Animal Feed Plant Based Protein Isolate Market Report, 2030 (2025)

Report Overview

The global animal feed plant based protein isolate market size was valued at USD 2.23 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3539.44 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2025 to 2030. Animal feed plant protein isolates are highly concentrated protein sources derived from plants, specifically designed to be used in animal feed formulations. These isolates are made by extracting proteins from plant sources like soybeans, peas, lentils, and canola, to provide a cost-effective, sustainable, and nutritious alternative to animal-based protein.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) forecasts that by 2050, global food demand will increase by 60%, with animal protein production expected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 1.7%. Specifically, meat production is projected to rise by nearly 70%, aquaculture by 90%, and dairy by 55%.

The increasing demand for swine and poultry feed plays a vital role in the growth of the global feed industry. These feeds help in improving the overall health and well-being of swine and poultry. The animal feed industry comprises livestock that is raised through the proper use of nutrient-rich fodder. The growth of the animal feed industry across the world is expected to have a positive influence on the dynamics of the market for enzymes over the forecast period.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

The increasing demand for plant-based protein isolates in animal feed is driven by multiple factors, including sustainability concerns, fluctuating costs of traditional protein sources, regulatory developments, and evolving industry preferences. With growing pressure to reduce the environmental footprint of animal agriculture, plant-based protein isolates are being explored as viable alternatives to conventional protein sources such as fishmeal and animal by-products. The shift toward sustainable feed solutions aligns with broader industry efforts to enhance resource efficiency while maintaining optimal animal nutrition.

High production levels in plant-based protein isolates for animal feed can act as a market restraint due to supply-demand imbalances, price volatility, and processing limitations. While increased cultivation of protein-rich crops such as soybeans, sunflower, and peas has expanded raw material availability, oversupply can lead to price fluctuations that impact producers and feed manufacturers. When supply exceeds demand, prices drop, potentially reducing profit margins for farmers and processing companies. Conversely, if production costs remain high despite increased output, it can limit the competitiveness of plant-based protein isolates compared to traditional protein sources.

The plant-based animal feed protein isolates market presents several opportunities driven by sustainability trends, advancements in feed technology, and evolving regulatory frameworks. As industries seek alternatives to traditional protein sources such as fishmeal and animal by-products, plant-based protein isolates are gaining traction as viable and environmentally responsible solutions. Protein extraction and processing innovations are further enhancing the quality and nutritional value of plant-based proteins, positioning them as competitive options for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and pet feed applications.

Source Insights

The soybean protein segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 81.3% in 2024 and is expected to continue to dominate the animal feed plant based protein isolate industry over the forecast period. Soy protein isolates is a protein that comes from soybeans. Soybeans are cheaper than some protein options and easy to add to the diet. Soybean protein is used as a dietary supplement in pets. Soy contains many proteins but isoflavones are specific categories of proteins found in the soy that are used for estrogenic effect. Other effects of isoflavones may include anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity.

Sunflower protein is emerging as a viable source for plant-based protein isolates in animal feed, offering a balanced amino acid profile and digestibility suitable for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. Extracted from sunflower seeds after oil processing, sunflower protein isolates undergo filtration and purification to concentrate protein content while minimizing anti-nutritional factors. The resulting powder or liquid protein isolate provides essential nutrients that support animal growth, muscle development, and metabolic functions. Additionally, sunflower protein is free from common allergens such as soy, making it a potential alternative for specialized feed formulations.

Form Insights

The powder segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 80.6% in 2024 and is expected to continue to dominate the industry over the forecast period. Powdered plant-based protein isolates for animal feed are derived from plant sources such as soy, pea, canola, soybean, sunflower, and wheat and processed to remove non-protein components and enhance protein concentration. These isolates are formulated to meet the dietary requirements of livestock, poultry, and aquaculture, providing essential amino acids necessary for growth, muscle development, and metabolic functions. The production process includes protein extraction, filtration, and drying, ensuring a fine, digestible powder that can be blended into feed formulations

Liquid plant-based protein isolates for animal feed are concentrated protein solutions derived from plant sources such as soy, sunflower, pea, and wheat. These isolates undergo extraction, purification, and solubilization processes to create a liquid form easily mixed into feed formulations. The liquid format allows for improved digestibility and nutrient absorption, making it suitable for various livestock, poultry, and aquaculture applications. Additionally, liquid protein isolates can be integrated into feed systems more efficiently, reducing dust-related losses associated with dry ingredients and improving uniform distribution in compound feed formulations.

Application Insights

The poultry segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 43.6% in 2024. Poultry feed formulated with plant-based protein isolates is designed to meet the nutritional needs of different poultry categories, including broilers, layers, and turkeys. These feeds incorporate protein isolates from soy, canola, pea, and sunflower sources to provide essential amino acids required for growth, egg production, and overall health. Broiler feed optimizes protein content for rapid muscle development, while layer feed prioritizes balanced nutrition to support consistent egg production and shell quality.

Aquaculture feed incorporating plant-based protein isolates is formulated to meet the specific dietary requirements of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Protein is crucial in aquatic animal nutrition, supporting growth, metabolism, and immune function. Traditionally, fishmeal has been the primary protein source in aquafeed. Still, sustainability concerns and cost fluctuations have led to the increased use of plant-based protein isolates from sources such as pea, soy, sunflower, and canola. These isolates are processed to enhance digestibility and provide essential amino acids necessary for the health and development of aquatic species.

