Pet Food Ingredients Market Size | Forecast 2025 To 2035

Pet Food Ingredients Market Overview

The Pet Food Ingredients Market size was valued at USD 38444.05 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 58114.08 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2025 to 2033.

The pet food ingredients market is witnessing expansive growth due to the global rise in pet ownership and the increasing focus on pet health. In 2024, over 534 million pets were estimated to be kept globally, with 195 million being dogs and 123 million being cats. As pet humanization trends continue, over 68% of pet owners actively seek premium-quality pet food containing high-protein and nutrient-rich ingredients. In the same year, over 22.7 million metric tons of pet food were produced globally, with the United States accounting for over 8.3 million metric tons and Europe exceeding 7.4 million metric tons.

Ingredient manufacturers are responding to this demand with diversification into novel protein sources and clean-label formulations. Approximately 1,200 new pet food products containing functional or organic ingredients were launched globally in 2024. The demand for grain-free and allergen-sensitive formulas has led to significant investments in plant-based and insect-derived ingredients. North America and Europe led the innovation curve with over 430 registered ingredient patents in 2023–2024 alone. With consumers willing to pay more for pet wellness and longevity, manufacturers are focusing on ingredients with proven digestive, cognitive, and immune system benefits, influencing sourcing strategies and global supply chains.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Increasing demand for high-protein and functional ingredients in premium pet food.

Top Country/Region: North America led the market with over 8.3 million metric tons of pet food produced in 2024.

Top Segment: Animal derivatives dominated the market with more than 56% share in total ingredient volume used globally.

Pet Food Ingredients Market Trends

The global pet food ingredients market is characterized by a strong shift towards health-conscious and clean-label ingredients. In 2024, over 68% of pet food purchases were influenced by ingredient quality and source transparency. Meat meal and animal fat remained leading components in dry dog and cat food, accounting for over 9.2 million metric tons used globally. However, consumer interest in sustainability and ethical sourcing contributed to a 21% increase in the use of plant-derived ingredients such as peas, lentils, and soy.

The use of novel proteins is rising. Insect protein gained popularity in 2024, with over 2,100 metric tons incorporated into pet food, primarily in Europe and Asia-Pacific. Algae and single-cell proteins also emerged as alternatives, with 870 companies globally reporting usage in high-digestibility products. Functional ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and prebiotics were included in over 37% of new pet food launches.

Grain-free formulas accounted for 28% of all new pet food SKUs in 2024, driven by concerns over digestive health and allergies. Additionally, fresh and refrigerated pet food formats used by over 23 million pet households globally emphasized human-grade ingredients. The demand for natural preservatives and anti-oxidants has led to over 310 ingredient reformulations to eliminate synthetic compounds. Freeze-dried and air-dried ingredient applications have surged with a 17% increase in production capacity globally.

Customization and personalized nutrition emerged as a growth area, with 12.6 million pet owners globally using subscription-based pet food services. These services leverage AI to formulate ingredient blends tailored to pet breed, age, and health conditions. Traceability platforms tracking ingredient sourcing were utilized in over 54% of top pet food brands, reflecting growing consumer expectations around transparency.

Pet Food Ingredients Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for premium and functional ingredients in pet nutrition.

The pet food ingredients market is increasingly driven by consumer demand for quality nutrition and health-focused formulas. In 2024, more than 39% of pet food sold globally was categorized as premium, incorporating ingredients like salmon oil, DHA, taurine, and probiotics. Over 4.2 million metric tons of chicken meal and 2.7 million metric tons of fish meal were used to formulate protein-rich diets for dogs and cats. Functional additives, including beta-glucans, chondroitin sulfate, and L-carnitine, were used in over 21% of dog food products targeting joint health and weight management. The trend of treating pets as family members continues to fuel innovation in ingredient choices aimed at improving immunity, longevity, and gut health.

RESTRAINT

Supply chain volatility and raw material price fluctuations.

The pet food ingredients market faces challenges from the volatility of raw material sourcing and price instability. In 2024, global fishmeal prices fluctuated by over 18% due to reduced ocean catch quotas, affecting over 730,000 metric tons of feed formulations. Droughts and climate change impacted the availability of maize and soybean crops in Brazil and Argentina, leading to a 12% price surge for plant protein ingredients. The reliance on meat industry by-products has introduced further unpredictability, with slaughterhouse closures during disease outbreaks in Europe impacting over 1.1 million metric tons of animal derivative inputs. Transport bottlenecks in Asia-Pacific caused delays in over 17% of ingredient deliveries for pet food manufacturers, leading to substitution and reformulation challenges.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of clean-label, plant-based, and novel protein segments.

