The pet food ingredients market is projected to grow from USD 46.5 billion in 2025 to USD 75.0 billion by 2035, registering a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% over the forecast period. This growth is driven by rising pet ownership, increasing consumer awareness about pet nutrition, and the growing demand for premium and specialized pet food products.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Pet Food Ingredients Industry Size (2025) | USD 46.5 billion |
| Projected Global Pet Food Ingredients Industry Value (2035) | USD 75.0 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.9% |
Pet food ingredients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, fibers, and functional additives, play a crucial role in formulating balanced diets that support pet health and well-being. The market is witnessing significant innovation in natural and organic ingredients, reflecting a broader trend toward clean-label pet foods. Ingredients derived from sustainable sources and tailored for specific dietary needs, such as grain-free or hypoallergenic formulas, are increasingly popular among pet owners.
The growing humanization of pets is prompting manufacturers to prioritize ingredient quality and efficacy, driving demand for high-protein sources, including poultry, fish, and novel proteins such as insect and plant-based alternatives. Additionally, functional ingredients such as probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants are being incorporated to address digestive health, skin and coat care, and immune support.
Geographically, North America remains the largest market, driven by high pet adoption rates and strong consumer spending on premium pet food. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to record the fastest growth, driven by increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and expanding retail infrastructure in countries such as China, India, and those in Southeast Asia.
In a 2024 interview on the Trending: Pet Food podcast, Kees Aarts, CEO of Protix, stated, “We want to be part of the solution. We want to be part of the change. And I think that’s the most important thing.” This insight underscores Protix's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the pet food ingredients market.
With ongoing trends toward premiumization, health-focused formulations, and sustainability, the pet food ingredients market is poised for sustained growth through 2035.
The table below presents a comparative assessment of the variation in CAGR over six months for the base year (2024) and current year (2025) for the global food immunomodulators market.
This analysis reveals crucial shifts in performance and indicates revenue realization patterns, thereby providing stakeholders with a clearer understanding of the growth trajectory over the year. The first half of the year, or H1, spans from January to June. The second half, H2, includes the months from July to December.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 3.8% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 4.0% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 4.3% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 4.5% (2025 to 2035) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2025 to 2035, the business is expected to surge at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8%, followed by a higher growth rate of 4.0% in the second half (H2) of the same decade. Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2025 to H2 2035, the CAGR is projected to increase to 4.3% in the first half and remain considerably high at 4.5% in the second half.
The ingredient type holds a 26.9% market share, driven by a diverse range of raw materials, including starches and proteins. Functionality leads with 34.1%, driven by increasing demand for health-focused and sustainable pet nutrition that addresses digestion, weight management, and immune support.
The ingredient type segment commands a 26.9% share in the pet food ingredients market, characterized by a wide array of raw materials essential for pet nutrition formulation. Starches, such as maize, tapioca, potato, wheat, rice, and whole grains, serve as primary carbohydrate sources, providing energy and enhancing palatability.
Dietary fibers, including wheat bran, rice bran, oats, inulin, and chicory root, contribute to digestive health by improving gut motility and microbiota balance. Fruit ingredients, such as apples, cranberries, and blueberries, add antioxidants and vitamins that enhance overall wellness.
Protein sources derived from animal and plant origins are vital for muscle maintenance and metabolic functions. Additional ingredients, such as fructo-oligosaccharides and mannan-oligosaccharides, act as prebiotics, supporting gut health. Sweeteners such as sugar, sorbitol, propylene glycol, and glycerol contribute to flavor and texture.
The diversity and quality of ingredient types reflect ongoing innovation and consumer demand for natural, functional, and sustainable pet food components, driving growth across pet food formulations globally.
Functionality leads the pet food ingredients market with a 34.1% share, driven by increasing pet owner awareness about health and wellness benefits. Functional ingredients are formulated to target specific health needs, including weight management, digestive health, skin and coat condition, joint and bone support, and immune system enhancement.
Weight management ingredients help control obesity, a rising concern in pets due to sedentary lifestyles. Digestive health components, such as prebiotics and fibers, promote gut microbiome balance and nutrient absorption. Skin and coat health additives, often rich in omega fatty acids, improve appearance and reduce inflammation.
Joint and bone health ingredients, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, support mobility, especially in aging pets. Immune support blends include antioxidants and vitamins that enhance disease resistance. Specialized diets, such as grain-free and hypoallergenic formulas, address dietary sensitivities and allergies, which pet owners increasingly seek.
Manufacturers emphasize clean-label, natural functional ingredients to meet evolving consumer expectations, making this segment a key driver of innovation and market expansion in pet food nutrition.
The Rise of Alternative Protein Sources in Pet Food: Innovations in Biotechnology and Their Impact on Sustainability and Nutrition
In the growth trends observed in the global pet food ingredient market, one of the most striking features is the shift to alternative proteins, most notably those derived from bioengineering. As there is an increased awareness of the need to provide ethical and healthy foods for pets, radical innovations such as cultured meat and synthetic protein are being explored.
These are healthier proteins that can provide much-needed nutrition, with the added advantage of mitigating environmental issues associated with industrial livestock fattening practices, such as emissions and land use. For example, a protein is obtained from insects such as crickets or mealworms.
