Your inquiry has been received. Our team will reach out to you with the required details via email. To ensure that you don't miss their response, kindly remember to check your spam folder as well!
Request Sectional Data
Thank you!
Your inquiry has been received. Our team will reach out to you with the required details via email. To ensure that you don't miss their response, kindly remember to check your spam folder as well!
Form submitted successfully!
Error submitting form. Please try again.
Animal Feed Protein Ingredients Market Size
The global animal feed protein ingredients market was valued at USD 195.2 billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 204.8 billion in 2026 to USD 315.8 billion in 2035, at a CAGR of 4.9% according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.
To get key market trends
Feed efficiency, health, and market response to high-end protein demand in meats, dairy products, and seafood are boosted by these ingredients.
Plant proteins, insect proteins, and functional additives stimulating digestibility and nutrient absorption remain part of a rather dynamic category of animal feed ingredients. They rapidly gain in value because of parallel aspirations and regulations at the global level toward environmental sustainability. Sustainable low-carbon production models are fast becoming a tool for lessening the ecological footprint of animal agriculture.
Concerning the value chain, market development will vary across specific regions. With livestock and aquaculture sectors expanding, the Asia-Pacific region will drive growth, while Europe will secure sustainability and traceability within its feed formulations. North America will develop specialty blends directed toward performance and health outcomes while innovating its processing technologies. In this sense, companies that create a bridge between innovation and responsible sourcing principles and the circular economy will be very well set to achieve that long-term competitive advantage.
Animal Feed Protein Ingredients Market Report Attributes
Key Takeaway
Details
Market Size & Growth
Base Year
2025
Market Size in 2025
USD 195.2 Billion
Market Size in 2026
USD 204.8 Billion
Forecast Period 2026 - 2035 CAGR
4.9%
Market Size in 2035
USD 315.8 Billion
Key Market Trends
Drivers
Impact
Growing global meat & dairy consumption
Promotes feed efficiency and livestock productivity improvement with higher quality protein ingredients
Expansion of aquaculture industry
Hasten the introduction of specialized protein sources for aquatic species, including improved digestibility and nutrient density
Rising pet ownership & premium pet food demand
Create an opportunity for high-grade protein ingredients used in health, wellness, or functional benefit-based formulations
Pitfalls & Challenges
Impact
Volatile raw material prices
Puts margin pressure and drives manufacturers towards cost-reducing strategies and diversified sourcing
Environmental & sustainability concerns
Pressure on the industry to find low-carbon, resource-efficient protein solutions along with demanding a transparent supply chain
Opportunities:
Impact
Insect protein market emergence
Sustainable alternatives to high-value protein with high scalability potentials
Microbial & fermentation protein growth
Fueled next-gen innovation in feedstuffs together with performance with environmental acceptability
Market Leaders (2025)
Market Leaders
Cargill Inc.
14% market share
Top Players
Cargill Inc.
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
Bunge Limited
Wilmar International Limited
Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL
Collective market share of 46% in 2025
Competitive Edge
Cargill is a leader in animal nutritional innovation, employing over 500 R&D professionals at 17 advanced centers all over the world. It uses its vast feed database through the Cargill Nutrition System with millions of data points to formulate precision protein blends for livestock, aquaculture, and pet health.
ADM is the business that specializes in performance-based protein solutions, which includes their Digest Carb feed system, enhancing rumen efficiency and improved milk output. It is also a name that invests heavily in pet nutrition innovation with exclusive distribution agreements.
Bunge Limited has recently been extending its plant-based protein offerings with a purchase from IFF, consisting of soy protein concentrates, lecithin, and crush operations.
Wilmar International directs innovation through Wilpromil R, a feed-grade soy protein formulated for pigs, cattle, poultry, aquaculture, and even pet nutrition.
Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF)'s Feed and Livestock Production integrated feed manufacturing with the animal sector through scaling and scientific efficiency and sustainability, or Sustainovation.
Regional Insights
Largest Market
Asia Pacific
Fastest growing market
North America
Emerging countries
India, Mexico, Canada
Future outlook
The animal protein feed ingredients market, having transformed from a mere nutrient in primitive systems into a strategic efficiency and sustainability lever in the modern livestock and aquaculture systems, does not see these ingredients anymore as mere protein sources but as integrals in improving feed conversion, animal health, and contribution to the world's food security goals.
What are the growth opportunities in this market?
Animal Feed Protein Ingredients Market Trends
In modern animal agriculture, this form of ingredient has now evolved from just a basic nutritional component into a strategic driver of efficiencies and sustainability. It is now at the center of maximizing feed conversion, improving animal health and wellbeing, and supporting the global food security objectives across animals, aquaculture, and pet nutrition.
