Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market

Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market Forecast and Outlook 2025 to 2035

The global edible insects for animal feed market is anticipated to reach USD 1,350.0 million by 2035, recording an absolute increase of USD 830.0 million over the forecast period. The market is valued at USD 520.0 million in 2025 and is set to rise at a CAGR of 9.9% during the assessment period.

The overall market size is expected to grow by nearly 2.6 times during the same period, supported by increasing demand for alternative protein sources in animal nutrition worldwide, driving demand for innovative feed solutions and increasing investments in insect farming facilities and protein production platforms globally. High initial setup costs for insect farming operations and complex regulatory frameworks may pose challenges to market expansion.

Quick Stats for Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market

• Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market Value (2025): USD 520.0 million
• Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market Forecast Value (2035): USD 1,350.0 million
• Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market Forecast CAGR: 9.9%
• Leading Species Type in Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market: Black Soldier Fly
• Key Growth Regions in Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market: Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe
• Top Players in Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market: Ÿnsect, InnovaFeed, Protix, AgriProtein, Enterra, Hexafly, Entobel, Nutrition Technologies, Nasekomo, Protenga

Between 2025 and 2030, the market is projected to expand from USD 520.0 million to USD 850.0 million, resulting in a value increase of USD 330.0 million, which represents 39.8% of the total forecast growth for the decade. This phase of development will be shaped by rising demand for alternative protein sources and specialized feed formulations, product innovation in insect breeding technologies and processing methods, as well as expanding integration with precision nutrition platforms and feed management systems. Companies are establishing competitive positions through investment in insect farming research and development, high-efficiency production technologies, and strategic market expansion across aquaculture, poultry, and livestock applications.

From 2030 to 2035, the market is forecast to grow from USD 850.0 million to USD 1,350.0 million, adding another USD 500.0 million, which constitutes 60.2% of the overall ten-year expansion. This period is expected to be characterized by the expansion of specialized insect protein formulations, including advanced processing systems and integrated feed solutions tailored for specific animal nutrition applications, strategic collaborations between insect producers and feed manufacturers, and an enhanced focus on regulatory harmonization and standardized production practices. The growing focus on protein efficiency and nutritional optimization will drive demand for comprehensive insect-based feed solutions across diverse agricultural applications.

Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market Key Takeaways

Metric	Value
Market Value (2025)	USD 520.0 million
Market Forecast Value (2035)	USD 1,350.0 million
Forecast CAGR (2025-2035)	9.9%

Why is the Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market Growing?

The edible insects for animal feed market grows by enabling agricultural producers to optimize animal nutrition processes while accessing advanced protein sources without substantial infrastructure modifications. Agricultural operations and feed manufacturing facilities face mounting pressure to improve feed conversion rates and comply with strict quality regulations, with insect-based proteins typically providing 85-95% amino acid profiles comparable to traditional alternatives, making advanced solutions essential for competitive agricultural positioning. The agricultural industry's need for high-quality protein and application-specific nutritional control creates demand for comprehensive feed solutions that can provide superior nutritional outcomes, maintain consistent performance, and ensure regulatory compliance without compromising quality standards or safety requirements.

Government initiatives promoting alternative protein sources and innovative agricultural practices drive adoption in aquaculture, poultry operations, and livestock applications, where protein intervention has a direct impact on animal health and production efficiency. The system complexity constraints during production phases and the expertise requirements for specialized insect farming deployment may limit accessibility among smaller agricultural facilities and developing regions with limited technical infrastructure for advanced protein production systems.

Segmental Analysis

The market is segmented by species, application, end user, and region. By species, the market is divided into black soldier fly, mealworm, and others. Based on application, the market is categorized into aquafeed, poultry, and pets/livestock. By end user, the market includes feed manufacturers, aquaculture farms, and livestock producers. Regionally, the market is divided into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and other key regions.

