Segment Analysis of Deep Sea Fish Oil for Feed Market: Products, Applications, and End-Users

In Business Insights
September 10, 2025

Global Deep Sea Fish Oil for Feed market size was valued at USD 1.84 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 2.03 billion in 2024 to USD 3.28 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period.

Deep Sea Fish Oil for Feed is extracted from fatty fish species like anchovies, sardines, and mackerel, which are naturally rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA). These nutrients are crucial for animal health and development, making fish oil a valuable additive in feed formulations for aquaculture, poultry, and livestock.

The market is driven by rising demand for high-quality animal protein, the expansion of aquaculture operations worldwide, and increasing awareness of nutritional benefits in animal feed. Sustainability concerns and fluctuating fish stocks present challenges, while innovations in extraction and processing technologies create new opportunities.

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Segmentation by Product Type

The Deep Sea Fish Oil for Feed market can be categorized into three primary product types:

1. Salmon Oil

Salmon oil is derived from Atlantic or Pacific salmon processing byproducts. It contains high concentrations of both EPA and DHA, typically in a 18:12 ratio, making it especially valuable for aquaculture feed formulations.

  • Market Insight: Salmon oil dominates the premium segment of the market, primarily used in salmon and trout farming where high omega-3 content directly enhances the nutritional profile of farmed fish.

  • Trend: The growing salmon farming industry in Norway, Chile, and Canada is driving demand. Recent innovations in oil extraction from salmon processing waste are improving yields and sustainability credentials.

2. Cod Oil

Cod liver oil is lighter in color and viscosity compared to salmon oil, with a distinct EPA/DHA profile. It’s particularly valued in premium pet food and some aquaculture applications.

  • Market Insight: While representing a smaller segment, cod oil maintains stable demand due to its unique fatty acid composition and palatability. It’s often preferred for certain fish larvae and juveniles in aquaculture.

  • Trend: The segment is benefitting from improved cold-water filtration technologies that preserve more of the natural vitamins present in cod liver.

3. Other Fish Oils

This category includes oils from anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and mixed fish species, which are widely used in standard feed formulations.

  • Market Insight: Anchovy oil from Peru and Chile accounts for the largest volume in this segment, favored for its consistent quality and competitive pricing. The segment serves as the workhorse of industrial feed production.

  • Trend: Blended fish oils are becoming more common as producers optimize cost-performance ratios while meeting minimum omega-3 requirements for different feed applications.

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Segmentation by Application

Deep sea fish oil serves multiple livestock sectors, each with distinct requirements and growth dynamics.

1. Aquafeed

The aquaculture industry is the largest consumer of fish oil, using it primarily in feeds for salmon, trout, marine fish, and shrimp.

  • Insight: Fish oil accounts for approximately 15-20% of salmon feed formulations. The expansion of intensive aquaculture, particularly in Asia-Pacific, is the primary market driver.

  • Trend: While inclusion rates are decreasing due to high costs, the absolute volume continues to grow with aquaculture expansion. Research into optimal EPA/DHA ratios for different species is helping optimize usage.

2. Poultry Feed

Poultry producers use fish oil to enhance the nutritional profile of eggs and meat, particularly for omega-3 enriched products.

  • Insight: The segment represents a smaller but growing application, driven by consumer demand for functional foods. Layer feed accounts for most poultry fish oil consumption.

  • Trend: New microencapsulation technologies are improving the stability of fish oil in poultry feed, reducing oxidation issues while maintaining nutritional benefits in final products.

3. Pig Feed

Swine nutrition incorporates fish oil primarily in starter feeds and sow diets to support reproductive performance and piglet development.

  • Insight: Usage is concentrated in premium pig production systems, particularly in Europe and North America. The segment benefits from research showing improved litter sizes and weaning weights.

  • Trend: Increasing focus on antibiotic reduction in swine production is driving interest in functional additives like fish oil that support gut health and immunity.

4. Other Applications

Includes pet food, feed for fur animals, and specialty animal nutrition products.

  • Insight: Premium pet food represents the fastest-growing niche, particularly for cat foods and performance dog diets. The segment commands price premiums for high-quality, traceable fish oils.

  • Trend: Sustainability certifications and country-of-origin labeling are becoming important differentiators in the pet food segment.

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Segmentation by End-User

1. Aquaculture Companies

Commercial fish farms represent the largest and most sophisticated buyers of fish oil for feed.

  • Insight: Major salmon producers like Mowi, Cermaq, and Lerøy lead demand for high-quality fish oils. These companies typically have long-term supply contracts and rigorous quality specifications.

  • Trend: Vertical integration is increasing, with some large aquaculture companies securing direct supply arrangements with fish oil producers to ensure consistency and traceability.

2. Feed Manufacturers

Industrial feed producers formulate complete feeds containing fish oil for various livestock sectors.

  • Insight: Global players like Skretting, BioMar, and Cargill account for significant volumes. These buyers emphasize consistent quality, supply reliability, and technical support from suppliers.

  • Trend: Feed manufacturers are increasingly adopting blockchain and other traceability systems to verify the sustainability and provenance of fish oil ingredients.

3. Livestock Producers

Some large-scale poultry, swine, and dairy operations purchase fish oil directly for on-farm feed mixing.

  • Insight: This segment is more common in developed markets where integrated farming operations have their own feed mills. Purchasing tends to be more price-sensitive than aquaculture buyers.

  • Trend: Interest is growing among organic and pasture-based livestock producers looking to enhance the nutritional profile of their products naturally.

4. Pet Food Companies

Premium pet food manufacturers use fish oil as a functional ingredient in diets for dogs and cats.

  • Insight: While smaller in volume than aquaculture applications, this segment commands premium prices. Purchasing decisions emphasize quality, purity, and sustainability credentials.

  • Trend: The humanization of pet food is driving demand for ingredients with proven health benefits, including fish oil for skin/coat health and joint support.

5. Distributors & Traders

Intermediaries that source, blend, and distribute fish oil to smaller end-users.

  • Insight: These buyers focus on managing price volatility and maintaining flexible supply chains. They play a crucial role in serving smaller feed mills and farms.

  • Trend: Regional distributors are increasingly offering value-added services like technical support and customized blends to differentiate themselves.

The Deep Sea Fish Oil for Feed market demonstrates diverse dynamics across its segments. By product type, salmon oil leads in premium applications while mixed fish oils dominate volume. By application, aquaculture remains the primary driver but specialty uses in poultry and pet food are growing faster. By end-user, large aquaculture operators and feed manufacturers set quality standards while smaller buyers through distributors add market breadth.

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Read Full Report Here: https://www.24chemicalresearch.com/reports/216404/global-deep-sea-fish-oil-for-feed-forecast-market-2023-2029-796