The PFI, in the context of industry associations, is fairly young. The pet food industry began slowly in South Africa, gaining momentum in the 1960s and 70s when extruded dry pet food kibble was introduced to the country. Wet food (cans) had already been established. Pet food became the domain of animal feed companies, bringing it under the regulation of Act 36 and the Animal Feed Manufacturers Association (AFMA). As South Africa opened in the 1990s, it was highlighted as a growing market by international pet food producers who were accustomed to working with specific pet food industry associations - both in their country of origin and countries around the world - with whom they traded, or where they had constructed manufacturing facilities. As the requirement for a similar association was highlighted, local pet food manufacturers and new international pet food entrants to South Africa came together in 1996 to address this need, and in 1998, the South African Pet Food Industry association was born.

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Since then, the PFI has targeted legislation, legislation compliance and working to ensure that all pet food sold in South Africa has the nutritional wellbeing of your pets as its primary concern.