Insect-based Pet Food Market By Product Type (Dry Pet Food, Wet Pet Food, Treats & Chews, Dietary Supplements), By Insect Type (Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), Mealworms, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Silkworms), By Pet Type (Dogs, Cats, Birds, Small Mammals, Fish & Reptiles), By Health Benefits (High Protein & Nutritional Value, Hypoallergenic Diet, Digestive Health, Joint & Bone Support), By Distribution Channel (Online Retailers, Pet Specialty Stores, Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Veterinary Clinics & Pharmacies), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

Industry Outlook

The Insect-based Pet Food Market accounted for USD 8.53 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 20.3 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 8.2% between 2025 and 2035. The Insect-based Pet Food Market develops animal food along with treats from black soldier flies, crickets, and mealworms as its alternative protein sources.

The insect-based pet food represents an environmentally-friendly method that provides high protein content at a low cost to traditional meat-generated pet feed. The market gains momentum because pet owners actively seek sustainable feeding options while their pets show increasing allergic responses to basic proteins stakeholders recognize insect protein advantages and governments establish regulations for new protein consumption. This business targets audiences who care about the environment alongside pet owners requiring hypoallergenic diets or grain-free options and owners of dogs along with cats and exotic pets who need protein supplements. Fast market growth occurs because of changing pet owner preferences for sustainable and healthy pet food products.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

Growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional meat-based pet food is driving demand for eco-friendly alternatives

The increasing understanding of the environmental impact of traditional meat-based pet food is directing natural changes to sustainability in the Insect-based Pet Food Market. Deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water consumption are greatly attributed to conventional livestock farming. The consumers' conscience on sustainability is pushing them to look for greener alternatives to reducing their carbon footprint.

Insects use significantly fewer resources in production, consuming much less land and water requiring less feed beef or chicken, and emitting lower greenhouse gases. In addition, it drives demand for these new sources of protein from pet owners because of the growing culture of ethical and sustainable consumption. Many environmentally conscious consumers regard insect-based pet food as a responsible choice from their standpoint. Companies are capitalizing on that market trend to produce very innovative, high-protein, sustainable solutions for pet foods, fairly in this lifestyle preference has not just become only a trend but is slowly changing into a necessity, making insect-based pet food a very viable and attractive option.

Insect protein is rich in essential amino acids, healthy fats, and micronutrients, making it a high-quality alternative protein source

Rich in essential amino acids, healthy fats, and micronutrients, insect protein serves as a high-quality alternative protein source, which is one of the core considerations of the Insect-based Pet Food Market. Birds require balanced nutrition, and the complete amino acid profile of insects shall ensure optimum support for muscle growth, energy, and the overall health of pets. Insect protein is much more easily digestible than meat, especially in the case of animals with hypersensitivity in the stomach or food allergies.

Essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, and B vitamins further contribute to improved immune function and bone health. Pet owners are more inclined to pay more for health and fitness, and this has thus increased demand for functional, nutrient-dense pet food. Insect farming is naturally sustainable and resource-efficient; thus, it appeals to a broader market segment of environmentally conscious buyers. In this way, insect-based pet food is likely to be an attractive proposition in an increasingly growing pet nutrition space as a function of health and sustainability.

Traditional pet food companies dominate the market, making it challenging for insect-based brands to compete on price, availability, and consumer trust

Established brands enjoy, thanks to strong brand loyalty, wide distribution networks, and economies of scale, a dominant market position, making price, availability, and consumer trust unfair competition in favor of insect-based pet food brands. Thus, both competing apparatuses may present these older firms with bulk discounts and, therefore, much lower production costs. This may be too much for a budget-minded consumer. In addition, due to their expansive retail outreach and strong ties with pet stores and supermarkets, traditional brands limit shelf space for newer alternatives.

Key underlying challenges exist regarding consumer trust, as more conventional protein sources continue to tug at the consumers' heartstrings, as opposed to the unfamiliar insect protein-many pet owners might hesitate to give the change from a well-known alternative brand. To get over the barriers and gain a competitive edge in the market, insect-based pet food brands require effective marketing and education campaigns and strategic alliances with various channels of distribution.