It also has a low carbon footprint when compared to other meats. This makes it the preferred option for environmentally responsible pet owners worried about their pet’s carbon footprint. For example, the rise in alternative protein production provides an opportunity for consumers who prefer vegetarian diets for their pets, as manufacturers seek a variety of options to provide the required nutrients.
The rise of alternative protein sources is part of a broader strategy within the pet food industry to enhance health and environmental friendliness, resulting in more effective and advanced ways of providing food for pets.
Utilization of Biotechnological Progress in Pet Nutrition for the Introduction of Functional Ingredients: Improving Health and Nutrition
One of the other major trends observed in the pet food ingredients saga is the use of functional ingredients, which have been developed from other biotechnology processes. Pet foods are increasingly formulated with additional ingredients, such as prebiotic and probiotic bacteria, and omega-3 fats, to aid digestion, boost immunity, and care for the skin and fur.
There are strains of bacteria called probiotics that are supplemented in the pets’ diet to help balance the gut microflora in the pets for proper health and nutrient absorption. Omega-3 fatty acid-rich products, such as fish oils, algae supplements, etc., are notorious for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to maintain healthy skin and fur.
These emerging innovative technologies not only enhance the quality of the ingredients used to make pet foods but also meet the growing consumer demand for such products aimed at improving the health of animals.
Most pet parents nowadays have a greater understanding of their pets' nutritional requirements, and therefore, the incorporation of functional ingredients offers pet food manufacturers a valuable opportunity to reposition their products against the competition. Currently, the health and wellness trend is influencing pet food products, resulting in a shift in product formulations to meet the evolving needs of pets at various life stages.
Tier 1 Companies include ADM, Cargill Inc., DSM Nutritional Products, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Evonik Industries, Kerry Group, Ingredion Incorporated, Kemin Industries, Alltech, and Darling Ingredients. They are industry leaders, distinguished by their innovative ingredient formulations and global industry distribution.
These companies are the leading providers of sustainable nutrition and health solutions, thanks to the effective distribution of their products. They are also referred to as major players in the industry, as they are fully established worldwide and hold the majority of the shares in this business ecosystem. These industry leaders consistently lead in creativity, research, and development, setting the trends.
Balchem Corporation, Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Tate & Lyle, Tyson Foods, Wilbur-Ellis Company, Scoular, Roquette Frères, and Omega Protein Corporation are considered Tier 2 companies. These companies are known as regional players, as they hold adequate market coverage and are recognized for offering niche products. They are typically more localized and address specific issues rather than more general ones.
Lallemand Animal Nutrition is an example of this, performing well in Canada due to its cutting-edge technology, which produces ingredients such as probiotics, yeast-based products, and microbial-based solutions.
Tier 3 Companies include Gillco Ingredients, Saria Group, PetFlavors Inc., Vega Group, and Biorigin. These are considered smaller players who are usually limited to the local or regional areas. They tend to service localized areas and do not possess the same level of research and development facilities as larger companies; however, they are nonetheless helpful in satisfying local needs. These companies are smaller in size but remain strong in their target industries due to their innovative solutions and exceptional customer service.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top three territories. China and USA are set to exhibit high consumption, recording CAGRs of 4.5% and 4.3%, respectively, through 2035.
| Countries | CAGR 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| USA | 4.3% |
| China | 4.5% |
The pet food additives market is the largest in the United States, and it is evident that numerous factors contribute to its not only healthy but also growing nature. In the United States, close to seventy percent of households keep at least one pet; hence, the production of quality pet food is driven by the need to incorporate better ingredients.
There is also a change in the perception of products by pet owners, where value for money, the corporation's aims, and the product's philosophy are expected. This posed a new problem for the producers who controlled the market, who had to extend their range of goods by omitting certain proteins, adding APIs, and adopting natural polymers.
A healthy living campaign is likely most appealing from the perspective of people who consume this particular type of food. The nutrition of pets is quite sophisticated, encompassing elements like probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and even superfoods, which are foods that have more specific claims, such as strengthening joint functions and enhancing skin and fur health.
Moreover, the onset of e-commerce has also added a different perspective to how markets operate, where sales of pet food and its ingredients can reach every kind of consumer at every corner of the globe.
Additionally, the culture of pet ownership in America is becoming more sustainable in terms of pet food consumption, and several firms are embracing sustainable product development methods, such as supplementing insect protein and lab-grown meat, which meets both nutritional and environmental needs.
In general, the structure of the US pet food ingredients market can best be described as an innovative guide to healthy living, catering to the changing tastes of pet owners, which is expected to guarantee market development for a few more years to come.
Pet ownership is rapidly expanding among families in China, further driving growth in the compound ingredients market for pets. In contrast to America, where almost every market has an established pet ownership culture, in China, the pet market of many new owners is growing year by year. Moreover, urban cities, higher incomes, and increasing lifestyle changes, where young people enjoy taking care of pets and feeding them well with nutritious food, bring more pet owners into the market.