Regional Insights

The North America animal feed plant based protein isolate marketis expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. North America is a leading producer of livestock worldwide, with the U.S. housing one of the largest feed and livestock industries globally. According to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, there were approximately 9,443 dairy farms housing about 1.382 million dairy cattle in Canada in 2023. This extensive livestock base generates substantial demand for high-quality animal feed and nutrition products in the region.

U.S. Animal Feed Plant Based Protein Isolate Market Trends

In U.S., consumer preferences also influenced this demand, with more individuals prioritizing environment-friendly options. The demand for sustainable protein sources has been soaring with the rise of plant-based diets. In the 20th century, the U.S. agriculture evolved significantly from labor-intensive small farms to fewer large, specialized farms, with less than a fourth of the population residing in rural areas. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, technological advancements in genetics, chemicals, and equipment facilitated a nearly threefold increase in total farm output between 1948 and 2021

Asia Pacific Animal Feed Plant Based Protein Isolate Market Trends

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing a significant surge in demand for animal nutrition solutions that incorporate plant-based protein isolates, driven by health and environmental concerns and a shift toward sustainable food choices. Key market drivers include the rising popularity of meat alternatives, an increasing vegan and vegetarian population, ongoing innovation in product development, and supportive government initiatives.

Europe Animal Feed Plant Based Protein Isolate Market Trends

The demand for plant-based protein isolates in animal nutrition across Europe is influenced by sustainability concerns, health trends, and technological advancements, but faces challenges from cost and ensuring nutritional equivalence. Sustainability concerns are pushing the livestock industry to find ways to produce animal protein with less environmental impact, improved animal welfare, and greater economic stability. This drives the livestock sector’s reliance on plant proteins in the region as approximately 70% of pig and poultry feed are using imported soybean meal.

Latin America Animal Feed Plant Based Protein Isolate Market Trends

The Latin America animal feed plant based protein isolate marketis expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period. Latin America has witnessed a significant rise in demand for high-quality animal nutrition solutions, particularly focusing on plant-based protein isolates, in recent years. This trend emerged from several factors, including the booming livestock industry, which encompasses cattle, poultry, and pigs, necessitating optimal nutrition to enhance productivity and meet the global demand for animal protein.

Middle East & Africa Animal Feed Plant Based Protein Isolate Market Trends

The Middle East & Africa animal feed plant based protein isolate industry is expected to witness steady growth over the forecast period. The region is experiencing a surge in demand for plant-based protein isolates within livestock nutrition. Soy and pea proteins are increasingly favored over traditional animal feed, offering enhanced nutritional profiles and a reduced environmental footprint. This shift aligns with the region’s expanding animal feed market, which prioritizes improved feed efficiency and diminished reliance on imported feedstock.

Key Animal Feed Plant Based Protein Isolate Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include Cargill Incorporated and Glanbia PLC

• Cargill, Incorporated is a global food corporation that trades, purchases, and distributes agricultural commodities, including grains and oilseeds, essential for animal feed production. The company offers various food ingredients, such as starches, glucose syrups, and vegetable oils, catering to multiple sectors, including animal nutrition. The company operates in many countries across Africa, Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, providing extensive market reach. In the animal feed sector, it produces plant-based protein ingredients vital for formulating nutritious feed for livestock and poultry. The company’s integrated supply chain ensures the availability and quality of these protein isolates, supporting the global animal husbandry industry.

• Glanbia plc is a global nutrition company that produces various nutritional ingredients, including plant-based proteins, serving both human and animal nutrition sectors. Its animal nutrition division offers protein-rich feed ingredients that are derived from plants and formulated to support the health and productivity of livestock. The company has a broad market presence with operations in several countries across Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America regions. Its integrated approach ensures control over the supply chain, from raw material sourcing to final product delivery, maintaining quality and traceability. Through investment in research and development, it focuses on developing innovative plant-based protein solutions that meet the nutritional needs of animals while promoting sustainability.

Recent Developments

• In April 2024, Zoetis Inc. entered into a definitive agreement with Phibro Animal Health Corporation. As per the agreement, Phibro Animal Health will acquire the Medicated Feed Additives (MFA) product portfolio of Zoetis Inc.

• In January 2023, De Heus Animal Nutrition installed a new greenfield animal feed manufacturing plant in Ivory Coast, West Africa. The facility has an initial production capacity of 120,000 metric tons of feed for various animals, including cattle.

Animal Feed Plant Based Protein Isolate Market Report Scope

Global Animal Feed Plant Based Protein Isolate Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue and volume growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global animal feed plant based protein isolate market report based on source, form, application and region:

• Source Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Sunflower Protein

  • Soybean Protein

  • Pea Protein

  • Canola Protein

  • Potato Protein

  • Other Sources

• Form Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Powder

  • Liquid

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Poultry Feed

    • Broilers

    • Layers

    • Turkey

  • Aquaculture Feed

    • Fish

    • Crustaceans

    • Mollusks

  • Livestock Feed

    • Swine

    • Cattle (Beef & Dairy)

    • Sheep & Goats

  • Pet Food

    • Dogs

    • Cats

    • Other Pets

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilotons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa