Global Animal Feed Market Outlook, 2029

Animal feeds are referred as nutritious food with high levels of proteins, minerals and vitamins given to the livestock, aquatic and farm animals. It is mainly consumed by the domestic animals in the animal husbandry in form of fodder, pelleted feeds, oilseeds, and grains. Animal feeds are the important source of foods for animals as it helps them in enhancing animal’s abilities by providing enriched nutrients which accelerates growth, weight gain and develops strong immunity. Most significant used food ingredients include proteins, vitamins and every other nutritional factor in balanced state to help their growth process. Rapid urbanization and growing consumption of meat and other end products for animal feeds are driving the animal feed market around different opportunities. Innovations in the animal feed sector are largely focused on enhancing nutritional value and sustainability. Advances in feed technology have led to the development of specialized feeds that cater to the specific health and growth requirements of various livestock species, including poultry, swine, and ruminants. The poultry segment, in particular, dominates the market due to its significant demand for feed products, driven by the rising consumption of chicken and eggs as primary protein sources. Furthermore, there is a growing trend towards organic and natural feed ingredients as consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, prompting manufacturers to explore sustainable practices in feed production.

According to the research report "Global Animal Feed Market Outlook, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Global Electric Fan market was valued at more than USD 488.2 Billion in 2023, and expected to reach a market size of more than USD 601.25 Billion by 2029 with the CAGR of 3.49% from 2024-2029. In line with this, stringent regulatory frameworks and standards regarding the formulation and distribution of animal feed is supporting the market growth. Furthermore, the rapidly expanding agricultural sector and the easy availability of feed ingredients are accelerating the industry growth. Apart from this, technological advancements, environmental concerns, and surging awareness of sustainability are driving market expansion. The demand of animal based feed products or meat based products is gaining importance among animal feed market because they are very effectively essential in providing animals complete source of protein with all essential amino acids, highly bioavailable iron, zinc, selenium and especially vitamin B12. The demand for high quality proteins among animals are going to rise across globe. With many advancements taking place in technologies, producers need to manage their time effectively and efficiently in order to meet increased protein requirements of animals, which they get out of feed. This in turn is continuously raising demand for meat sourced products among animals. There is a growing global trend towards protein-rich diets, with health-conscious consumers increasingly incorporating more meat and dairy into their meals. This shift necessitates higher livestock production, which in turn raises the requirement for quality animal feed. The livestock sector is expanding rapidly, particularly in developing nations where urbanization and dietary changes are driving up demand for meat, dairy, and eggs. This expansion necessitates more efficient and nutritious animal feed solutions to support increased production levels.

Poultry feed dominates the animal feed market, leading brands like Purina (Land O'Lakes) and Nutreco focus on specialized formulations that cater to specific poultry species. The advantages of poultry feed include enhanced growth rates, improved egg production, and better disease resistance. The rising demand for chicken meat and eggs globally propels this segment's popularity, particularly in Asia-Pacific regions where poultry farming is increasingly adopted due to its efficiency and profitability. The rising global population and shifting dietary preferences towards protein-rich foods have significantly boosted the demand for poultry products. In regions like Asia-Pacific, where poultry farming is rapidly expanding due to its efficiency compared to other livestock, the market for poultry feed is particularly robust. Additionally, the trend towards organic and antibiotic-free poultry products has prompted manufacturers to innovate with cleaner ingredient profiles. Cattle feed is essential for the dairy and beef industries. Major brands such as Cargill and ADM provide high-quality formulations that enhance growth rates and milk production. The advantages of cattle feed include improved weight gain, better reproductive performance, and enhanced overall health. The demand for cattle feed is driven by the increasing global population and the rising consumption of beef and dairy products. This segment is particularly popular in regions with large cattle populations, such as North America and India, where it is projected to grow significantly due to advancements in feed technology and nutritional research.

Among these, cereals are the leading component, primarily consisting of grains such as corn, barley, oats, and sorghum. These grains serve as the main energy source in animal diets and are often processed into various forms, including pellets and meals, to enhance digestibility and nutrient absorption. The by-products of cereal processing, such as wheat bran and corn gluten meal, also contribute significantly to feed formulations by providing essential proteins and fibers. In addition to cereals, by-products from various industries play a vital role in animal nutrition. These include meat and bone meal, blood meal, and bakery by-products, which offer cost-effective sources of protein and energy. By-products are derived from food processing industries and are often rich in nutrients that can improve the palatability of feed. For example, brewers' grains from the beer production process are commonly used in ruminant diets due to their high fiber content. Cakes and meals, such as soybean meal and canola meal, are also critical ingredients in animal feed. These meals are produced after oil extraction from seeds and provide a concentrated source of protein essential for growth and milk production in livestock. They are particularly favored for their high protein content and favorable amino acid profiles. The segment of supplements is experiencing growth as producers seek to enhance the nutritional quality of animal feeds. These supplements include vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that address specific dietary deficiencies in livestock. The increasing focus on animal health and productivity drives demand for these nutritional additives.

