Animal Feed Protein Market Size - By Product, By Livestock, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Animal Feed Protein Market Size

The global animal feed protein market size was estimated at USD 322 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 333 billion in 2025 to USD 512.5 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 4.9%, according to the latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

• One primary driver is the increasing global demand for meat, dairy, and other animal-based products, which necessitates higher protein content in animal feed to boost productivity. As populations grow, especially in emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil, the need for efficient animal husbandry practices intensifies, further fueling the demand for high-quality feed proteins such as soybean meal, corn gluten meal, and fishmeal. For instance, China's rising middle class has led to increased meat consumption, prompting farmers to enhance feed quality to meet consumer preferences.
   
• Technological advancements in feed formulation and sourcing also play a significant role in market expansion. Innovations such as precision feeding and the development of alternative protein sources, including insect meal and algae-based proteins, are making feed more sustainable and cost-effective. These innovations help reduce reliance on traditional protein sources, which are often subject to price volatility and supply chain disruptions. The adoption of such technologies boosts production efficiency and ensures consistent supply, supporting the overall growth of the market.
   
• Environmental and health concerns are further driving the shift towards sustainable and plant-based proteins in animal feeds. Consumers and regulatory agencies worldwide are increasingly emphasizing eco-friendly practices, prompting feed manufacturers to incorporate sustainable ingredients. For example, the rising popularity of plant-based proteins like soybean and rapeseed meal aligns with the global push for reducing carbon footprints and minimizing environmental impact. This shift not only supports sustainability goals but also appeals to health-conscious consumers, encouraging manufacturers to innovate with new, environmentally friendly feed options.
   
• Lastly, expanding livestock and aquaculture sectors contribute significantly to market growth. Governments and private sectors are investing heavily in agriculture and aquaculture infrastructure to meet future food security challenges. Increased investments in aquaculture, in particular, are boosting demand for specialized feed proteins to support fish and shrimp farming. As these sectors expand, the need for high-quality, efficient feed sources becomes critical, further propelling the growth of the animal feed protein market. Overall, a combination of rising demand, technological innovation, sustainability initiatives, and sector expansion continues to drive this market forward.
   
• North America is the leading region in this market because of the blooming nations like U.S. and Canada.
   
• Asia Pacific is the fastest growing region owing to increasing urbanization and a growing demand in different sectors.
   

Animal Feed Protein Market Trends

The animal feed protein industry is experiencing several transformative trends driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and regulatory changes. These trends are shaping the future landscape of the industry, emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and efficiency.
 

One of the most prominent trends is the increasing focus on sustainable protein sources. Traditional ingredients like soybean and fishmeal face challenges related to environmental impact, overfishing, and supply chain constraints. This has accelerated research and adoption of alternative proteins such as insect meal, microbial protein, and plant-based ingredients. Insect proteins, for example, are gaining recognition due to their high nutritional value, low environmental footprint, and efficient feed conversion ratios. This shift aligns with global sustainability goals and consumer demand for ethically produced products, prompting companies to innovate and diversify their ingredient portfolios.
 

Technological innovations in biotechnology are significantly impacting the development of high-quality, customized animal feed proteins. Enzyme engineering, fermentation technology, and genetic modification are enabling the production of targeted protein ingredients with enhanced digestibility and nutritional profiles. Precision nutrition, which tailors feed formulations to specific animal needs, is becoming more prevalent. This approach optimizes growth performance, reduces waste, and minimizes environmental impact. As a result, feed manufacturers are investing in R&D to develop next-generation protein sources that meet the demands for efficiency, sustainability, and animal health.
 

