ALEXANDRIA, VA, April 8, 2025 – The Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF), the research arm of the North American Renderers Association (NARA), in collaboration with the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), and the Pet Food Institute (PFI), is proud to highlight new research quantifying the essential role of rendered ingredients in pet food. The study, conducted by Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS), who have previously conducted similar studies for NARA and FPRF, and collaborating partners, found that U.S. pet food sales reached $51.7 billion in 2024, with 9.8 million tons of pet food produced using over 600 safe, nutritious ingredients—including over 4 million tons of upcycled ingredients that ensure sustainability and reduce food waste.
Rendering: The Key to Safe and Palatable Pet Food
Rendered ingredients, such as high-quality animal proteins and fats, are a cornerstone of pet food safety, palatability, and nutrition. The rendering process safely converts nutrient-rich materials like organ meats, bones, and fat into highly digestible protein meals and energy-dense fats, which are essential for pet health and food appeal.
- Ensuring Safety: Rendered ingredients undergo strict heat processing and pathogen control, ensuring they meet rigorous safety and quality standards for pet food.
- Enhancing Palatability: Rendered fats are a natural flavor enhancer, making pet food more appetizing for dogs and cats.
- Providing Essential Nutrition: Rendered meals deliver high-quality protein and amino acids vital for strong muscles, healthy coats, and overall well-being.
- Supporting Sustainability: By repurposing nutritious materials that would otherwise go to waste, rendering prevents millions of tons of organic matter from entering landfills, reducing environmental impact.
“The findings in this report highlight the critical role rendered ingredients play in producing safe, palatable, and sustainable pet food while supporting a circular economy,” said Kent Swisher, President and CEO of NARA and FPRF , Kent Swisher, said. “Without rendering, the pet food industry would struggle to meet nutritional needs while also managing supply chain sustainability and food waste challenges. Rendered ingredients not only provide essential nutrients to pets but also help reduce environmental impact and support American farmers.”
Pet Food Industry: A Driver of Economic Growth
The report also found that pet food manufacturers contributed $13.2 billion to U.S. farm purchases in 2024, reinforcing the strong link between agriculture and pet food production. Rendered ingredients, sourced from trusted suppliers across the U.S., play a significant role in ensuring that high-quality, nutritious, and cost-effective pet food ingredients remain available.
With over 4 million tons of upcycled ingredients used in pet food, including more than 3 million tons in dog food and over 1 million tons in cat food, the industry demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing food waste and maximizing resource efficiency.
The full report is available here.
About the Fats and Proteins Research Foundation
The Fats and Proteins Research Foundation (FPRF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the rendering industry through scientific research and innovation. Since its inception, FPRF has supported groundbreaking studies that enhance the sustainability, safety, and efficiency of converting animal by-products into valuable resources. For more information, visit www.fprf.org.
