Feed Acidulants Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Product Type (Propionic acid, Formic acid, Citric acid, Lactic acid, Sorbic acid, Malic acid, Acetic acid, and Others), By Livestock (Poultry, Swine, Ruminants, Pets, Aquaculture, and Equine), By Form (Dry and Liquid), Function (pH Control, Feed Efficiency, Flavor, and Others), and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Feed Acidulants Market size was valued at US$ 3,336.9 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 5,151.5 million by 2031, growing at a significant CAGR of 6.4% from 2025-2031. Moreover, the U.S. Feed Acidulants Market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of US$ 1,607.3 Million by 2031.

Feed acidulants are organic or inorganic acids (or their salts) that are added to animal feed to improve gut health, nutrient absorption, and feed efficiency, as well as to inhibit the growth of harmful microbes like bacteria and mold. The market is primarily driven by the rising global demand for animal-based protein, fueled by population growth, urbanization, and increasing income levels, particularly in developing regions. Producers are shifting toward feed acidulants to enhance digestion, improve nutrient absorption, and support animal health while reducing reliance on antibiotics due to growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance. Another key trend transforming the market is precision nutrition through digital tools and analytics, enabling tailored supplementation strategies that improve feed efficiency and health outcomes. Complementing this is the shift toward natural and sustainable acidulants driven by clean-label demands and food safety regulations.

A major opportunity lies in the growing demand for organic and plant-based acidulants and the expansion of aquaculture, especially in Asia-Pacific, where acidulants enhance fish growth and disease resistance. However, the market faces challenges such as fluctuating raw material costs, regulatory hurdles, and competition from alternative additives like enzymes and probiotics. Despite these restraints, innovation in encapsulation technologies, strategic partnerships, and sustainability-focused formulations continues to shape a resilient and growth-oriented market outlook for feed acidulants globally.

Facts & Figures

• Focus on Animal Gut Health and Feed Efficiency: Acidulants lower intestinal pH, inhibit pathogenic bacteria, and improve nutrient uptake—critical for maintaining animal health and reducing feed conversion ratios (FCRs). For instance, Research published in Animal Feed Science & Technology (2024) found improved FCR and weight gain in broilers with organic acid blends.
• Growing Aquaculture Sector: The expansion of aquaculture, especially in China, Vietnam, and India, drives acidulant demand as they support fish gut health, water stability of feed, and disease resistance. For instance, the World Bank projects aquaculture to supply over 60% of global fish protein by 2030, up from 53% in 2022.
• Ban on Antibiotics in Animal Feed: Due to rising antimicrobial resistance, many regions (e.g., EU, India) have banned growth-promoting antibiotics, pushing livestock producers to adopt acidulants as natural gut health boosters and pathogen suppressors. For instance, the European Union’s ban on medicated feed antibiotics in 2022 and similar rules in India have increased the uptake of acidifiers.
• Focus on Animal Gut Health and Feed Efficiency: Acidulants lower intestinal pH, inhibit pathogenic bacteria, and improve nutrient uptake—critical for maintaining animal health and reducing feed conversion ratios (FCRs). For instance, recently published research in Animal Feed Science & Technology (2024) found improved FCR and weight gain in broilers with organic acid blends.

Key Developments:

• In May 2025, Difagri, via its holding company Bharal Développement, finalized the acquisition of Alinova, a specialist in emulsions and monogastric feed acids, following its 2024 Neofeed acquisition.
• In May 2025, CCPA Group, through its joint venture Euro?Nutec, acquired Uruguay-based premix maker Nutrisur. The deal expands CCPA’s reach in Latin America and brings liquid and emulsion acidulator expertise to its portfolio, boosting regional supply and innovation.
• In January 2025, Kemin introduced PROSIDIUM, a peroxy-acid-based feed pathogen control additive, aimed at reducing Salmonella and viral threats in raw feed
• In October 2024, Ducor secured exclusive rights to distribute its DuCare medical PP in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland through a signed agreement.

Feed Acidulants Market Segmentation:

Based on the product type:

• Propionic acid
• Formic acid
• Citric acid
• Lactic acid
• Sorbic acid
• Malic acid
• Acetic acid
• Others

Among the product types, propionic acid holds the largest market share in the market due to its strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it highly effective in preserving feed and preventing mold growth. It is widely used in poultry and swine feed to improve shelf life and gut health, especially in regions with high humidity where feed spoilage is common. Its cost-effectiveness and proven performance make it a preferred choice among producers. In contrast, malic acid holds a relatively smaller market share due to its limited antimicrobial effect and higher production cost, leading to niche applications in specialized diets.

Based on the livestock:

• Poultry
  • Broilers
  • Layers
  • Breeders
• Swine
  • Starters
  • Growers
  • Sows
• Ruminants
  • Dairy Cattle
  • Beef Cattle
  • Other ruminants
• Pets
  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Other pet
• Aquaculture
• Equine

Based on livestock, the poultry segment holds the largest market share in the market. This is due to the high global consumption of poultry meat and eggs, which drives the need for efficient and cost-effective feed solutions that support gut health, growth performance, and disease resistance. Feed acidulants are commonly used in broiler and layer diets to enhance nutrient absorption and reduce pathogenic bacteria. On the other hand, the equine segment holds the smallest market share due to the relatively limited scale of commercial horse farming and less frequent use of acidulants in equine nutrition.

Based on the form:

• Dry
• Liquid

The dry segment is expected to hold the largest market share in the market. Dry acidulants are easier to handle, store, and mix with compound feed, making them highly preferred in large-scale livestock operations. They also offer better shelf stability and reduced risk of spillage during transportation. Their compatibility with premixes and feed formulations adds to their widespread use. In contrast, the liquid form holds a smaller market share due to handling difficulties, shorter shelf life, and the need for specialized storage and dosing equipment, limiting its usage primarily to small-scale or specialized applications.

Based on the function:

• pH control
• Feed Efficiency
• Flavor
• Others

The pH control segment holds the largest market share in the market. Acidulants help in lowering the pH of animal feed and the gastrointestinal tract, creating an unfavourable environment for pathogenic bacteria while enhancing nutrient digestibility and gut health. This makes pH regulation a critical application, especially in poultry and swine production. On the other hand, the flavor segment holds the smallest market share, as improving palatability is a secondary function of acidulants and not the primary reason for their inclusion in most commercial feed formulations.