Regulatory frameworks are evolving to promote environmentally friendly practices and ensure food safety. Governments and international organizations are implementing stricter regulations on the use of certain ingredients, such as fishmeal and soy, due to concerns about overexploitation and deforestation. These policies incentivize the adoption of alternative proteins and sustainable sourcing practices. Moreover, labeling and certification standards related to sustainability are becoming more rigorous, influencing consumer choices and market access. Companies that proactively adapt to these regulatory shifts by adopting transparent, eco-friendly practices are better positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
 

Animal Feed Protein Market Analysis

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Based on product the animal feed protein market is segmented into plant protein, animal protein, alternative protein. Plant protein is estimated to increase from USD 188.6 billion in 2024 corresponding to an increase of 5.1% CAGR by 2034. This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced ingredients, as well as regulatory pressures to reduce reliance on marine and traditional animal-based proteins. Innovations in plant protein extraction and processing—such as soy, peas, and algae—are enhancing nutritional profiles and digestibility, making them more attractive for animal feed applications.
 

• Animal-derived proteins, such as fishmeal and meat meal, continue to serve as high-quality sources due to their superior amino acid profiles. Their growth is often linked to the demand for high-performance feed in aquaculture and livestock sectors. However, sustainability concerns, overfishing, and regulatory restrictions are creating challenges for this segment. Innovations focused on improving processing efficiency and sourcing transparency are crucial for maintaining competitiveness. Price volatility, driven by raw material scarcity and environmental regulations, also impacts their market share, prompting some producers to seek alternative sources.
   
• Alternative proteins, including insect meals and microbial-based ingredients, are emerging as innovative solutions to sustainability and supply chain issues. Although currently a smaller segment, rapid technological advancements and consumer acceptance are expected to accelerate growth. Their differentiation lies in high nutritional value, low environmental footprint, and the ability to produce them domestically at scale. Challenges include high production costs and technological maturity, but ongoing research and investments are expected to improve affordability and performance.
   

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Based on livestock the market is segmented into poultry, swine, cattle, aquaculture, petfood and equine. Poultry commands the major market share, precisely around 37.3% of the total market in 2024 and expected to grow at a CAGR of over 5.2% from 2025 to 2034. Poultry’s relatively rapid growth is fostering innovation in feed formulations to optimize growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, and disease resistance. The need for cost-effective, sustainable protein sources to meet the increasing scale of poultry production also encourages the adoption of novel ingredients like plant-based and insect proteins.
 

• Swine nutrition accounts for a significant share of the market, supported by the rising global demand for pork products. Innovations in amino acid balancing and enzyme supplementation are enhancing the performance of swine diets, which in turn stimulates demand for high-quality protein sources. Regulatory shifts towards reducing antibiotic use in pig farming are also prompting the industry to invest in more functional and digestible protein ingredients to improve gut health and growth performance.
   
• Cattle feed, especially for dairy and beef production, is increasingly incorporating high-protein ingredients to improve milk yield and meat quality. The growth in this segment is driven by the rising demand for dairy products and beef, particularly in emerging markets. Market innovation focuses on sustainable protein sources that can support large-scale ruminant nutrition while addressing environmental concerns, such as methane emissions.
   
• Aquaculture is a rapidly expanding segment, with protein sources optimized for aquatic species. The need for sustainable, high-quality proteins that support rapid growth and health in fish and shrimp is encouraging innovation in microbial and insect-based proteins. Its growth is also propelled by advancements in feed formulation that improve feed efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
   
• The pet food segment is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising pet ownership and premiumization trends. High-quality animal proteins and novel plant-based ingredients are increasingly used to meet consumer demand for health and wellness benefits. Equine nutrition, while more niche, is also evolving to incorporate specialized proteins that support performance and health.
   

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U.S. dominated the animal feed protein market in North America with around 85.5% share and generated USD 90.9 billion in revenue in 2024.
 

• The U.S. benefits from a large, highly developed agricultural sector, extensive livestock farming, and a strong demand for high-quality animal proteins. The country's focus on innovation and sustainability in animal nutrition drives the adoption of advanced feed formulations and novel protein sources, including plant-based, microbial, and insect proteins. Additionally, the presence of major industry players, supportive regulatory frameworks, and investments in R&D contribute to maintaining its leading position. The U.S. also benefits from a robust supply chain infrastructure, enabling efficient sourcing and distribution of feed ingredients across the country.
   