Growing awareness of environmental sustainability is driving interest in insect-based pet food as a viable alternative to traditional meat sources

The Insect-based Pet Food Market is key in creating opportunities as more people become aware of environmental sustainability, with consumers opting for such eco-friendly alternatives in place of traditional meat-based pet food. Insect farming uses far fewer resources such as land, water, and feed while producing lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to livestock farming. There are governments and organizations involved in promoting sustainable food production that also fit under this balance; hence, the market is poised to create favorable conditions for growth.

The leading pet food brands are also incorporating insect protein into their product lines to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers. This not only helps reduce reliance on conventional meat but also adds to the larger movement of sustainable consumption within which awareness continues to rise thereby increasing the demand for insect-based pet food, giving it great strain for future market growth.

Governments and food safety authorities are increasingly approving insect protein for pet consumption, encouraging market expansion

The approval by governments and food safety authorities of insect proteins for pet consumption stands as a great opportunity for the Insect-based Pet Food Market because it legitimizes the insect pet food industry, creates confidence in the minds of consumers, and premises investments into the sector. With approval from the regulatory bodies, manufacturers are assured that insect-based pet foods adhere to safety and nutritional requirements so that they can easily access the market and expand their distribution operations.

Transparency in regulations allows companies to come up with innovative ideas and insect-based products with a clear path for commercial development. This builds a favorable atmosphere for doing business, luring in fresh faces and upping competition, further encouraging market growth. Wider regulatory acceptance also opens paths for global trade opportunities and makes it much easier for brands to enter international markets. This way, government endorsement strengthens the entire supply chain from farm production to retail and assures long-standing growth for the insect-based pet food industry.

Industry Experts Opinion

“Combining NRGene’s genomic data tools and our advanced technologies will allow companies to leverage the deep industry and process knowledge of both companies to produce BSF larvae more efficiently and at lower costs. This will enable insect producers to bring bigger product volumes at consistent quality to the market fostering a broader adoption of this sustainable protein source in the animal feed sector.”

• Andreas Baumann, Head of Market Segment Insect Technology at Bühler

“Our consumer research shows that simple education is crucial for the adoption of insect-based pet food, and once pet parents overcome that initial hurdle, they keep coming back. The Hilucia™ brand has been a way for us to both meet consumers where they are by using the new brand as an educational focal point, as well as providing us the ability to refer directly to Innovafeed’s uniquely pioneering industrial model within our partners’ value proposition to consumers as opposed to insect farming more generically. We believe that rolling out these consumer-facing brand partnerships will further contribute to promoting the adoption and growth of the insect pet food industry, and we couldn’t have found more forward-looking partners to kick things off with than Jiminy’s and Arch.”

• Sean Madison, Director of Global Pet Food & North American Growth at Innovafeed

Segment Analysis

Based on Pet Type, the Insect-based Pet Food Market has been classified into Dogs, Cats, Birds, Small Mammals, Fish & Reptiles. The largest segment of the Insect-based Pet Food Market is Dogs food. Protein-demanding dogs have the protein-rich insect-based meat supplement with outstanding hypoallergenic qualities to replace normal protein from chicken and beef sources. Premium, grain-free, and hypoallergenic pet food trends have all contributed to increasing interest in insect-based dog food. Furthermore, environmentally considerate but nutritious options are increasingly sought by pet owners, adding to the appeal of insect protein. Although pet food and treats for cats constitute growing segments of the market, they are overshadowed by dog products, given the larger population of dogs around the globe and the greater consumption.