By Species, the Black Soldier Fly Segment Accounts for a Dominant Market Share

The black soldier fly segment represents the dominant force in the market, capturing approximately 60.0% of total market share in 2025. This established species category encompasses solutions featuring sophisticated larval production systems and optimized protein extraction processes, including advanced breeding techniques and specialized processing methods that enable superior nutritional profiles and cost-effective production across all agricultural applications. The black soldier fly segment's market leadership stems from its superior conversion efficiency capabilities, with products capable of handling diverse organic waste streams while maintaining consistent protein quality standards and operational reliability across all farming environments.

The mealworm segment maintains a substantial 25.0% market share, serving agricultural producers who require alternative protein sources with enhanced digestibility features for specialized applications and premium feed formulations. These insects offer high-quality protein solutions for demanding nutritional requirements while providing sufficient amino acid capabilities to meet regional quality control and regulatory demands. The others segment accounts for approximately 15.0% of the market, serving specialized breeding applications.

Key technological advantages driving the black soldier fly segment include:

• Advanced breeding technologies with integrated larval management systems that reduce production cycles and ensure consistent protein output performance
• Multi-substrate compatibility options allowing simultaneous waste processing across different organic materials without cross-contamination development
• Enhanced conversion features, targeting specific nutritional compounds while preserving essential amino acid profiles
• Improved production scalability enabling shorter processing intervals and enhanced operational efficiency requirements

By Application, the Aquafeed Segment Accounts for the Largest Market Share

Aquafeed dominates the application segment with approximately 55.0% market share in 2025, reflecting the critical role of protein-rich feed compounds in supporting global aquaculture production and fish farming operations worldwide. The aquafeed segment's market leadership is reinforced by increasing research and development in marine nutrition, protein technology advances, and rising requirements for alternative feed diversity in comprehensive aquaculture programs across developed and emerging markets.

The poultry segment represents the second-largest application category, capturing 30.0% market share through specialized protein supplements for targeted poultry nutrition, growth enhancement formulations, and feed efficiency applications. This segment benefits from growing industry preference for alternative proteins that meet specific nutritional requirements, quality standards, and regulatory protocols in competitive agricultural markets.

The pets/livestock segment accounts for 15.0% market share, serving specialized applications including companion animal nutrition, specialty livestock feeds, and premium pet food applications across various agricultural sectors.

Key market dynamics supporting application growth include:

• Aquafeed expansion driven by protein innovation and nutritional development, requiring specialized processing facilities in emerging markets
• Poultry modernization trends require high-quality, standardized protein sources for performance consistency and regulatory compliance
• Integration of pet nutrition technologies enabling precision dietary management and monitoring systems
• Growing focus on feed efficiency diversity driving demand for comprehensive, multi-application protein solutions

What are the Drivers, Restraints, and Key Trends of the Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market?

The market is driven by three concrete demand factors tied to advanced agricultural outcomes. First, increasing global protein demand and alternative feed source initiatives create increasing demand for efficient protein production systems, with animal protein requirements expanding by 8-12% annually in major developing countries worldwide, requiring comprehensive production infrastructure. Second, government initiatives promoting innovative agriculture and alternative protein development drive increased adoption of insect-based solutions, with many countries implementing comprehensive nutrition goals for agricultural advancement by 2030. Third, technological advancements in insect farming technology and processing capabilities enable more effective and cost-competitive protein solutions that reduce production costs while improving nutritional quality and feed conversion capabilities.

Market restraints include high initial investment costs for insect farming operations that can deter new market entrants from developing comprehensive production capabilities, particularly in developing regions where funding for agricultural innovation remains limited. Regulatory complexity and approval requirements pose another significant challenge, as insect-based feed products demand extensive safety testing and nutritional documentation, potentially causing increased development costs and market entry delays. Producer education and technical support requirements across different regions create additional operational challenges for product adoption, demanding ongoing investment in agricultural training and production management programs.

