Unlocking the Power of Marine Ingredients: How They’re Transforming Pet Food and Boosting Value by 262%

Marine ingredients are increasingly popular in pet food. According to the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), their use has surged dramatically. A recent report found a 95% increase in marine product usage since 2020, with a staggering 262% rise in value. This shift shows a growing preference for high-quality ingredients like salmon and cod.

Lara Moody, executive director of IFEEDER, shared insights during the 2025 Petfood Forum, highlighting that marine products now hold the highest value among all ingredients. While chicken remains the most commonly used ingredient, accounting for 24% of pet food, marine products have gained significant traction, valued much higher than traditional options.

The report highlights the changing landscape of pet food, where overall ingredient volume rose by just 7%, yet values skyrocketed by 91%. This indicates that pet owners are willing to pay more for premium ingredients.

Interestingly, about half of pet food ingredients are considered upcycled. This includes byproducts from animal processing and plant sources, which helps reduce waste while providing nutrition.

The pet food industry plays a big role in the economy, bringing in $13.2 billion in farm product sales. It produces nearly 10 million tons of dog and cat food, valued at $51 billion in the U.S. The report indicates that Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and California are leaders in supplying ingredients for pet food.

These trends point to a shift toward more nutritious, high-value ingredients in pet diets. The full details of the study and additional tools can be accessed at IFEEDER.

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