Clean-label ingredient demand offers a substantial opportunity for manufacturers. In 2024, over 2,600 new pet food SKUs were launched with “natural,” “grain-free,” or “organic” ingredient claims. Plant-based pet food ingredients, including lentil protein, sweet potato, and pumpkin grew by 23%, with over 1.3 million metric tons used globally. Insect protein, now legal for pet food in over 60 countries, opened new supply chains, particularly in Southeast Asia and Western Europe. Over 118 companies invested in insect protein production for pets in 2023–2024. In the U.S., nearly 29% of pet owners expressed willingness to purchase fully plant-based diets for dogs, representing a growing consumer base. Manufacturers that can certify ingredient traceability and non-GMO attributes stand to benefit significantly from shifting preferences.

CHALLENGE

Regulatory differences and compliance complexities across regions.

Pet food ingredient regulations vary widely, causing difficulty in standardizing formulations for global distribution. In 2024, over 37% of new pet food products faced delays due to inconsistent ingredient approval frameworks across the U.S., EU, and Asia. The European Union imposes strict restrictions on certain additives and mandates traceability for animal-origin inputs, affecting over 2.4 million metric tons of annual ingredient exports. In contrast, regulatory processes in countries like India and Brazil remain under development, with unclear labeling and certification guidelines for novel ingredients. Compliance costs increased by 14% year-on-year for manufacturers distributing across multiple regions. Moreover, pet food ingredients such as cannabidiol (CBD) remain unregulated or banned in several countries, limiting innovation in functional formulations.

Pet Food Ingredients Market Segmentation

The pet food ingredients market is segmented by type into animal derivatives, plant derivatives, additives, and other specialized ingredients. By application, it is segmented into dogs, cats, birds, aquatic feed, and other species.

By Type

Animal Derivatives: Animal derivatives dominate the market, contributing over 56% of total ingredient volume used in 2024. These include meat meals, bone meals, tallow, liver hydrolysates, and blood plasma proteins. Over 7.8 million metric tons of chicken, beef, and lamb by-products were used in dry dog food production alone. Animal fats such as poultry fat and fish oil accounted for 3.2 million metric tons used in flavor enhancement and energy boosting.
Plant Derivatives: Plant-derived ingredients are rapidly gaining traction, accounting for over 3.1 million metric tons in 2024. Key inputs include corn gluten meal, wheat middlings, lentils, chickpeas, and flaxseed. Sweet potatoes and peas saw a 26% growth in inclusion, with over 1.7 million metric tons used in grain-free pet food recipes. Novel botanical extracts such as rosemary and green tea are now being used in over 600 pet food products for natural antioxidant preservation.
Additives: include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, probiotics, and preservatives. In 2024, over 1.4 million metric tons of nutritional and functional additives were consumed globally. Taurine, required for feline health, was included in over 95% of commercial cat food formulations. Probiotic cultures such as Lactobacillus acidophilus were added to more than 2.2 billion pet food servings in 2024.
Other ingredients include novel proteins, marine algae, yeast derivatives, and insect meals. Over 3,800 metric tons of black soldier fly larvae meal were used in pet food applications. Yeast extracts saw a 19% increase in use, driven by demand for umami flavoring and immune-boosting attributes. Single-cell proteins and fermented fungal biomass represented a growing niche in hypoallergenic diets.

By Application

Dogs: Dog food accounted for over 58% of ingredient volume, with 12.9 million metric tons consumed globally in 2024. Protein-rich formulations, including beef and lamb meals, were prioritized in over 3.4 billion dog meals annually. Dry kibble dominated, while fresh and raw segments used over 420,000 metric tons of human-grade meat and vegetable ingredients.
Cats: Cat food consumed over 6.1 million metric tons of ingredients in 2024. Fish meal, taurine, and meat by-products remained staples inclusions. Wet cat food held a significant share, using more than 2.3 million metric tons of poultry liver and gelatin. High-moisture diets incorporated bone broth and hydrolyzed proteins for palatability and digestive support.
Birds: Bird food ingredients represented over 420,000 metric tons in 2024, mainly composed of millet, sunflower seeds, and corn grit. Fortified seed blends included vitamin A, calcium carbonate, and omega-6 fatty acids to support feather quality. Exotic bird diets began incorporating dried fruit, spirulina, and natural color enhancers.
Aquatic Feed: Aquatic pet feed included over 910,000 metric tons of ingredients in 2024. Fish meal, krill meal, and wheat flour were the most commonly used inputs. Sinking and floating pellet formulations used marine collagen, astaxanthin, and spirulina to support coloration and immune function in ornamental fish.
Other: Small mammals and reptiles accounted for over 315,000 metric tons of ingredients, with dried mealworms, carrots, and alfalfa pellets used in customized diets. Treats for rabbits, hamsters, and turtles included fruit-flavored powders, herbs, and fibrous plant materials.