Innovation has redefined the market in 2021 with the entry of advanced protein sources, such as plant, insect-based, and fermentation-based alternatives, into the mainstream animal feed component. This is coupled with the demands from consumers, who would want to see a more sustainable production of animal products to be in line with their environmental regulations and carbon-reduction goals.
The emerging trend is that the manufacturers are slowly building up integrated production models to be able to utilize available resources and minimize waste, thus reinforcing the commitment of the industry to principles of circular economy dynamics.
This further influences the growth pattern in other regions. Strong market demand from the expanding livestock sector and aquaculture has made Asia-Pacific the market leader. Europe prioritizes sustainability and traceability, while North America focuses on technological advancements and specialty nutrition. In this emerging market, the competitive advantage in the long run is for companies that have advanced protein technologies coupled with responsible sourcing and transparent supply chains.
Animal Feed Protein Ingredients Market Analysis
Learn more about the key segments shaping this market
Based on product type, the market is segmented into plant protein products, animal protein products (ABP), marine protein products, microbial & fermentation proteins, insect proteins, others. Plant protein products dominated approximate market share of 71.2% in 2025 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 4.6% by 2035.
The animal feed protein ingredient market is structured into a diversity of product categories, each needing a specific type of nutrient and performance. Among these products, plant protein products are the cheapest and, at the same time, sustainable options available for delivering balanced amino acid profiles through soy, canola, and other plant sources for livestock and aquaculture. These products can be aligned into the global trends towards resource efficiency and the reduced environmental impacts.
Animal protein products (ABP) not only remain indispensable for high-performance formulations, but it also makes feed very digestible and nutrient dense for application among poultry, swine, and pet food. Similarly important are marine protein products derived from fishmeal and the likes. They also continue to remain part of the nutrition provided to aquatic creatures in aquaculture with an aim of achieving optimum growth and health in aquatic species.
Learn more about the key segments shaping this market
Based on physical form, the animal feed protein ingredients market is segmented into meal/powder form, cake form, pellet/extruded form, liquid/condensed form, mash form. Meal/powder form held the largest market share of 69.5% in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% during 2026-2035.
Protein ingredients for animal feed is defined in the market by physical form along diverse operational and nutritional needs across different livestock, aquaculture, and pet food applications. Due to features like versatility and ease of blending into compound feeds, and uniform nutrient distribution through the entire batch, with compatibility for feed forms with automated feed systems, meal and powder forms prevail in the past. Dry forms such as pellets and extrudates are coming to the fore for their convenience in controlled nutrient release and thus efficiency in intensive farming and aquaculture operations. Moreover, these forms help increase feed stability and decrease feed wastage.
Liquid and condensed forms, along with mash formats, are tailored for targeted feeding strategies aimed at enabling precise dosing and improved digestibility for high-performance diets. Innovation in handling, storage, and bioavailability of all forms is on with the manufacturers while meeting the sustainability agenda and rapidly changing market needs.
Based on livestock, the market is segmented into poultry, swine, cattle (ruminants), aquaculture, petfood, equine, other livestock (sheep, goats, rabbits). The poultry segment dominated the market with about 34% share in 2025 and is expected to grow with the CAGR of 3.9% by 2035.
Animal feed protein ingredients market has been segmented as per livestock types to cater to their nutritional requirements and performance goals. Poultry has shown its dominance and vigor. Certainly, it is fueled by the high-octane needs of these birds for high-protein diets that drive both rapid growth and low feed conversion rates. It is now undeniable; good availability of amino acids implies both digestibility and amino acid balance, making it imperative that we have highly specific protein feed to ensure productivity and good health.
Cattle (ruminants) should have their protein sources that cater to the function of rumination and milk yield. In some case of aquaculture, it makes use of marine and alternative proteins since they are highly digestible to support optimum growth in these aquatic species. The pet food nutrition section is darkest of dark horses, bouncing back with very strong demands for premium, functional proteins, and which in return support well-being, contributing to unique diets, and many other things.
Based on production/processing method, the market is segmented into rendered products, solvent extracted, mechanically extracted/expeller pressed, fermentation-derived, hydrolyzed, concentrated/isolated. Solvent extracted segment dominated the market with an approximate market share of 69.3% in 2025 and is expected to grow with the CAGR of 4.6% by 2035.
The processed animal feed protein ingredient market is segmented based on processing techniques that affect quality, functionality, and cost efficiency. Rendered products have been traditional nutrition sources, still widely utilized for their cost-effectiveness and nutrient density among livestock diets. The market's bulk has solvent-extracted proteins like most oilcakes and meals, with recognizable high protein concentration and improved digestibility that underline these products' importance for feed formulations in poultry, swine, and aquaculture.
