COUNTRY PROFILE FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2026 87 directly linked to the "humanization of pets" trend; consumers now demand functional nutrients, fresh/ frozen ingredients, and premium products for their pets. Pet food manufacturers led the entire feed industry in sustainability in 2024 by utilizing more than 4.1 million tons of upcycled ingredients. In the aquafeed segment, production volume remains quite limited. According to current reports, U.S. aquafeed production in 2024 totaled 560,000 tons, accounting for a very small fraction—approximately 0.2%—of total feed production. Despite its small volume, aquafeed is a segment that requires high nutrient density and specialized formulations. In the U.S., the nutrition of fish and crustacean species is managed through precision feeding technologies, supporting the farming of high-value species. Furthermore, the segment holds significant future growth potential through the use of sustainable ingredients (such as insect protein and algae oil) and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). On the consumption side, the most current data pertains to 2023. According to a comprehensive report published in 2025 by IFEEDER in partnership with AFIA and NARA, a total of 283.6 million tons of feed were consumed in the U.S. in 2023. Beef cattle feed took the lion's share of this consumption at 76.7 million tons, followed by broiler feed at 61.5 million tons, pig feed at 60.9 million tons, dairy feed at 48.7 million tons, and layer feed at 17.7 million tons. STRUCTURAL SHIFTS IN FEED RAW MATERIALS AND THE "CIRCULAR" FUTURE The raw material composition of the U.S. feed sector relies heavily on corn and soybean meal. However, the strategy to reduce soy inclusion is primarily driven by "resource efficiency" and "circular economy" goals. The sector is a global pioneer in transforming by-products from the human food industry into high-quality animal feed. Corn and Energy Sources Corn remains the unshakeable cornerstone of U.S. feed rations and serves as the primary energy source in diets. Additionally, Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), a co-product of corn ethanol production, is heavily consumed to provide both energy and protein balance in rations. The United States alone accounts for approximately 378.3 million tons—or 30.8%—of the global corn production, which reached 1.23 billion tons in the 2024/25 season. This production is expected to remain strong in the 2025/26 season, reaching 432.3 million tons, which is anticipated to keep feed prices under control. Soybean Meal and Export Dynamics The United States is one of the largest suppliers in the global soybean market. In the 2024/25 season, the U.S. accounted for 128.6 million metric tons—or 30.1%—of the 427.2 million metric tons produced globally. Regarding soybean meal, the U.S. produced 55.3 million metric tons (19.6%) of the 281.9 million metric ton global total during the same season. Projections for the 2025/26 season indicate a decline in soybean production but an underlying strength in soybean meal output. According to these forecasts, 2025/26 soybean production will reach 115.9 million metric tons, while soybean meal production is expected to reach 55.1 million metric tons. Soybean meal, an indispensable part of domestic poultry and pig rations, is also a significant export item for the USA. In the 2024/25 season, the country exported 16.8 million metric tons of its production. Circular Ingredients and the "Upcycling" Strategy One of the most unique aspects of the U.S. feed industry is the integration of agricultural and industrial by-products into rations. Today, 37% of livestock feed and 50% of pet food consist of "circular" or upcycled ingredients. These ingredients encompass fruit and vegetable pulp, spent grains from the human food chain, and animal by-products. Rendered products (animal fats and protein meals) make a critical contribution to sustainability goals by reducing the carbon footprint by up to 50%. However, the past five years have seen a 25%
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