Pet Food Ingredients Market Regional Outlook

The pet food ingredients market exhibited differentiated performance across regions in 2024, influenced by consumption patterns, pet ownership rates, ingredient sourcing, and regulatory landscapes.

North America

remained the largest regional market, with over 8.3 million metric tons of pet food produced in 2024. The United States accounted for more than 89% of this volume, driven by high pet ownership, with over 65 million households owning at least one dog. Animal-derived ingredients made up over 5.7 million metric tons of the regional volume, while functional additives were included in more than 34% of commercial pet food. Canada’s rising preference for grain-free and allergen-free formulations contributed to a 17% growth in pea protein and lentil inclusion. The U.S. led in ingredient innovation, with over 250 new pet food ingredients approved for use between 2023 and 2024.

Europe

recorded over 7.4 million metric tons of pet food ingredient usage in 2024. Germany, the UK, France, and Italy were the top contributors. Germany alone consumed over 1.9 million metric tons of pet food ingredients, particularly in dry kibble and premium wet food. European Union regulations mandated full ingredient traceability, which led to the inclusion of certified organic ingredients in more than 31% of newly launched SKUs. Europe led the adoption of insect proteins, with over 1,300 metric tons produced for pet food. Stringent additive regulation prompted over 500 reformulations in 2024, emphasizing clean-label compliance.

Asia-Pacific

saw rapid growth with over 4.6 million metric tons of pet food ingredients used in 2024. China led the region, with 2.1 million metric tons, followed by Japan and India. The region’s growing middle-class population and urbanization drove a 24% rise in premium ingredient consumption. Soy protein, rice, and fish meal were commonly used, while interest in insect-based and plant-based diets surged by 34% from 2023. South Korea and Japan favored functional ingredients such as green tea extract and fermented soybeans for digestive and immune health. Regional ingredient production facilities increased by 14%, especially in Thailand and Vietnam.

Middle East & Africa

accounted for over 820,000 metric tons of pet food ingredients in 2024. South Africa and the UAE were the leading markets. The region saw a 13% rise in ingredient imports due to limited local manufacturing. Animal protein ingredients including poultry meal and fish meal dominated consumption. Plant-based inputs like corn and sorghum were widely used, and vitamin-fortified blends were introduced in over 75 product launches. Retail expansion and rising disposable income in Gulf nations contributed to an increase in premium pet food ingredient imports by over 22%.

List of Top Pet Food Ingredients Companies

BASF
Du Pont
ADM
Ingredion
Koninklijke DSM
Nestle
Roquette
Darling Ingredients
Omega Protein Corporation
Ingredion Incorporated
Leo Group
The Nutro Company
DAR PRO Ingredients
BHJ Pet Food
3D Corporate Solutions
Hill's Pet Nutrition

Top Two Companies with the Highest Share

ADM: led the market in 2024 with over 1.2 million metric tons of pet food ingredients supplied globally. Their portfolio includes soybean meal, corn gluten, wheat protein, and natural flavor enhancers, with a presence in over 32 countries and 65 processing facilities.

Darling Ingredients: ranked second, processing over 10.4 billion pounds of animal by-products into meat meals, blood plasma, and fats. They supplied over 1 million metric tons of ingredients to pet food manufacturers across North America and Europe in 2024.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The pet food ingredients market is seeing significant investments aimed at expanding production capacity, sourcing alternative proteins, and enhancing functional nutrition. In 2024, over $3.1 billion was allocated globally for ingredient innovation and infrastructure upgrades. ADM invested over $520 million into expanding soybean and corn processing plants across the U.S. and Brazil. DuPont directed $270 million toward R&D in pet-focused enzyme and probiotic solutions, leading to over 37 ingredient patents filed in 2023–2024.

Insect protein has attracted strong investment, with over 118 startups raising a combined $680 million for the development of insect meal processing plants in the Netherlands, Kenya, and Vietnam. Companies like Innova Feed and Protix increased production capacity by 160% in 2024, delivering over 7,000 metric tons of black soldier fly larvae for use in hypoallergenic pet diets.

The U.S. and EU governments provided over $115 million in incentives and grants for pet ingredient sustainability research and clean-label product expansion. Mid-sized manufacturers in India and Southeast Asia invested in extrusion technology and fermentation equipment to develop yeast- and fungi-based proteins, adding over 920,000 metric tons of production capacity.

