PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1877853
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1877853
Processed animal protein (PAP) refers to protein-rich materials derived from animals that undergo rendering or other treatment processes to make them suitable for use in animal feed, pet food, and various industrial applications. These proteins are obtained from animal parts not intended for human consumption and are processed under strict controls to ensure safety and quality. PAP serves as a valuable nutritional source, offering high levels of protein and energy for livestock and companion animals, with production governed by regulations aimed at preventing disease transmission and maintaining standards.
The main forms of processed animal protein include powder, pellets, granules, and liquids. PAP powder refers to finely milled protein products produced from rendered or processed animal by-products. These proteins originate from diverse sources such as beef, pork, poultry, fish, and other animals and are manufactured using methods such as rendering, hydrolysis, drying and milling, defatting and fractionation, and sterilization through heat treatment. Processed animal proteins are utilized across multiple applications, including livestock feed, aquaculture feed, pet food, industrial uses, and organic fertilizers. The primary end users encompass compound feed manufacturers, large farms and integrators, aquaculture producers, pet food manufacturers, fertilizer producers, and distributors or traders.
Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report's Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.
The accelerated imposition of U.S. tariffs and the emerging trade conflicts in spring 2025 are significantly influencing the food and beverage sector by raising the costs for imported ingredients including olive oil, cheese, and tropical fruits, forcing food brands to reformulate products or accept lower margins. Beverage makers face similar pressures, with aluminum can tariffs increasing packaging expenses. Retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports (e.g., soybeans, pork) have also disrupted farm-to-processing supply chains. Companies are reformulating recipes, sourcing locally where possible, and hedging commodity purchases to manage volatility.
The processed animal protein market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides processed animal protein market statistics, including the processed animal protein industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the processed animal protein market share, detailed processed animal protein market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the processed animal protein industry. This processed animal protein market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The processed animal protein market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $13.43 billion in 2024 to $14.21 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the rising demand for animal feed, increasing consumption of pet food, growing use of slaughter by-products, expansion of livestock farming, heightened focus on sustainable protein sources, and increasing application in aquaculture.
The processed animal protein market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $17.58 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the growing adoption of circular economy practices, expansion of processed animal protein applications in fertilizers, increasing protein requirements in developing economies, rising demand for eco-friendly feed ingredients, a surge in global pet ownership, and a growing preference for alternative protein sources. Major trends in the forecast period include technological advancements, innovations in protein processing, progress in sustainable rendering practices, increased investment in research and development, innovation in feed formulations, and advancements in animal nutrition solutions.
The increasing adoption of pets is expected to drive the growth of the processed animal protein market in the coming years. Pet ownership continues to rise due to the growing humanization of animals and the trend of treating pets as family members. This surge in pet adoption is fueling demand for high-quality, protein-rich ingredients in pet food formulations, as manufacturers seek to meet evolving nutritional expectations. For instance, in July 2025, according to the World Animal Foundation, a US-based nonprofit animal welfare organization, the number of cats adopted from animal shelters grew by 0.4% year-over-year in 2023, marking an increase of 17,153 adoptions compared to the previous year. Hence, the increasing adoption of pets is contributing significantly to the growth of the processed animal protein market.
Major companies in the processed animal protein market are leveraging technological advancements in processing techniques, such as X-ray imaging systems, to enhance production quality, efficiency, and safety. X-ray imaging systems employ high-resolution imaging and analysis software to detect bones, foreign materials, and defects in animal protein products, enabling real-time monitoring, automated rejection, and improved yield management. For instance, in August 2023, Eagle Product Inspection, a US-based company specializing in inspection and processing technologies, launched the MAXIMIZER RMI X-ray inspection system to improve bone detection and contaminant removal in poultry and meat processing lines. The system features dual-lane capability for up to 120 pieces per lane per minute, integrates SimulTask PRO image analysis software, and provides automated reject management. This innovation enhances processed animal protein production by increasing automation, throughput, and product quality while minimizing manual inspection and improving safety standards.
In September 2025, Mukka Proteins Limited, an India-based animal protein company, acquired a 51% stake in FABBCO Bio Cycle & Bio Protein for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enables Mukka Proteins to strengthen its position in sustainable protein production and expand its bio-based animal nutrition portfolio. FABBCO Bio Cycle & Bio Protein, based in India, specializes in producing bio-proteins and organic fertilizers through recycling and bioconversion processes.
Major players in the processed animal protein market are Cargill Incorporated, JBS S.A., Tyson Foods Inc., Tonnies Holding ApS & Co. KG, Darling Ingredients Inc., Tessenderlo Group N.V., SARIA SE & Co. KG, Sanimax Inc., Baker Commodities Inc., West Coast Reduction Inc., LEO Group Ltd., SRC Companies LLC, Boyer Valley Company LLC, nextProtein SAS, Pesquera Exalmar S.A.A., J G Pears (Holdings) Limited, Allanasons Private Limited, Terramar Chile SpA, Kaluzny Bros. Inc., and Nordfeed GmbH.
North America was the largest region in the processed animal protein market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in processed animal protein report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The countries covered in the processed animal protein market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The processed animal protein market consists of sales of animal fat, spray-dried plasma, hemoglobin powder, plasma protein, collagen protein, and gelatin. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Processed Animal Protein Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on processed animal protein market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for processed animal protein ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward, including technological disruption, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer preferences? The processed animal protein market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the technological advancements such as AI and automation, Russia-Ukraine war, trade tariffs (government-imposed import/export duties), elevated inflation and interest rates.