Insect-based Pet Food Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Black Soldier Fly (BSF), Cricket, and Others), By Application (Cat Food, Dog Food, and Others), and Regional Insight and Forecast to 2033

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INSECT-BASED PET FOOD MARKET OVERVIEW

According to Business Research Insight, the insect-based pet food market, valued at USD 0.11 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 0.12 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow significantly to USD 0.24 billion by 2033, driven by a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%.

Insect pet food market has been slowly building momentum as an environmentally friendly and high-density alternative to traditional pet food ingredients. With increasing consumer demand for green products and higher pet health awareness, manufacturers are turning towards insect protein from insects such as crickets, black soldier flies, and mealworms. Pet owners, particularly from the urban categories, are demonstrating interest in eco-friendly offerings, and novelty coupled with environment benefits have surged the visibility of the market. Along with this, carbon footprints of traditional livestock farming have driven pet nutrition space to insect-based solutions as a tempting choice.

INSECT-BASED PET FOOD MARKET KEY FINDINGS

• Market Size and Growth: Insect-based Pet Food Market, valued at USD 0.11 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 0.12 billion in 2025 and further escalate to USD 0.24 billion by 2033, driven by a strong CAGR of 9.5%. 

• Key Market Driver: 83% of U.S. pet owners are willing to feed their pets insect-based ingredients, indicating strong consumer acceptance.

• Major Market Restraint: Around 12% of pets exhibit allergic reactions or sensitivities to novel proteins such as insects.

• Emerging Trends: Over 60% of new insect-based pet food products launched in 2022 contained added functional ingredients like omega-3 and probiotics.

• Regional Leadership: North America holds a 47.8% market share, followed by Europe with 33.6%, driven by sustainability efforts and awareness.

• Competitive Landscape: Ynsect raised €160 million to expand operations; Protix runs a facility producing 10,000 tons of insect protein annually.

• Market Segmentation: Product usage in 2023: crickets (45.4%), mealworms (32.1%), black soldier flies (22.5%).

• Recent Development: In August 2023, Nestlé Purina introduced a pet food line featuring 30% insect protein and 20% plant protein from fava beans and millet.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR IMPACT

Insect-based Pet Food Market Had a Negative Effect Due To Instability in the Worldwide Supply Chain during the Russia-Ukraine War

The Russia-Ukraine war negatively impacted the insect-based pet food market through the disruption of international supply chains, particularly in Europe since the increased presence of insect farm activities was a factor there. Ukraine was known for its production contribution towards agricultural output and feed and lost significant amounts, resulting in the increase in the price of insect feed and inputs. Accordingly, companies operating in the production of insect pet food faced a challenge of maintaining steady production and fulfilling international demand. This has led to shortage of supplies and higher prices, ultimately curbing market growth within the short run in the dominant regions of North America and Europe.

LATEST TREND

Product Formulation Innovation To Drive Market Growth

One of the emerging trends fuelling the expansion of the insect-based pet food industry is product formulation innovation, particularly with an eye to the manufacture of hypoallergenic pet foods. Many pet owners are switching to insect-based pet food due to food allergy problems triggered by conventional proteins like beef and chicken. Insects are novel protein sources, that yields hypoallergenic benefits, and companies are launching specialist ranges for sensitive animals. This switch not only addresses particular health requirements but also reinforces the position of insect foods as high-end, functional, and health-oriented options in the nascent pet food market.

• According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), the approval of black soldier fly larvae as an ingredient in adult dog food since 2021 has led to increased formulation of insect-based products across North America, with black soldier fly larvae-based formulas now making up approximately 35% of the insect-based pet food market.

• According to the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF), black soldier fly larvae dominate the European insect-based pet food sector, accounting for over 59.8% of the production in 2023.

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INSECT-BASED PET FOOD MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type, the global market is categorised into Black Soldier Fly (BSF), Cricket, and Others.

• The Black Soldier Fly (BSF): This segment dominates the market as a result of high protein levels, environmentally friendly cultivation practices, and regulatory certification by agencies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). BSF larvae are highly efficient in converting organic waste into good-quality protein, thereby a viable choice for eco-friendly producers and pet owners. Their growing popularity and nutritional properties have significantly enhanced their demand in target markets.

• Cricket: The cricket market is also experiencing tremendous expansion, prized for its palatability of flavour, superior digestibility, and sufficient amino acid profile. Crickets are easy to raise with low environmental impact, and several startups are testing cricket-based kibble, treats, and supplements. Due to their small size and compact growth cycle, crickets are an inexpensive option for pet food producers that seek to provide alternate sources of protein.

• Others: Mealworms and grasshoppers contribute to the diversity of this market. While they currently occupy a smaller market share than BSF and crickets, they are being used more in treats and supplemental feeds. Companies are experimenting with these sources to launch new product lines and meet various consumer requests for exotic and exotic pet nutrition.

By Application

Based on application, the global market is categorized into Cat Food, Dog Food, and Others.

• Dog Food: The biggest market driver of insect-based pet foods is dog food. Dogs, compared to cats, are more omnivorous by nature, and therefore they embrace new protein sources with open arms; businesses have seized on that with marketing around various forms of kibble, wet foods, and chews based on insect protein. Green marketing appealing to eco-conscious owners has performed particularly well here, emphasizing stewardship of ecosystems along with better nutrition.

• Cat Food: The cat food segment is gradually gaining momentum as manufacturers develop insect-based formulations tailored to the obligate carnivore nature of cats. Although cats are traditionally picky eaters, advances in flavour enhancement and nutrition profiling are helping insect-based cat foods carve out a niche. Innovations ensuring high taurine levels, essential for cats, have made these products increasingly appealing to cat owners seeking sustainable choices.

• Others: Other applications, such as reptile, bird, and amphibian pet foods, are also gaining popularity. Insects inherently make up a substantial part of these animals' diets, so insect-based products are a perfect fit. Businesses looking to capture the exotic pet food market are capitalizing on this synergy to expand their customer base and product lines.

MARKET DYNAMICS

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

Driving Factor

Growing Environmental Consciousness Among Consumers Enhancing Market Growth

A main driving force in the Insect-Based Pet Food Market Growth is growing environmental consciousness among consumers. Traditional livestock production is resource-intensive and a big source of greenhouse gas emissions. In comparison with insect farming, however, it requires much less land, water, and feed and is therefore an environmentally sustainable option. With the global interest in climate change growing, however, demand for environmentally sustainable options such as insect-based pet food is growing, driven by consumers who want to reduce their ecological footprint.

Increasing Prevalence Of Food Allergies And Intolerances In Animals To Boost Market Growth

Another key driving factor is the increasing prevalence of food allergies and intolerances in animals. Traditional meat-based pet foods tend to cause allergic responses in animals, and owners start looking for alternative protein sources. Insects, as relatively new components in pet diets, have less allergenic potential, leading to an incentive for pet owners to shift towards insect-based foods for better health and well-being of pets. This has opened up earning possibilities for manufacturers of pet foods to make and sell more hypoallergenic foods.

• According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), nearly 60% of U.S. pet owners are willing to pay a premium for sustainable and eco-friendly products, including insect-based pet food.

• According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), crickets contain approximately 60–70% protein by dry weight, offering a highly nutritious and sustainable alternative to meat-based protein in pet food.

Restraining Factor

Deep-Rooted Perception Barrier Of Pet Owners Could Potentially Impede Market Growth

One of the major inhibiting factors in the insect pet food industry is the deep-rooted perception barrier of pet owners. Despite the environmental and nutritional advantages, consumers are reluctant or repulsed by the concept of serving insects to their pets due to cultural leanings and the "yuck factor." Convincing consumers about the safety, health implications, and wholesomeness of insect foods is a major task for companies trying to enter mass markets.

• According to Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, a school cricket meal trial faced backlash, resulting in withdrawal after feedback from over 70% of parents and students, signaling cultural resistance to insect-based diets.

• According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), allergens present in insect protein, particularly in black soldier fly and mealworms, have raised concerns regarding potential cross-reactions in pets with existing food sensitivities, with studies indicating that up to 20–30% of pets with food allergies may show cross-reactivity to insect proteins due to shared allergenic compounds.

Opportunity

Extension into Emerging Markets To Create Opportunity for the Product in the Market

One upcoming opportunity for the market is developing in the extension into emerging markets. Asian, Latin American, and African countries are experiencing swift urbanization, expanding middle classes, and expanding pet ownership ratios. By adjusting affordable and acceptably local insect-based pet foods for these regions, businesses have the potential to tap into substantial growth. Awareness marketing campaigns and cooperative partnerships can also facilitate the ease of entering these markets as well as stimulate acceptance rates among these promising regions.

• According to the Pet Food Industry Association of Australia, online pet food sales saw a 31% increase in 2022, with insect-based products gaining momentum due to their shelf stability and appeal among eco-conscious buyers.

