Animal-based Pet Protein Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast (2026 - 2031)

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 ^{[1]Source: American Pet Products Association (APPA), “Research Insights on Premium & Functional Pet Foods,” americanpetproducts.org}. 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 ^{[2]Source: United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA FAS), “Pet Food Market Update 2024 – China,” fas.usda.gov}. 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.

Perceived Nutritional Superiority Over Plant Proteins

According to the Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD) Veterinary Manual (2024), dogs require ten essential amino acids in their diet, while cats need an additional amino acid, taurine, obtained through their diet. This underscores the importance of complete, bioavailable protein sources in pet nutrition. Animal-based proteins naturally provide a comprehensive range of essential amino acids, including taurine, whereas plant-based proteins often require supplementation to fulfill these nutritional requirements. Consequently, pet owners and manufacturers increasingly favor animal-derived protein formulations due to their efficiency in meeting dietary needs and promoting overall pet health. This nutritional benefit enhances the demand for animal-based proteins and supports their premium positioning in the animal-based pet protein market.

Demand for High-Protein Senior-Pet Formulations

As pets age, their metabolic efficiency decreases, particularly in protein utilization, creating a greater need for high-quality, easily digestible protein sources. This has led to a shift in pet food formulations toward protein-rich diets designed to support muscle maintenance, mobility, and overall health in aging animals. Animal-based proteins are commonly used in these formulations due to their complete amino acid profile and higher bioavailability. Consequently, the growing number of senior pets is driving demand for specialized, high-protein diets, underscoring the importance of animal-based protein ingredients in the premium and therapeutic pet food segments of the animal-based pet protein market.

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.

Meat and Poultry Price Volatility

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, the national composite wholesale broiler price rose to 132.45 cents per pound (USD 1.32 per pound) in April 2024 before declining to approximately 124 cents per pound (USD 1.24 per pound) in the later quarters of 2024 ^{[3]Source: United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service (USDA ERS), “Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook-May 2024,” ers.usda.gov}. This highlights significant price fluctuations within a short timeframe. These changes in poultry prices directly impact the cost of animal-based raw materials used in pet food production, as pet food manufacturers depend on the same meat and poultry supply chains for protein sourcing. Fluctuating input costs reduce pricing predictability, complicate procurement planning, and may force manufacturers to adjust formulations or raise product prices. As a result, volatility in meat and poultry prices serves as a restraint on the animal-based pet protein market by increasing uncertainty in raw material costs and exerting pressure on profit margins.

Segment Analysis

By Protein Source: Fish Momentum Challenges Poultry Dominance

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.

By Pet Type: Cats Accelerate on Obligate-Carnivore Needs

Dogs captured the largest 61.0% of the animal-based pet protein market share in 2025, primarily due to higher food consumption volumes and a larger global pet population. Dog food products require higher caloric intake and protein content across various life stages, driving consistent demand for animal-based protein ingredients. This segment benefits from a diverse range of product offerings, including dry, wet, and functional diets, tailored to different breed sizes, activity levels, and health conditions, thereby maintaining its leading position in overall market consumption.

The animal-based pet protein market for the cat segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest 8.0% CAGR from 2026 to 2031, driven by cats' obligate carnivorous nature, which necessitates greater reliance on animal-based proteins. Growing awareness of feline-specific nutritional needs, such as taurine and essential fatty acids, is boosting demand for meat-rich formulations. Additionally, urbanization and the increasing adoption of cats as companion animals, particularly in smaller living spaces, are contributing to this growth. These factors position the cat segment as a significant area for expansion in specialized protein-based pet food products.

By Form: Frozen/Raw Disrupt Shelf-Stable Staples

Dry kibble held the largest 48.3% share of the animal-based pet protein market in 2025, supported by its affordability, longer shelf life, and ease of storage and feeding. It remains the preferred choice among pet owners due to its cost-effectiveness and suitability for bulk purchasing. Manufacturers are focusing on innovations in this segment by improving nutritional profiles and incorporating high-quality animal protein sources, ensuring its continued dominance in both developed and emerging markets.

The frozen/raw market is projected to grow at the fastest 11.9% CAGR from 2026 to 2031, driven by increasing demand for minimally processed and natural pet food products. These formats are increasingly popular among consumers seeking fresh, high-protein diets that align with ancestral feeding patterns. The expansion of cold-chain infrastructure and premium retail channels is enhancing accessibility, allowing manufacturers to target high-value consumer segments with differentiated, protein-rich offerings.

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.