United States Animal Protein Market Size, Share and Outlook - Growth Analysis Report and Forecast Trends (2026-2035)

United States Animal Protein Market Growth

Animal protein is an essential nutrient that is 90% absorbable and 85% digestible in the human body. It contains unique nutrients like heme-iron, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, DHA, and zinc which cannot be obtained from consumption otherwise from a plant-based diet. They play a crucial role in repairing cell damage, in boosting immunity, and in promoting muscle growth.

Stringent government policies are compelling US farmers to raise their animals in a cruelty-free and healthy environment, integrating sustainable and ethical practices. The farmers rear and keep animals in hygienic places and provide organic and gut-friendly feed, to eliminate the risk of biomagnification and secure the quality of meat that reaches the markets. This is expected to boost the United States animal protein industry growth. 

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If you choose to purchase the full report at a later stage, the amount already paid will be adjusted, and you will only need to pay the remaining balance.

United States Animal Protein Market Analysis

The United States animal protein market dynamics and trends are being influenced by the fact that most U.S. consumers (96%) base their food choices on labels, focusing on animal rearing conditions and their diet. This creates opportunities for meat brands to build trust through transparent labelling.

Technological innovations are prompting US companies to manufacture cultivated meat for mass consumption, eliminating the need to raise farm animals for food and other purposes. This is expected to boost the United States animal protein market demand. 

United States Animal Protein Industry Outlook

The United States continues to be a dominant player in the global feed and livestock industry, supported by over 5,800 animal feed manufacturing facilities producing more than 284 million tons of finished feed and pet food annually, according to the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) as of 2021. Livestock and poultry are critical to U.S. agricultural outputs, consistently contributing over USD 100 billion per year to cash receipts, a reflection of the strong demand for animal protein products. This robust production capacity underpins the country’s significant role in the United States animal protein market growth. 

Projections from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicate a more than 60% increase in global food production by 2050, with animal-based protein production expected to rise at an annual rate of 1.7% between 2020 and 2050. This growth trajectory suggests that the U.S. animal protein market is well-positioned to benefit from rising global and domestic demand, driven by an expanding population, and increasing per capita meat consumption. The FAO's forecasts align with expectations from the International Feed Industry Federation (IFIF), which anticipates nearly 70% growth in meat production, a 90% increase in seafood production, and a 55% rise in dairy production by 2050. These trends indicate a sustained expansion of the United States animal protein industry as it continues to meet the rising needs of both domestic and international consumers. 

Further, animal-based food products have long been a cornerstone of the American diet, a trend that continues to gain momentum. In 2021, the U.S. food price index for meat, poultry, and fish increased by 4.3%, contributing to a 0.68% year-over-year increase in the food and beverage segment. This uptick in pricing reflects both the rising demand for animal protein and the associated production costs, which are influenced by feed prices, labour, and transportation. The growing number of animals raised for food, with more than 10 billion chickens, cows, pigs, and turkeys in the U.S. food system in 2022, further underlines the scale of the market and the critical role of efficient and sustainable animal protein production in maintaining supply to meet consumer demand. 

The U.S. animal protein market is also buoyed by strong consumer spending patterns. In 2023, U.S. consumers allocated an average of 11.2% of their disposable personal income to food, consistent with spending levels in 2022. However, there was a notable shift in the composition of food spending, with the share allocated to food-away-from-home increasing from 5.6% to 5.9%, marking the highest percentage recorded since the series began. This trend reflects shifting consumer preferences and lifestyles, where convenience and dining out play a growing role, thus, boosting the United States animal protein industry revenue. The consistent portion of income allocated to food underscores the sector's resilience, with animal protein remaining a central part of consumer diets.

The growth of the United States animal protein industry is fuelled by strong consumer preference and its wide range of applications in the food industry.

• A well-developed supply chain and infrastructure ensure efficient production and distribution across the country.
• Innovations in processing and breeding technologies enhance productivity and product quality.

Increasing awareness of health issues related to high animal protein consumption may reduce demand.

• Animal farming contributes to environmental concerns, including greenhouse gas emissions and resource use.
• Fluctuations in feed costs and supply chain disruptions can impact market stability.

The growing interest in plant-based and lab-grown proteins can impact the opportunities in the United States animal protein market.

• Expanding into international markets can provide additional revenue streams.
• The development of value-added products and new flavours can attract health-conscious consumers and drive the United States animal protein market growth.

Potential stricter regulations on animal farming practices could impact production costs.

• Economic instability may reduce consumer spending on premium animal protein products.
• Outbreaks of livestock diseases can disrupt supply chains and impact market prices.

Key Players in the United States Animal Protein Market and Their Key Initiatives

Gelita AG

• Invested in upgrading and expanding its manufacturing facilities to meet the growing demand of the United States animal protein market. 
• Developed a range of advanced collagen products tailored to specific applications.

Glanbia PLC

• Expanded its production capabilities within the United States for high-protein ingredients. 
• Collaborated with leading feed manufacturers and distributors.

Groupe LACTALIS

• implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
• Engaged in robust marketing and branding campaigns to capture the United States animal protein market opportunities.

United States Animal Protein Industry Segmentation

United States Animal Protein Market Share

As per the United States animal protein market analysis, animal feed is expected to be one of the growing segments based on end-use. The byproducts generated in meatpacking facilities, like viscera, blood, and substandard carcasses can constitute a substantial source of animal protein in animal feed upon value addition and further processing. The consumption of animal proteins by animals can improve their digestion, boost their immunity to bacterial diseases, and enhance overall health favourably. 

The incorporation of animal proteins into food supplements to add nutritional value is anticipated to rise. Animal proteins can enhance the nutritional profile of plant-based diets, contributing to increased United States animal protein demand growth. 

Leading Companies in the United States Animal Protein Market

The companies specialise in the manufacturing and distribution of various sports drinks, nutritional supplements, and dairy/non-dairy products, among others.

• Darling Ingredients Inc. 
• Gelita AG 
• Glanbia PLC 
• Groupe LACTALIS 
• Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. 
• Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd. 
• Ajinomoto Co., Inc. 
• Arla Foods amba 
• Kerry Group PLC 
• Farbest-Tallman Foods Corporation
• Others