• According to the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF), over 80 companies in Europe are currently producing insect-based products for pet consumption, showing rising investment in innovation and R&D for product development.

Challenge

Achieve Consistent Regulatory Approval And Standardization Across Geographies Could Potentially Challenge Consumers

One of the key challenges for the insect pet food industry is to achieve consistent regulatory approval and standardization across geographies. The regulations governing the use of insects in foods are different in various countries, and this presents challenges in scaling up markets. Meeting various regulatory requirements for quality, safety, and labelling and increasing production at a global scale necessitates high investment in research, compliance, and certifications, posing operational and financial challenges to new players.

• According to the European Commission’s Scientific Committee, insect farming at scale is limited by the high cost of feed inputs, with over 40% of insect farms still reliant on non-organic substrates, raising sustainability concerns.

• According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), regulatory clarity remains a challenge, as only 3 insect species—black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and crickets—have been reviewed and approved for pet food use in specific contexts, limiting broader market entry for newer insect-based formulations.

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INSECT-BASED PET FOOD MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

Regional insights reveal that the insect-based pet food market is expanding rapidly in North America, particularly in the U.S., due to increasing consumer demand for sustainable products and novel premium pet foods. The California and New York states dominate this market due to the high concentration of environmentally conscious consumers. Key players are focusing on big-scale marketing drives and product development in order to solidify their positions in view of intensifying competition.

• Europe

The European market is witnessing robust growth, especially in countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, where sustainability trends are deeply ingrained. Regulatory support, like the EFSA's recent approval of BSF larvae as a pet food ingredient, has also accelerated the market. European businesses are investing in developing new product lines, forming strategic partnerships, and consumer education to overcome cultural barriers.

• Asia

Asia, and particularly Japan and South Korea, has good growth prospects since the region is generally used to consuming insects and exhibits increasing pet humanization trends. Pet owners within these countries are open to novel protein sources, and companies are taking advantage of this openness through the launch of new-age offerings that are fitting for local taste buds and dietary needs. Increased urbanization within the region coupled with increasing disposable incomes are further fuelling the market's expansion.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion

Major players in the insect pet food market include Yora Pet Foods, Entoma Petfood, and Jiminy's. These companies are competing fiercely in product development, promotion, and partnerships to preserve and increase their share of the market. Yora Pet Foods, for instance, offers a complete range of BSF-based canine food, bragging that its brand is eco-friendly and better in terms of nutrition. Jiminy's has the American market in its target, riding the growing demand for hypoallergenic and natural pet treats. Companies are also attending industry conferences, partnerships, and certifications to broaden their market authority and presence.

• Mars Petcare (U.S.): According to Mars Petcare’s 2021 press release, the company launched Lovebug, an insect-based cat food brand in the U.K., using black soldier fly larvae as a key ingredient and targeting environmentally conscious consumers, with the product claiming a lower carbon footprint by up to 80% compared to traditional meat-based cat foods.

• Yora Pet Foods (U.K.): According to data shared by Yora in 2022, the brand processed and sold over 700 metric tons of insect meal, positioning itself among Europe’s leading innovators in the insect-based pet food category.

List Of Top Insect-based Pet Food Companies

• Mars Petcare (U.S.)
• Yora Pet Foods (U.K.)
• Entoma Petfood (France)
• Leshi (China)
• Tomojo (France)
• Green Petfood (Germany)
• petgood (Sweden)
• Orgafeed (Thailand)
• Wilder Harrier (Canada)
• Entovet (France)
• Percuro (U.K.)
• Jiminy's (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

September 2021: In 2021, Yora Pet Foods made a significant stride by launching a new line of insect-based dog treats supplemented with other superfoods like seaweed and kale. This innovation was to resonate with health-conscious pet owners who desire functional benefits such as digestive health, skin health, and energy support for their pets. The treats were positioned to be a complete bundle of sustainability and nutrition, which would allow Yora to enhance its brand differentiation in a saturated market further and enhance its penetration in Europe and North America further.

REPORT COVERAGE

This is an in-depth analysis of the pet food market for insects, addressing key drivers impacting its growth trajectory. It speaks about the implications of geopolitical tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, examines current trends within the market, and addresses extensive segmentation by type and application. The report offers insights into regional developments, key drivers, restrains, opportunities, and challenges within the market, and provides an analysis of key industry players and their moves. Key industrial developments that shape competitive forces are also documented, with a detailed description of the prevailing market scenario and possible opportunities in the insect-based pet food sector.