The global pet food ingredients market is poised for significant growth, with its value estimated at USD 44,267.8 million in 2024 and projected to reach USD 71,423.8 million by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%. This expansion is driven by the rising demand for high-quality, nutritious, and sustainable ingredients that promote the health and well-being of pets.
As pet ownership continues to increase, particularly in key markets like the U.S. and China, pet food manufacturers are responding by incorporating a broader range of ingredients. This includes alternative proteins, functional additives, and plant-based options, addressing consumer preferences for health-conscious and eco-friendly pet food solutions. With a growing focus on sustainable and tailored nutrition, the pet food ingredients market is set to experience strong growth in the coming decade.
A main factor driving the pet food ingredients Industry is rising pet ownership across the globe. Demand for non-discretionary and discretionary products such as treats, toys, and other food items, is also significantly influenced by rising pet ownership.
Millennials, senior citizens, and households with only a single member are anticipated to exhibit high rates of pet ownership. The rising adoption of cats and dogs as pets across the residential sector across the globe is a key driver for the industry.
Surging demand for pet foods that are free of synthetic hormones, antibiotics, harmful pesticides, artificial colors, preservatives, or tastes is expected to be on the rise. Manufacturers are developing a variety of brands with a wide range of organic and natural products to profit from the current market trend. For instance, Kroger sells vegetarian and high-protein pet diets that are all-natural.
A better understanding of the nutritional benefits of minerals, dietary fibers, omega-3 fatty acids, and carotenoids used in pet food is another crucial factor that would push pet food ingredient sales. These chemicals help in weight loss, boost immunity, and promote digestive health, all of which would contribute to market expansion.
Numerous pet food manufacturers offer food products with a multitude of varieties tailored to fulfil the needs of different breeds and pets. However, installing diverse gear and equipment is a considerable investment in the manufacturing of pet food ingredients. Certain types of machinery require regular, expensive maintenance. One of the main problems constraining the market is the additional costs borne by manufacturers.
Key Drivers of Growth in the Global Pet Food Ingredients Market
- Rising Pet Ownership
The global increase in pet ownership, particularly in regions like the U.S. and China, is driving the demand for diverse and high-quality pet food ingredients. As more households welcome pets, the need for nutritious and specialized pet food options grows, contributing to the market’s expansion.
- Growing Consumer Demand for Health-Conscious Pet Nutrition
Pet owners are becoming more informed about the nutritional needs of their pets, leading to a rising preference for healthier, high-quality ingredients in pet food. This includes functional ingredients like prebiotics, probiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids that promote digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.
- Technological Innovations in Pet Nutrition
Advancements in biotechnology and precision nutrition are enabling the development of more effective and customized pet food formulations. The incorporation of functional ingredients derived from cutting-edge biotechnological processes, such as probiotics and microbiome solutions, is enhancing the nutritional quality of pet food and supporting the pet health trend.
- Expansion of Alternative Protein Sources
The rise in demand for alternative proteins, including plant-based proteins and bioengineered ingredients like cultured meat, is a key growth driver. These proteins provide the necessary nutrition while reducing the environmental impact of traditional animal farming, appealing to environmentally conscious pet owners.
“Sustainable and functional ingredients, such as plant-based proteins, probiotics, and omega fatty acids, are increasingly sought after as pet owners emphasize both their pets’ well-being and environmental responsibility. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce is broadening market access, enabling manufacturers to engage a wider consumer audience.” – says Nandini Roy Choudhury, Client Partner at Future Market Insights.
Regional Insights into the Pet Food Ingredients Market
United States: The U.S. is the largest market for pet food ingredients, driven by a high pet ownership rate of nearly 70%. Growing awareness of pet health is pushing demand for premium, health-focused ingredients like probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant-based proteins. Consumers are also prioritizing sustainability, increasing the adoption of eco-friendly options such as insect protein and lab-grown meats. The rise of e-commerce has expanded market reach, enabling pet food brands to connect with a broader audience. With a shift toward healthier and more sustainable products, the U.S. market is poised for continued growth with a CAGR of 4.3% through 2034.
China: China’s pet food ingredients market is rapidly expanding due to rising pet ownership, particularly in urban areas. As pet owners become more health-conscious, demand for high-quality ingredients like probiotics, omega-3s, and specialized proteins is increasing. Local manufacturers are responding with tailored products, incorporating traditional Chinese medicine and other localized ingredients. Stricter government regulations on pet food safety are pushing the market toward premium, ethically sourced ingredients. With growing interest in health-focused and sustainable options, China is emerging as a key growth market, with a projected CAGR of 4.5% from 2024 to 2034.
Why is the Demand for Pet Food Ingredients Elevating across the United Kingdom?
High Spending on Premium Products in the United Kingdom to Boost Sales of Preservative-Free Pet Food
The pet food ingredients business is projected to experience significant expansion across Europe in the next ten years. Increasing demand for quality pet foods has created a thriving market across the United Kingdom. Health- and food-conscious pet owners are prepared to invest in premium products.
A recent survey conducted by the European Pet Food Association found that nearly two-thirds of respondents expected increased sales over the next decade. This reflects a trend towards healthy diets for pets and high spending on premium items. Rising disposable income across the United Kingdom has allowed millennial consumers to purchase high-quality pet food ingredients, further driving expansion within the market.
