According to a recent market report, the global pet food ingredients market is valued at USD 34.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 47.4 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.8 percent. This growth reflects a major shift in how pet owners approach nutrition, moving toward premium, functional, and personalized feeding solutions that support better health and well-being for their pets.

As pet ownership continues to rise globally, demand is increasing for clean-label ingredients, specialty proteins, natural additives, and nutrient-rich formulations. The evolution of the market mirrors the growing humanization of pets, where owners want ingredients that match the quality and transparency of human food.

Expand your knowledge—secure your PDF copy!

Key Drivers Fueling Market Growth

Advancements in pet nutrition science, greater awareness of pet health, and the trend toward premium product choices are reshaping the industry. Modern pet owners seek high-quality and nutrient-dense ingredients that support digestive health, immunity, energy, and overall vitality.

The market’s rapid growth is supported by:

• Increasing preference for functional and specialty ingredients
• Rising concerns about pet allergies and sensitivities
• Better understanding of pet digestive and immune systems
• Human dietary trends influencing pet food formulations

This shift toward health, safety, and quality continues to push innovation throughout the industry.

Dry Ingredients Are Growing the Fastest

Dry ingredients are estimated to grow at the highest rate in the pet food market. Their popularity is driven by longer shelf life, convenience, affordability, and compatibility with mass-market as well as premium formulations.

Pet owners value dry pet food for:

• Cost-effectiveness
• Easy storage and longer use
• Suitability for different pets and dietary needs

The rise in pet ownership and preference for convenient nutrition options will continue to support growth in this segment.

Deboned Meat Leads Among Meat and Meat Products

Within meat and meat products, deboned meat accounted for the largest share in value. This is due to its high-quality protein content, digestibility, and suitability for pets with sensitivities.

Deboned meat offers:

• Essential amino acids for muscle development
• Highly digestible protein for better nutrient absorption
• A single-source protein option for pets with allergies

As pet owners increasingly prioritize premium nutrition, this ingredient continues to gain traction.

Cats Are the Fastest-Growing Pet Segment

Cats are estimated to grow at the highest rate in the pet food ingredients market. With rising cat ownership and a stronger focus on feline health, demand is increasing for high-protein, natural, and specialized ingredients.

Cat owners look for:

• High-quality, nutrient-rich formulations
• Natural and minimally processed ingredients
• Diets that support digestive, skin, and urinary health

This shift is driving rapid growth in the cat-focused ingredient segment.

Schedule a call with our Analysts to discuss your business needs

Asia Pacific Will Experience the Fastest Growth

The Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at the fastest rate in value. Urbanization, rising disposable income, and the increasing trend of pet humanization are contributing to strong market expansion.

The region’s growth is driven by:

• Rising adoption of premium and specialized pet foods
• Growing awareness of pet nutrition
• Preference for natural, functional, and sustainably sourced ingredients

According to industry data, pet food production in the region increased by 1.65 percent in 2022, reaching 2.48 million tons.

Key Companies in the Market

Major players shaping the global market include BASF SE, Darling Ingredients, Cargill, Ingredion, DSM, Omega Protein, ADM, Kemin Industries, Chr. Hansen, Roquette, Scoular, Symrise, Mowi, Lallemand, and Phileo by Lesaffre. Numerous other regional and specialty players contribute to the industry’s strong competitive landscape. The global pet food ingredients industry is entering a phase of dynamic expansion, driven by rising pet ownership, increasing awareness of pet health, and rapid innovation in ingredient science. As consumers move toward natural, functional, and high-quality nutrition for their pets, the demand for premium ingredients will continue to rise.

The future of pet nutrition is shaped by personalization, science-backed formulations, and a strong focus on overall pet well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is driving the growth of the pet food ingredients market?
  The market is growing due to rising pet ownership, increasing focus on pet health, and the growing demand for clean-label, functional, and premium ingredients that support overall wellness.
• Why are dry ingredients gaining popularity?
  Dry ingredients offer longer shelf life, convenience, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with a wide range of pet food formulations, making them ideal for both budget and premium products.
• What makes deboned meat a leading ingredient?
  Deboned meat provides high-quality, digestible protein and essential amino acids, making it suitable for pets with sensitivities and allergies. Its nutritional value and premium positioning drive its popularity.
• Why is the cat segment growing the fastest?
  Cat ownership is increasing, and owners are prioritizing high-protein, natural, and minimally processed ingredients that support digestive, skin, and urinary health in cats.
• Which region is expected to witness the highest growth?
  Asia Pacific is forecasted to grow at the fastest rate due to rising urbanization, higher disposable income, and increasing preference for premium, natural, and specialized pet foods.