The aquafeed sector in Asia is also attracting cross-sector investments in microalgae-derived DHA and EPA, utilized in pet food targeting cognitive and cardiovascular health. Retail partnerships and e-commerce growth have opened new investment channels into ingredient tracking platforms, ensuring transparency and certification of ingredient origin.

The personalization of pet diets through D2C (direct-to-consumer) channels has encouraged venture capital investment in algorithm-based nutrition platforms. Over 22 million pet owners now use services that source customized ingredient blends, increasing demand for modular ingredient packaging and freeze-dried raw inclusions. Investment opportunities remain strongest in high-protein plant alternatives, natural preservatives, and novel functional additives with verified health claims.

New Product Development

Innovation in the pet food ingredients sector is being driven by consumer demand for functionality, transparency, and sustainability. In 2024, over 2,100 new pet food ingredients were launched globally, including plant-based proteins, functional extracts, and novel fermentation-based compounds.

BASF launched a new line of omega-3-rich algae oil ingredients, used in over 420 new pet food formulations in 2024. The oil, certified for purity and traceability, was included in joint and heart health formulas for senior pets. DSM introduced a micro-encapsulated vitamin premix, which extended the shelf life of nutrients by 35% and was adopted in over 9.6 million pet food packs.

Ingredion unveiled a range of clean-label plant starches and fibers derived from pea and chickpea, integrated into over 750 dry dog food brands. The ingredient improved stool quality and was shown to reduce flatulence by 22% in canine trials. Roquette developed soluble fiber ingredients that supported microbiome balance, deployed in over 600 pet food brands.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition partnered with biotech firms to develop proprietary gut-health-enhancing blends including inulin and chicory root fiber. These blends were added to over 34 million servings of cat and dog food in 2024. 3D Corporate Solutions introduced new freeze-dried liver powder and bone broth extracts that enhanced palatability by 43% in taste testing.

Nestlé invested in human-grade formulations, launching single-ingredient freeze-dried treats using wild-caught fish and grass-fed beef liver. These innovations met high consumer expectations for traceability and quality, with over 18 million bags sold within the first eight months of launch.

Five Recent Developments

ADM opened a new $300 million pet ingredient processing facility in Iowa, adding 420,000 metric tons of annual soybean and corn processing capacity.
Darling Ingredients expanded its bio-nutrient plant in Texas, boosting meat and bone meal production by over 190,000 metric tons annually.
DSM launched its new OptiPet range of functional vitamins and omega blends, which were used in over 350 premium pet food products globally.
In April 2024, Roquette introduced an allergen-free rice protein ingredient that saw rapid adoption in grain-free pet food across 14 countries.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition launched a personalized subscription service with tailor-made ingredient plans based on breed, age, and health conditions, targeting over 1.6 million pets in its first year.

Report Coverage of Pet Food Ingredients Market

The pet food ingredients market report provides an exhaustive analysis of the industry’s current structure, trends, challenges, and opportunities. Covering data from 2023 to 2024, the report includes over 200 figures, charts, and tables illustrating volume trends, ingredient preferences, production capacities, and regional demand dynamics. The scope of the report includes all key ingredient types—animal-based, plant-derived, additives, and novel proteins—with specific data on usage by formulation category (dry, wet, freeze-dried, raw, treats).

The report offers detailed segmentation by species (dog, cat, bird, aquatic, others), showcasing ingredient volume allocations and formulation trends. For instance, dogs accounted for 12.9 million metric tons of ingredient usage, while cats accounted for over 6.1 million metric tons globally in 2024. Functional ingredient categories such as prebiotics, omega-3 oils, and joint health enhancers are covered in depth, with over 950 product applications documented.

Geographically, the report spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, identifying country-level drivers and trade data. It highlights regulatory frameworks affecting ingredient approval and cross-border trade, and details how those frameworks shape innovation and distribution strategies.

The competitive landscape includes detailed company profiles for 16 major players including ADM, Darling Ingredients, DSM, and Ingredion. Each profile features manufacturing capacity, product portfolio, ingredient sourcing networks, and global distribution reach. The report identifies the top two companies by volume share: ADM with over 1.2 million metric tons and Darling Ingredients with over 1 million metric tons in 2024.

Strategic insights are provided into mergers, ingredient innovations, investment inflows, supply chain shifts, and sustainability targets. The report delivers data-backed recommendations for stakeholders across manufacturing, R&D, sourcing, procurement, marketing, and regulatory roles. It stands as a data-driven reference for understanding the ongoing transformation of the global pet food ingredients market.