On the other hand, mechanical extraction or expeller-pressing mainly meets the market demand with respect to natural processing and sustainability. Fermentation is the growing area of innovation in protein, offering bioavailable, functional benefits. Hydrolyzed proteins have specialized applications where fast absorption and tastiness are together at a premium, such as pet food or aquaculture.
Based on protein content, the market is segmented into high protein (>50% crude protein), medium protein (30-50% CP), and low-medium protein (20-30% Cp). Medium protein (30-50% CP) dominated with an approximate market share of 60.4% in 2025 and is expected to grow with the CAGR of 6.9% by 2035.
Ingredients for animal feed have been classified according to protein values for the purpose of meeting specific nutritional requirements for livestock and poultry production. Thus, high-protein formulations (>50% crude protein), medium-protein blends (30-50% CP), and low-medium protein categories (20-30% CP) exist. Medium-protein products are most important for their contribution to balanced nutrition and low prices for use in different feed applications. The other segmentation suggests that the industry has been working toward sustainability and efficiency in animal nutrition by enhancing the health of animals, growth performance, and feed efficiency through protein solutions.
Looking for region specific data?
The North America animal feed protein ingredients growing rapidly on the global level with a market share of 25% in 2025.
North America is becoming a strategic centre for growth in the animal feed protein ingredients sector because of advanced feed manufacturing facilities and robust regulatory systems that promote quality and safety.
U.S. dominates the North America animal feed protein ingredients market, showcasing strong growth potential.
A significant role is played by the U.S. in providing an enabling framework for the counselling of innovations in feed composition and sustainable sourcing practices. Such an environment, therefore, invites opportunities for the development of proprietary protein solutions that match emerging standards of efficiency, nutrition, and environment-friendly practices.
Europe animal feed protein ingredients market is growing with revenue of USD 33.9 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
New regulations for quality standards and responsible sourcing continue to accelerate innovation in protein blends that meet environmental and nutritional goals. Germany is one of the key contributors toward this space, with a large livestock industry and progressive policies promoting high-quality feed production.
Germany dominates the European animal feed protein ingredients market, showcasing strong growth potential.
Germany features prominently in this as it has a robust livestock industry and progressive policies promoting the production of high-quality feeds. Such dynamics make this region an attractive space for making developments in customized protein solutions that are in accordance with changing consumer expectations in best practices from the industry.
The Asia Pacific Animal feed protein ingredients market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% during the analysis timeframe.
Asia-Pacific is fast becoming a vibrant center of activity for the manufacture of animal feed protein ingredients. This cadre of growth is enhanced through a very strong livestock sector and its increasing demand for more efficient feed solutions. Protein-rich formulations are being rapidly adopted across the region to optimize productivity within changing specifications.
China animal feed protein ingredients market is estimated to grow with a significant CAGR in the Asia Pacific region.
China is one of the central contributors in this area, further supported by its scale in feed manufacturing and initiatives in sustainable good quality feed manufacturing. These are likely to create an environment where innovative protein blends targeted to different animal species can thrive in synergism with the regional developments on food security and agricultural modernization.
Latin America Animal Feed Protein Ingredients accounted for 8.8% market share in 2025 and is anticipated to show highest growth over the forecast period.
There has been a significant increase in livestock production expansion and a growing demand for an improved feed solution in Latin America, thereby making the region an exciting opportunity for growth in animal protein feed ingredients. It is made further conducive owing to a new and evolving regulatory framework concerning sustainability that is likely to give rise to innovative protein formulations that enhance health in livestock productivity.
Brazil leads the Latin American animal feed protein ingredients market, exhibiting remarkable growth during the analysis period.
Brazil is accelerating its growth trajectory with an existing strong agricultural base and advanced feed manufacturing capabilities, allowing for the incorporation of high-quality blends of proteins. This can give move to the development of customized solutions that may resonate with region-defined priorities in food security, performance optimization, and environmentally enabled practices.
Middle East & africa animal feed protein ingredients accounted for 3.4% market share in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
Increased livestock production and a growing focus on feed efficiency have resulted in the Middle East and Africa being regarded as promising regions for developing markets for animal feed protein ingredients.
Saudi Arabia animal feed protein ingredients industry to experience substantial growth in the Middle East and Africa Animal Feed Protein Ingredients market in 2025.
Saudi Arabia is expected to grow significantly through its agricultural development initiatives and investments geared toward state-of-the-art production of feed. The trends outlined above provide the region with tremendous potential market opportunities for customized, performance-driven feed products.
Animal Feed Protein Ingredients Market Share
The top five companies in animal feed protein ingredients industry include Cargill Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Bunge Limited, Wilmar International Limited, Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL. These are prominent companies operating in their respective regions covering approximately 46% of the market share in 2025. These companies hold strong positions due to their extensive experience in Animal Feed Protein Ingredients market. Their diverse product portfolios, backed by robust production capabilities and distribution networks, enable them to meet the rising demand across various regions.
