Feed Protein Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The global feed protein market size was approximately USD 66.64 Billion in 2024. The market is further projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.40% between 2025 and 2034 to attain a value of USD 149.29 Billion by 2034.

Meat is the main source of protein in developed markets and is witnessing a growing market in developing countries, especially in Asia and Africa, owing to a rise in disposable income. This aids the demand for feed protein in swine and poultry farming. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Agricultural Outlook 2021-2030, poultry meat is anticipated to represent 41% of all the protein from meat sources in 2030, globally. The swift expansion of the population, along with rising awareness of health, play a role in the worldwide surge in the consumption of seafood products and the demand for feed protein to sustain aquatic life.

Some of the factors driving the feed protein market growth are the growing focus on optimal nutrition of livestock, the growing demand for meat and dairy, and the trend of pet humanisation.

Key Trends and Developments

Rising demand for animal protein, expanding livestock population, availability of plant-based protein sources, and growing dairy production are factors boosting the feed protein market development.

July 2023

CropEnergies AG declared an investment exceeding EUR 100 million in multiple projects at its subsidiary Ensus UK Ltd.'s production site in Wilton, UK. These investments aim to strengthen its position in the European ethanol and protein markets and reduce CO2 emissions.

July 2023

Hill's Pet Nutrition added MSC-certified Alaskan Pollock and insect protein to its existing "Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin line”.

June 2023

BENEO responded to growing consumer and processor interest in plant-based pet foods by launching a new toolbox of high-quality and non-GMO plant-based proteins for pet food and treat formulas.

Demand for locally sourced feed protein

By procuring feed proteins that are locally produced and organic, manufacturers can lower their reliance on imports and improve their profitability.

Increasing popularity of aquaculture

The rising demand for seafood has increased the pressure on fish stock globally. This is leading to the adoption of fish and seafood farming to meet the growing demand for seafood and provide a greater opportunity for aquatic feed protein.

Rising pork production

China is the world’s largest pork producer with several multi-story pig farms. The country's pork output expanded by 4.6% in 2022 from 2021 levels, reaching 55.41 million tonnes. The growing pig population contributes to the demand for feed proteins for the maintenance, growth, and reproductive health of swine.

Demand for animal protein

People are incorporating animal protein products, like meat and eggs into their diets. As a result, the growing need for animal-derived proteins supports the market for animal-feed proteins.

Global Feed Protein Market Trends

Consumers in developing countries in Asia and Africa are witnessing an increase in their population and disposable incomes. Further, people are focussing on consuming healthier foods and incorporating animal protein products, like meat and eggs into their diets. Diverse plant-based protein sources for animal-feed proteins aid the manufacturing of nutritious animal feed. For instance, animal-feed protein can be obtained from a variety of plant sources, including soybean, pea, cereals, pulses, and rapeseed, all of which have excellent nutritional value that is crucial for the health and immunity of animals.

As per the feed protein market report, the trend of pet humanisation is aiding the demand for soy protein concentrate (SPC) in pet foods. Owners seek high-quality and nutritious foods for their pets. This aids the market for SPC which is a rich source of crude protein to produce dry extruded, semi-moist, or canned foods for pets. SPC also improves the texture and palatability of pet food.

Global Feed Protein Industry Segmentation

Global Feed Protein Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type:

• Concentrate
• Isolate

Market Breakup by Source:

• Animal Based
• Soy
• Cereals
• Rapeseed
• Pulses
• Pea
• Others

Market Breakup by Application:

• Pet Food
• Swine
• Poultry
• Aquatic
• Others

Market Breakup by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Soy is expected to hold a significant feed protein market share owing to its rich protein content

According to the feed protein market analysis, high-quality vegetal proteins are included in high levels in the diets of young animals' diets as they are an important source of protein. Soy contains isoflavones, a specific category of protein known for their estrogenic effects. In animals, soy proteins aid in weight management and hormone-related disorders.

Pea protein's nutrition handling and sustainability qualities aid its use in poultry, swine, and livestock feed. For instance, its cultivation is less water-intensive. Wheat's high protein and energy value make it an ideal cereal-based protein source for ruminants. Wheat bran in animal feed has a high content of amino acids and a high percentage of protein which is superior to other existing cereals. Animal-based proteins include insect-derived proteins. Insects are a sustainable source of animal feed protein as their production demands limited amounts of water and land.

The poultry segment is a key application of protein feed, owing to a rising demand for poultry meat

The poultry segment is a crucial contributor to the feed protein market growth. Chicken protein hydrolysate is economical and provides a balance of essential amino acids, as well as digestibility, palatability, and bioactive peptides to aquatic feed. Proteins are crucial for the success of commercial poultry farming as they support the production of healthy and safe chicken meat and eggs.

According to feed protein market analysis, the demand for fish is on the rise owing to an increase in urban population. In fish, shrimp, and other aquatic species, feed proteins are essential for muscle tissue construction, catalysis of enzymes, and for their healthy growth.

Protein nutrition gives swine the amino acid required for fast and efficient growth, as well as the development of a lean carcass. In 2022, pork accounted for the largest share of meat consumption globally with 112.54 MMT of pork consumed. Plant protein find use in pet food owing to its high nutritional value. For instance, soy protein concentrate finds use in dry extruded, semi-moist, or canned pet food at a recommended inclusion level of 5 to 15%.

Competitive Landscape

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Other key players in the feed protein market include CropEnergies AG, Nuproxa Switzerland Ltd, Schils BV, EW Nutrition, Ingredion Incorporated, Emsland Group, and Aminola B.V., among others.

Global Feed Protein Market Analysis by Region

Asia Pacific is expected to hold a significant share of the feed protein market owing to the rising demand for fish and seafood

According to the feed protein market analysis, fish and seafood are an important part of the traditional cuisine across the APAC. In addition to providing food and nutrition, fishing and fish farming are important sources of livelihood for people. In 2020, Asia accounted for 70% of the total fisheries and aquaculture production of aquatic animals and was the main producer of aquatic animals globally. Proteins are a crucial part of poultry diets, the demand for which is growing in the region. Chicks require high amounts of protein around 18-20% for their growth. Laying hens also require significant feed protein to support egg production. Consequently, it aids the demand for feed protein in the region.

In Europe, the rising sustainability concerns about animal farming have been increasing the adoption of plant-based feed proteins such as peas and soybeans, aiding the feed protein market growth. These protein alternatives can be produced at a lower cost and can be used in pet food. Prominent feed protein manufacturers in the country include Ensus UK Ltd, Tereos, and APC Europe.

Figure: Major European Feed Protein Producers