| Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 16.04 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 21.66 Billion |
| CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 6.20 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Europe |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | High |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Horse Feed Market Analysis
The Horse Feed Market size is estimated at USD 16.04 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 21.66 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.20% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The global horse feed market is expanding due to its integration with agriculture, animal husbandry, and the equine industry, including racing, sports, leisure, and therapeutic activities. The market growth is driven by nutritional advancements in animal husbandry and increased demand for specialized feed formulations. The requirement for high-quality feed has increased as horses remain essential in various economic activities, including farm work, sports, and tourism. The market's expansion is further supported by the integration of precision nutrition and sustainable feed production.
The growing role of horse husbandry within agriculture significantly influences the market. In developing countries, horses remain integral to farm operations, particularly for plowing, transportation, and other labor-intensive tasks. This has increased the focus on maintaining horse health and productivity through nutritionally balanced feed. According to FAOSTATS, China's horse meat production increased from 215.1 thousand metric tons in 2022 to 219.0 thousand metric tons in 2023. Horse populations in Kazakhstan and Argentina grew from 3.79 and 2.46 million metric tons in 2022 to 3.85 and 2.51 million metric tons in 2023, respectively. Industry investments also support market growth, as demonstrated by Cargill's USD 50 million investment in April 2022 for animal nutrition and feed research facilities in China, Minnesota, and the Netherlands.
Feed product quality and price significantly influence market growth, as governments enforce regulations to maintain feed standards and safeguard animal health. Countries with established horse racing industries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the UAE, drive demand for premium horse feed. According to the Alltech global feed production survey, equine feed production reached 7.98 million metric tons in 2023. The growth of equestrian clubs, riding schools, and recreational horse ownership has increased demand for high-fiber, protein-rich feeds customized for varying activity levels.
Functional feeds containing probiotics, omega fatty acids, and joint-supporting nutrients have gained popularity among horse owners seeking to improve digestive health, coat condition, and mobility. The market's long-term growth is supported by increasing awareness of equine nutrition and technological advances. The combination of rising demand for horse meat, growing consumer income, urbanization, and increased investments in horse rearing is anticipated to drive market growth during the forecast period.
Horse Feed Market Trends
Cereal-Based Horse Feed is the Dominant Segment
Cereal-based horse feed is the dominant segment in the global horse feed market, driven by its high-energy content, digestibility, and availability. Horses, particularly those involved in competitive sports, racing, and work activities, require energy-dense feed to sustain their performance, and cereals such as oats, barley, maize, and wheat serve as primary ingredients. The demand for balanced nutrition that supports stamina, muscle growth, and digestive health has propelled the popularity of cereal-based formulations, making them the preferred choice among horse owners, breeders, and trainers worldwide.
Oats, one of the most used grains, offer moderate starch levels with high fiber, making them easier to digest compared to other grains. Barley and maize, which contain higher energy density, are widely used in formulated horse feeds for performance and endurance horses. According to FAOSTATS, in 2023 the production quantity of maize and barley was 403.7 million metric tons and 23.1 million metric tons in Asia, which was 389.5 million metric tons and 21.5 million metric tons in 2022. The ability to customize cereal blends to suit different activity levels and dietary needs has further strengthened its market position.
The widespread availability and cost-effectiveness of cereal-based horse feed also contribute to its market leadership. These grains are staples in global agriculture, making them readily accessible and affordable for large-scale production. According to the Alltech feed survey, animal feed production in China, Brazil, India, and Russia reached 262.7, 83.3, 52.8, and 35.5 million metric tons respectively, showing increases of 0.76%, 1.84%, 13.43%, and 3.83% from 2022, where major shares came from cereals. Additionally, pelleted and textured feeds incorporating cereals have gained popularity due to their longer shelf life, ease of storage, and convenience in feeding.
Advancements in feed processing technologies have enhanced the digestibility of cereal-based horse feed. The rising demand for fortified cereal-based feeds enriched with essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics has also contributed to their sustained market dominance. In addition, government policies ensure competitively priced product supply, boosting the horse feed sector growth. In 2024, the Egyptian government planned to expand the area of land cultivated by fodder crops such as corn and soybeans to utilize the current silos as temporary storage facilities. As the global equine industry continues to grow, the demand for high-quality, energy-rich cereal-based feeds is anticipated to rise, further cementing its position as the market leader.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
Download PDF
North America Dominates the Market
North America dominates the global horse feed market due to its large equine population, well-developed animal nutrition industry, and strong equestrian culture. The region, particularly the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has a high concentration of racehorses, recreational riders, and equestrian sports facilities, creating substantial demand for specialized horse feed. The region's advanced feed manufacturing technologies and focus on equine health and performance nutrition support market growth.
