Delray Beach – October 14, 2026 -- The pet food ingredients market will grow from USD 41.55 billion in 2026 to USD 57.68 billion by 2031, a 6.8% CAGR, according to MarketsandMarkets.
Animal-based ingredients hold 53.8% share as premiumization lifts meat inclusion
The animal-based segment is estimated to lead the market with a 53.8% share in 2026. The report also expects it to be the fastest-growing source segment through 2031. Manufacturers are differentiating products with higher meat inclusion, novel proteins and species-specific formulations.
Fresh, refrigerated, freeze-dried and air-dried formats are opening additional demand for meat, poultry, fish and egg ingredients. Insect and marine-based proteins are broadening the ingredient base and addressing sustainability and supply-chain considerations.
Vegetables and fruits post the highest ingredient CAGR while meat keeps the largest share
By ingredient, meat and meat products are expected to hold the dominant share through the forecast period. Vegetables and fruits are projected to grow fastest, as pet owners look for recognizable whole-food, clean-label ingredients that supply fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. By form, the dry segment is projected to grow at a 7.0% CAGR from 2026 to 2031, the higher rate among forms.
Asia Pacific takes 21.8% of 2026 spending and is the fastest-growing region
Asia Pacific is estimated to account for 21.8% of the market in 2026. Growth is led by rising pet ownership and companion-animal spending in China, India, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia. Chinese demand for premium and functional foods is lifting use of high-quality proteins, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids. India is adding organized pet food channels, while Japan and South Korea are mature markets focused on age-specific, health-oriented nutrition.
ADM, Scoular and Symrise commit capital to capacity and alternative proteins
In October 2023, ADM invested USD 33 million in a new pet food production line in Guadalajara, Jalisco, to support its Ganador and Minino brands. In November 2021, Scoular subsidiary Petsource announced a USD 75 million investment to expand production capacity and its ingredient portfolio. In April 2026, Symrise took a strategic equity stake in Bond Pet Foods to advance precision fermentation for animal-identical proteins.
Acquisitions target raw-material supply and processing capacity
Darling Ingredients acquired Poland's Miropasz Group in 2024 to strengthen its supply of animal-derived raw materials. In 2023, Scoular bought Northwest Farm Food Cooperative's frozen fish processing plant to expand fish ingredient output for pet food makers. ADM acquired South Sunrays Milling Corporation in the Philippines, and Symrise acquired Wing Pet Food in China.
Value growth shifts from commodity inputs to functional ingredients
The report attributes market growth to premiumization, humanization and functional nutrition, not just higher pet food volumes. Value-added categories such as meat and meat products, cereals, vegetables and fruits, fats and additives are gaining weight. Profiled suppliers include BASF, Darling Ingredients, Cargill, Ingredion, dsm-firmenich, ADM, Novonesis, Roquette Frères and Symrise.