Cargill, Inc. is a global food and agriculture company, delivering business solutions across animal nutrition, food ingredients, and supply chain management. It focuses on innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency to provide value to customers of diverse markets.
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is a worldwide leader in agricultural processing and nutrition, through products and services ranging among food, feed, and industrial applications.
Bunge Limited is an agribusiness and food company that processes oilseeds and trades grains, along with ingredient solutions for the food and feed industries. A Bunge connecting farmers with markets across the globe by utilizing sustainable, higher quality products for food or feed applications.
Wilmar International Limited is an integrated agribusiness operating in oilseed crushing, refining of edible oils, and production of specialty fats.
Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL operates as a multinational company in integrated agro-industrial and food businesses. It has its main focus on animal feed manufacture, livestock farming, and food processing.
Animal Feed Protein Ingredients Market Companies
Major players operating in the animal feed protein ingredients industry include:
Cargill Inc.
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
Bunge Limited
Wilmar International Limited
Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL
Evonik Industries AG
DSM-Firmenich
Nutreco N.V.
TASA (Tecnológica de Alimentos S.A.)
Copeinca (Cooke Aquaculture)
De Heus Animal Nutrition
Alltech Inc.
Protix B.V.
InnovaFeed
Calysta Inc.
Animal Feed Protein Ingredients Industry News
In January 2024, a new industrial plant to produce sustainable fish feed protein hydrolysates from animal byproducts was inaugurated in Portugal by Sebol, a subsidiary of the ETSA Group, marking one of the significant advances in aquaculture nutrition and circular economy practices.
In May 2023, Alltech has invested in Agolin, an animal nutrition company based in Switzerland. They announced their intention to explore opportunities for developing innovative technologies that combine Alltech's nutritional portfolio with Agolin's essential oil blends.
These animal feed protein ingredients market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Kilo Tons) from 2022 to 2035, for the following segments:
Marine fish (seabass, pomfret, snakehead, herring, eel)
Others (turtle, crab, mollusks)
Petfood
Dogs
Cats
Birds
Fish (ornamental)
Small mammals
Equine
Other livestock (sheep, goats, rabbits)
Market, by Production/Processing Method
Rendered Products
Solvent Extracted
Mechanically Extracted/Expeller Pressed
Fermentation-Derived
Hydrolyzed
Concentrated/Isolated
Market, by Protein Content
High protein (>50% crude protein)
Medium protein (30-50% CP)
Low-medium protein (20-30% CP)
The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:
North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
Germany
UK
France
Spain
Italy
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Argentina
Rest of Latin America
Middle East and Africa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
UAE
Rest of Middle East and Africa
Author: Kiran Pulidindi, Manish Verma
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
What are the upcoming trends in the animal feed protein ingredients market? +
Key trends include emergence of insect protein alternatives, growth of microbial and fermentation proteins, adoption of sustainable low-carbon production models, and integration of circular economy principles in feed manufacturing.
Who are the key players in the animal feed protein ingredients market? +
Key players include Cargill Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Bunge Limited, Wilmar International Limited, Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL, Evonik Industries AG, DSM-Firmenich, Nutreco N.V., TASA (Tecnológica de Alimentos S.A.), Copeinca (Cooke Aquaculture), De Heus Animal Nutrition, Alltech Inc., Protix B.V., InnovaFeed, and Calysta Inc.
What is the growth outlook for medium protein content segment from 2026 to 2035? +
Medium protein (30-50% CP) segment dominated with 60.4% market share in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% till 2035, driven by balanced nutrition needs and cost-effectiveness.
Which region leads the animal feed protein ingredients market? +
The North America animal feed protein ingredients market growing rapidly on the global level with a revenue share of 25% in 2025. The region's expansion is fueled by strong livestock sector and aquaculture industry growth.
What was the valuation of meal/powder form segment in 2025? +
Meal/powder form held the largest market share of 69.5% in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% during 2026-2035.
What is the market size of the animal feed protein ingredients in 2025? +
The market size was USD 195.2 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 4.9% expected through 2035 driven by improved feed efficiency, animal health, and rising demand for high-protein meat, dairy, and seafood products.
What is the current animal feed protein ingredients market size in 2026? +
The market size is projected to reach USD 204.8 billion in 2026.
What was the market share of plant protein products segment in 2025? +
Plant protein products dominated with approximately 71.2% market share in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% by 2035.
What is the projected value of the animal feed protein ingredients market by 2035? +
The animal feed protein ingredients market is expected to reach USD 315.8 billion by 2035, propelled by expansion of aquaculture industry, rising pet ownership, and demand for sustainable protein solutions.