Key trends indicate accelerated adoption in Asia-Pacific markets, particularly India and China, where agricultural expansion and protein quality requirements drive comprehensive insect protein adoption. Technology integration trends toward precision farming systems with automated breeding, nutritional compatibility assessments, and integrated monitoring solutions enable proactive production approaches that optimize efficiency and minimize waste generation. The market thesis could face disruption if significant advances in synthetic biology or major changes in regulatory approaches reduce reliance on traditional insect farming technologies.

Analysis of the Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market by Key Country

Country	CAGR (2025-2035)
India	12.8%
China	11.5%
Brazil	10.0%
Germany	9.2%
USA	9.0%
South Korea	8.8%
Japan	8.5%

The market is expanding rapidly, with India leading at a 12.8% CAGR through 2035, driven by agricultural infrastructure expansion, government-backed protein development programs, and advanced farming adoption. China follows at 11.5%, supported by agricultural modernization and large-scale production initiatives. Brazil records 10.0%, reflecting rising adoption of alternative protein sources in livestock operations. Germany grows at 9.2%, maintaining leadership in precision agriculture and EU compliance. The USA posts 9.0%, anchored by advanced agricultural facilities and federal support programs. South Korea advances at 8.8%, emphasizing technology integration, while Japan grows steadily at 8.5%, focusing on advanced nutritional standards.

India Leads Global Market Expansion

India demonstrates the strongest growth potential in the market with a CAGR of 12.8% through 2035. The country's leadership position stems from agricultural infrastructure expansion, government-backed protein development programs, and increasing farming expertise driving the adoption of advanced insect protein solutions. Growth is concentrated in major agricultural centers, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, where farming facilities and specialized production centers are implementing advanced insect farming solutions for enhanced feed quality and nutritional compliance. Distribution channels through agricultural distributors and farming networks expand deployment across specialized agricultural projects and comprehensive nutrition initiatives. The country's National Agriculture Mission provides policy support for agricultural modernization, including alternative protein adoption.

Key market factors:

• Agricultural expansion concentrated in farming centers and specialized production zones with comprehensive agricultural development programs
• Government support through agricultural programs and farming infrastructure initiatives
• Comprehensive insect farming technology ecosystem, including established protein providers with proven track records
• Technology integration featuring advanced breeding platforms, processing systems, and quality optimization technologies

China Emerges as High-Growth Market

In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, the adoption of comprehensive insect protein solutions is accelerating across agricultural networks and specialized farming facilities, driven by agricultural modernization targets and government protein programs. The market demonstrates strong growth momentum with a CAGR of 11.5% through 2035, linked to comprehensive agricultural modernization and increasing focus on alternative protein solutions. Chinese agricultural producers are implementing advanced insect farming systems and integrated production platforms to enhance feed quality while meeting growing demand in expanding livestock services and domestic agricultural sectors. The country's Agricultural Innovation initiatives create persistent demand for protein solutions, while increasing focus on production advancement drives adoption of advanced farming systems.

Key development areas:

• Agricultural facilities and farming centers leading insect technology adoption with comprehensive modernization programs
• Agricultural channels providing integrated solutions with 90% feed improvement rates
• Technology partnerships between protein companies and agricultural enterprises are expanding market reach
• Integration of advanced farming technologies and comprehensive production management systems

Brazil Shows Strong Regional Leadership

Brazil's market expansion is driven by diverse agricultural demand, including specialized livestock centers in São Paulo and Minas Gerais, and comprehensive feed adoption across multiple states. The country demonstrates promising growth potential with a CAGR of 10.0% through 2035, supported by federal government agricultural investment programs and state-level farming development initiatives. Brazilian agricultural producers face implementation challenges related to technology financing constraints and technical expertise availability, requiring phased deployment approaches and support from international suppliers. Growing export demands and feed requirements create compelling business cases for insect protein adoption, particularly in agricultural areas where feed quality has a direct impact on livestock competitiveness.

