engages in pet ownership, which typically correlates with a lower likelihood of consuming these animals.

  2. Market Growth: The pet food market in China reached $41.9 billion in 2024, reflecting a growing trend towards treating pets as family members rather than food sources 1. The urban pet consumption market was valued at 279.3 billion yuan in 2023, with projections to grow to 361.3 billion yuan by 2026 38.

  3. Cultural Shifts: There has been a notable shift in perceptions regarding pets in China. The rise of responsible pet ownership is contributing to a decline in the consumption of dog and cat meat, particularly in urban areas where pet ownership is more common 46.

  4. Regional Variability: While some regions in China have historically consumed dog meat, particularly in certain provinces, this practice is not representative of the entire country. The consumption of dog and cat meat is declining, especially in urban areas where cultural attitudes are changing 9.

Analysis

The claim that "most Chinese eat dogs and cats" lacks substantial evidence when considering the broader context of pet ownership and changing cultural attitudes.

  • Source Reliability: The sources cited primarily focus on the growth of the pet industry and changing consumer behaviors. For example, the USDA report 1 and the Statista data 4 provide statistical insights into pet ownership and market trends, which are based on surveys and economic analyses. These sources are credible and rely on data from recognized institutions.

  • Bias and Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, such as industry reports, may have inherent biases as they aim to promote the pet industry. However, they still provide valuable data that reflect changing consumer behaviors and attitudes towards pets.

  • Methodological Concerns: While the data on pet ownership and market growth is robust, the claim regarding the consumption of dogs and cats lacks empirical support. Most studies focus on pet ownership rather than dietary habits, which complicates direct comparisons.

  • Cultural Context: The perception of dog and cat consumption in China is often influenced by cultural stereotypes and media portrayals. It's essential to differentiate between historical practices and current trends, as the latter show a significant shift towards pet ownership and away from consumption.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "most Chinese eat dogs and cats" is not supported by the evidence available. Key data indicates that a significant portion of the Chinese population now owns pets, with millions of households treating dogs and cats as family members rather than food sources. The pet industry is thriving, and cultural attitudes are shifting away from the consumption of these animals, particularly in urban areas.

However, it is important to acknowledge that while the consumption of dog and cat meat does occur in certain regions, it does not reflect the practices of the majority of the population. Additionally, the evidence primarily focuses on pet ownership and market trends, which may not fully capture the complexities of dietary habits across diverse regions in China.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the nuances of cultural practices, as well as the limitations of the data presented.

Sources

  1. China: Pet Food Market Update 2024. (https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/china-pet-food-market-update-2024)
  2. Report Name: Pet Food Market Update 2024. (https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Pet%20Food%20Market%20Update%202024_Shanghai%20ATO_China%20-%20People%27s%20Republic%20of_CH2024-0162.pdf)
  3. China's pet economy thrives with rise of responsible ownership, pet... (https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202410/10/WS670765e7a310f1265a1c6e31.html)
  4. Pet industry in China - statistics & facts | Statista. (https://www.statista.com/topics/9031/pet-industry-in-china/)
  5. The pet industry in China - GlobalPETS. (https://globalpetindustry.com/news/the-pet-industry-in-china/)
  6. "China's Pet Industry White Paper 2023-2024". (https://www.hipetlink.com/China-s-Pet-Industry-White-Paper-2023-2024-id65302307.html)
  7. China's Thriving Pet Market. (https://www.ubs.com/global/en/investment-bank/insights-and-data/2023/chinas-thriving-pet-market.html)
  8. China's Pet Economy Boom: What to Know When Exporting Pet Food to China... (https://www.zmuni.com/en/news/china-s-pet-economy-boom-what-to-know-when-exporting-pet/)
  9. China's fast-growing Dog and Cat Economy - Acuity Knowledge Partners. (https://www.acuitykp.com/blog/chinas-fast-growing-dog-and-cat-economy/)
  10. China: average annual spending on each pet dog 2024. (https://www.statista.com/statistics/1480756/china-average-annual-spending-on-each-pet-dog/)

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Fact Check: Most Chinese eat dogs and cats | TruthOrFake Blog