Insect Based Pet Food Market Assessment, By Source [Black Soldier Flies, Grasshoppers, Crickets, Mealworms, Bees, Cockroaches, Others], By Category [Organic, Natural], By Food Type [Dry, Wet, Treats and Chews], By Packaging Type [Pouches, Cans, Cartons, B

Insect Based Pet Food Market Assessment, By Source [Black Soldier Flies, Grasshoppers, Crickets, Mealworms, Bees, Cockroaches, Others], By Category [Organic, Natural], By Food Type [Dry, Wet, Treats and Chews], By Packaging Type [Pouches, Cans, Cartons, Bottles and Jars, Others], By Price Range [Economy, Premium], By End-user [Household, Commercial], By Distribution Channel [Online, Offline], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global insect-based pet food market is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 4.83 billion in 2023 to USD 9.34 billion in 2031. For pet owners who wish to feed their animals a diet that isn't based on popular livestock species, insect-based pet foods are a great alternative. The pet food business is seeing a rise in the usage of insects as protein sources for pets, including mealworms, crickets, and black army fly larvae.

Insect-based products are available in a range of forms to accommodate varying dietary requirements and tastes. Also, the industry has a noticeable trend towards customized and specialized pet nutrition. Companies are stressing the sourcing and production method of their insect ingredients, demonstrating the industry's increased emphasis on sustainability and transparency.

According to a Rabobank analysis, the demand for insect protein, which is fueled by food for animals, could increase by 4,900% from 2021 to half a million metric tonnes by the end of the decade. Insects are rich in minerals, vitamins, and proteins, which makes the insect-based pet food environmentally friendly as well as nutritious. The latest market trends are product developments by prominent pet food companies, partnerships between pet food manufacturers and companies which practice insect farming, and rising popularity of pet food products made using insects. These sustainable and nutritious food options are witnessing a rising demand in the market, making the market’s future outlook promising with numerous prospects for innovation and expansion.

In January 2024, Denmark-based Globe Buddy launched a new sustainable pet food for dogs, Globe Buddy Brown, containing protein derived from black soldier fly larvae. The product is suitable for dogs with sensitive digestion or those allergic to traditional meats. The packaging of the product is fully recyclable, achieving the company’s goal of sustainability.

Sustainability Trend to Navigate the Market

When it comes to the environment, pet food made from insects is far superior to standard meat-based pet feeds. Due to its high nutritional content, it is regarded as one of the greatest components in dog food. Compared to raising animals, the manufacturing of insects for pet food produces a lot less greenhouse gas. Recent studies have shown that crickets produce eighty percent less methane than cattle. Comparing insect farming to conventional cattle production, less space and water are needed.

For instance, compared to mealworm protein, one gram of edible cow protein requires almost five times as much water to create. The process by which insects turn food into protein is quite effective. Whereas 10 kg of feed is required to create 1 kilogram of beef protein while 2 kg of feed is needed to produce 1 kg of cricket protein. The requirement for additional area and resources to generate insect food can be decreased by rearing insects on organic waste streams, such as food waste or agricultural outputs, such as pig manure slurry and silage grass. Furthermore, as insect farming doesn't involve extensive land use changes or deforestation, it has a lower impact on biodiversity than cattle production.

Black Soldier Flies Dominate Global Insect-based Pet Food Market Share

In 2023, black soldier flies held the dominant share in global insect-based pet food market. Although, meat, chicken, and fish are typically used in pet food, especially for dog food, they can be replaced with black soldier fly larvae, which are incredibly nutritious and sustainable. The insects occupy comparatively less space than cattle. In fact, in a 3,600 square foot area, farmers may generate up to 300 tonnes of insect-based protein. Furthermore, they grow without light or water and survive on food scraps. Black soldier fly larvae has ten essential amino acids which proves to be advantageous with an optimum unsaturated fat profile. The larvae have the ability to completely replace cattle products as they contain up to 54% crude protein. The composition of fats is made up of 21% monounsaturated and 19% polyunsaturated fats. It enhances the flavor and satisfaction factor of the insect-based pet food of every meal. With the trend, in September 2023, a strategic collaboration in the field of black soldier fly (BSF) genetics and processing was launched by the Israeli genomics business NRGene Technologies Ltd. and the Swiss technology group Bühler AG. The two businesses are pooling their resources to offer services and solutions to this quickly changing sector, to guarantee effective insect production on an industrial scale.

Furthermore, in November 2023, Entobel opened new black soldier fly (""BSF"") manufacturing plant, the largest of its kind in Asia, marking the company's continued leadership as a global producer of functional insect protein for animal and plant nutrition. The facility has 50 levels of vertical raising and uses data analytics, robots, and state-of-the-art sensors to automate tasks and increase production.

North America Holds the Largest Market Share

Insect-based pet food sales in North America are expected to dominate the market by 2031. Demand for pet food containing insects is rising along with the number of pet owners in the region. Because of their high rates of pet ownership, the United States and Mexico account for the majority of the insect-based pet food market in North America. The number of Americans who keep pets has increased dramatically during the previous thirty years. 66% of American households, or 86.9 million residences, have pets as of 2024. Statistics on pet ownership indicate an increase from 56% in 1988. Pets provide invaluable companionship and emotional support to their owners. In actuality, 97% of pet owners view their animals as members of their family. With rising pet ownership trend in the region, the market for insect-based pet food is growing. People are being more aware of the sustainable impact of insect-based pet food as compared to the traditional one, thereby increasing the demand for it. In January 2024, The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) authorized Ynsect (SAS) to use mealworm proteins that have been defatted in dog food. The approval presents Ynsect (SAS) and its pet food brand, Sprÿng, with enormous opportunities as there is a growing awareness among pet owners of the advantages of animal-based substitutes in terms of nutrition and the environment.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

With rising sustainability trend, major pet food companies are expected to collaborate with insect farming companies to develop insect-based pet food products catering to the demands of environmentally friendly individuals.

As researchers are diving deep into the nutritional benefits of insect protein, with evolving insect farming regulations, the insect-based pet food products will see a surge in demand as well as production.

Consumers seeking unique and alternative sources of protein for their pets will rely positively on insect-based pet food products.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

As the demand for alternative protein sources in the pet food industry grow, prominent players demonstrate considerable market growth in recent years by extending their product variety and distribution networks. The market for pet food made from insects is anticipated to grow due to a growing emphasis on sustainability and alternative protein sources. Leading companies are driving innovation and market growth in the pet food sector and are continually working on developing new products through innovation and ethical production practices.

In April 2023, Protix, a major supplier of insect components, introduced fresh PureeX, a tasty fresh insect meat, in response to consumer demand for fresh, healthy, and environmentally friendly pet food. The business claims that this new frozen PureeX variation lowers the ""pawprint"" of pet food while providing pet food makers and their clients with all the health benefits of proteins and fats from insects.