If you’re scrolling through Amazon’s pet food aisles, you’re probably overwhelmed by the options—kibble, wet food, treats, and everything in between. But when it comes to what’s fueling your cat or dog, protein is the star of the show.
A 2025 report from Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS), prepared for IFEEDER, dives deep into the ingredients powering U.S. pet food, and the numbers are clear: chicken, beef, and seafood dominate as the go-to protein sources.
With:
- 2.21 million tons of chicken
- 1.26 million tons of beef
- 502,013 tons of seafood
used in 2024, these ingredients are the backbone of pet nutrition.
Let’s break down why these proteins rule the pet food world, what they bring to your pet’s bowl, and how to pick the best protein-packed food for your furry friend.
Why Protein Matters for Pets
Whether you’ve got a picky cat or a chow-hound dog, protein is non-negotiable.
- Cats, as obligate carnivores, need high-quality animal proteins to thrive.
- Dogs, as omnivores, rely on proteins for energy and muscle health but can handle a mix of sources.
The DIS report, based on 2024 Nielsen data, shows that:
- U.S. pet food sales hit $51.7 billion
- With 9.28 million tons of ingredients fueling that market
- Animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, and seafood make up the lion’s share
- Delivering essential amino acids, fats, and nutrients like taurine (crucial for cats)
That keep pets healthy and happy.
The Big Three: Chicken, Beef, and Seafood
The DIS report highlights three standout protein sources that dwarf the rest in volume and value. Here’s the scoop on each, straight from the data.
Chicken: The Heavy Hitter (2.21 Million Tons)
Chicken is the undisputed champ of pet food proteins, clocking in at 2.21 million tons in 2024, according to the DIS report.
- Valued at $1.8 billion
- A staple in both cat and dog foods
- Shows up as whole chicken, chicken meal, or byproducts like chicken liver
Why’s it so popular?
- It’s cost-effective, making it a go-to for brands aiming to keep prices reasonable on Amazon
- It’s a lean, high-quality protein that’s easy for pets to digest
For cats, chicken is a must-have, delivering the high protein they crave (cat foods range from 11% to 75% crude protein, per the DIS report).
Dogs love it too, especially in dry kibble, which used 5.36 million tons in 2024.
The report also notes a 32% jump in chicken use since 2019, reflecting a trend toward protein-heavy diets.
You’ll see chicken leading the ingredient list in brands like:
- Purina Pro Plan
- Blue Buffalo
Often paired with broths to boost flavor.
Beef: The Hearty Choice (1.26 Million Tons)
Beef comes in strong at 1.26 million tons, valued at $2.44 billion in the DIS report.
It’s a favorite for dogs, who gobble up beef in everything from wet food to jerky treats, but it’s also common in cat food.
- Offers a rich, meaty flavor
- Packs a punch with protein and fats
- Ideal for active pets or those needing a nutrient-dense diet
The report shows beef appearing as:
- Whole cuts
- Ground beef
- Byproducts like beef liver or heart
Which are often upcycled to keep costs down and sustainability up.
Dog foods, which make up 73.8% of the 9.8 million tons of pet food sold, lean heavily on beef for its versatility.
On Amazon, you’ll spot beef in premium brands like:
- Wellness Core
Or budget-friendly options like:
- Pedigree
Often blended with grains for a balanced meal.
Seafood: The Premium Pick (502,013 Tons)
Seafood, at 502,013 tons, may seem like the underdog compared to chicken and beef, but its $3.5 billion value in the DIS report tells a different story.
Salmon, cod, and other marine products are pricier but prized for their:
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- High protein content
Especially in cat food.
Cats need these nutrients for skin, coat, and heart health, which is why seafood shows up in 15,241 ingredient listings across pet foods.
The report notes a whopping 95% increase in seafood use since 2019, with:
- Salmon’s value soaring 367%
- Cod’s jumping 901%
This surge reflects pet owners’ demand for premium, health-focused foods.
On Amazon, brands like:
- Taste of the Wild
- Orijen
Often highlight salmon or fish meal, appealing to cat owners and dog parents looking for grain-free or high-protein options.
Why These Proteins Dominate
So, why do chicken, beef, and seafood rule the pet food game? The DIS report points to a few reasons:
Availability and Cost
- Chicken’s massive volume keeps it affordable
- Beef’s versatility makes it a solid middle-ground choice
- Seafood, though pricier, offers unique health benefits that justify its cost for premium brands
Nutritional Power
These proteins deliver the amino acids and fats pets need.
- The report’s guaranteed analysis shows:
- Cat foods hitting up to 59% crude protein
- Dog foods reaching 60% crude protein
- Largely thanks to these sources
Consumer Trends
Pet owners are splurging on quality:
- Pet food sales value up 70.2% since 2019
- Shift toward high-protein, low-carb diets
- Like the 23% drop in corn use
- Favors chicken, beef, and seafood
Sustainability
Upcycled byproducts like:
- Chicken liver
- Beef tripe
Are common, reducing waste and keeping prices manageable.
The report notes:
- 184,737 tons of broths, often made from these proteins
- Adding flavor and nutrition
Choosing the Right Protein for Your Pet
With chicken, beef, and seafood leading the pack, how do you pick the best food on Amazon?
Here are some tips, backed by the DIS report:
Cats Crave Chicken and Seafood
Since cats need high protein:
- Go for foods with chicken or fish as the first ingredient
- Wet cat food (852,081 tons sold) is great for hydration
- Often features seafood for those omega-3s
Try brands like:
- Royal Canin
- Hill’s Science Diet
Dogs Dig Beef and Chicken
Dogs thrive on a mix of proteins and carbs:
- Beef or chicken-based kibble (5.36 million tons sold) is a solid bet
Look for brands like:
- Blue Buffalo
- Rachael Ray Nutrish
For balanced recipes.
Check the Label
The report warns that additives can make up 15.3% of some products’ weight.
Choose foods with:
- Whole proteins (e.g., “chicken” not “chicken byproduct”)
- Listed first to ensure quality
Match Your Pet’s Lifestyle
- Active dogs might need beef-heavy foods for energy
- Cats with skin issues benefit from seafood’s fatty acids
The report notes breed-specific needs, so consult your vet for tailored picks.
Think Sustainable
Opt for brands using upcycled proteins or byproducts, like:
- The Honest Kitchen
To support eco-friendly practices without skimping on nutrition.
The Takeaway
Chicken (2.21 million tons), beef (1.26 million tons), and seafood (502,013 tons) are the protein powerhouses in pet food, per the DIS report’s 2024 Nielsen data.
They’re not just filling bowls—they’re meeting pets’ nutritional needs, satisfying consumer demands for quality, and keeping the $51.7 billion pet food industry thriving.
Whether you’re grabbing a bag of kibble or a can of wet food on Amazon, understanding these proteins helps you choose the best for your pet.
Happy shopping, and here’s to healthy, tail-wagging pets!