The animal feed market features various forms of feed, each tailored to meet the specific needs of livestock while enhancing efficiency and nutritional value. The primary forms include pellets, mash, crumbles, and cubes/cakes. Pellets are the dominant form in the global animal feed market, favored for their convenience and efficiency. They are produced by compressing ground feed ingredients into small, cylindrical shapes. This form reduces feed waste, improves feed efficiency, and simplifies handling and storage. Major brands like Cargill and ADM produce pelleted feeds for poultry, swine, and cattle, making them a staple in intensive livestock operations worldwide. The popularity of pellets is driven by their ability to provide a balanced diet while minimizing sorting by animals, ensuring consistent nutrient intake. Mash feed consists of a mixture of ground ingredients without any compression into pellets. It is often used for poultry and swine, particularly in smaller farms or where cost is a primary concern. While mash can be less efficient in terms of feed conversion compared to pellets, it allows for flexibility in formulation and is readily available from various manufacturers globally. Its use is prevalent in regions where traditional feeding practices dominate. Crumbles are essentially pellets that have been broken down into smaller pieces, making them easier for young animals or those with specific feeding needs to consume. This form is particularly popular in poultry production as it encourages better feed intake among chicks and layers. Companies like Purina Animal Nutrition offer crumbled feeds that combine the benefits of both pellets and mash, appealing to farmers looking to optimize growth rates in their flocks. Cubes and cakes are less common but serve specific purposes, especially in ruminant nutrition. These forms are often used for cattle and sheep, providing a concentrated source of nutrients that can be easily transported and fed.



The animal feed market is increasingly characterized by a diverse range of protein sources, primarily categorized into plant-based and animal-based ingredients. Plant-based feed ingredients, such as soybeans, peas, and legumes, are gaining popularity due to their numerous benefits. These ingredients are typically lower in calories and saturated fats compared to animal-based proteins, making them advantageous for promoting healthier livestock and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, plant-based feeds are rich in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which contribute to better overall animal health. The environmental impact of plant-based diets is also significantly lower; producing plant protein requires fewer resources—land, water, and energy—than animal protein. For instance, producing one kilogram of protein from kidney beans requires substantially less land and water than from beef. This sustainability aspect is increasingly appealing to consumers and producers alike, aligning with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve biodiversity. Animal-based feed ingredients, including fish meal, meat meal, and dairy by-products, are recognized for their high biological value and complete amino acid profiles, essential for optimal growth and health in livestock. These ingredients are particularly favored in intensive farming systems where rapid growth rates and high productivity are desired. Animal proteins are often more digestible than plant proteins, leading to better feed conversion ratios, which can translate into higher efficiency in meat and milk production. Leading brands in the animal feed market leverage these advantages to enhance product quality and performance.

The Asia-Pacific Region is currently the largest market sharing region in the Animal Feed Market holding more than 1/3rd of total market. China is the only reason behind Asia-pacific region at top. China is one of the largest feed manufacturers in the world accounting for half of the production in APAC region. The market here for animal feed is growing due to increasing demand for dairy products, also growing proclivity towards animal based food, and increase in feed demand all around the globe. China is the biggest player in the world leading in Animal feed market. Due to covid-19 pandemic, China has faced disruptions for producing organic feed. Many feed producers in china have faced stringent measures imposed to curb covid-19 pandemic. The measures were mainly imposed on supply of containers which led stoppage to overall transport systems. In 2020, approximately 65% of the net annual production of wheat, corn and soybean has been consumed by animal feeds, whereas the rest 35% was used for food consumption.
South Africa holds the highest market share in Middle East and Africa animal feed market. The growing popularity of pig feed is rising with growing awareness of populations and even the urbanizations are expected to fuel this market expansion. Animal feed market is mainly sourced from two ingredients i.e. Plant based and Animal based. Animal based source is the most demanding source in the forecasted period. Currently, the Asia-Pacific region has dominated the global animal-based feed market and also accounted for the highest market size.

Major Companies present in the market:
Cargill Inc., Guangdong Haid Group, Chareon Pokphand Foods, For Farmers, New Hope Liuhe Co Ltd, Archer Daniels Midland Co, Feed One Co, Ltd, Alltech Inc, Nutreco N.V, Kent Nutrition Group

Considered in this report:
• Geography: Global
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Global animal feed market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Region-wise animal feed products market analysis
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Regions covered in the report
• North America
• Europe
• Latin America
• Asia-Pacific
• Middle-East & Africa

Types of feed ingredients in the report:
• Cereals
• By-Products
• Cakes & Meals
• Supplements

Types of feed by livestock in the report:
• Cattle Feeds
• Poultry Feeds
• Pig Feeds
• Aqua Feeds

Types of form in the report:
• Pellet
• Mash
• Crumbles
• Cubes & Cakes

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to Animal Feed Industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.