Market characteristics:

• Specialized livestock and aquaculture segments showing fastest growth with 25% annual increase in insect protein utilization
• Regional expansion trends focused on agricultural areas in central and southern states
• Future projections indicate the need for local technical support infrastructure and agricultural specialist training programs
• Growing focus on export quality and international competitiveness in agricultural operations

Germany Demonstrates Technology Innovation

The German market leads in advanced insect farming innovation based on integration with precision agriculture systems and specialized farming technologies for enhanced operational performance. The country shows strong potential with a CAGR of 9.2% through 2035, driven by the modernization of existing agricultural infrastructure and the expansion of specialized farming facilities in major agricultural centers, including Bavaria, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Schleswig-Holstein. German agricultural producers are adopting intelligent insect farming systems for regulatory compliance and production improvement, particularly in regions with advanced livestock requirements and specialized applications demanding comprehensive feed upgrades. Technology deployment channels through established agricultural distributors and farming management companies expand coverage across agricultural facilities and production-focused operators.

Leading market segments:

• Specialized agricultural modernization projects in major farming centers are implementing comprehensive insect protein upgrades
• Agricultural partnerships with technology providers, achieving 95% feed efficiency improvement rates
• Strategic collaborations between protein companies and farming operations are expanding market presence
• Focus on high-performance systems and specialized nutritional requirements

United States Emphasizes Agricultural Modernization

In major agricultural centers including Iowa, Nebraska, California, and Texas, farming facilities are implementing comprehensive insect protein solutions to modernize existing feed infrastructure and improve production efficiency, with documented case studies showing a 35% improvement in feed conversion through advanced insect protein systems. The market shows strong growth potential with a CAGR of 9.0% through 2035, linked to the ongoing modernization of agricultural facilities, farming networks, and emerging specialized production projects in major regions. American agricultural producers are adopting intelligent protein production and monitoring platforms to enhance feed reliability while maintaining quality standards demanded by regulatory authorities and agricultural industries. The country's established agricultural infrastructure creates persistent demand for system upgrade and modernization solutions that integrate with existing farming systems.

Market development factors:

• Agricultural facilities and farming networks leading protein modernization initiatives across United States
• Agricultural modernization programs providing federal funding support for farming and production infrastructure upgrades
• Strategic partnerships between American agricultural companies and international protein providers are expanding technical capabilities
• Focus on advanced nutrition and quality standards compliance across agricultural applications

South Korea Shows Technology-Driven Growth

South Korea's market demonstrates sophisticated implementation focused on advanced agricultural technology and production optimization, with documented integration of advanced insect farming systems, achieving 40% improvement in feed efficiency across agricultural and livestock facilities. The country maintains steady growth momentum with a CAGR of 8.8% through 2035, driven by agricultural facilities' focus on farming innovation and continuous improvement methodologies that align with international nutrition requirements applied to livestock production operations. Major agricultural areas, including Gyeonggi, North Chungcheong, South Jeolla, and North Gyeongsang, showcase advanced deployment of insect protein platforms where farming systems integrate seamlessly with existing agricultural control systems and comprehensive production management programs.

Key market characteristics:

• Agricultural facilities and farming centers are driving advanced protein requirements with focus on production innovation and quality
• Quality management partnerships enabling 98% feed compliance with comprehensive monitoring programs
• Technology collaboration between Korean companies and international protein providers is expanding market capabilities
• Focus on agricultural innovation and continuous improvement methodologies

Japan Emphasizes Advanced Agricultural Integration

Japan's market demonstrates mature and technology-focused landscape, characterized by sophisticated integration of insect protein systems with existing agricultural infrastructure across farming facilities, livestock networks, and specialized production initiatives. Japan's focus on advanced nutrition and feed standards drives demand for high-reliability protein solutions that support comprehensive agricultural initiatives and regulatory compliance requirements in farming operations. The market benefits from strong partnerships between international protein providers and domestic agricultural leaders, creating comprehensive service ecosystems that prioritize system efficiency and farming training programs. Agricultural centers in major farming regions showcase advanced insect protein implementations where farming systems achieve 94% feed efficiency through integrated monitoring programs.

