Feed Plant-based Protein Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Soy, Wheat, and Pea), By Application (Pets, Swine, Ruminants, Poultry, and Aquatic Animals), and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2034

•   
•   
  

  Download Free Sample to learn more about this report

    

FEED PLANT-BASED PROTEIN MARKET OVERVIEW

The global feed plant-based protein market size was USD 4.10 billion in 2025 and is projected to touch USD 7.08 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of about 6.3% during the 2025–2034 forecast period.

The Feed Plant-Based Protein Market is also experiencing dramatic growth as there is an increment in the demand of sustainable and natural animal feed ingredients all over the globe. Plant-based protein is the type of protein that is obtained by processing vegetables like soy, peas, and rapeseed as a primary nutritional source in the food of livestock and aquafauna. These proteins provide a healthier and greener substitute for the conventional animal feed, which aids in the growth and productivity of animals. Awareness of animal welfare and the adoption of organic and non-GMO feed are also increasing the market further. All the innovations in processing technologies in order to make the proteins more digestible and beneficial are shaping the market as well.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Feed Plant-based Protein Industry Had a Positive Effect Due to disrupted animal protein supply chains during COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The positive effect that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the feed plant-based protein market was that traditional protein supply chains of animals were interrupted, resulting in an increase in the usage of plant-based options. The increasing food security and safety issues led producers of livestock and aquaculture to look into more sustainable and proven protein sources. The soy, pea, and other plant-based proteins were also in demand because manufacturers wanted to have access to stable and good-quality feed ingredients. Moreover, the increased interest in immunity and animal health as a result of the pandemic also increased the acceptance of plant-based proteins. On the whole, the pandemic boosted the development of the market by showing the sustainability and resilience of plant-based feed protein sources.

LATEST TRENDS

Market growth is driven by sustainable and innovative plant protein adoption

The recent tendencies of the Feed Plant-Based Protein Market are characterized by a powerful shift toward sustainable and high-digestibility plant proteins, and new options, such as wheat or pea, are becoming more popular as compared to soy. One such trend is wheat-based proteins: consumption of such proteins has been on the rise, and they are being considered for niche uses like pet food and aquaculture because of their reduced allergenicity. Also, increased prices of fishmeal and stricter environmental requirements are pushing feed producers towards the more vigorous development of alternatives based on plants. All of these dynamics are increasing the rate of innovation, investment in production capacity, and its application in livestock and aquaculture diets.

•   
•   
  

  Download Free Sample to learn more about this report

    

FEED PLANT-BASED PROTEIN MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Soy, Wheat, and Pea

• Soy: Soy-based proteins are also present at the Feed Plant-Based Protein Market, and they are the leading products because they contain high protein levels, balanced amino acids, and are sold in large quantities. They are popular in foods of livestock, poultry, and aquaculture to stimulate growth and general well-being. To address consumer and regulatory pressures, manufacturers are actively going to non-GMO and sustainably manufactured soy. The ongoing research on new technological advances in the digestibility of soy protein is improving the digestibility as well as decreasing the anti-nutritional aspects of the same.

• Wheat: Proteins derived by using wheat are becoming more popular in the feed market as a soy alternative due to their sustainability and being low-allergenic. They are adequately sought after in pet food and aquaculture diets since they have high digestibility and functionality. Recent developments in the extraction and processing of proteins in wheat enhance nutritional and feed efficiency. The increased attention to local sourcing of wheat to use as a feed is beneficial to the cost-efficiency and environmental sustainability.

• Pea: A new type of livestock and aquaculture feed, pea-based, is a flexible and green feed ingredient. They contain a balanced amino acid profile and are inherently free of significant allergens, rendering them suitable animal diets. This has been made possible by the innovations in processing that improve the solubility and digestibility of the pea protein. Growing attention to the concept of plant-based and sustainable feed options is stimulating higher demand for pea proteins in the global markets.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Pets, Swine, Ruminants, Poultry, and Aquatic Animals

• Animals: Plant-based proteins are being increasingly utilized as animal feed to supply high-quality nutrition and overcome allergen allergies and improve digestive health. Soy, peanut, and wheat proteins are also used popularly to keep cats and dogs, in general, developing and active. They are in demand of natural and sustainable proteins, and organic food producers are looking toward plant-based formulations. To address a growing call for high-quality pet food, manufacturers are retaliating by increasing palatability and nutrient fortification content.