• Canada, while smaller in market size, is experiencing steady growth driven by increasing livestock production, particularly in poultry, swine, and dairy sectors. Factors such as rising consumer awareness around animal health and nutrition, along with government initiatives promoting sustainable farming practices, are fostering innovation in feed ingredients. Canada's focus on environmentally friendly and locally sourced proteins is encouraging the adoption of plant-based and alternative proteins. The country’s strategic investments in research and development aimed at improving feed efficiency, along with favorable trade agreements with the U.S., further support its market expansion.
   

The animal feed protein market in the Germany is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The European market is expected to grow significantly from 2025 to 2034, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and high-quality animal nutrition. Stricter regulations on animal welfare and environmental impact are encouraging the adoption of innovative feed ingredients such as plant-based, microbial, and insect proteins.
   
• The UK’s animal feed protein market is poised for steady growth, fueled by a strong livestock sector and a focus on sustainability. The country aims to reduce reliance on imported feed ingredients by promoting local, eco-friendly proteins like legumes and insects. Government support for innovation in animal nutrition and consumer preferences for ethically sourced products are key drivers.
   
• France remains a prominent player in Europe’s animal feed protein market, emphasizing sustainable farming practices. The country’s large dairy and poultry industries require high-quality, nutritious feed ingredients. Government policies encouraging organic and eco-friendly farming are fostering the adoption of plant-based and microbial proteins.
   
• Italy’s market growth is driven by increasing demand for premium meat and dairy products. The country promotes local production of legumes and grains to reduce imports and support sustainable farming. Consumers are favoring natural and eco-friendly feed options, including insect proteins and algae.
   

The animal feed protein market in China is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034. China leads the region with its large livestock sector, extensive manufacturing base, and high demand for quality animal feed across poultry, swine, and cattle industries.
 

• The Asia-Pacific Animal Feed Protein market is rapidly expanding due to increasing focus on sustainable farming practices, rising awareness about animal health and nutrition, and the implementation of strict safety and quality regulations, with a CAGR of around 5%.
   
• Growth in India is driven by expanding agricultural infrastructure, a large livestock population, and increasing awareness about the importance of high-protein feed ingredients, resulting in rising adoption rates of alternative and plant-based proteins.
   
• Japan’s market is characterized by advanced agricultural practices, strict safety and quality standards, and a focus on environmentally sustainable feed ingredients. The adoption of innovative feed technology and a strong presence of domestic and international players further support market growth.
   

The animal feed protein market in Brazil is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• The Latin American market is steadily expanding, driven by increasing demand for high-quality, sustainable, and nutritious feed ingredients. Growth is primarily fueled by Brazil and Mexico, which are key markets in the region. Brazil’s large livestock sector, extensive agricultural infrastructure, and rising focus on sustainable farming practices are boosting demand for various protein sources in animal feed.
   
• Mexico’s animal feed protein market is expanding due to its growing livestock industry, increased focus on animal health and nutrition, and improvements in food safety standards. Both countries are increasingly adopting stricter regulations related to feed quality and safety, supporting the demand for premium animal feed proteins. Economic growth and urbanization across Latin America further contribute to market expansion, positioning Brazil and Mexico as leading drivers of the region’s animal feed protein industry.
   

The animal feed protein market in South Africa is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Demand for animal feed protein is increasing across the Middle East and Africa region due to rapid growth in livestock farming, expanding agricultural activities, and rising awareness of the importance of high-protein feed ingredients. Within this region, South Africa and Saudi Arabia are key markets driving growth.
   
• South Africa’s well-developed agricultural sector, increasing livestock population, and emphasis on improving feed quality are fueling demand for various animal feed proteins. Regulatory efforts to ensure feed safety and quality standards also support industry growth.
   
• Conversely, Saudi Arabia is witnessing growth in its animal husbandry sector, supported by government initiatives to enhance food security, expanding livestock farms, and increasing adoption of high-quality feed ingredients. The focus on safety regulations and sustainable farming practices further propel the demand for animal feed protein in the region.
   