North America's leadership in the horse feed market stems from its substantial horse population and active equine industry. According to FAOSTATS, the U.S. has approximately 6.4 million horses. Mexico and Canada's equestrian sectors show growth in horses used for farming, competitive sports, and tourism. FAOSTATS data indicates Mexico's horse population increased from 6,407 thousand in 2022 to 6,411 thousand in 2023, while Canada's rose from 399.4 thousand to 399.7 thousand. The extensive network of race tracks, equestrian clubs, and breeding farms has increased demand for specialized feed formulations supporting muscle development, stamina, and joint health.
The increasing awareness of equine nutrition and adoption of scientifically formulated horse feeds has contributed to market expansion. North American horse owners prioritize high-performance feeds enriched with proteins, vitamins, minerals, and gut health enhancers. Major feed manufacturers, including Cargill, Purina Animal Nutrition, and Nutrena, invest in research for tailored feed solutions for various horse breeds and activity levels. In June 2024, Purina Animal Nutrition launched the Purina Systemiq Probiotic Supplement for horse gut health and the Purina MQ Equine Microbiome Testing Kit for personalized nutrition recommendations, as part of their Microbiome Quotient (MQ) Platform.
The region's well-established supply chains and distribution networks ensure the availability of high-quality horse feed across North America, supporting continued market growth. North America maintains its position as the largest horse feed market through its thriving equine industry, increased awareness of equine nutrition, and demand for specialized feed formulations.
Get Analysis on Important Geographic Markets
Download PDF
Horse Feed Industry Overview
The horse feed market is consolidated, with a small number of companies holding the majority of global market share. The key players include Archer Daniels Midland Company, AllTech, Inc., Cargill Inc., Mars, Incorporated, and Kemin Industries. These companies make significant investments in global markets to meet worldwide demand. In the global ruminant feed market, expansion is the primary growth strategy, followed by partnerships and product innovations. Companies are also increasing production capacity at their existing facilities worldwide.
Horse Feed Market Leaders
-
Archer Daniels Midland Company
-
AllTech, Inc.
-
Cargill Inc.
-
Mars, Incorporated
-
Kemin Industries
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Need More Details on Market Players and Competiters?
Download PDF
Horse Feed Market News
- September 2024: Cargill acquired two feed mills from Compana Pet Brands in Denver, Colorado, and Kansas City, Kansas. This acquisition expanded Cargill's Animal Nutrition and Health business's production and distribution capabilities. The facilities improved Cargill's capacity to serve customers ranging from large-scale farmers and ranchers to local retailers of horse treats and pet food.
- June 2024: Purina Animal Nutrition launched the Purina Systemiq Probiotic Supplement for horse gut health and the Purina MQ Equine Microbiome Testing Kit for personalized nutrition recommendations, as part of their Microbiome Quotient (MQ) Platform. This platform caters to horse owners who prioritize research-driven insights to enhance their horse's gut health.
- March 2023: Saracen Horse Feeds launched Veteran Mash and Veteran Balancer, formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of senior horses. The products feature encapsulated malted flavor with Saracen's Palatability Plus (P+) taste technology to appeal to selective eaters. The high-fiber formulation includes live yeast for digestive support and provides Omega 3 fatty acids to maintain joint health.
Horse Feed Industry Segmentation
Horse feed is fodder that is blended from various raw materials and additives. These blends are formulated according to the specific requirements of the Horses. They are manufactured by feed compounders as meal type, pellets, or crumbles. The Horse Feed Market is segmented by Ingredient Type (Cereals, Cakes and Meals, Supplements, and Other Ingredients), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Africa). The report offers market size and forecasts regarding value (USD) for the above-mentioned segments.
| Ingredient | Cereals | ||
| Cakes and Meals | |||
| Supplements | |||
| Other Ingredients | |||
| Geography | North America | United States | |
| Canada | |||
| Mexico | |||
| Rest of North America | |||
| Europe | Spain | ||
| United Kingdom | |||
| Germany | |||
| Russia | |||
| France | |||
| Rest of Europe | |||
| Asia-Pacific | China | ||
| India | |||
| Japan | |||
| Australia | |||
| Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
| South America | Brazil | ||
| Argentina | |||
| Rest of South America | |||
| Middle East & Africa | Saudi Arabia | ||
| South Africa | |||
| Rest of Middle East & Africa | |||
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now
Horse Feed Market Research FAQs
How big is the Horse Feed Market?
The Horse Feed Market size is expected to reach USD 16.04 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 6.20% to reach USD 21.66 billion by 2030.
What is the current Horse Feed Market size?
In 2025, the Horse Feed Market size is expected to reach USD 16.04 billion.
Who are the key players in Horse Feed Market?
Archer Daniels Midland Company, AllTech, Inc., Cargill Inc., Mars, Incorporated and Kemin Industries are the major companies operating in the Horse Feed Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Horse Feed Market?
Europe is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Horse Feed Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Horse Feed Market.
What years does this Horse Feed Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Horse Feed Market size was estimated at USD 15.05 billion. The report covers the Horse Feed Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Horse Feed Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Horse Feed Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Horse Feed market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Horse Feed analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