• Swine: Feed plant proteins are commonly used in swine dieting, as they aid in growth, reproduction, and health. The reason why soy/pea proteins are widely utilized is that they are more digestible and comparable in terms of amino acids. The use of plant-based proteins will contribute to decreasing the reliance on the traditional animal protein and enhance sustainability. Swine diets are getting better in terms of feed efficiency and nutrient absorption through innovations in processing methods.

• Ruminants: Ruminant feed largely depends on plant-based proteins, which contain the main growth, milk, and general-health-producing amino acids. Soy and wheat proteins are chosen based on their high nutritional and digestion value. The use of alternative feeds that are sustainable is growing because of the environmental issues and financial feasibility. The productivity of cattle, sheep, and goats is being increased by the progress in protein supplementation and feed formulation.

• Poultry: The new milieu is poultry diets that have turned towards the use of plant-based proteins as a solution to high protein requirements that are required to support growth and egg production. The proteins in soy and peas are widely exploited due to their good amino acid content and digestibility. Poultry feed producers are slowly switching to sustainable and non-GMO as well as plant proteins. The nutrient availability and feed conversion efficiency are being improved by technological advancements in the processing.

• Aquatic Animals: Plant-based feed proteins are finding a crucial role in aquaculture to substitute the traditional fishmeal without compromising any growth and health. Higher digestibility and balanced nutrients are offered by soy, pea, and wheat protein that offer an alternative source of protein that is sustainable. The trend towards using plant-based feeds is increasing with an increase in environmental and cost pressures. Ongoing research is advancing the quality, solubility, and palatability levels of plant proteins in fish and shrimp feeds.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factor

Market growth is driven by rising focus on environmental sustainability

The growing attention paid to the issue of environmental sustainability is one of the major factors that propelled the plant-based protein market. Plant proteins will decrease the use of traditional animal-based feed, decrease the carbon footprint, and save on natural resources. Farmers in the livestock and aquaculture industries are moving towards the use of these proteins towards achieving global sustainability and consumer demands. The change is also backed by the government regulation and the programs that promote sustainable agricultural processes.

Market growth is driven by rising demand for nutritious feed proteins

The concern of adequate nutrition of livestock, poultry, and aquatic animals is enhancing the usage of plant-based proteins. Soy, pea, and wheat proteins will be highly digestible, containing essential amino acids needed to grow, have immunity, and be healthy. The farmers and feed producers are now looking into natural and non-GMO protein in order to enhance the productivity and welfare of the animals. These are the health and nutrition aspects that are promoting steady growth in the market all over the world.

Restraining Factor

Market growth is hindered by high processing costs and supply challenges

The accommodation and refining of plant protein is expensive, which serves as a major inhibitor to the feed plant-based protein market growth. The extraction and treatment processes must be advanced so as to enhance food digestibility and eliminate anti-nutritional substances, which raises production costs. This may render the use of plant-based feed a relative increase in the costs of conventional animal-based feed, which may restrict its use by cost-sensitive farmers. Besides, demand issues in supply chains and availability of raw materials in seasons may also limit the continuous production and market expansion.

Market growth is driven by rising demand for organic feed solutions

Opportunity

Increased consumption of organic and non-GMO animal feed is an excellent growth opportunity for the feed plant-based protein market. The rising demand in plant-based feed is as a result of increasing consumer preference for sustainably produced meat, dairy, and aquaculture products.

More is possible by expansion in upcoming markets with rising livestock and fish farming. Heretic improvements in protein recovery and formulation have the potential to boost nutritional value and adoption in various animal diets.

