Krill for Pet Food Market Overview & Insights

The global Krill for Pet Food Market reached US$ 410.2 million in 2022 and is projected to hit about US$ 1,001.2 million by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of ~11.8% (2024–2031).

Krill tiny, nutrient-dense crustaceans (most commonly Antarctic krill) are valued in pet food for their rich omega-3 (EPA/DHA) profile, high-quality proteins, astaxanthin antioxidant, and palatability. As pet owners shift toward premium, functional, and clean-label diets, krill is increasingly used as a high-value ingredient in wet foods, treats, supplements and specialty dry formulas.

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Market Drivers

  • Premiumization of Pet Food — Growing consumer willingness to pay for premium nutrition (joint support, skin & coat health, cognitive care) is pushing pet food formulators to include omega-rich ingredients like krill.
  • Health & Functional Claims — Krill’s EPA/DHA and natural astaxanthin allow pet brands to make targeted claims (anti-inflammatory, improved coat shine, mobility support), supporting product differentiation.
  • Sustainability & Responsible Sourcing — Certified, traceable krill (certifications and responsible harvest practices) help brands meet consumer expectations for environmental stewardship — a key purchase driver for premium buyers.
  • Innovation in Formats — Krill is being incorporated not only as oil but as meals, powders and microencapsulated forms that improve shelf stability and mixing into dry kibbles or treats — widening its applications.

Regional Insights

  • North America — A leading market due to high pet ownership, strong premium pet-food penetration, and consumer focus on functional ingredients and supplements.
  • Europe — Mature pet food market with demand for natural/functional ingredients and high regulatory scrutiny; sustainability credentials (e.g., MSC or equivalent responsible harvesting) are particularly important here.
  • Asia-Pacific — Fastest-growing region as rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and Westernized pet-care habits increase demand for premium pet foods and specialty ingredients.

(Various secondary krill markets — krill meal, krill oil, and krill protein for food & beverages — show related growth trends that feed into pet food supply chains.)

Market Segmentation (typical)

  • By Product Form: Krill Oil (refined oil), Krill Meal / Powder, Krill Extracts, Microencapsulated Krill, Others.
  • By Application: Dry Pet Food (kibble); Wet/Chunk-in-Gravy; Treats & Chews; Supplements & Functional Additives.
  • By Species: Dog; Cat; Others (small mammals, specialty pets).
  • By Distribution Channel: Direct B2B to pet-food manufacturers; Ingredient distributors; Pet specialty retailers (for finished supplement products).

Key Players & Competitive Landscape

Major players and suppliers active in krill ingredients and pet-food supply include both dedicated krill harvesters/processors and broader ingredient houses. Representative names often cited across industry reports include Aker BioMarine, Rimfrost AS, Qingdao Antarctic Weikang Biotechnology, and specialty pet-food formulators and ingredient distributors — plus a range of regional suppliers and pet-food brands integrating krill into finished products. Partnerships between krill processors and pet-food manufacturers are common to secure supply and co-develop formulations.

Challenges & Restraints

  • Price Sensitivity & Cost Premium — Krill ingredients command higher prices than standard fish meal or plant oils, which can limit use to premium segments.
  • Supply & Regulatory Considerations — Antarctic krill fisheries are regulated; quotas, weather, and logistics affect supply. Moreover, varying regional regulations on novel ingredients or labeling can slow adoption in certain markets.
  • Perception & Allergen Concerns — As a seafood-derived ingredient, krill may raise allergen labeling/consumer perception issues that formulators must manage.

Opportunities & Recent Developments

  • Value-Added Formats: Microencapsulation and meal forms enable inclusion in dry kibbles without oxidative issues, opening up larger dry-food segments.
  • Adjacency to Human Nutraceuticals: Growth in krill oil and protein for human food/beverages supports scale-up of processing capacity and technology that can be translated to pet-grade products.
  • Sustainability Marketing: Brands that pair krill’s nutrition story with clear, certified sustainability messaging gain stronger traction among premium consumers.