By Heather McGuire Doyle, Senior Market Reporter (North America)
The use of fishery ingredients in pet food has more than doubled, increasing by 104% from 2020 to 2024, while meat and poultry ingredients have also increased and are up 29% in 2024 compared to 2020 data, according to the latest findings from the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER).
This was one of the major insights revealed at the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) this week. IFEEDER unveiled a sneak peek of its upcoming 2025 updates to the pet food ingredient and feed ingredient consumption reports. These reports analyze the evolving trends in pet food and livestock feed ingredients, highlighting significant changes in ingredient usage, market values, and industry shifts.
Key Findings
In July 2024, the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) kicked off a research project to update the 2019 pet food report, which assessed the scope of ingredients and upstream value of pet food in rural and urban communities across America. This report has provided the pet food industry and its stakeholders a comprehensive analysis of the diverse ingredients used and consumed by US dogs and cats.
The report found that US pet food manufacturers use nearly 10 million tons of animal- and plant-based ingredients for dog and cat food to provide the complete nutrition pets need, at a value of $13.2 billion.
More than 600 safe and nutritious ingredients are used in US dog and cat food, demonstrating the diversity of options available to shoppers at various price points to fit their budgets.
The complete update to this report is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Ingredient Trends
Dry dog food dominates: It remains the largest segment by both volume and value.
Treats surge in value: Although they rank lower in volume, dog treats continue to command high market value.
Fishery ingredients skyrocket: Their use in pet food has more than doubled, increasing by 104% from 2020 to 2024.
Meat and poultry ingredient use rise: Usage has increased by 29% from 2020 to 2024.
Fresh pet food growth: Analyzed for the first time, fresh pet food represents only 1.2% of the market by volume but accounts for 10% of its value.
Chicken remains the most common pet food ingredient.