Variations in protein quality and digestibility hinder overall market growth

Challenge

One of the major issues that the plant-based protein market will have to contend with is the one that causes the protein quality and ready digestibility of various sources of plants to be varied. Anti-nutritional compounds and non-uniform amino acid contents are some of the factors that can influence animal growth and feed efficiency.

Producers have to invest in the sophisticated processing methods to have uniform quality, which makes production expensive. Besides, small-scale farmers might not have enough knowledge about the advantages of plant-based proteins; hence, obstacles may arise in adopting this practice.

•   
•   
  Download Free Sample to learn more about this report

    

FEED PLANT-BASED PROTEIN MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

Market growth is driven by sustainable feed demand and innovation

The Feed Plant-Based Protein Market is controlled by North America, as it has well-established livestock and aquaculture sectors and puts great emphasis on sustainable and healthy animal feed. The further advantage of market leadership in the region is supported by the advanced research and development facilities and strict feed safety regulations. The consumption of plant-based proteins is sweeping throughout the continent due to the growing demand of consumers for organic and non-GMO animal products. One of the major contributors to this is the United States, where soy, pea, and wheat protein formulations have been developed to increase feed efficiency and nutritional value. The United States plant-based protein market is still growing, with manufacturers investing in newer technologies of processing as well as sustainable production methods.

• Europe

Market growth is fueled by sustainability focus and advanced research

Europe has a promising contribution to the plant-based protein market as a result of its high image of sustainable agriculture and animal welfare. The adoption of non-GMO and organic plant-based proteins as livestock, poultry, and aquaculture feed is increasingly becoming popular in the countries in the region. Tough laws on feed quality and environmental concerns promote the use of high-quality plant-based proteins. Further, research and continuous advancement with regard to protein processing make the product more digestible and nutritional, which facilitates growth of the market in Europe.

• Asia

Market growth is driven by rising livestock demand and innovation

Asia holds a significant feed plant-based protein market share via its livestock, poultry, and aquaculture sectors that continue to develop at a high rate. The low cost of soy, pea, and wheat protein and their relatively low cost, coupled with high demand, encourage the substitution of animal feed with these types of protein. Such countries as China and India invest in the newer processing technologies to enhance the quality and digestibility of proteins. Moreover, raising the awareness of animal health and nutrition contributes to the growth of the use of plant-based proteins in the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Market growth is driven by innovation, partnerships, and capacity expansion

The most influential members of the industry are willing to influence the feed plant-based protein market with innovations, strategic alliances, and the development of the production capacity. The companies are engaging in research and development of more protein digestibility, nutritional value, and sustainability in soy, pea, and wheat proteins. New product development and fortified feed manufacturing are also useful to them to sustain the increasing demand for high-quality, non-GMO, and organic animal feed. Also, mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations have facilitated the expansion of geographical reach by market players and building supply chain strength and catalyzing the overall market growth and competitiveness.

List Of Top Feed Plant-Based Protein Companies

• Kerry Group (Ireland)
• Ingredion (USA)
• Emsland Group (Germany)
• DuPont (USA)
• Batory Foods (USA)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

November, 2025: Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) inaugurated a new specialty feed protein production line in Tianjin, China. The 11,000 m² facility will initially produce 60,000 metric tons of fermented soybean meal annually, tailored for livestock and poultry applications. This expansion reflects LDC’s strategy to move downstream into value‑added feed solutions and meet rising demand for sustainable and efficient animal feed ingredients in China. The development strengthens the company’s position in the Feed Plant‑based Protein Market and supports growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

This research report examines the segmentation of the market by using both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a thorough analysis that also evaluates the influence of strategic and financial perspectives on the market. Additionally, the report's regional assessments consider the dominant supply and demand forces that impact market growth. The competitive landscape is detailed meticulously, including shares of significant market competitors. The report incorporates unconventional research techniques, methodologies and key strategies tailored for the anticipated frame of time. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics professionally and understandably.