As a result of the above, educated people in China are becoming interested in the health of their pets and, therefore, in the quality of pet food ingredients for the finished product. Additionally, it has led to a significant increase in health-based ingredient imports, including meat, fish, and specialized health-focused ingredient enhancers for pets.
At the same time, local producers are also responding to this need by creating new and unique recipes tailored to the specific needs of Chinese pets, such as incorporating traditional Chinese medicine ingredients into their recipes.
The Chinese government is also intervening to influence the market by enforcing strict controls on the safety and quality of pet food, which encourages consumers to seek high-quality raw materials.
The pet food ingredients market is highly competitive, with major players such as ADM Animal Nutrition, Cargill, DSM Nutritional Products, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Evonik Industries, Kerry Group, Ingredion Incorporated, Kemin Industries, Alltech, Darling Ingredients, Balchem Corporation, and Lallemand Animal Nutrition who are making significant investments in research and development to incorporate innovative plat-based products.
These companies are focused on creating innovative and sustainable food concepts to address the consumer’s demand in the market. They are also committed to efficiently manufacturing foods that improve immune health and other health concerns of pet animals through a sustainable solution. To expand their sales, manufacturers are implementing various strategies, including vertical and strategic acquisitions.
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| Report Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 46.5 billion |
| Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 75.0 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.9% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
| Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Quantitative Units | USD billion for value and metric tons for volume |
| Ingredient Types Analyzed (Segment 1) | Starches (Maize/Corn, Tapioca, Potato, Wheat, Rice, Whole Grains, Fruits and Vegetables, Seeds and Legumes), Dietary Fibre (Wheat, Rice, Bran, Potato, Legumes, Oats, Inulin, Nuts, Chicory Root), Fruit Ingredients (Apple, Cranberry, Blueberry, Others), Protein, Sugar, Fructo-Oligosaccharides, Mannan-oligosaccharide, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Glycerol |
| Animal Types Analyzed (Segment 2) | Dogs, Cats, Birds, Others |
| Nature Analyzed (Segment 3) | Organic, Conventional |
| Sales Channels Analyzed (Segment 4) | Store-based Retail (Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Medical Stores, Specialty Stores), Online Retail (Company Websites, Third-Party Websites) |
| Functionalities Analyzed (Segment 5) | Weight Management, Digestive Health, Skin & Coat Health, Joint & Bone Health, Immune System Support, Specialized Diet (Grain-Free, Hypoallergenic) |
| Regions Covered | North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; East Asia; South Asia & Pacific; Central Asia; Russia & Belarus; Middle East & Africa |
| Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Russia |
| Key Players Influencing the Market | ADM Animal Nutrition, Cargill, DSM Nutritional Products, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Evonik Industries, Kerry Group, Ingredion Incorporated, Kemin Industries, Alltech, Darling Ingredients, Balchem Corporation, Lallemand Animal Nutrition, MGP Ingredients, Omega Protein Corporation, Roquette Frères, Simmons Foods, Scoular, Tate & Lyle, Tyson Foods, Wilbur-Ellis Company, BioCell Technology, Biorigin, Bluewave Marine Ingredients, Gillco Ingredients, North Central Companies, PetFlavors Inc., Saria Group, Sonac, Vega Group, The Scoular Company |
| Additional Attributes | Dollar sales and share by ingredient type; application trends by animal type and functionality; regional consumption and regulatory compliance; competitive landscape and pricing strategies; growing clean label demand; innovation in formulations; sustainability impact; emerging market growth opportunities |
As per ingredient type, the industry has been categorized into Starches (Maize/Corn, Tapioca, Potato, Wheat, Rice, Whole Grains, Fruits and Vegetables, and Seeds and Legumes), Dietary Fibre (Wheat, Rice, Bran, Potato, Legumes, Oats, Inulin, and Nuts and Chicory root), Fruit Ingredients (Apple, Cranberry, Blueberry, and Other Fruit Ingredients), Protein, Sugar, Fructo-Oligosaccharides, Mannan-oligosaccharide, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, and Glycerol.
As per animal type, the industry has been categorized into Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Others.
This segment is further categorized into Organic, and Conventional.
As per the sales channel, the industry has been categorized into Store-based retail (Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, Convenience stores, Medical stores, Specialty stores) and Online retail (Company websites, and Third party websites).
This segment is further categorized into Weight Management, Digestive Health, Skin & Coat Health, Joint & Bone Health, Immune System Support, and Specialized Diet (Grain-Free, Hypoallergenic).
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Central Asia, Russia & Belarus and the Middle East & Africa.
The global industry is estimated at a value of USD 46.5 billion in 2025.
Sales increased at 4.4% CAGR between 2020 and 2024.
Some of the leaders in this industry include ADM Animal Nutrition, Cargill, DSM Nutritional Products, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Evonik Industries, Kerry Group, Ingredion Incorporated, Kemin Industries, Alltech, Darling Ingredients, Balchem Corporation, Lallemand Animal Nutrition, MGP Ingredients, Omega Protein Corporation, Roquette Frères, Simmons Foods, Scoular, and Tate & Lyle.
The Asian territory is projected to hold a revenue share of 24.2% over the forecast period.
The industry is projected to grow at a forecast CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2035.
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Pet Food Ingredients Market
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