Animal-based Pet Protein - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)

The animal-based pet protein market size is projected to grow from USD 40.35 billion in 2025 and USD 43.05 billion in 2026 to USD 58.20 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 6.22% from 2026 to 2031. This report is Segmented by Protein Source (Poultry, Fish, Beef, Pork, Lamb, and Other Protein Sources), by Pet Type (Dogs, Cats, and Other Pets), by Form (Dry Kibble, Wet Food, Semi-Moist, Frozen/Raw, and Powder/Concentrate), and by Geography (North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Global Animal-based Pet Protein Market Trends and Insights

Humanization of Pets Driving Premium Protein Diets

According to the American Pet Products Association, 41% of dog owners and 38% of cat owners purchased premium pet food in 2024 . This trend highlights the growing humanization of pets, with owners prioritizing quality, ingredient transparency, and health benefits in pet nutrition. Premium pet food products, often made with high-quality, named animal-based protein sources such as chicken, beef, and fish, are becoming more popular. The shift toward premium diets reflects a focus on nutrition rather than basic feeding, leading to higher spending per pet. This behavior is driving demand for animal-based protein ingredients and contributing to value-driven growth in the animal-based pet protein market.

Rising Global Pet Ownership in Emerging Economies

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service in 2024, China’s pet population reached 124.1 million, comprising 52.6 million dogs and 71.5 million cats. This represents an increase of 1.6% and 2.5%, respectively, compared to the previous year, highlighting the rapid growth of pet ownership in emerging economies . This expansion is attributed to urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and changing lifestyles in major cities. The increase in pet ownership has led to higher spending on pet food, with a growing preference for commercial and nutritionally balanced diets. As pets are increasingly regarded as companions, there is a rising demand for high-quality, protein-rich formulations, particularly those containing animal-based proteins.

Growing Shift Toward Plant-Based and Alternative Proteins

Consumer preference for sustainable, environmentally friendly pet food products is posing a notable challenge for the animal-based pet protein market. Growing awareness of the environmental impact of livestock production, along with rising interest in plant-based and alternative protein ingredients, is prompting pet food manufacturers to explore formulations beyond traditional animal-derived proteins. The growth of vegan, plant-based, and cultivated protein pet food products in developed markets is gradually shaping purchasing decisions among environmentally conscious consumers. Furthermore, increased investments in alternative protein innovation and broader product availability across retail channels are heightening competition for traditional animal-based protein products.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

• Perceived Nutritional Superiority Over Plant Proteins
• Demand for High-Protein Senior-Pet Formulations
• Meat and Poultry Price Volatility

For complete list of drivers and restraints, kindly check the Table Of Contents.

Segment Analysis

Poultry accounted for the largest 42.5% of the animal-based pet protein market share in 2025, supported by its cost efficiency, high palatability, and wide acceptance across both dog and cat diets. Its dominance is further reinforced by established supply chains and consistent availability of poultry by-products from the meat industry. Poultry-based formulations remain the preferred choice for mass-market pet food products due to their balanced amino acid profile and affordability, enabling manufacturers to maintain competitive pricing while meeting nutritional standards across various pet food categories globally.

The animal-based pet protein market size for the fish segment is projected to grow at the fastest 9.3% CAGR from 2026 to 2031, driven by increasing demand for functional nutrition and hypoallergenic formulations. Fish-based ingredients are gaining traction for their omega-3 fatty acid content and digestive benefits, particularly among pets with sensitivities. Premiumization trends and rising awareness of skin, coat, and joint health are supporting this shift. Manufacturers are expanding marine-based product lines to capture higher-margin segments, positioning fish proteins as a key growth driver within specialized and therapeutic pet nutrition offerings.

Complete Report Scope:

• By Protein Source
  • Poultry
  • Fish
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Lamb
  • Others
• By Pet Type
  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Others
• By Form
  • Dry Kibble
  • Wet Food
  • Semi-Moist
  • Frozen/Raw
  • Powder/Concentrate
• By Geography
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
    • Rest of North America
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Rest of South America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • United Kingdom
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • Australia
    • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  • Middle East
    • Saudi Arabia
    • United Arab Emirates
    • Rest of Middle East
  • Africa
    • South Africa
    • Nigeria
    • Rest of Africa

Geography Analysis

North America commanded the largest share of the animal-based pet protein market in 2025, at 37.8%, driven by high pet ownership rates and elevated per-pet spending. The region benefits from a well-established pet food manufacturing infrastructure and an abundant supply of animal-based raw materials from the livestock industry. Additionally, advanced retail networks and veterinary-driven product recommendations support the demand for high-protein formulations. The presence of major industry players and ongoing product innovation, particularly in premium and therapeutic diets, further reinforces the region's market leadership.

The Asia-Pacific market is projected to grow at the fastest 10.8% CAGR from 2026 to 2031, supported by rising pet ownership and increasing disposable incomes among urban populations. Expanding middle-class demographics and evolving lifestyles are fostering the adoption of commercial pet food, especially protein-rich diets. The growth of organized retail and e-commerce channels is enhancing product accessibility. Regional manufacturers are also strengthening supply chains through partnerships and investments in processing capabilities, enabling higher production of animal-based protein ingredients to meet the growing demand.

In Europe, evolving sustainability frameworks are promoting the use of lower-emission animal proteins, such as poultry and fish, which continue to drive demand for animal-based ingredients. In South America, rising pet ownership and enhanced production capabilities are contributing to market growth, with Argentina and Chile bolstering fishmeal supply for premium pet food formulations. According to the International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map data (2024), Saudi Arabia imported 28,000 metric tons of dog and cat food in 2024, which is 35% higher compared to the previous year, indicating increasing demand for commercial pet food in the Middle East. Africa remains an emerging market, with gradual adoption supported by improving distribution networks.

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

• Mars, Incorporated
• Nestlé Purina PetCare Company
• Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc.
• Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd. (General Mills, Inc.)
• Diamond Pet Foods Inc. (Schell & Kampeter Inc.)
• Freshpet, Inc.
• Tyson Pet Products, Inc. (Tyson Foods, Inc.)
• Darling Ingredients Inc.
• United Petfood Producers NV
• Simmons Pet Food, Inc.
• Farmina Pet Foods Holding B.V.
• Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (Charoen Pokphand Group)
• WellPet LLC
• Sunshine Mills, Inc.
• Spectrum Brands Pet LLC

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support