Based on Product Type, the Insect-based Pet Food Market has been classified into Dry Pet Food, Wet Pet Food, Treats & Chews, and Dietary Supplements. Treats & Chews is the fastest-growing segment in the Insect-based Pet Food Market because it offers an easy and convenient way for pet owners to introduce insect protein into their pets' diets. Consumer concerns about dietary changes prove less important for pet treats since they need minimal dietary adaptation. The insect-based treat segment contains premium items that serve dual purposes by offering functionality improvements digestive health benefits and support for joints and skin conditions. The segment receives continuous momentum from pet owners who choose premium products as well as their decision to pay more for innovative treats targeted at their pets. Treats will function as gateways for insect protein acceptance since awareness about its benefits grows in consumer markets.

Regional Analysis

Asia-Pacific is the largest region in the Insect-based Pet Food Market due to its high pet population, growing demand for alternative protein sources, and strong government support for sustainable food production. Pet food market growth continues to rise across China as well as Japan and South Korea along with Australia because of escalating owner pet numbers. The growing middle class along with rising disposable income levels in the region drives pet owners to invest in premium functional nutrition for their pets. The growth of the market receives support from government-led programs dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices and alternative protein source development. The Asian-Pacific market holds the lead position in insect-based pet food production because its residents are increasingly conscious about both environmental sustainability and pet well-being.

North America is the fastest-growing region in the Insect-based Pet Food Market due to increasing consumer awareness, rising demand for sustainable pet food, and growing investment in alternative protein sources. The market expansion receives backing from FDA and AAFCO organizational approvals which assure product quality and safety. The market growth for pet food receives additional acceleration from both innovative startups together with major manufacturers who invest in insect protein. Premium pet nutrition trends combined with growing pet humanization have motivated customers to choose high-quality protein-based alternatives. The combination of increasing sustainability focus and pet food advancement will make North America the leading force in market sector expansion.

Competitive Landscape

Key operating players in the Insect-based Pet Food Market are Protix, InnovaFeed, EnviroFlight, Ÿnsect, Entomo Farms, Global Bugs, Beta Hatch, Aspire Food Group, Agronutris, Protenga, HEXAFLY, Entocycle, Livin Farms, Tuggs, BETA BUGS LIMITED. The companies lead Insect-based Pet Food Markets because of their innovative insect-farming research and optimally designed production methods combined with eco-friendly practices. The companies utilize innovative insect growing and processing methods to produce top-quality pet food protein material.

They have obtained regulatory approvals forged partnerships and secured investments that allow them to expand manufacturing on a large scale and break into the global market. The environmental focus of their business model matches up with consumer demand for green pet food so environmentally mindful customers find their offerings attractive. The companies continuously fund product advancements to provide premium hypoallergenic functional pet foods along with premium food solutions to their market. The companies obtain market leadership through industrial production scaling that preserves nutritional profiles which results in superior market competitiveness in this expanding market segment.

Insect-based Pet Food Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In February 2025, Innovafeed (B Corp™, Pet Sustainability Coalition 2025 Accredited), a global leader in insect-based solutions for animal and plant nutrition, is launching @HiluciaforPets, its first BtoC Instagram page dedicated to pet owners, partner brands, and all stakeholders committed to more sustainable pet food.
• In October 2023, Protix secured a strategic investment from Tyson Foods and announced plans to build a production facility in the United States.

Report Coverage:

By Product Type

• Dry Pet Food
• Wet Pet Food
• Treats & Chews
• Dietary Supplements

By Insect Type

• Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)
• Mealworms
• Crickets
• Grasshoppers
• Silkworms

By Pet Type

• Dogs
• Cats
• Birds
• Small Mammals
• Fish & Reptiles

By Health Benefits

• High Protein & Nutritional Value
• Hypoallergenic Diet
• Digestive Health
• Joint & Bone Support

By Distribution Channel

• Online Retailers
• Pet Specialty Stores
• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Veterinary Clinics & Pharmacies

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• Protix
• InnovaFeed
• EnviroFlight
• Ÿnsect
• Entomo Farms
• Global Bugs
• Beta Hatch
• Aspire Food Group
• Agronutris
• Protenga
• HEXAFLY
• Entocycle
• Livin Farms
• Tuggs
• BETA BUGS LIMITED

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)