The global pet food ingredients industry is thriving, reflecting the growing humanization of pets and rising demand for premium, health-focused nutrition solutions. According to a recent report, the market is valued at USD 34.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 47.4 billion by 2028, expanding at a CAGR of 6.8%.
This momentum stems from a combination of factors: improved awareness of pet health, innovations in nutrition research, and the willingness of pet owners to invest in tailored diets that enhance the well-being of their furry companions.
Why Dry Ingredients Are Leading the Way
Dry ingredients are projected to grow at the highest rate in the coming years. Their popularity is fueled by convenience, longer shelf life, and affordability. For manufacturers, they offer versatility in formulation; for consumers, they provide easy storage and cost-effective nutrition. As pet ownership rises globally, these benefits are making dry pet food a preferred choice across categories and contributing significantly to pet food ingredients industry size growth.
Deboned Meat: The Protein Powerhouse
Among meat & meat products, deboned meat continues to dominate. Known for its high-quality, digestible protein, deboned beef is particularly valued for promoting muscle development and overall health. As pet owners grow more conscious of food sensitivities and allergies, single-source proteins like deboned beef have become an important option for specialized diets. This demand strengthens the overall pet food ingredients market share across protein-based formulations.
Cats Steal the Spotlight
While dogs have traditionally led the market, cats are emerging as the fastest-growing segment. Increasing cat ownership is creating demand for premium, nutrient-rich cat food ingredients. Today’s cat parents are seeking natural, human-grade formulations that align with their own health-conscious lifestyles. This trend is shaping new opportunities in the global pet food ingredients market for specialized feline-focused formulations.
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Asia Pacific: The Fastest Growing Market
The Asia Pacific region is expected to register the fastest growth, driven by rising pet ownership, urbanization, and a cultural shift toward treating pets as family. Consumers here are prioritizing natural, nutrient-dense, and sustainable ingredients, echoing global wellness and clean-label trends. In fact, pet food production in the region increased by 1.65% in 2022, highlighting its growing influence on overall pet food ingredients market share dynamics.
Key Players Shaping the Industry
Leading pet food ingredients companies are fueling innovation and expansion in the sector, including:
- BASF SE (Germany)
- Darling Ingredients Inc. (US)
- Cargill, Incorporated (US)
- Ingredion (US)
- DSM (Netherlands)
- ADM (US)
- Symrise (Germany)
- Chr. Hansen Holding A/S (Denmark)
- Roquette Frères (France)
- Mowi (Norway)
The Future of Pet Food Ingredients
Looking ahead, the pet food ingredients market size will be driven by personalization, premiumization, and sustainability. As pets become integral members of households, their diets are evolving to reflect human food trends—emphasizing high-quality proteins, natural additives, and functional ingredients that support overall health.
With strong growth ahead, both the pet food ingredients market share and the role of innovative pet food ingredients companies will continue to expand, making this sector a vital pillar of the global pet care industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the current size of the global pet food ingredients market?
The global pet food ingredients market was 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%.
Q2. What factors are driving growth in the pet food ingredients market size?
The pet food ingredients market size is expanding due to rising pet ownership, growing awareness of pet health, demand for premium nutrition, and the trend of humanizing pets.
Q3. Which ingredients hold the largest pet food ingredients market share?
Meat and meat products, especially deboned meat, account for a major portion of the pet food ingredients market share because of their high protein content and digestibility.
Q4. Which pet category is expected to grow the fastest?
Cats are projected to see the fastest growth, as owners increasingly seek high-quality, nutrient-rich formulations designed specifically for feline health.
Q5. Which region shows the fastest growth in the pet food ingredients market?
The Asia Pacific region is expected to register the fastest growth, fueled by rising pet ownership, premiumization trends, and demand for sustainable and natural ingredients.
Q6. Who are the leading pet food ingredients companies?
Major pet food ingredients companies include BASF SE, Cargill, ADM, DSM, Symrise, Darling Ingredients Inc., and Roquette Frères, among others driving innovation in the industry.
Q7. What trends will shape the future of the market?
Key trends include sustainable sourcing, plant-based alternatives, functional ingredients for pet health, and personalized nutrition— all contributing to future pet food ingredients industry share growth.