Animal Feed Protein Market Share

Top 7 companies include Cargill Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Nutraferma LLC, Kerry Group, Darling Ingredients, Dupont and Lallemand Inc. These are prominent companies within the market operating in their respective regions and accounting the market share of 41.6%. These companies hold strong positions globally due to their extensive experience in market. Their diverse product portfolios, backed by robust production capabilities and distribution networks, enable them to meet the rising demand for animal feed protein across various regions.
 

• Cargill: Cargill leads the animal feed protein market with a vast global network and strong R&D. The company has market with a share of 10.5% in 2024. It focuses on sustainable, high-quality ingredients, expanding through acquisitions and collaborations. Its emphasis on sustainability and efficiency keeps it at the forefront, driving growth and meeting changing customer needs worldwide.
   
• ADM: ADM leverages its extensive supply chain and diverse product range to boost market share. It invests in R&D for novel proteins and process optimization. Strategic partnerships and pricing strategies help ADM expand into emerging markets while maintaining industry leadership.
   
• Nutraferma LLC: Nutraferma LLC emphasizes innovation in sustainable proteins, especially insect-based ingredients. Heavy R&D investment helps develop eco-friendly solutions. Its agility and focus on unmet needs position Nutraferma as a forward-thinking, niche player addressing food security.
   
• Kerry Group: Kerry Group develops functional, customized feed proteins using strong R&D. It prioritizes sustainability and health benefits. Strategic acquisitions and collaborations expand its regional presence, helping it capture new market opportunities through high-quality, innovative products.
   
• Darling Ingredients: Darling Ingredients converts by-products into high-value feed proteins, emphasizing sustainability. R&D and global expansion strengthen its market position. Its eco-friendly approach and innovative solutions differentiate Darling in the competitive landscape.
   
• DuPont: DuPont applies biotech expertise to create high-performance proteins. Heavy R&D investment and strategic collaborations expand its global reach. Its focus on sustainability and innovation helps maintain a competitive edge in evolving markets.
   
• Lallemand Inc: Lallemand Inc. specializes in fermentation-based proteins and probiotics. It invests in R&D to improve animal health solutions. Strategic partnerships and regional growth reinforce its position as a key player in specialty and probiotic feed segments.
   

Animal Feed Protein Market Companies

Major players operating in the animal feed protein industry are:
 

• Cargill Inc.
• Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
• DuPont (E.I. DuPont De Nemours and Company)
• Kerry Group
• Nutraferma LLC
• Darling Ingredient
• Lallemand Inc.
• Angel Yeast
• Imcopa Food Ingredients B.V.
• CHS Inc.
• Crescent Biotech
• Deep Branch Biotechnology
• Unibio Group
• Innovafeed
• Ynsect
   

Animal Feed Protein Industry News:

• In February 2025, Marsapet and Calysta launched MicroBell, the first dog food featuring FeedKind Pet protein—an innovative, land-free cultured protein. This vegan, grain-free, and gluten-free kibble supports dogs with allergies and is now available in Europe. It offers a high nutrient profile as a sustainable alternative to traditional animal protein, marking a major step in eco-friendly pet nutrition.
   
• In February 2024, Cargill announced plans to expand its animal nutrition operations in Brazil through a partnership with Bom Negócio to increase mineral supplement production for pasture-raised cattle and the acquisition of the Anhambi factory in Minas Gerais, with a USD 3 million investment. Recognizing Brazil as a vital growth market due to the high percentage of pasture-finished cattle, this move solidifies Cargill’s position as the third-largest market for its animal nutrition division globally, which is now its second-largest business worldwide.
   

The animal feed protein market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and (Kilo Tons) in volume from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Plant protein
• Animal protein
• Alternative protein

Market, By Livestock

• Poultry
• Swine
• Cattle
• Aquaculture
• Petfood
• Equine

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • 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 & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa