The value of the UK petfood market increased 7% last year to just under £2 billion (US$3 billion), according to the  Pet Food Manufacturers Association's  annual  report .

The PFMA said that there had been a marked increase in sales of petfood through specialist shops in the past year, particularly for complete dog and cat feeds. However, it also said that the current economic situation could slow the growth of the premium food market in the year ahead.

Premium foods seemed to hold up well in the cat and dog food market last year; sales fell in volume terms in the cat market, but grew in value terms by 6%. The dog food market grew 1% in volume terms, but 6% in value terms.