Europe Market Split by Country

The edible insects for animal feed market in Europe is projected to grow from USD 70.0 million in Germany in 2025, maintaining a 20.0% market share, supported by its extensive specialized agricultural infrastructure, advanced farming facilities, and comprehensive production networks serving major European markets.

France follows with USD 60.0 million and a 17.1% share in 2025, driven by comprehensive agricultural programs in major farming regions implementing advanced protein management systems. The UK holds USD 48.0 million with a 13.7% share through the ongoing development of specialized farming facilities and advanced feed networks. Italy commands USD 42.0 million with a 12.0% share, while Spain accounts for USD 38.0 million with a 10.9% share in 2025. The Rest of Europe region maintains USD 92.0 million with a 26.3% collective share, attributed to increasing insect protein adoption in Nordic countries and emerging Eastern European farming facilities implementing advanced feed programs.

Competitive Landscape of the Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market

The market features approximately 15-20 meaningful players with moderate concentration, where the top three companies control roughly 35-45% of global market share through established protein production portfolios and extensive agricultural industry relationships. Competition centers on production efficiency, protein quality, and technological innovation rather than price competition alone.

Market leaders include Ÿnsect, InnovaFeed, and Protix, which maintain competitive advantages through comprehensive insect farming solution portfolios, global distribution networks, and deep expertise in the alternative protein and specialized feed sectors, creating high switching costs for customers. These companies leverage established agricultural producer relationships and ongoing technical support services to defend market positions while expanding into adjacent protein applications and integrated farming solutions.

Challengers encompass AgriProtein and Enterra, which compete through specialized farming technologies and strong regional presence in key agricultural markets. Protein specialists, including Hexafly, Entobel, and Nutrition Technologies, focus on specific insect species or specialized applications, offering differentiated capabilities in larval production, processing technology, and application-specific solutions.

Regional players and emerging protein companies create competitive pressure through innovative farming methods and rapid market deployment capabilities, particularly in high-growth markets including India and China, where local presence provides advantages in agricultural producer support and regulatory compliance. Market dynamics favor companies that combine advanced insect farming technologies with comprehensive agricultural services that address the complete production lifecycle from breeding development through ongoing feed support and efficiency management.

Global Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market - Stakeholder Contribution Framework

Insect protein solutions represent a critical agricultural technology that enables farming producers, agricultural institutions, and feed departments to enhance nutritional quality and production effectiveness without substantial infrastructure requirements, typically providing 85-95% protein efficiency rates comparable to conventional alternatives while improving feed conversion outcomes. With the market projected to grow from USD 520.0 million in 2025 to USD 1,350.0 million by 2035 at a 9.9% CAGR, these solutions offer compelling advantages - superior nutritional outcomes, enhanced feed efficiency, and regulatory compliance capabilities - making them essential for specialized agricultural operations (growing segment), comprehensive farming applications (expanding adoption), and diverse livestock sectors seeking reliable protein solutions. Scaling market penetration and protein capabilities requires coordinated action across agricultural policy, industry standards, insect producers, protein technology providers, and research institutions.

How Governments Could Spur Local Production and Adoption?