Due to rising pet adoption and high pet care costs, the United Kingdom pet food ingredients industry is anticipated to escalate in the forecast period. Growth is also set to be attributed to surging demand for pet food based on insects.
Number of pets adopted in the United Kingdom has substantially enhanced after the pandemic. For instance, the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) estimates that since the epidemic commenced, 3.2 million families in the United Kingdom have added a pet, bringing the country’s overall pet population to 34 million. The country’s pet food ingredients industry is expanding due to increasing pet adoption.
Key Takeaways from the Pet Food Ingredients Market
- Rising pet ownership worldwide is increasing the demand for diverse, high-quality pet food ingredients.
- Consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainable, ethically sourced ingredients like insect protein and lab-grown meats.
- Health-focused pet food, including functional ingredients like probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids, is gaining popularity.
- Plant-based proteins are becoming more prevalent as pet owners seek healthier, environmentally friendly options.
- The growth of e-commerce is expanding market reach, enabling broader access to pet food products.
- Alternative protein sources, including insect-based and lab-grown proteins, are emerging as eco-friendly options.
- Pet food manufacturers are focusing on tailored nutrition to address specific health needs like joint health and digestive wellness.
- Pet owners are becoming more educated about their pets’ nutritional requirements, driving demand for science-backed ingredients.
Prominent Drivers of the Pet Food Ingredients Market
- E-commerce Growth: The rise of online shopping platforms is expanding market reach, enabling manufacturers to connect with a broader, global consumer base.
- Alternative Protein Sources: The growing popularity of plant-based and alternative protein sources is reshaping the pet food ingredients market.
- Functional Additives: The incorporation of functional additives like prebiotics, probiotics, and functional fibers is gaining traction as pet owners seek to optimize their pets’ health.
- Increasing Pet Humanization: As pets are treated more like family members, there is a greater focus on their health, nutrition, and overall well-being.
- Shift Toward Premium Products: There is a growing preference for premium, high-quality ingredients in pet food, particularly those that support specific health needs.
- Rising Awareness of Pet Health: Pet owners are becoming more educated about the nutritional requirements of their pets, driving demand for scientifically-backed ingredients.
- Environmental Responsibility: Growing concerns over environmental sustainability are driving the adoption of eco-friendly and ethically sourced ingredients.
- Technological Advancements: Innovation in pet food formulation and ingredient sourcing, including biotechnology and precision nutrition, is supporting market growth.
Challenges Faced by the Pet Food Ingredients Market
- Rising Ingredient Costs: The increasing cost of raw materials, especially high-quality proteins and specialized additives, is putting pressure on pet food manufacturers.
- Sustainability Concerns: While demand for sustainable ingredients is growing, sourcing environmentally friendly ingredients, like insect protein, can be challenging and costly.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Global supply chain issues, including transportation delays and raw material shortages, can lead to inconsistent ingredient availability and higher costs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the complex and varying regulations across different regions, particularly concerning pet food safety and quality, poses a challenge for manufacturers.
- Consumer Misinformation: Despite increasing awareness, there remains a significant gap in consumer knowledge about pet nutrition, leading to misinformed purchasing decisions.
- Limited Awareness of Functional Ingredients: While functional ingredients like probiotics and prebiotics are gaining popularity, many consumers are still unaware of their benefits.
- Ethical Sourcing of Ingredients: Ensuring ethical sourcing practices, especially for alternative proteins and animal-based ingredients, is a growing challenge for manufacturers.
- Market Fragmentation: The pet food ingredients market is highly fragmented, with numerous small and local players competing with large multinational corporations, creating challenges for market consolidation and growth.
Competitive Landscape of the Pet Food Ingredients Market
Companies are dedicated to developing innovative and sustainable food solutions to meet consumer demand. They are also focused on producing foods that enhance immune health and address other pet health concerns through environmentally responsible practices. To drive sales growth, manufacturers are employing a range of strategies, including vertical integration and strategic acquisitions.
Recent Development
- In 2024, Nestle announced its investment in the “Ocean 14 Capital Fund I”, which aligns with their goals to achieve sustainability in sourcing of ingredient for pet food production. Its Purina PetCare brand, is also working to ensure use of 100% organic ingredients sourced from the sea, and has also taken an initiative for regenerative agriculture for production of bio stimulants utilising seaweed as the key ingredient.
- In 2024, Mars Incorporated, which is global leader in pet care products and service announced partnerships with large companies, such as, ADM, to work and support sustainable regenerative agriculture especially across North America. The main aim was to achieve benefits such as higher yields, lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced carbon sequestration, and greater biodiversity.
Leading Brands
- Danone SA
- Nestle SA
- Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.
- ADM
- Kerry Group
- Cargill Inc.
- DuPont Nutrition and BioSciences
- DSM
- Chr Hansen Holding A/S
- Ingredion Inc.
- Sabinsa Corporation
- BASF
- Lonza
- BioGaia
- Lallemand Inc.
- Tate and Lyle
- Glanbia Nutritionals
- Symbiotec
- Amway Corporation
- Bio-Thera Solutions Ltd.
- Stratum Nutrition
- Others
Key Segments of the Report
By Ingredient Type:
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.
By Animal type:
As per animal type, the industry has been categorized into Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Others.
By Nature:
This segment is further categorized into Organic, and Conventional.
By Sales Channel:
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).
By Functionality:
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).
By Region:
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.