• Agricultural Development Programs: Include insect protein capabilities in national farming development initiatives, providing targeted funding for specialized agricultural facilities in underserved regions and supporting local protein companies through innovation grants and development support.
• Tax Policy & R&D Support: Implement accelerated depreciation schedules for insect farming equipment, provide tax incentives for companies investing in advanced breeding and processing technologies, and establish favorable research accounting standards that encourage insect protein adoption over conventional approaches.
• Regulatory Framework Development: Create streamlined protein registration processes across specialized and general agricultural applications, establish clear quality testing frameworks for insect protein operation, and develop international harmonization protocols that facilitate cross-border protein trade.
• Skills Development & Training: Fund vocational programs for insect farming technicians, agricultural specialists, and livestock professionals. Invest in technology transfer initiatives that bridge academic research with commercial protein development and production optimization systems.
• Market Access & Competition: Establish procurement policies that favor advanced protein solutions for government agricultural applications, support small and medium farming operations through preferential lending programs, and create regulatory environments that encourage innovation in protein technologies.

How Industry Bodies Could Support Market Development?

• Quality Standards & Certification: Define standardized performance metrics for insect protein systems across specialized, general, and integrated agricultural applications, establish universal quality and safety protocols, and create certification programs for product performance that agricultural producers can rely on.
• Market Education & Best Practices: Lead messaging that demonstrates insect protein advantages, emphasizing improved nutritional outcomes, enhanced feed effectiveness, and superior conversion compatibility compared to conventional alternatives.
• Technology Integration Standards: Develop interoperability standards for insect farming systems, comprehensive feed compatibility guidelines, and advanced agricultural platforms, ensuring seamless integration across different farming environments and production requirements.
• Professional Development: Run certification programs for agricultural practitioners, protein specialists, and technical service teams on optimizing insect farming performance, efficiency management, and advanced nutrition in competitive agricultural markets.

How Manufacturers and Technology Players Could Strengthen the Ecosystem?

• Advanced Protein Development: Develop next-generation insect species with enhanced nutritional capabilities, improved processing stability, and application-specific farming features that enhance feed reliability while improving production outcomes.
• Intelligence Platforms: Provide comprehensive farming software that integrates production monitoring, feeding timing, predictive modeling, and efficiency optimization, enabling agricultural producers to maximize system performance and operational efficiency.
• Service & Support Networks: Offer flexible support programs for agricultural operations and farming departments, including technical training options, nutritional consultation services, and performance optimization pathways that keep insect farming systems current with production demands.
• Research & Development Networks: Build comprehensive R&D capabilities, collaborative protein innovation programs, and farming development systems that ensure insect technologies maintain high efficiency rates and consistent performance across diverse agricultural environments.

Key Players in the Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market

• Ÿnsect
• InnovaFeed
• Protix
• AgriProtein
• Enterra
• Hexafly
• Entobel
• Nutrition Technologies
• Nasekomo
• Protenga
• FlyFeed
• BioflyTech
• Entomo Farms
• Beta Hatch
• EnviroFlight

Scope of the Report

Items	Values
Quantitative Units	USD 520.0 million
Species	Black Soldier Fly, Mealworm, Others
Application	Aquafeed, Poultry, Pets/Livestock
End User	Feed Manufacturers, Aquaculture Farms, Livestock Producers
Regions Covered	Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Covered	India, China, Brazil, Germany, USA, South Korea, Japan, and 40+ countries
Key Companies Profiled	Ÿnsect, InnovaFeed, Protix, AgriProtein, Enterra, Hexafly, Entobel, Nutrition Technologies, Nasekomo, Protenga
Additional Attributes	Dollar sales by species and application categories, regional adoption trends across Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America, competitive landscape with protein solution providers and agricultural companies, farming facility requirements and specifications, integration with advanced agricultural initiatives and specialized feed platforms.

Edible Insects for Animal Feed Market by Segments

• Species :

  • Black Soldier Fly
  • Mealworm
  • Others

• Application :

  • Aquafeed
  • Poultry
  • Pets/Livestock

• End User :

  • Feed Manufacturers
  • Aquaculture Farms
  • Livestock Producers

• Region :

  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • India
    • Australia & New Zealand
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • United Kingdom
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Nordic
    • BENELUX
    • Rest of Europe
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Chile
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
    • Other GCC Countries
    • Turkey
    • South Africa
    • Other African Union
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa